Tesla Model Y review

You could think of the Tesla Model Y as a 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 iX3, 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 video review

What’s new?

- April 2026: We compare a Tesla Model Y Long-Range AWD and a BMW iX3 50 xDrive over a 600-mile UK road trip

- 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 full 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, but we recommend it because it has a longer range between charges – 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 it's worth saying that the MG IM6 Performance and Porsche Macan GTS Electric are equally potent. 

Is it agile and is the ride comfortable?

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 and more nervous than many of its rivals’. That's why we prefer the sweeter, more intuitive steering set-up in the BMW iX3.

We also prefer the way the iX3 controls its body movements over really undulating roads. It doesn't bounce about quite as much as the Model Y, which can become slightly unsettled by mid-corner bumps. The iX3 is the car to buy if you enjoy spirited driving, then, but the Model Y is still better to drive than the BYD Sealion 7 and MG IM6. It musters up more grip, and its relatively firm suspension means it doesn't lean into bends as much as those two cars.

What about ride comfort? Well, the Model Y feels more brittle over pockmarked roads than the super-supple IM6, but that's one of the best-riding cars in the class. So while the Model Y's ride isn't the greatest, it's not poor, either, and in most circumstances it rides decently. 

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.

Switching to Sport reduces body lean and makes the Model Y feel even more alert, but along poorly surfaced roads the extra stiffness makes the ride harsh. It can also prove counterproductive to the handling, unsettling the car. And while the Performance is slightly more fun to drive than lower spec Model Ys, it isn’t quite as grin-inducing as genuinely sporty rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N or Porsche Macan GTS 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 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 classic 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.

The MG IM6 produces slightly less motor whine under full-bore acceleration and less tyre noise at speeds – although tyre noise is only really an issue in the Model Y if it's on bigger 20in or 21in alloy wheels. There's not a huge amount of wind noise at 70mph, and very little suspension noise, either – actually, it's slightly better than the BMW iX3 in that regard.

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 and Sealion 7, which is why, despite having a much smaller battery, its real-world range is so competitive. 

The Long Range AWD has another motor driving the front wheels (making it all-wheel drive), but a larger battery to compensate for the extra energy it uses. That means it can officially cover up to 391 miles (dropping to 372 if the larger 20in wheels are fitted). The AWD Performance (the fastest Model Y) uses the same motors as the AWD, although the extra power they produce means its official range drops to 360 miles.

When it comes to charging speeds, the Model Y isn’t the fastest charger out there – that’s the XPeng G6, with its claimed peak charging speed of 451kW. Most Model Ys, including our favourite Long Range RWD, charge at up to 250kW, which means you can fast-charge the battery from 10-80% in roughly half an hour. 

The entry-level RWD differs in that it charges at a maximum of 175kW, but it has a smaller 60kWh battery, so it takes about 25mins 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 communicates with your Tesla, it’s able to tell you how busy the charging location is before you arrive, so you're not waiting around unnecessarily.  

"While the Model Y’s ride is firmer than some electric SUVs, it’s not uncomfortable over the majority of roads." – 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 central touchscreen, 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 'superyacht white'. Meanwhile, the range-topping Performance has some carbon-fibre on its dashboard and the insides of the doors to make it feel a bit sportier.

As far as actual quality goes, it’s 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. It’s fair to say the materials used in the Model Y are consistently better 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 to other versions. They have chunkier side bolsters to hold you in place better when going around corners, along with extendable seat-squab cushions to add better thigh support for 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 faff 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 in case someone changes it. 

There’s no gear selector stalk, either. 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). 

Nor is there a separate driver display behind the steering wheel, or the option of a head-up display. 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 when looking out diagonally at junctions and roundabouts. The same goes for the rearview mirror – it's mounted 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.

On the plus side, Tesla does touchscreen software very well indeed. 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 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. And you have the Grok AI voice assistant to do various tasks for you, or you can just chat with it to while away some time.

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. They're 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 found 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 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 or Mercedes GLB Electric. 

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 or 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 in the front and rear, and there are map pockets, cup holders and two USB-C ports in the rear. 

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 in that regard. 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 BMW iX3, 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 VW ID Buzz. That managed to take a total of 16 cases.

The Model Y's hatchback tailgate is more practical than a Tesla Model 3’s slimmer saloon opening, so fitting something awkward, like 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 side 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?

The Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD is a slightly pricier cash buy than the MG IM6 100 Long Range, and the 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 two 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, which has a knock-on effect on PCP rates.

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 (if you're using the Tesla smartphone app).

Because it's so well-equipped, the options list is short. Apart from metallic paint, a white (rather than grey) 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. So, if someone parks too close for you to open the door, you can drive your car out of the space remotely.

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 reveal 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, it comes with the usual alarm and immobiliser, and 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 dash-cam, 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 great value for money." – Dan Jones, Senior Reviewer

Buy it if...

- You need a practical family car that runs on electricity

- You want the easiest charging experience possible from an electric car

- You value lots of on-board tech

Don’t buy it if...

- You want to stand out from the crowd

- You like physical buttons to control things inside the car

- You have a problem with Elon Musk

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