The first Tesla Model Y rolled off the assembly plant in Fremont, California in January 2020. Less than two years later, it became the best-selling fully electric car in the world! The Model Y is a midsize SUV built on the more affordable Tesla Model 3 platform. The Model Y features a greater ride height, more headroom, and seating for up to 7, unlike the Model 3.
What about the Tesla Model Y enticed 770,000 people to buy in 2022? Let’s dig deep and find out!
Tesla Model Y Price
Pricing for the Tesla Model Y starts at $54,990. New Model Y vehicles do qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit for eligible buyers and there could be additional state credits available as well, depending on your state. The Model Y Performance with enhanced features starts $4,000 higher at $58,990. A third row of seats is available with a $3,000 upgrade.
Tesla Model Y Exterior
The Tesla Model Y doesn’t resemble any other vehicle on the market, but its looks fit right in with its Tesla siblings. One benefit of these similarities is that the average person can’t tell the difference between your $50,000 Model Y and the larger and more expensive, $100,000 Model X.
As mentioned earlier, the Model Y shares many of its components with the Model 3. However, the Model Y sits taller than the Model 3 and offers a hatchback in place of the trunk. Another benefit of the Model Y over the 3 is the ability to tow. The Model Y has a 3,500lb tow capacity and Tesla will even install the hitch for $1,000.
Unfortunately, the Model Y does not include the seemingly magical auto-presenting door handles from the Model S. It’s also missing the push-button automatic doors from the Model X. Sure, this is a bit of a disappointment at first but it’s easy to get over for the more affordable price.
2023 Tesla Model Y Interior
The Tesla Model Y and the Model 3 share the same interior design and the seats are noticeably slimmer than the larger Model S and Model X. One main difference between the Model 3 and Y is that the non-opening panoramic sunroof extends across the entire roof line in the Model Y, whereas the rear window of the Model 3 causes a break in the sunroof in the Model 3.
The Model Y comes standard with heated front and rear seats, wrapped in synthetic leather that is only available in black or white.
The back half of the Model Y is the biggest difference between it and the 3. The back of the Y features reclinable rear seats with a center console. The seats are split 60/40 to allow for larger toys like snowboards and skis. With the rear seats fully descended, the Model Y boasts 72 cubic feet (or about 28 carry-on suitcases) of cargo room.
2023 Tesla Model Y Third Row
While the Model Y comes standard with seating that is comfortable enough for 5 adults, if you need more, for an additional $4,000, you can upgrade to a third row that adds two additional seats. Unfortunately, the third row reminds us of the back seats on a Porsche 911… technically, the seats are there, but with so little leg and headroom, who will fit in them?
In the standard Model Y, the second row doesn’t slide forward, but with the third-row option you can adjust the second row forward to make room for the third row passengers. Keep in mind, it does make the second row uncomfortable for adults.
If you are transporting three or four small children, the 7-seat option may be functional but know that you will likely have to upgrade to the larger Tesla Model X when they hit the teen years.
2023 Tesla Model Y Technology
Minimalist is the best word to describe the dash of the Tesla Model Y. If you have never seen a Model 3 or Y, imagine driving your car with only the steering wheel and an iPad. Think no stereo buttons, climate control dials, or even a switch to turn on the windshield wipers.
The large center-mounted 15” horizontal display provides all of the necessary driver information and controls all the devices (other than the windows). Fortunately, the thoughtful designers made good use of the touchscreen by allowing large easy-to-find features for the driver and the front passenger.
To enter the Model Y drivers must have the encoded wireless key card or they can access through the Tesla APP.
One odd omission from Tesla is that Homelink (the feature that allows you to open and close your garage door) is not included on the Model Y. If you want to avoid fumbling with a garage door opener you can have it “retrofit” installed at your Tesla dealership for an additional $300.
Tesla Model Y Basic Autopilot
Basic Autopilot is a suite of driver assistance features that come standard on all new Teslas. The Basic Autopilot adds functionality to your Tesla and makes driving safer and less stressful. The Basic Autopilot includes:
- Traffic-Aware Cruise Control: To match the speed of your car to that of the surrounding traffic
- Autosteer: To assist in steering within a clearly marked lane and use traffic-aware cruise control
Tesla Model Y Enhanced Autopilot Upgrade [$6,000]
The Enhanced Autopilot upgrade on the Tesla Model Y adds additional sensors to allow the innovative software to navigate the Tesla without the help of the driver. This $6,000 upgrade includes the following abilities:
- Navigate on Autopilot: Similar to Active Cruise Control, the Tesla Model Y can accelerate, decelerate, brake, and steer on highways and open roads.
- Auto Lane Change: Changes lanes to avoid slower-moving traffic.
- Autopark: Hate parallel parking? The Model Y can parallel park itself!
- Summon: Request the car to come to you up to 40 ft away. This feature is ideal for tight parking locations.
- Smart Summon: The latest Autopilot allows the Tesla to find you and come to you even in a crowded parking lot.
Tesla Model Y Full Self-Driving Capability Upgrade [$15,000]
The Full Self-Driving Capability upgrade includes all functionality of the Basic Autopilot and Enhanced Autopilot. In addition, it includes Traffic and Stop Sign Control (currently in Beta) that allows the car to identify stop signs and traffic lights and slows your car to a stop at the right time. In the near future, Tesla hopes to add Autosteer on city streets. All of these features will still require the driver’s supervision.
Tesla Autonomous Driving
Regarding fully autonomous driving, Tesla has the following disclosure on their website:
Full autonomy will be dependent on achieving reliability far in excess of human drivers as demonstrated by billions of miles of experience, as well as regulatory approval, which may take longer in some jurisdictions. As Tesla’s Autopilot, Enhanced Autopilot, and Full Self-Driving capabilities evolve, your car will be continuously upgraded through over-the-air software updates.
2023 Tesla Model Y Drivetrain
Originally the Tesla Model Y was offered in a single-motor rear-wheel-drive (RWD) or a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) configuration. As of 2022, all Model Y’s now come standard with the dual-motor AWD drivetrain in either the Long Range or Performance package.
The AWD Model Y also comes standard with Slip Start and Off-Road Assist. Turning on Slip Start will allow the wheels to spin, making it possible to rock Model Y out of a situation in which the wheels are stuck in heavy snow or mud.
Off-Road Assist helps to improve traction on rough or soft surfaces where one side of the vehicle may lose traction. In addition to allowing the wheels to spin, Off-Road Assist balances the torque between the front and rear motors to optimize traction.
2023 Tesla Model Y Performance
The second best-selling midsize SUV in the nation, Tesla Model Y’s performance is unmatched and far exceeds the performance of the #1 seller, the Toyota RAV4. The Model Y outperforms the more popular RAV4 in nearly every performance category. A 0-60 mph time in under 4.5 seconds, compared to 8.5 seconds for the gas-powered RAV4. The Model Y can also go from 70 mph to 0 in 30 feet less than the RAV4.
In fact, the only category that the Toyota RAV4 outperforms in is range. On a full tank of gas, the RAV4 can travel 420 highway miles, whereas the Tesla Model Y tops out at 330 miles on a full charge. Keep in mind that to achieve the full range you must select the smaller 18” wheel size, as the larger wheel options can reduce range by as much as 30 miles per charge.
New Tesla Model Y Battery Heat-Pump Increases Range
One big upgrade to the 2023 Tesla Model Y and future Teslas is the new integrated heat pump. This upgraded feature pre-heats the battery in cold temperatures to not only increase the lifespan of the battery but to extend the EVs driving range in colder climate areas.
2023 Tesla Model Y Performance Package Upgrade
If you’re looking to own the fastest midsize SUV in your neighborhood then you’ll want to spend the additional cash on the Performance Upgrade. This option increases the top speed from 135mph to 155mph and reduces the Ys 0-60 mph speed by a full second to 3.5 seconds. Let’s see who gets to the soccer field first now… Karen!
The Performance Option also upgrades the wheels to the larger 21” Uberturbine—but this also unfortunately reduces the range by 27 miles. Cosmetic updates include a carbon fiber spoiler, aluminum pedals, and red brake calipers. [Previous Model Ys with the performance upgrade came with upgraded Brembo rear brakes. It was recently discovered by eccentric.com that Tesla downgraded the brakes to standard Model Y Mando brakes with painted calipers, without informing customers.]
2023 Tesla Model Y Safety Features
All Tesla Model Ys come standard with 8 cameras and can be equipped with up to 12 sensors. The Model Y is also equipped with electronically-assisted braking and steering systems that allow the safety systems to steer and brake to avoid collisions.
Tesla Model Y Active Safety Features
The above-mentioned cameras and sensors allow the Model Y to provide the following safety features that are standard on all models.
At EVROOM, driver and pedestrian safety is our #1 concern. We are very pleased to see Tesla include these safety features as standard on all Tesla models.
2023 Tesla Model Y Warranty
The Tesla Model Y is protected by a New Vehicle Limited Warranty, which includes the Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty, the Supplemental Restraint System Limited Warranty, and the Battery and Drive Unit Limited Warranty.
- Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty: The Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty covers your vehicle for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- Supplemental Restraint System Limited Warranty: The Supplemental Restraint System Limited Warranty covers your vehicle for 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- Battery and Drive Unit Limited Warranty: 8 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first, with minimum 70% retention of Battery capacity over the warranty period.
2023 Tesla Model Y Specs
| Long Range | Performance | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $54,990 | $58,990 |
| Battery | ||
| Charge Time @ 9.6kWh | 7.8 hours | 7.8 hours |
| Max Rapid Charge | 250 kW | 250 kW |
| Battery Size | 75 kWh | 75 kWh |
| Battery Heater | Included | Included |
| Charge Port Location | Driver Rear Tail Light | Driver Rear Tail Light |
| Motor | ||
| Motor Size | Undisclosed | Undisclosed |
| Motor Count | 1 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 384 hp | 470 hp |
| Torque | 376 lb-ft | Undisclosed |
| Performance | ||
| Range | 330 miles | 303 miles |
| 0-60 | 4.4 seconds | 3.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 135 mph | 155 mph |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Tow Weight | 3,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| Interior | ||
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Instrument Display | Not Available | Not Available |
| Infotainment Display | 15” | 15” |
| Ambient Lighting | Not Available | Not Available |
| Heated Front Seats | Included | Included |
| Heated Rear Seats | Included | Included |
| Ventilated Front Seats | Not Available | Not Available |
| Massage Seats | Not Available | Not Available |
| Heated Steering Wheel | Included | Included |
| Leather (Real/Synthetic) | Synthetic | Synthetic |
| Sunroof Roof | Included | Included |
| Technology | ||
| Heads-up Display | Not Available | Not Available |
| Active Cruise Control | Included | Included |
| 360 View | Included | Included |
| App | Included | Included |
| Safety Features | ||
| Frontal Collision Avoidance w/ Ped | Included | Included |
| Active Lane Correction | Included | Included |
| Blind-Spot Detection | Included | Included |
| Rear Cross Traffic Avoidance | Included | Included |
| Warranty | ||
| Car | 4 yrs / 50,000 miles | 4 yrs / 50,000 miles |
| Battery | 8 yrs / 100,000 miles | 8 yrs / 100,000 miles |
| 2023 US Tax Credit | ||
| Qualifies? | Yes | Yes |
Bottom Line
The Tesla Model Y is the best-selling fully electric car in the world because it provides unparalleled value. The standard performance, range, and safety features are still unmatched by any other competitor.
The only factor other manufacturers can compete on is price… and that is exactly what they are doing. The real question is: How long can they afford to do that when Tesla is making record profits? I guess we’ll see.
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