Tesla Model Y Review 2023
The Tesla Model Y is an SUV version of the Model 3. Coming with excellent performance and market-leading space, the Model Y appeals to those who want a blend of power and practicality.
Rivals to the Tesla Model Y include the Audi Q4 e-tron, Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Skoda Enyaq.
Tesla Model Y Pros:
- Massive boot space
- Rapid acceleration
- Excellent range
Tesla Model Y Cons:
- Ride quality is quite firm
- Poor rear visibility
- Handling is not as good as rivals
Our Tesla Model Y review covers:
- Coupe styling with sloping rear roof
- Good technology and loads of interior space
- 854-litre boot
- Three engine choices, all using a 70kWh battery
- Three trims: Rear Wheel Drive, Long Range, and Performance
The Tesla Model Y is essentially a bigger version of the Model 3, so it comes with every typical Tesla feature, such as hidden door handles, cat-eye headlights, and no front grille. However, because the Model Y is bigger, it features a sloping rear end which is nice to look at.
The Model Y is one of the most practical electric SUVs on the market. In the front, there's loads of room for both passengers for leg and headroom, and the same goes for those in the back. Those in the rear also benefit from slightly higher seats, making the Model Y comfier to sit in than the Model 3.
For storage, the Model Y comes with large door bins and a decent-sized glovebox. The standout element is the centre armrest, which has storage underneath and in front of it, perfect for all your gadgets.
Boot space for the Model Y comes in at a whopping 854 litres, comfortably the best in its class, beating the Audi Q4 e-tron and Skoda Enyaq. There's also a 117-litre frunk, and the rear seats can be folded 40/20/40 to reveal some through loading to the boot.
The interior of the Model Y is more luxurious than it is cheap. All the materials are well-built into the cabin and feel built to last, but you won't find as many premium materials as in an Audi or Mercedes.
Technology is one of the main pulls for Tesla, and the Model Y doesn't disappoint. On the dashboard is a 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system that can control pretty much everything, from the glovebox to the climate control. It also features sat-nav, web-browsing capabilities, and apps like Netflix and Spotify. One downside is that it doesn't have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but you can sync your phone through Bluetooth.
Three trim levels are available in the Tesla Model Y: Rear Wheel Drive, Long Range, and Performance.
All the trims come with a good range of equipment as standard, with the upgrades focused on the engine rather than the interior or exterior. The Model Y comes standard with a full-length glass roof, heated front and rear seats, advanced climate control, a 14-speaker audio system, LED lights, a range of cameras, and active safety technologies such as collision avoidance and automatic emergency braking.
Both Rear Wheel Drive and Long Range are available with 19 or 20-inch alloy wheels, with the range-topping Performance coming with 21-inch wheels. Performance also lowers suspension and adds aluminium pedals and a carbon fibre spoiler.
Three engine options are available for the Model Y, all featuring a 70kWh battery. The entry-level option is Rear Wheel Drive, coming with 254hp, a top speed of 135mph and an acceleration of 0-60mph in 6.6 seconds. It has a standard range of up to 283 miles and has charging capabilities of 170kW.
Long Range is our pick of the bunch, as it blends performance and practicality. Adding a second motor to the front tyres, power output increases to 384hp, and 0-60mph drops to just 4.8 seconds. Range increases to a maximum of 331 miles and charging capabilities are upgraded to 250kW, which can add 150 miles in just 15 minutes.
For those who want total power, Performance is the choice for you. Coming with 450hp, it has a top speed of 150mph and achieves 0-60mph in just 3.5 seconds, which is insanely fast. Its range is 319 miles, but you shouldn't be too concerned about that.
The Model Y provides exceptional acceleration, making driving around town and on the motorway good. However, its ride quality is quite sturdy, meaning it doesn't tackle potholes and scuffs on the road as well as rivals like the Kia EV6.
Handling is also decent but feels a bit nervous when cornering at speed. However, there's plenty of grip and not much body lean to counter this. If you want a fun drive on country roads, go for the Model 3, which is much sportier.
Prices for the new Tesla Model Y start from £44,000.00 OTR* or to lease from £464.69 per month.
Looking to lease the Tesla Model Y? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the UK's largest car leasing brokers and offer a range of affordable leasing deals.
Leasing may be cheaper than an outright purchase thanks to a low initial deposit, fixed monthly payments, and a range of benefits included, such as road tax and breakdown cover.
*' On the road' price correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change, always check with your nearest retailer.
