Tesla Model Y review

You could think of the Tesla Model Y as a Tesla Model 3 that’s been pumped full of growth hormone to give it a higher driving position and more room inside.

Now, the Model 3 is a fantastic electric car but it’s also a saloon, and Tesla is all too aware that saloons don't suit everyone. Why? Well, the Model 3’s narrow boot opening isn’t great for families, and then there’s another issue: it’s not an SUV. That’s an instant turn-off for many buyers.

That's where the Tesla Model Y comes in. It's a fully electric family SUV and a rival to the likes of the Audi Q4 e-tron, BMW iX1, Kia EV6 and Skoda Enyaq – and it was recently given a big overhaul in a bid to make it quieter, more comfortable and more luxurious.

Tesla Model Y Performance video review

What’s new?

- October 2025 –Long Range AWD receives larger 79kWh (usable capacity) battery, increasing its official range to a maximum of 390 miles

- September 2025 – New Performance version tested for the first time. It can officially accelerate from 0-60mph in 3.3sec and manage 360 miles on a charge

- April 2025 – Heavily updated Model Y driven for the first time. Codenamed Juniper, it has a longer range, smarter interior and better driving manners than its predecessor

How fast is it and which motor is best?

All versions of the Tesla Model Y are quick – even the entry-level RWD (rear-wheel drive) model can officially sprint from 0-60mph in 5.6sec, easily outpacing the cheapest Kia EV6.

The next model up is the Long Range RWD, which is our pick of the range. It’s only marginally quicker than the RWD; the reason we recommend it is because it has a longer  range between charges, but more on that later. 

Next up is the first of the all-wheel-drive Model Ys, the Long Range AWD. That can rocket you from a standstill to 60mph in just 4.6sec, but even that’s not the quickest version. That’s the Performance AWD, which can destroy zero to 60mph in 3.3sec. You probably don’t need us to tell you that’s flippin’ quick, although the MG IM6 Performance is just as potent. 

Is it agile and is the ride comfortable?

The Model Y is agile, at least for an electric SUV. That’s partly down to its relatively quick steering. Tesla has made the current Model Y’s steering slower than it was in the previous version – with the aim of making it feel a little calmer to drive – but it remains quicker than many of its rivals’. 

The other reason that the Model Y feels agile is because the suspension is a bit stiffer than in rivals such as the BYD Sealion 7 and MG IM6. As a result the Model Y has less body lean through corners, better stability if you hit a bump mid-bend, and there’s plenty of grip, too. As good as it is, though, the Kia EV6 is even better balanced and, ultimately, even more enjoyable to drive on twisty roads.

Being relatively firm means you feel more from lumps and bumps on the road in the Model Y, but not to the extent that things get uncomfortable. In fact, the extra body control over dips and crest on quick A-roads is a good thing: the Model Y doesn’t bounce around as much as some of its softer rivals, something you’ll appreciate if you suffer from travel sickness. If you prefer a softer (and still relatively well controlled) ride, the IM6 and Skoda Enyaq are supple alternatives and two of the best-riding cars in the class.    

The range-topping Model Y Performance benefits from a different adaptive suspension setup. Essentially, this means you can switch between stiffer or softer suspension using an icon on the infotainment screen. We think the ‘standard’ setting is preferable along bumpy roads because it irons out undulations well while keeping the body fairly upright through fast corners. Ride comfort in this mode is fairly agreeable, too – similar to the Long Range AWD on 20in wheels.

Switching to Sport reduces body lean and makes the Model Y feel even more alert, and it works well on smooth Tarmac. Along poorly surfaced roads, though, the extra stiffness in the suspension can prove counterproductive by unsettling the car. And while the Performance is slightly more fun to drive than lesser Model Ys, it isn’t quite as grin-inducing as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N or Porsche Macan Electric.

Is it quiet and how easy is it to drive smoothly?

The Tesla Model Y’s brakes are excellent, and not just for the obvious reason: that they slow you down reassuringly well. They also deserve praise for being so progressive and easy to modulate. Why are we mentioning this? Well, it’s not something that you can take for granted with electric cars. 

That’s due to regenerative braking – the way electric cars recoup energy as you slow down. Balancing the regenerative side of the braking with the regular braking system is tricky, and leaves lots of electric cars with a horribly grabby brakes – the Cupra Tavascan is a case in point. By contrast, the Model Y’s consistent brakes make it a doddle to slow the car down and bring it to a stop smoothly.

There are quieter cars in the class, like the MG IM6, but that’s not to say the Model Y is uncouth. It really isn’t. Over bumpy roads there’s very little suspension noise, and on motorways it’s actually pretty peaceful with very little wind noise. 

However, compared with the IM6, you can hear more motor whine under hard acceleration and a touch more of rumble from the Model Y’s tyres – especially if you’re driving a version with 20in or 21in alloys.

What’s the range and efficiency like, and how quickly can it charge?

Even the entry-level RWD version can officially manage 311 miles without stopping to recharge but, if you can, we’d suggest spending a little more to bag the Long Range RWD. That’s because it bolsters the official range to a really competitive 387 miles. The MG IM6 does beat it if you compare the WLTP figures but only by a single mile. 

When we tested the Model Y Long Range RWD (on a 20C day) we estimated its motorway range at 273 miles. That compared with 299 miles for the MG IM6 Long Range and 249 miles for the BYD Sealion 7 Comfort – we tested them all at the same time. The Model Y also proved much more efficient than either the IM6 or the Sealion 7, which is why, despite having a much smaller battery, its real-world range is so competitive. 

The Long Range AWD has one more motor and all-wheel drive, but a larger battery means it can cover 390 miles (dropping to 372 if the larger 20in wheels are fitted). The AWD Performance (the fastest Model Y) uses the same motor, although the extra power means its official range drops to 360 miles.

When it comes to charging speeds, the Model Y isn’t the fastest charger out there – again, that’s the IM6 with its claimed peak charging speed of 396kW. Most Model Ys, including our favourite Long Range RWD, charge at up to 250kW, which means you can fast-charge their battery from 10-80% in roughly half an hour. 

The entry-level RWD differs in that it charges at a reduced maximum of 175kW, but it has a smaller, 60kWh battery, so it takes about 25 minutes to go from 10-80%. 

One massive benefit of owning a Tesla is unlimited access to the Tesla Supercharger network. It’s not only one of the most reliable charging networks in the country, it’s also much cheaper (price per kWh of electricity) than the vast majority of alternatives. And because the Supercharger network can communicate with your Tesla, it’s able to tell you how busy the charging location is before you arrive, to save you waiting around unnecessarily.  

"The Model Y’s ride is firmer than some electric SUVs, but it’s not uncomfortable and really well controlled along an undulating B road." – Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor

What does the interior look like and is it well made?

The easiest way to describe how the Model Y looks inside is ‘a lot like the Model 3’. So, if you’ve been inside one of those, you’ll have a good idea of the clean and minimalist look that awaits you. 

The main focal point is the large touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard, and there’s some ambient lighting on the dashboard and doors to jazz things up at night. You get a dark grey interior as standard, but can pay extra to have this swapped for bright white. Meanwhile, the range-topping Performance has some carbon-fibre on its dashboard and the insides of the doors.

As far as actual quality goes, it’s pretty good. The interior of the Model Y feels solidly put together and there are very few cheap-feeling scratchy plastics – even lower down on the bottom of the doors and glovebox lid you’ll find soft-touch, tactile finishes. In that respect, it’s fair to say the materials in the Model Y are more consistently good than they are in the Audi Q4 e-tron or MG IM6.

Is the driving position comfortable and is it easy to see out?

The driver’s seat is generally comfortable and provides a decent amount of side support, but it’s relatively narrow, so you feel a little like you’re sitting on it rather than in it. The BYD Sealion 7 has more cosseting front seats. You also feel quite perched sitting in the Model Y – as if the seat is high in relation to the dashboard. If you prefer a more traditional, SUV-like driving position that’s another reason to check out the Sealion 7.

It’s worth noting that the range-topping Performance has different seats than other versions. They have chunkier side bolsters to hold you in place better when going around corners, along with extendable seat base cushions to suit drivers with longer legs.

Either way, the Model Y’s driver’s seat sits neatly inline with the pedals and steering wheel, even if the wheel itself is a faff to adjust for reach and height. It’s electrically operated but there’s no dedicated button to do so. Instead, you have to go into the infotainment screen, select steering wheel adjustment from the menu, then use the buttons on the steering wheel (the ones that normally operate the stereo volume and cruise control) to make the adjustments. 

It’s a similar process to adjust the door mirrors, so be thankful that all Model Y’s come with memory settings (including for the standard electric driver’s seat) that will save your driving position for next time. 

Thankfully, Tesla has given the Model Y a proper indicator stalk rather than the fiddly indicator buttons on the steering wheel fitted to the latest Model 3. There’s no gear selector stalk, though. To change between reverse and drive you either use a slider on the infotainment touchscreen, or buttons on a roof panel (by the rear-view mirror). 

There’s no separate driver display behind the steering wheel, or option of a head-up display, either. Instead, you view your speed on the right-hand corner of the central infotainment screen.

Is it easy to see out of? Well, the Model Y's windscreen pillars are fairly chunky and angled in a way that can hamper your view out at junctions and roundabouts. How badly will depend on your height and your preferred driving position. The same goes for the rearview mirror – it's mounted too low on the windscreen, so it can block some of your view ahead, particularly when you're turning left.

All versions come with front and rear parking sensors, plus there are various cameras around the car to help with manoeuvring. LED headlights are standard and illuminate the road very well at night.

Are the dashboard and infotainment system easy to use?

We’ve already mentioned the faff of adjusting the driver’s seat and steering wheel, and that’s because there are very few physical controls in the Model Y. Pretty much everything is operated using the central 15.4in touchscreen (or 16in QHD touchscreen in the Performance AWD). Personally, we’d prefer a few more proper buttons – at least for some of the major functions.

At least Tesla does touchscreen software well. In fact, it’s one of the best at it and, as a result, the Model Y’s infotainment system is fairly intuitive. True, there are some small icons, which can be tricky to hit accurately while you’re driving, but the system is super-responsive once you’ve made your selection. There’s no lag when you’re scrolling or zooming in and out of web pages or maps, either.  

That brings us onto the Model Y’s infotainment features: it has many. You get Google Maps and a Google browser to search the web, plus there are apps for Netflix, Spotify, YouTube and more. The various apps can relieve you and your passengers of some boredom while you’re waiting for the battery to charge; if you get bored of watching videos there is a selection of games as well. 

All things considered, it’s one of the very best systems in the class – better than the one in a Kia EV6 or Skoda Enyaq, and miles better than the iffy system in the MG IM6. However,  one notable omission is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring. It’s not available even as an option, whereas it comes as standard on most of the Model Y’s rivals.

The RWD and Long Range RWD versions come with a nine-speaker stereo, while the Long Range AWD and Performance AWD have an upgraded (and punchier) 15-speaker system with a subwoofer.

"I listen to music a lot while driving so I find it really handy that the Model Y has built-in apps for Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music." – Dan Jones, Senior Reviewer

How much space does it have for people?

No one sitting in the front of a Tesla Model Y is likely to have any complaints about space: there's so much room that even the tallest of occupants should be absolutely fine. 

Move to the rear and it’s a similar story. There’s plenty of rear leg and head room in the Model Y for six-footers, a good amount of foot space under the front seats, and a flat floor running the width of the rear. A nice bonus is the electrically reclining rear-seat backrest – although the difference between its most upright and most reclined position isn’t that great.  

On the slim chance you might need even more rear space then try the even bigger MG IM6, or, if you need more than five seats, the Volkswagen ID Buzz. 

It’s also worth mentioning that the Model Y’s two outer rear seats are comfortable for a long drive, but the raised middle seat is slightly less agreeable to sit on for a long period. But whether you’re sitting in the front and rear, the Model Y feels light and airy thanks to its standard full-length panoramic sunroof. 

There’s also loads of storage space for odds and ends, including a vast lidded cubby between the front seats and a good-sized storage area under the centre armrest. The door bins are also massive front and rear, and in the back seats there are map pockets, cup holders and two USB-C ports. 

How much room does it have for luggage?

The Tesla Model Y’s rear seats don’t slide back and forth to increase the luggage area, but, to be honest, you won’t feel cheated by that. The rear boot is absolutely massive – especially when you factor in the large well under the floor. We managed to fit nine carry-on suitcases below the load cover, plus an extra one in the "frunk" under the bonnet.

That's 10 cases overall, then, which is a lot. To put that into context, the Audi Q4 e-tron, Kia EV6 and Renault Scenic swallowed seven, while the MG IM6 and BYD Sealion 7 managed eight in total. The only thing that would take more luggage than a Model Y is a van, which brings us to the immensely practical and van-shaped VW ID Buzz. That managed to take a total of 16 cases.

The Model Y's hatchback wide-opening tailgate is more practical than a Tesla Model 3’s saloon boot, so fitting in a big buggy is no problem. All versions have an electric tailgate that can be opened and closed using the touchscreen, the Tesla smartphone app or a button on the boot lid itself. 

As far as rear-seat flexibility is concerned, the Model Y’s rear bench folds down in a very useful 40/20/40 arrangement. The seats are easy to fold down – you just press buttons on the walls of the boot. 

“I think it’s very useful to have such a big front boot. Many electric cars don’t offer one at all, or, if they do, it’s tiny and barely big enough for a charging cable. The Model Y's can hold a carry-on suitcase, though.” – Doug Revolta, Head of Video

How much does it cost and what equipment do you get?

Compare the Model Y with other electric SUVs of a similar size and with a similar range and you’ll find our pick – the Long Range RWD – a slightly pricier cash buy than the MG IM6 100 Long Range and BYD Sealion 7 Comfort. 

However, if you’re buying on PCP finance then you might find the Model Y offers cheaper month repayments than those aforementioned rivals – at least that was the case at the time of writing. That said, Tesla's owner and CEO, Elon Musk, is prone to making controversial statements and we’ve seen those impact Tesla’s resale values negatively in the past.

All versions of the Model Y come with plenty of kit, including a heat pump, 19in alloy wheels (up to 21in if you go for the Performance version), dual-zone climate control, power-folding door mirrors, a rear-seat touchscreen, adaptive cruise control with steering assist, faux-leather seat trim, heated front and rear seats, ventilated and electrically adjustable front seats, an electric tailgate and keyless entry using a Tesla smartphone app.

It’s a good thing it's well-equipped as standard because the options list is short. Apart from metallic paint, a white (rather than black) interior, different alloy wheel designs and a tow-bar package, the only extras you can add are more advanced assisted driving functions.

The so-called Full Self Driving Capability doesn’t mean you can sit in the back while the car takes you to your destination. It simply allows the Model Y to make lane changes on its own (just press the indicator), steer itself into a parking space or be "summoned" using the Tesla app. If someone parks too close for you to open the door, you can drive your car out of the space without getting in.

Is it reliable, and how long is the warranty?

The Model Y should prove very dependable – it was the third most reliable electric SUV in our 2025 What Car? Reliability Survey. Meanwhile, Tesla finished 7th out of 30 brands in the overall manufacturer league table.

Tesla gives you a four-year, 60,000-mile warranty on most components, which is decent – but you get a seven-year, 80,000-mile warranty with an MG IM6. The Model Y’s battery and drive unit are covered separately for eight years or 100,000 miles (120,000 miles with the Long Range and Performance versions). The warranty covers the electrical bits against faults and guarantees a minimum 70% retention of battery capacity. 

How safe is it, and is it easy to steal?

The previous-generation (but mechanically similar) Model Y was awarded a five-star safety rating by Euro NCAP in 2022. A closer look at the scores reveals better adult-occupant protection than the Genesis GV60 and Kia EV6, and about the same as in an Audi Q4 e-tron. Child protection was found to be exceptional.

There's loads of active safety kit to prevent an accident in the first place, including automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane-departure warning and blind-spot assistance. 

As for security, as well as the usual kit the Model Y has something called Sentry Mode. When enabled, this uses the car’s external cameras to start recording when the car is approached after it’s locked, saving the footage to a USB drive. If someone tries to break in or drives into your car when it's parked up, the cameras should record the incident. The cameras also act like a dashcam by recording the footage in the lead up to an accident.

"There are cheaper electric SUVs, but when you factor in the Model Y's impressive level of standard kit I'd say it represents good value for money." – Dan Jones, Senior Reviewer

Buy it if...

– If you need a practical family car that runs on electricity

– If you want the easiest charging experience possible from an electric car

– If you value quick acceleration and agile handling

Don’t buy it if...

– If you want to stand out from the crowd

– If you like physical buttons

– If you don’t like Elon Musk

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