Tesla Model Y Review 2024

Let us flip this question on its head, and ask why the Tesla Model 3 might be wrong for you. As virtually the same vehicle underneath, the Model 3 is cheaper, quicker and comes with a better battery range. But, it cannot match the practicality of the larger Model Y.

So, if you like what the Tesla Model 3 can offer, but cannot live with a traditional four-door saloon design, the Model Y will be your salvation.

With strong performance, a good electric range and access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, the Model Y really is a great choice in the family SUV sector.

Tesla’s approach to standard specifications means you can forget worrying about trim levels when it comes to the Model Y. Regardless of the powertrain chosen, each comes with the same level of equipment throughout the lineup (other than the Performance gaining larger 21-inch alloy wheels).

It means the key choice when looking at the Model Y is deciding how much battery range and performance you really need.

The entry-level Model Y RWD is still plenty quick enough, and officially capable of covering more than 280 miles. If you are unlikely to require the bigger battery capacity of the Model Y Long Range or Performance versions, sticking with the cheapest option makes the most sense.

However, if you really want an electric family SUV that can accelerate from 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds, the Model Y Performance is the one for you. And if that rapid acceleration makes your passengers feel sick, at least its ‘vegan leather’ upholstery is wipe clean…

Naturally, the Tesla Model 3 is the most similar car, sharing the same platform and powertrain as the Model Y. However, its four-door saloon design is less practical, which is likely to be the key reason for buyers picking the Model Y instead.

In terms of premium EV SUV rivals, the Model Y now has plenty to contend with. The Jaguar I-Pace was one of the first to enter this market, having since been joined by the Audi Q4 e-tron, BMW iX1, Kia EV6 and Genesis GV60. 

If practical EV motoring is your thing, the Volkswagen ID.Buzz has a huge amount of interior space on offer as well.

Interior quality has not been a Tesla strong point in the past, but the Model Y demonstrates that the American company appears to be turning a corner.

An Audi Q4 e-tron or BMW iX1 still feels better made, but the Model Y is showing progress in the right direction, even if some owners have reported rattles from the interior trim.

Everything in the cabin now feels built to last, even if premium brands are unlikely to lose any sleep over the level of finish. The ‘vegan leather’ upholstery does not offer the same plushness as the real deal, although the suede lining on the doors is a neat touch.

If you have done any research on Teslas, you will probably know that the infotainment screen is used to control almost every function within the car. This has set the trend for other manufacturers doing the same, which is either a blessing or curse, depending on your viewpoint.

A 15.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is the centrepiece in the Model Y’s ultra-minimalist interior, with a responsive display and an intuitive menu system. It is used to control everything, from adjusting the steering wheel position to opening the glovebox, which can take some getting used to.

There is no separate speedometer or head-up display, meaning you have to glance down at the infotainment screen to check your speed. This becomes easier with time, but it still feels like an inelegant solution.

Services like Netflix and Disney+ can be accessed through the screen, and there are even special video games to play using the Model Y’s steering wheel – when the car is stationary, of course.

Tesla does not officially offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone connectivity for its vehicles, taking the view that its own software is better. Members of the Tesla community have found various workarounds to make these modifications possible, however, and you can still connect your phone via Bluetooth to take calls or stream music.

Many of the Model Y’s attention-grabbing features, such as live traffic information, satellite mapping, video games and internet browsing are part of the Premium Connectivity package. This costs an extra £10 per month, which seems a bit mean on top of a new car.

The main reason for choosing a Tesla Model Y over the equivalent Model 3 is practicality, and there’s no doubt that the SUV version delivers here in spades. Measuring 4775mm long and 1850mm wide, the Model Y is 81mm longer and 1mm wider than a Model 3.

Space in the front of the Model Y is generous, with plenty of room for storing items throughout the cabin. A high roofline helps tall drivers fit with ease, and creates an overall sense of a bright and airy interior.

This continues through into the rear of the Model Y, which boasts more-than-sufficient headroom and legroom for a pair of adults. A third adult can be squeezed into the middle seat for shorter trips if needed, too.

In the USA and other markets, Tesla offers the Model Y with a seven-seat option. This has so far been denied to UK buyers, although the resulting third-row seats are only suitable for small children.

This leaves the Model Y’s huge boot space unencumbered, with Tesla quoting an impressive 854-litre capacity. Achieving that figure does mean filling the car all the way to the roof, however, which is different to how other car manufacturers quote boot space. Still, there is a lot of room for a relatively compact SUV, and folding the rear seats increases the total to a whopping 2000 litres.

There is also a 117-litre ‘frunk’ at the front of the Model Y, something many key rivals do not offer. It can be very handy for storing items like charging cables.

The standard Model Y RWD, as its name suggests, comes with a rear-wheel-drive layout. This uses a single electric motor to accelerate the Tesla from 0-60mph in 6.6 seconds. Given the family-orientated nature of the Model Y, this is arguably sufficient performance for most needs.

Still, if you do want more, the Model Y Long Range uses a dual-motor setup to deliver all-wheel drive capabilities. With 389PS and 510Nm of torque, the Long Range version can accelerate from 0-60mph in a hot hatchback-rivalling 4.8 seconds.

At the top of the tree is the Model Y Performance, which also comes with a dual-motor layout. Here, output from the electric motors is upped to 456PS, allowing for a scorching 3.5-second 0-60mph sprint.

All versions of the Model Y versions feel instantly responsive, and can see you reach licence-threatening speeds with alarming ease.

The level of regenerative braking can also be adjusted, including to the point of allowing the Model Y to be driven as a ‘one pedal’ EV.

Maximum battery range in the Tesla Model Y is dictated by which model you plump for. Choose the entry-level Model Y RWD and there is the potential for a respectable official WLTP range of 283 miles via its 56kWh battery.

Next up is the suitably named Model Y Long Range, with a bigger 75kWh battery. Fully charged, this delivers an official WLTP range of 331 miles.

The most expensive Model Y Performance also uses a 75kWh battery, but its extra power and larger wheels result in a shorter official range of 319 miles.

Tesla cars are known for coming close to matching these tested figures in the real world, and the Model Y is no different here.

The lack of engine noise in an electric SUV like the Tesla Model Y can be both good and bad. There is scarcely any sound developed by the powertrain, but this does mean factors such wind and tyre noise can be more noticeable.

Having a standard huge glass roof, and no rear parcel shelf for the large load area, means the Model Y can feel like an echo chamber inside. As a result, wind and tyre noise can feel amplified when on the motorway – making the car notably louder than an Audi Q4 e-tron, for example.

When it comes to safety, the Tesla Model Y can boast of having a coveted five-star rating from the Euro NCAP crash test organisation. When evaluated, the Model Y was awarded an impressive 97 percent score for adult occupant protection, along with 87 percent for child protection.

It also gained a near-perfect 98 percent score for safety assistance systems, thanks to the generous level of technology included as standard.

Alongside multiple airbags, the Model Y comes with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and speed limit recognition, plus autonomous emergency braking and collision avoidance tech.

Tesla has been subject to a number of high-profile car recalls in the United States, and has not garnered a great reputation for build quality or reliability.

However, in the latest Honest John Satisfaction Index survey, which included reliability data, Tesla took an impressive third place overall. This put the brand ahead of Porsche, Jaguar and even Toyota.

The Model Y comes with a four-year or 50,000-mile warranty as standard from new. A separate battery pack warranty guarantees that it should retain 70 percent charge for eight years or 120,000 miles.

As a premium electric vehicle packed with technology, plus an almost startling level of performance, insurance costs for a Tesla Model Y are at the higher end of the scale.

The entry-level Model Y RWD is placed in insurance group 46, with the Long Range AWD version in group 48. Opting for the Model Y Performance means accepting a maximum 50 out of 50 insurance group rating, typically reserved for the fastest and fanciest of vehicles.

In truth, this is no different to rivals such as the Jaguar I-Pace, which also comes with a group 49-50 rating.

For now, going electric means you do not have to worry about paying anything for VED (road tax). As a zero-emissions vehicle, the Tesla Model Y comes with free VED until April 2025.

Given that all versions of the car cost in excess of £40,000, and would be subject to the ‘luxury tax’ if fitted with a conventional engine, this represents a major saving.

Just remember: despite the bill being £0, you do still need to renew the road tax each year as normal.

When it comes to trim levels, Tesla has made things surprisingly simple. There are no endless models to pick from, just a standard specification across the range.

This includes LED headlights with automatic main beam, LED tail lights, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, 19-inch alloy wheels, a full-length panoramic glass sunroof, an integrated dashcam and keyless entry.

Other features include black ‘vegan leather’ upholstery, 12-way adjustable front seats, heated front and rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The dual-zone climate control features a ‘Bioweapon Defence Mode’ with a HEPA filter, while you also get a reversing camera and powered-assisted tailgate.

The 15-inch central touchscreen controls almost every feature on the Model Y, among them the satellite navigation, DAB digital radio and Bluetooth connectivity. Wireless charging for two smartphones is included, along with four USB-C ports for good measure.

If you opt for the Model Y Performance, this adds a carbon fibre rear spoiler, lowered suspension, upgraded brakes and a set of 21-inch wheels.

Tesla’s Basic Autopilot adaptive cruise control comes as standard, with the option to upgrade to Enhanced Autopilot for £3400. Opting for the much-vaunted Full Self Driving setup requires £6800.