Blue Tesla Model Y parked on a paved surface
Every journey comes to an end, and so does our 25-month experience with the blue Tesla Model Y Long Range, a vehicle that has evoked a spectrum of emotions, swinging between admiration and frustration. As a car and driver enthusiast, reflecting on this extended period reveals a complex relationship with this electric SUV, one that deserves a nuanced exploration. This review delves into the highs and lows of living with a Tesla Model Y, offering a comprehensive car and driver perspective for those considering this popular EV.
Tesla Model Y Driving Dynamics: A Car and Driver Perspective
Tesla Model Y on a winding road showcasing its driving performance
The Tesla Model Y presents a duality in its driving dynamics, a core aspect for any car and driver to evaluate. On one hand, it can be genuinely exhilarating to drive, offering bursts of speed that are characteristic of electric vehicles. The Model Y’s acceleration is undeniably quick, feeling even more responsive than its official 4.8 seconds to 60 mph suggests. This rapid acceleration, however, comes at a cost. Even with 19-inch tires, traction can be a challenge, and our set showed noticeable wear after only 15,000 miles, despite winter tire use.
The steering is another area of mixed impressions. It’s remarkably fast and direct, contributing to the Model Y’s feeling of agility. The small steering wheel further enhances this sense of nimbleness. However, this quick steering is devoid of feedback, a characteristic that driving purists might find disappointing. While the Model Y can deliver moments of driving pleasure, especially considering its impressive energy efficiency, its sporty aspirations are often curtailed by intrusive safety systems. Any hint of wheelspin or loss of traction triggers the electronic nannies, abruptly cutting power and diminishing the fun.
Ride comfort is where the Model Y truly falters in the car and driver experience. The suspension setup transmits even minor road imperfections directly into the cabin, resulting in a harsh and jarring ride. Despite opting for the smaller 19-inch wheels in an attempt to improve ride quality, the Model Y crashes over bumps with unsettling firmness. This is particularly disappointing because, on smooth surfaces, the cabin is commendably quiet thanks to features like dual-pane acoustic glass. However, the persistent harshness of the ride often overshadows these positive attributes, making long journeys on less-than-perfect roads feel taxing.
Tesla Model Y Winter Performance: Car and Driver Tested in Snow
Tesla Model Y driving in snowy conditions demonstrating winter capability
Winter driving in the Tesla Model Y presented its own set of experiences. The most significant improvement came from installing dedicated studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 EV winter tires. These tires not only provided exceptional grip on snow and ice but also surprisingly enhanced the Model Y’s ride quality due to their softer sidewalls. The improvement was so noticeable that we extended their use well into the spring.
The factory-fitted all-season tires, however, proved to be less than ideal for winter conditions. Their low-rolling-resistance design prioritizes efficiency over grip, making the Model Y feel somewhat precarious in snowy conditions. Despite the common online advice suggesting snow tires are unnecessary for Teslas, our car and driver experience strongly recommends them for anyone living in areas with regular snowfall. A dedicated set of winter tires significantly improves safety and confidence in challenging winter weather.
While the Model Y’s stability control system is competent in managing available traction, it leans heavily towards safety rather than driver engagement. Enthusiasts seeking to explore the car’s handling limits in low-grip situations will find the electronic aids quite restrictive. Even on a frozen lake, attempting to induce even a mild slide was met with immediate power cuts, highlighting the system’s focus on stability above all else. For those craving more playful winter driving dynamics, upgrading to the Performance model, albeit at a higher cost and reduced range, might be necessary.
Tesla Model Y “Full Self Driving”: A Car and Driver Evaluation of the Technology
Tesla Model Y screen displaying "Full Self-Driving" visualization
The “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) capability of the Tesla Model Y remains a controversial and heavily debated feature. From a car and driver perspective focused on driving enjoyment and control, FSD in its current iteration falls short of expectations and raises questions about its value proposition.
Initially, our Model Y, one of the early radar-less versions, suffered from frequent phantom braking incidents. On undivided roads, the car would abruptly brake for oncoming vehicles in the opposite lane, sometimes triggering the ABS. These events were not only alarming but also potentially dangerous, raising concerns about rear-end collisions, concerns that have been echoed in reports and lawsuits. While phantom braking occurrences have decreased over time, questions remain about the system’s overall reliability and safety in real-world scenarios.
Despite improvements, FSD still feels far from “full self-driving.” In our final evaluations, the system exhibited inconsistent behavior. It sometimes failed to prompt driver attention even with prolonged inattentiveness, yet frequently demanded steering wheel input despite hands remaining on the wheel. Highway driving with FSD was a mixed bag. While it maintained speed and lane position adequately, it exhibited questionable lane choices, unnecessary lane changes, and abrupt speed reductions in corners. Overriding FSD often required significant force on the steering wheel, resulting in jerky transitions and a lack of smooth driver takeover.
Comparing Tesla’s FSD to competing systems like Super Cruise, BlueCruise, or Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot reveals a significant gap in refinement, reliability, and overall user experience. These alternative systems generally offer more consistent and confidence-inspiring performance, often at a lower cost. Describing FSD as being in “beta” after years of development and at a substantial price point underscores the ongoing nature of its development and its current limitations as a truly autonomous driving solution.
Tesla Model Y Interior Durability: White Seats and Dog-Friendly Assessment
Tesla Model Y white interior showing seats and dashboard
The Tesla Model Y’s white vinyl interior is a visually striking choice, but its suitability for a car in this price range, particularly from a car and driver perspective accustomed to premium materials, is debatable. Compared to the sophisticated vegan interiors offered by brands like Volvo, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, the Model Y’s white vinyl can feel less luxurious and more reminiscent of older, less refined designs.
However, despite initial reservations about durability, the white interior proved surprisingly resilient. While the driver’s seat did show some denim staining over time, a simple cleaning with mild soap effectively removed the marks. With the use of seat covers in the rear, the interior withstood the rigors of daily use and pet transport remarkably well. Overall, the white interior held up better than anticipated, defying expectations regarding its long-term wear and tear.
Tesla Model Y Range and Efficiency: Real-World Car and Driver Data
Tesla Model Y charging at a Supercharger station
Over 25 months and 15,410 miles, our Tesla Model Y provided valuable real-world data on range and efficiency, crucial metrics for any car and driver evaluating an EV. The car consumed 4,272 kWh, resulting in an average efficiency of 277 Wh/mile, or 3.6 miles per kWh. This figure closely aligns with the EPA’s efficiency estimates, even considering cold-weather driving and the use of snow tires, demonstrating the Model Y’s commendable energy management.
The predicted range displayed by the Tesla system generally proved accurate, and range anxiety was rarely a concern during our ownership. The expansive Supercharger network undoubtedly contributed to this confidence, although idle fees sometimes detracted from the charging experience. One persistent issue was unexplained range loss while parked, particularly during airport parking. Despite disabling Sentry Mode and other energy-consuming features, significant charge depletion occurred on multiple occasions, suggesting a potential drain even in standby mode. Leaving the Model Y plugged in when parked for extended periods appears to be the most reliable solution to mitigate this issue.
Tesla Model Y Reliability and Build Quality: A Car and Driver Long-Term View
Tesla Model Y frunk with leaves inside highlighting potential water ingress issue
In terms of mechanical reliability, our Tesla Model Y experience was remarkably trouble-free. The vehicle did not require any unscheduled service visits during our 25-month ownership. While pre-delivery quality concerns are often associated with Tesla, our Model Y arrived in reasonably good condition, with no major panel misalignment issues.
However, build quality was not without its quirks. The taillights exhibited persistent fogging after rain or washing, and water ingress into the frunk was evident. Finding leaves inside the frunk, a sealed compartment, raised questions about the effectiveness of its weather sealing. While these issues were not major mechanical failures, they point to areas where Tesla’s build quality could be further improved to meet premium car and driver expectations.
Tesla Model Y Cost and Value: Evaluating the Car and Driver Proposition
Tesla Model Y parked in a suburban setting representing car ownership cost
Considering the fluctuating pricing of Tesla vehicles, re-evaluating the Model Y’s cost and value proposition is essential. The as-configured price of our Model Y Long Range in 2021, including options like paint, interior, tow hitch, and FSD, was $67,490. Configuring a comparable Model Y today results in a similar price of $66,880, indicating price stability despite market fluctuations.
However, the competitive landscape has shifted significantly. The base Tesla Model Y is now priced at $50,490, while compelling alternatives like the Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6 offer comparable or even superior driving experiences at potentially lower price points. Furthermore, the emergence of new EVs, including more luxurious options like the Audi Q8 E-Tron and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, challenges the Model Y’s position in the market.
While the Model Y still excels in range, its value proposition becomes less clear-cut when considering factors beyond just range. Ride comfort, FSD limitations, and build quality concerns become more prominent in the car and driver evaluation when weighed against increasingly competitive alternatives.
Conclusion: Tesla Model Y – A Car and Driver Final Verdict After 25 Months
Tesla Model Y in a scenic landscape representing the overall driving experience
Our 25-month journey with the Tesla Model Y has been a complex and multifaceted experience. As car and driver enthusiasts, we appreciate its brisk acceleration, efficient powertrain, and extensive charging network. However, the Model Y’s harsh ride quality, limitations of FSD, and certain aspects of build quality temper our overall enthusiasm.
The evolving brand image of Tesla, increasingly intertwined with its CEO’s public persona, also adds a layer of consideration for potential buyers. While the Model Y remains a strong contender in the electric crossover SUV segment, the growing competition and the availability of compelling alternatives warrant careful consideration.
For those prioritizing range and performance and willing to overlook ride comfort and FSD’s current shortcomings, the Model Y remains a viable option. However, buyers seeking a more refined and luxurious EV experience, or those prioritizing ride quality and advanced driver assistance systems, may find better alternatives in the increasingly diverse electric vehicle market. While the Tesla Model Y possesses undeniable strengths, a significant revamp, particularly addressing ride comfort and FSD, would be necessary for us to consider another Model Y in the future.
