Tesla Model Y review – clever tech and practical, top charging access

Verdict – is the Tesla Model Y a good car?

If you are drawn to a Tesla and need more space than the Model 3 offers, the Model Y is the logical solution – it’s essentially a bigger, SUV version of the same car. It also features lots of advanced technology that helps keep it ahead of most electric SUV rivals, although the fact it hasn’t yet received the Model 3’s facelift could start to make it feel dated as the months go on. Some customers have reported sub-standard build quality, and when we tested the Model Y against the Volkswagen ID. Buzz we found the suspension to be quite firm compared with its German rival. Recent price drops and leasing deals mean the Tesla is an even more tempting electric SUV for those after performance, range and space for the family.

Tesla Model Y models, specs and alternatives

The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV built on the same underpinnings as the hugely successful Model 3. It’s already proven itself as a big seller, regularly hitting the charts as one of the top 10 best-selling models in the UK – that’s not surprising given the fact that it ticks so many boxes by being more spacious than a Model 3 with on-trend SUV looks.

The market is now awash with plenty of electric SUV rivals including the Renault Scenic, Volkswagen ID.4, Skoda Enyaq, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Audi Q4 e-tron, Mercedes EQA, Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, so the Tesla Model Y is no longer as much of a trailblazer as originally intended.

As of late 2024, the Tesla Model Y lineup now consists of Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive, Long Range All-Wheel Drive and Performance All-Wheel Drive models. Recent changes have also meant that the Model Y Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive is now capable of going further on a single charge – that figure used to be 331 miles but is now 373 miles.

Entry-level versions of the Tesla Model Y now cost from just under £47,000, while the Long Range All-Wheel Drive version starts from around £52,000 and the range-topping Performance All-Wheel Drive is just shy of £60,000. All offer impressive performance, but it’s the Performance All-Wheel Drive that’s the quickest, with a supercar-rivalling 0-62mph time of just 3.5 seconds. Those performance credentials mean that model is capable of the shortest range at up to 319 miles. For a happy medium, the Long Range All-Wheel Drive can manage up to 331 miles on a charge and is still quick, taking just 4.8 seconds to dispatch the same 0-62mph sprint.

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When the Model Y first launched, its range figures would have been very competitive, but while they’re still impressive, they're no longer class-leading – the Mustang Mach-E is capable of close to 380 miles in its most efficient specification, while the Renault Scenic can manage up to 379 miles at a lower price point. 

Inside, the Model Y has the same minimalist interior and technology as the pre-facelift Model 3, focused around a high-res 15-inch touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard. Air vents have been replaced by a narrow slot and leather by vegan-friendly materials. It works well once you get used to its controls but quality isn't on the same level as the top European manufacturers.

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A taller roof means there's more space and headroom inside the Model Y than the Model 3, while its hatchback boot is much more useful for loading luggage or sports equipment. However, the Enyaq's boxy shape makes it even more accommodating.

Our UK test drive revealed that the Model Y has a firm ride and is occasionally uncomfortable on larger wheels. This has been expected of electric cars in the past; most have firmer suspension to support the heavy electric batteries onboard, but when we tested the Model Y against the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, we found the German rival to be comparatively soft and comfortable to drive.