After living with a blue Tesla Model Y Long Range for 25 months, it’s time for an honest and in-depth review. This journey has been a rollercoaster, swinging between admiration and frustration. Initially part of the Roadshow family and then adopted by my own, this Model Y has seen it all. From the initial excitement of its tech and performance to the jarring reality of phantom braking and a harsh ride, my perspective has evolved significantly. While some early issues have improved, the experience hasn’t been entirely smooth sailing, especially with the much-hyped “Full Self Driving” (FSD). So, is the Tesla Model Y still a top contender in the electric SUV market? Let’s delve into the details, exploring the good, the bad, and everything in between to reach a balanced conclusion about the Model Y Tesla.
Tesla Model Y blue color
Driving Dynamics of the Model Y Tesla: A Mixed Bag
The driving experience of the Model Y Tesla is a tale of two extremes. On one hand, it can be incredibly fun and engaging. On the other, it can be jarringly uncomfortable and frustrating. The power delivery is undeniably impressive. While officially rated at 4.8 seconds to 60 mph, the acceleration feels even quicker, launching forward with surprising force. This brisk performance is a major highlight of the Tesla Model Y. The steering is also notably quick, contributing to a sense of agility. Though lacking in feedback, the speed and the compact steering wheel make the Model Y feel nimble, especially for an electric SUV. It delivers surprising thrills, considering its focus on efficiency.
However, this fun is easily curtailed. The moment wheelspin or slippage occurs, the overly zealous safety systems kick in, abruptly cutting power and dampening the excitement. This intervention, while intended for safety, can feel intrusive and detract from the driving enjoyment at times.
Tesla Model Y steering wheel and dashboard
The ride quality of the Model Y Tesla is a significant drawback. Even with the 19-inch wheels chosen to supposedly improve comfort, the suspension is incredibly stiff. Every minor imperfection in the road surface transmits harsh jolts into the cabin. It crashes over bumps, making even everyday drives on less-than-perfect roads uncomfortable. Opting for the larger 20-inch wheels would only exacerbate this issue. While the dual-pane acoustic glass contributes to a quiet cabin on smooth roads, the constant jarring over bumps overshadows this refinement. The ride quality is arguably the biggest compromise in the Model Y Tesla experience.
Model Y Tesla Winter Performance: Tires Matter
Winter driving in the Model Y Tesla highlights the critical role of tires. The best upgrade for winter performance was undoubtedly switching to Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 EV studded tires. These tires not only provided exceptional grip on snow and ice but, surprisingly, also improved the ride quality thanks to their softer sidewalls. This improvement was so noticeable that we kept them on longer into the spring season than strictly necessary.
Tesla Model Y in snow with winter tires
Conversely, the factory all-season tires proved to be inadequate in snowy conditions. Their low-rolling-resistance design prioritizes efficiency over winter grip, making the Model Y Tesla feel unstable and even a little frightening in snow. Despite what some online forums might suggest, dedicated snow tires are essential for safe and confident winter driving in a Model Y Tesla, especially in regions with regular snowfall. The stability control system does a decent job of managing grip, but it can only work with the traction available, and the stock tires simply don’t offer enough in winter conditions. With proper winter tires, however, the Model Y Tesla transforms into a capable and sure-footed winter vehicle.
For those seeking winter driving fun, the Model Y Tesla is less accommodating. The stability control system is highly restrictive, preventing any significant sideways action, even in low-grip scenarios like frozen lakes. Enthusiasts looking for playful winter driving dynamics may find the standard Model Y lacking and might need to consider the Performance model, albeit at a higher cost and reduced range.
Tesla “Full Self Driving” on Model Y: Still in Beta?
The “Full Self Driving” (FSD) capability of the Tesla Model Y remains a controversial and often frustrating aspect. Despite the name, it’s far from fully autonomous and feels more like an advanced beta program than a finished product. While some initial issues, like phantom braking, have been mitigated, the overall FSD experience is still inconsistent and unreliable.
Tesla Model Y screen displaying "Full Self-Driving" visualization
Phantom braking, a major concern in earlier models, has become less frequent. Initially, this Model Y Tesla, one of the first without radar, would frequently brake aggressively for oncoming cars in the opposite lane, even on highways. These incidents were alarming and raised serious safety concerns, with reports of rear-end collisions linked to this issue. While the frequency has decreased, questions remain about whether the fix has truly addressed the root cause or simply reduced sensitivity, potentially at the expense of collision detection.
Despite improvements, FSD still exhibits significant flaws. In recent testing, the system struggled with basic tasks, such as staying in the correct lane, signaling appropriately, and navigating exits smoothly. It displayed erratic behavior, like lingering in the passing lane unnecessarily, making unsafe lane changes, and taking exits at dangerously low speeds. Furthermore, the system’s resistance to manual override makes taking control in critical situations jarring and unsettling. The engagement required from the driver to monitor and correct FSD’s errors often outweighs the convenience it’s supposed to provide.
Compared to competitors like Super Cruise, BlueCruise, and Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot, Tesla’s FSD lags significantly in reliability, capability, and user-friendliness. These competing systems offer a more refined and confidence-inspiring driving assistance experience, often at a lower cost. The $12,000 price tag for Tesla FSD feels exorbitant for a system that still requires constant driver vigilance and intervention.
Interior Durability: White Vinyl in the Model Y Tesla
The white vinyl interior of the Model Y Tesla, while visually striking, raises questions about practicality and luxury. Compared to the premium vegan materials used by brands like Volvo and Mercedes-Benz, the Model Y Tesla interior feels less upscale, especially considering its price point. The aesthetic can be described as more utilitarian than luxurious.
Tesla Model Y white interior with seats
However, despite initial reservations, the white vinyl proved surprisingly durable and easy to maintain. While the driver’s seat showed some denim transfer over time, a simple cleaning with mild soap effectively removed the stains. With a seat cover used in the rear for dogs, the interior withstood daily wear and tear remarkably well. The overall durability of the Model Y Tesla interior exceeded expectations, proving more resilient than its initial appearance might suggest.
Range and Efficiency of the Tesla Model Y Long Range
Over 25 months and 15,410 miles, the Model Y Tesla Long Range demonstrated commendable efficiency. Consuming 4,272 kWh, the average efficiency was 277 Wh/mile, or 3.6 miles/kWh. This figure closely aligns with the EPA estimate, even with a significant portion of driving done in cold weather on winter tires. The real-world range of the Model Y Tesla generally matched the predicted range, alleviating range anxiety for most trips. The extensive Supercharger network further contributed to convenient long-distance travel.
Tesla Model Y charging at a Supercharger station
However, a persistent issue was unexplained range loss while parked, particularly during airport parking. On several occasions, the Model Y Tesla lost a significant portion of its charge, even with Sentry Mode disabled. This drain suggests potential phantom load issues and highlights the importance of keeping the vehicle plugged in when parked for extended periods, if possible. Despite this issue, the overall range and efficiency of the Model Y Tesla remain strong points.
Reliability and Build Quality of the Model Y Tesla
In terms of mechanical reliability, the Model Y Tesla proved faultless over 25 months. It required no unscheduled service visits, a testament to the robustness of its powertrain. While pre-delivery quality control can be inconsistent across Tesla vehicles, this particular Model Y Tesla arrived in reasonably good condition, with no major panel misalignments.
Tesla Model Y frunk with leaves inside
However, some minor build quality issues were present. Taillight condensation was a recurring problem after rain or washing, and water ingress into the frunk was evident. The discovery of leaves inside the supposedly sealed frunk further highlighted potential sealing issues. While these were minor annoyances and didn’t affect functionality, they detract from the overall premium feel expected at this price point.
Cost and Value Proposition of the Model Y Tesla
The pricing of the Tesla Model Y is dynamic and has fluctuated significantly over time. The original configuration of this Model Y Tesla Long Range, including options like paint, interior, tow hitch, and FSD, totaled $67,490. Surprisingly, configuring the same model with identical options today results in a similar price of $66,880, including delivery fees. Despite price fluctuations, the current cost remains comparable to the original purchase price.
Tesla Model Y price tag concept
However, the competitive landscape has changed dramatically. The Model Y Tesla now faces strong competition from EVs like the Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6, which are often priced lower and offer comparable or even superior driving experiences in some aspects. Furthermore, with the arrival of new models like the Volvo EX30 and premium options such as the Audi Q8 e-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, the Model Y Tesla‘s value proposition is increasingly questionable. While the Model Y Tesla excels in range and charging infrastructure, other factors like ride comfort, technology refinement, and brand image are becoming crucial differentiators in the competitive electric SUV market.
Final Verdict: Is the Model Y Tesla Still Recommendable?
Things I’ll Miss about the Model Y Tesla:
- Dog Mode for pet safety
- Excellent Range for long trips
- Supercharger Network for convenient charging
- Brisk Acceleration for fun driving
- Streamlined Dealership Experience
Things I’ll Not Miss about the Model Y Tesla:
- Harsh Ride Quality for daily commutes
- “Beta” FSD for safety concerns
- Random Range Loss While Parked for inconvenience
- Monthly Payment for financial relief
- Association with Elon Musk’s Brand Image for personal reasons
Tesla Model Y rear view in city setting
The Tesla Model Y remains a compelling electric SUV, offering a strong combination of range and performance. However, its brand image has become increasingly politicized, which may deter some buyers. If brand perception is not a concern, and priorities are range and charging infrastructure, the Model Y Tesla is still a viable option. However, those seeking a truly premium electric SUV with a comfortable ride and more refined technology may find better alternatives in the rapidly expanding EV market. For personal preference, a significant revamp, particularly addressing ride quality and FSD reliability, would be necessary before considering another Model Y Tesla. The electric SUV landscape is evolving quickly, and while the Model Y Tesla was once a leader, it now faces stiff competition and needs to adapt to maintain its position.
