Tesla Model Y review

Is the Tesla Model Y a good car?

The Tesla Model Y continues to be a roaring success worldwide. It’s a car that has become almost the default all-electric family transport; not only does it put a huge tick in the safety and practicality boxes, but it also manages to offer a level of badge appeal that, for a surprisingly modest price, makes for quite an irresistible combination for many.

There are some flaws, but regular improvements – including to a powertrain range that has always been at the forefront of the class – means that few alternatives can return the degree of all-round appeal that’s on show. Plus, you’ll be able to get your hands on the new, facelifted model soon, with an improved recipe that includes revisions inside and out.

How much does the Tesla Model Y cost?

The Tesla Model Y arrived in the UK in 2020, and has remained largely unchanged except for a few range reshuffles. So, it’s good to hear that you can now order a facelifted model, with deliveries expected towards the middle of 2025 (we’ll update this review more fully once we’ve tested the new car). For complete convenience, you can lease a Model Y or buy a used version, all on Auto Express.

The current range comprises three models, kicking off with the Long Range RWD version, which replaced the Standard Range model and starts from around £47,000. Above that is the four-wheel drive version with the same Long Range battery, which costs £6,000 extra (or another £2,500 on top to upgrade to seven seats), while the range-topping Performance model weighs in at around £60,000.

Used - available now

2023 Tesla

Model Y

33,612 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £24,800

View Model Y

2023 Tesla

Model Y

35,741 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £25,100

View Model Y

2023 Tesla

Model Y

43,301 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £27,300

View Model Y

2023 Tesla

Model Y

23,563 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £28,700

View Model Y

If you want the longest range for your money, then the base model is all you need. It has a claimed range of 373 miles, making it one of the best EVs on sale for driving range. Adding four-wheel drive sees the range reduced to 331 miles, while the Performance sacrifices range for acceleration, with a maximum distance of 319 miles from a full charge. The payoff is a 0-60mph time that is trimmed from 4.8 seconds for the AWD model to 3.5 seconds.

The Model Y is the sister car to the Model 3, and it uses the same running gear and electronics as the saloon. In fact, there are similarities in terms of looks, too, with the Model Y taking the Model 3’s basic shape and adding some height to the body to create its SUV lines. This boosts interior space, and also means that the Model Y has a hatchback rear end for added versatility.

The kit on board is also mirrored, with standard kit including LED headlights, two-zone climate control, a panoramic glass roof, heated seats front and rear, adaptive cruise control with speed limit assist, 360-degree cameras and apps like Spotify, Netflix, Disney+, Twitch, and YouTube built-in, along with games and Tesla’s toybox. The only options available are the five paint colours, black or white vegan upholstery, larger rims and two more advanced versions of Tesla’s Autopilot semi-autonomous driver-assistance system.

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Despite offering superb family transport, the Tesla Model Y delivers that typical brisk acceleration we now associate with so many EVs. However, it’s not a car for the driving enthusiast - instead, it focuses on providing safe handling and plenty of grip, although the light, over-assisted steering doesn’t offer any connection to the road, and the single level of brake regeneration won’t be to all tastes. Performance models deliver better comfort than other models, which tend to fidget on rougher surfaces. Read more about the Tesla Model Y's electric motors, performance and drive here…

For buyers making the move to an EV, Tesla offers not only an impressive model range, but also all the benefits of its Supercharger network - helping to soothe even the most anxious of all-electric drivers. It’s the fastest and most convenient charging system in the UK, with stations across the country offering rapid DC charging, which means you won’t be stopped for long when charging. Not that you’ll be spending that much time at Superchargers when you’re out and about, because the Model Y has a big battery for a long range and is quite efficient for its size. Read more about the Tesla Model Y's range, charging and running costs…

The Model Y shares its cabin layout with the Model 3, which means you get a large central touchscreen and very few physical controls beyond the bare minimum that are required by law - although Tesla appears to have listened to criticism over the steering wheel-mounted buttons used in its Model 3 saloon, by reintroducing an indicator stalk to the facelifted Model Y. Build quality in the current car is fair, although the black plastics and artificial leather trim aren’t quite up to the standards of premium rivals. Read more about the Tesla Model Y's interior, design and technology…

The Model Y and Model 3 use the same platform, although the Y has an enlarged SUV body to offer more space and increased practicality. The shape of the car means a hatchback rear has been incorporated, and this opens wide with a low lip to make loading items easy. There’s lots of room for passengers, especially in the back, while the option of a third row unlocks more usability, although the rearmost seats are tight for adults. Read more about the Tesla Model Y's boot space, comfort and practicality…

A raft of standard safety features helped the Model Y to a five-star Euro NCAP rating when it was tested by the safety body in 2022. In addition, Tesla offers its semi autonomous driving systems that are designed to make life easier - and safer - for drivers. While the technology is certainly impressive, you only get the Basic Autopilot system as standard, with the Enhanced Autopilot and Full Self-Driving Capability options costing extra. Owners have reported various issues with their cars when responding to the Driver Power ownership survey, but Tesla offers a four-year warranty on all of its cars.  Read more about the Tesla Model Y's reliability and safety…

Tesla Model Y alternatives

The Tesla Model Y was the UK’s best-selling all-electric car through 2024, in part due to Tesla’s competitive pricing and tempting finance offers. Its combination of good value, practicality and a long electric driving range means it’s a tough challenger in the family-sized electric SUV sector. The Model Y treads a middle ground between mainstream and more premium options, with challengers including the Audi Q4 e-tron, BMW iX3, Ford Mustang Mach-E and Lexus RZ. Elsewhere, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Skoda Enyaq iV and Volkswagen ID.4 are more closely priced, as are the Nissan Ariya and Volvo EX40 (formerly the XC40 Recharge)