Tesla Model Y
AMPACITY SCORE:
76 /100
The jack-of-all-trades electric SUV.
😍
Class-leading efficiency, in both warm and cold
Genuinely fast, punching far above its weight
Big SUV practicality without feeling like one
😒
Can be a bit bouncy over road imperfections
Far nicer interiors available at this price point
It looks a bit too much like an oversized Model 3
Average Price ($000's)
Range (km)
Looking for a Tesla Model Y?
Styling: 3/5
From a distance, it’s hard to tell the Model Y apart from a Model 3 (a good thing). Up close though, it looks like a Model 3 that has eaten one too many burgers.
Performance: 4/5
With darker lights, bigger wheels, lower ride height and a carbon lip spoiler, the Performance trim’s styling better represents what this SUV is capable of.
Interior: 3/5
The extra space and large panoramic roof makes the minimalistic interior feel quite open and airy. However, the materials aren’t quite up to class standards at this price point.
Comfort: 3/5
While ergonomics are good, the overall ride is quite busy. It tends to bounce over expansion joints. The Performance trim is more controlled, but less forgiving (as expected).
Practicality: 4/5
With a frunk and available third-row seating, the Model Y packs tons of practicality in a relatively small footprint.
Dynamics: 3/5
This is a seriously quick SUV. Acceleration is instant, allowing it to embarrass most sporty SUVs in a straight line. It is let down by mediocre tires and slightly vague handling characteristics.
Performance: 4/5
With a slightly lower centre of gravity, grippier tires, a bit more punch and better suspension tuning, the Performance trim fixes most of the handling flaws. It will give a Macan Turbo a run for its money.
Technology: 4/5
Like all Teslas, it comes with many sensors and cameras working together to avoid collisions. The $11k full self-driving (FSD) add-on is the most comprehensive autonomous driving package, but some features (i.e. automatic parking) are available as standard equipment on similarly-priced SUVs.
Efficiency: 5/5
With figures regularly below 200 Wh/km, Model Y is far more efficient than any other EV of its size. It was the first Tesla with the heat pump and octovalve cooling system, minimizing the effects of having to cool a larger cabin in the winter.
Performance: 4/5
Bigger wheels and tires slightly hamper the peak efficiency.
Value: 4/5
Model Y is the most efficient, jack-of-all-trades electric SUV in its class. Thanks to strong residuals, lease payments are still well below comparable vehicles. But, if you don’t need an SUV and the extra range, save $12k and get a Model 3 SR+.
Performance: 3/5
$84k is eye-watering and you wouldn’t know it costs that much by looking at it. It starts to become compelling if you are cross-shopping X4M/GLC 63/Macan Turbo, etc.
Experience: 5/5
The buying experience is excellent, thanks to very knowledgable Tesla Advisors. Tesla’s Supercharger network is ubiquitous and rarely malfunctioning, avoiding charging hassles experienced by owners of non-Tesla EVs on longer trips.
Smile: 4/5
Model Y provides a similar experience to the Model 3 in a larger package, exhibiting the same cute, quirky and fun characteristics of the original. For better or worse, Teslas tend to turn owners into evangelists, and the Model Y is no exception.
SELECT TRIM:
Michael Stuparyk
Brings simple solutions to market to solve complex problems. Head of BD & Services at ATA. Laurier Golden Hawk.