Built on a fractionally longer wheelbase, the Model Y is marginally longer and wider and significantly 181 mm (4.6 inches) taller than the Model 3 it is based on. All-wheel drive is standard for 2022. The Long Range model has a range of 512 kilometres, with the Perfomance model posting a range of 488 kilometres. Given that some crossover owners use their vehicles for towing, Tesla offers a tow bar package and states that the Y can tow up to 1600 kilograms (3527 lbs.). Standard active safety equipment includes a forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking and a blind spot monitor. AutoPilot, Tesla’s limited self driving system, is standard, with what Tesla defines as a full self driving system. optional.

Other than being taller and likely sharing no panels with the 3, the Y could easily be confused with its sedan showroom mate, even down to its Renault Caravelle tribute frontal styling. Like the outside, the cabin of the Y is essentially the same as that of the 3. There is no dashboard in a conventional sense, just a full width trim panel, the centre of which is dominated by a large, horizontally-arrayed touchscreen. The touchscreen works almost all the features of the car and is a major distraction while driving. With rear seat riders in the Y sit higher than they do on the 3, and, with legs more vertical, comfort is enhanced. The Long Range models offers a third-row seat option. Though the seat is there, legroom is not, so third-row occupants will have to be small, or flexible, or both. Trunk space is quite reasonable for the size of the vehicle. Standard active safety equipment includes a forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking and a blind spot monitor. AutoPilot, Tesla’s limited self driving system, is standard, with a full self driving system offered as an option. Like the 3, initial assembly quality of the Y was disappointing, but like the 3, did improve over time.

Tesla constantly changes its prices and specifications making it hard to anyalyse pricing. The base long-distance model was priced at around $72,000 in mid-January 2023. The faster Performance model costs $6000 more. Among popular options are a tow package at $1300, a third-row seat at $5300, the Autopilot limited self-driving is priced at $7800, with what Tesla refers to as Self Driving costing $19,500. Pearl white and silver colours are offered at no extra chage, with other hues priced from $1300 to $2600. Long delivery delays were typical for Y buyers a year ago but now the Y is available either from stock or after a short wait. Tesla is now the only EV brand that can offer “normal” deliveries, which should help it gain new customers who won’t wait the year it takes to buy most other EV models. The Y is too expensive to qualify for any government rebates for electric cars.

Not rated. Below average long-term reliability is likely.