As an experienced technology analyst and electric vehicle enthusiast, I get asked often – should I buy a Tesla Model Y? As Tesla‘s lower-priced electric SUV option starting at $65,990, the Model Y is quickly becoming one of the company‘s most popular vehicles. In 2021 alone, over 230,000 units were delivered worldwide.
Overall, the Model Y accounts for about 60% of Tesla‘s total sales – outpacing the flagship Model 3 sedan. And for good reason…
The Model Y – A Leader in the Electric SUV Segment
The electric SUV market is growing rapidly, with most major automakers now offering battery-powered alternatives to their gas-guzzling counterparts. The Model Y brings Tesla‘s innovative technology, performance, safety and driving range to the SUV arena.
So how does the Model Y stack up amongst the increasing EV SUV competition?
With a comfortable, modern interior, seating for up to 7 passengers, responsive handling and up to 330 miles of range, the Tesla Model Y checks off the key boxes buyers look for in an electric SUV.
Let‘s take a deeper look at why you should consider getting behind the (carbon fiber) wheel!
Unrivaled Safety is a Top Priority
Safety should be every vehicle buyer‘s top criteria. This is especially true if you have a family or frequently drive with passengers.
The Tesla Model Y achieved the highest possible safety ratings, receiving 5 out of 5 stars in all crash and rollover tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Additionally, the non-profit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the Model Y with the TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation – its highest safety recognition.
Model Y earns 5-star crash test ratings in all categories evaluated by NHTSA
The reason behind these stellar results? A rigid structure paired with sophisticated active safety features that help prevent accidents in the first place. These include:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind spot monitoring
- Forward collision warning
- Lane departure avoidance
- Adaptive headlights
Tesla‘s Autopilot advanced driver assistance system takes safety a step further by enabling your Model Y to steer, accelerate and brake automatically within its lane under your supervision.
While no vehicle can prevent all accidents, I feel much more confident in the Model Y‘s ability to save lives when the unexpected occurs on the road.
How does the Model Y stack up against other top electric SUVs?
| Electric SUV | NHTSA Overall Rating | IIHS Top Safety Pick+ |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y | ***** | Yes |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | ***** | No |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | ***** | Yes |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | ***** | Yes |
Exhilarating Performance Puts a Smile on Your Face
Beyond just getting you from point A to point B, acceleration and handling performance make driving enjoyable. The Model Y delivers thrill ride levels of acceleration while maintaining composed cornering and control.
Let‘s look at how the performance models measure up:
| Spec | Tesla Model Y Performance | BMW X3 M40i | Audi SQ5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 450 hp | 382 hp | 349 hp |
| 0-60 mph | 3.5 seconds | 4.4 seconds | 5.1 seconds |
| Top Speed | 155 mph | 155 mph | 155 mph |
Data shows the Model Y Performance version outperforms comparable high-end gas-powered luxury SUVs
Plant your foot on the "gas" pedal and the immediate torque propels you from 0 to 60 mph in a supercar-like 3.5 seconds in the Performance model. The straight-line acceleration borders on shocking the first time you try it.
And thanks to a low center of gravity design placing the battery pack along the floor, the Model Y handles winding roads and corners with unexpected dexterity for a larger SUV. The weight distribution also contributes to a perfectly balanced ride quality.
Steering is precise and responsive allowing you to weave through traffic seamlessly. While not designed as an off-road vehicle, the Model Y provides adequate ground clearance to confidently handle unpaved paths to camping sites or mountain trailheads.
In summary – the Model Y provides sports car acceleration mixed with the versatility of an SUV.
Abundant Range to Venture Farther
For many prospective EV buyers, the question always comes back to range. How far can I drive between charging stops? Range anxiety still looms largely in societies accustomed to gas stations on every corner.
Fortunately, with the release of the Model Y Long Range edition, your reach extends greater than ever…
EPA rated ranges show the Long Range Model Y provides over 300 miles per full charge
With an EPA estimated 330 mile range, the Long Range Model Y unlocks the possibility for impromptu road trips and long distance travel.
Tesla‘s vast proprietary Supercharger network plays a massive role as well. Over 35,000 Superchargers worldwide enable relatively quick charging stops when you need to top up the battery on adventures.
The latest generation Superchargers can replenish 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes. That‘s about the time it takes to use the restroom and grab a quick snack!
No more range anxiety holding you back thanks to abundant batteries and convenient fast charging infrastructure.
And if ever stuck with a low charge, Tesla offers a mobile Ranger service to provide a free tow to the nearest Supercharger. Although with proper trip planning, this should rarely be necessary.
Spacious, Comfortable and Loaded with Tech
Stepping into the Model Y’s streamlined interior reveals an airy cabin with seating for 5 to 7 passengers depending on configuration.
The absence of a bulky engine up front creates a "frunk” – a front trunk area providing useful storage space not found in gas-powered cars.
With the rear seats up, you‘ll enjoy 30.2 cubic feet of cargo volume – on par with competitors.
Fold the 2nd row seats down and that expands to a cavernous 76.2 cubic feet – enough room for that drum kit or mountain bike collection you’ve been wanting to haul.
Headroom, legroom and shoulder room are abundant too, so even tall passengers will feel comfortable getting in and out and sitting for long stretches.
But where things really set themselves apart from any other vehicle is the onboard software and displays.
A beautiful, graphics-rich 15” center touchscreen display sits front and center to control nearly everything in the car. With no physical buttons or knobs to adjust climate settings or seats, it forces you to interact directly with the screen – but quickly becomes second nature.
Over-the-air software updates add new functionality constantly. Since owning my Model Y, I’ve seen upgrades that enabled:
- Video streaming from Netflix & YouTube
- Virtual reality video games
- Surround view cameras
- External speaker customization
- Amazon Alexa integration
And much more…
Additionally, an always-on internet connection provides live traffic visualization, satellite view maps, and access to your phone’s apps via Bluetooth. Passengers can connect multiple devices like tablets simultaneously over WiFi.
It’s part SUV but also part smartphone or computer in how it functions – a truly unique experience as the lines blur between cars and tech devices.
Save Money While Helping Save the Planet
Okay, let‘s crunch some numbers…
Factoring in federal tax credits, lower fuel and maintenance costs, plus certain state and municipality perks for EV owners, choosing a Model Y over a comparable gas-powered SUV stands to save you nearly $14,000 over the course of 100,000 miles.
Check out this cost comparison calculator for yourself:
Additionally, many power companies offer special lower electricity rates exclusively for EV owners to recharge at home overnight when overall demand is lower.
I worked it out and fueling my Model Y here in California ends up costing about $900 annually. That’s compared to paying roughly $2,500 per year for an equivalent gas-powered SUV averaging 30 MPG combined city/highway.
And not only are you saving money in the day-to-day costs of ownership, your carbon footprint gets slashed dramatically switching to an all-electric SUV.
Based on my local energy mix including solar, wind, hydroelectric and other renewables, I’m effectively driving on about 95% clean energy in my Model Y.
That eliminates around 4.6 metric tons of CO2 emissions yearly that would otherwise be spewed into the atmosphere by a traditional internal combustion vehicle.
Now multiply that by the nearly 2 million Model Y and Model 3 vehicles Tesla has produced, and you see the larger positive impact it is having on the health of our environment.
Choose the Model Y, and you get to literally drive positive climate action on our planet’s roads every day while saving money in the process – what’s not to love?
The Verdict – A Whole New Way to SUV
In closing, the Tesla Model Y checks off all the right boxes if looking to make the switch to an electric SUV.
A modern design fused with extreme safety, gut-punching performance, abundant range and cutting-edge tech – it promises to transform any preconceived notions you had about SUVs.
All factors weighed, I recommend test driving the Tesla Model Y above any competitor if shopping for an electric SUV in 2023.
Schedule your own Model Y test drive and experience this revolutionary vehicle for yourself! Then share your thoughts with me in the comments below.
Thanks for reading!
