TeslaModel Y
Tesla's practical, efficient crossover, easy to live with every day.
BEV · All-ElectricIIHS AwardUpdated Jul 2026
Photo via Google Images
Verdict · July 2026
The Tesla Model Y is the best-selling electric crossover in the world, and it earns that spot through everyday usefulness as much as technology. The hatchback body, flat load floor, and large front trunk make it genuinely practical, not just quick to charge.
Efficiency and software are where it stands out most. Range and real-world efficiency lead its class, the Supercharger network makes road trips easy, and software updates keep adding useful features long after purchase. The recent refresh sharpens the exterior, retunes the suspension, and brings noticeably nicer interior materials than earlier cars. Simple controls and one-pedal driving make it an easy first electric vehicle for anyone coming from a gas SUV.
The honest downsides: interior materials and build quality still trail traditional automakers, especially on earlier cars, and used values can swing more than competitors. Some drivers take time to adjust to the single center screen replacing a traditional gauge cluster, and the advanced driver assistance system should be treated as just that, not full self driving.
For most buyers, the Long Range all-wheel drive version offers the best mix of range, performance, and value, and a 2022 or 2023 used example is a smart middle ground on price. It is not the most refined crossover in its class, but it remains one of the easiest to recommend.
Efficiency and software are where it stands out most. Range and real-world efficiency lead its class, the Supercharger network makes road trips easy, and software updates keep adding useful features long after purchase. The recent refresh sharpens the exterior, retunes the suspension, and brings noticeably nicer interior materials than earlier cars. Simple controls and one-pedal driving make it an easy first electric vehicle for anyone coming from a gas SUV.
The honest downsides: interior materials and build quality still trail traditional automakers, especially on earlier cars, and used values can swing more than competitors. Some drivers take time to adjust to the single center screen replacing a traditional gauge cluster, and the advanced driver assistance system should be treated as just that, not full self driving.
For most buyers, the Long Range all-wheel drive version offers the best mix of range, performance, and value, and a 2022 or 2023 used example is a smart middle ground on price. It is not the most refined crossover in its class, but it remains one of the easiest to recommend.
90.0
Tech / Software
85.0
Range & Efficiency
74.0
Build Quality
82.0
Value for Money
86.0
Daily Usability
85.0
Overall
Ben Wachtel
Senior Editor, Cars Unpacked · July 2026New & Used
Buying
Model Y (RWD)
- Price level (vs siblings)Low
- Vs competing carsBelow Average
- Range260 mi (418 km)
- 0–60 mph5.6s
- 0–100 km/h5.9s
MOST POPULAR
Model Y Long Range AWD
- Price level (vs siblings)Medium
- Vs competing carsAverage
- Range320 mi (515 km)
- 0–60 mph4.8s
- 0–100 km/h5.1s
Model Y Performance
- Price level (vs siblings)High
- Vs competing carsAbove Average
- Range279 mi (449 km)
- 0–60 mph3.5s
- 0–100 km/h3.7s
Ownership Costs
Electricity
Low
Maintenance
Low
Depreciation
High
Insurance
Medium
Safety, Reliability & Efficiency
Verified Jul 2026Ratings
Press, YouTube & Community
Curated SourcesReviews
Edmunds
Publication · Edmunds expert review, 2026 Model Y
★★★★½
Edmunds' expert testers rated the current Model Y highly for range and everyday usability, and consumer reviewers land around 4 out of 5 stars across dozens of owner reviews.
RecommendedMotorTrend
Publication · Two-year long-term test wrap-up
MotorTrend's two-year long-term test soured on the Model Y, citing an unreliable phone-as-key feature, the car occasionally forgetting to lock itself, and door handles they never grew to like.
Long-Term LetdownJ.D. Power
Publication · 2026 EV Ownership Satisfaction Study
★★★★
J.D. Power's latest EV ownership study ranks the Model Y second in the premium battery-electric segment, with owner satisfaction well above the segment average, though its predicted reliability score lands only in the 'Average' band.
High Owner SatisfactionDoug DeMuro
Expert · Full walkaround review, Doug Score 68/100
Doug DeMuro rated the Model Y highly for outright usability, praising its extra practicality over the Model 3 with only minor complaints about ride quality and price.
Doug Score: 68/100YouTube Reviews
Doug DeMuro · · 2026
NEW 2026 Tesla Model Y - Full Walkaround Review, Interior & Exterior
A full interior and exterior walkaround of the refreshed 2026 Model Y, covering what changed inside and out.
MKBHD · · 2023
Tesla Model Y: The Market-Shaking Vehicle - MKBHD Review!
Marques Brownlee's review of the Model Y, focused on everyday usability, the tech experience, and how it stacks up against competitors.
Out of Spec Reviews · · 2025
NEW Tesla Model Y detailed review (inc 0-100 & braking)
Kyle Conner's hour-long, detail-by-detail review of the refreshed Model Y, covering every change from the previous generation.
Known Problems & Fixes
Forum + NHTSA DataCommon Issues
Forum Sentiment Pulse
NHTSA complaints / Tesla Motors Club
Phantom braking under Autopilot
Owners reported sudden, unexplained braking at highway speeds while Autopilot was active, enough that NHTSA opened a formal investigation covering hundreds of thousands of cars. Some forum members argue part of it gets confused with an intentional safety behavior rather than a true malfunction.
20% Positive50% Negative
Reddit / Blind
One-pedal driving adjustment
New owners often find one-pedal driving tiring for the first few weeks, but most who stick with it say they come around within a month and then dislike going back to a regular gas-and-brake setup.
65% Positive15% Negative
Consumer Reports owner surveys
Build quality and panel fit
Owners most commonly flag electrical accessory glitches, wind noise from seals, and doors or the tailgate needing adjustment after delivery, though these reports have dropped noticeably on the newer, refreshed cars compared to the 2020 launch year.
45% Positive30% Negative
By Trim Level
Specs & Features
| Feature | Model Y (RWD) | Model Y Long Range AWD | Model Y Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Range (EPA) | 260 mi (418 km) | 320 mi (515 km) | 279 mi (449 km) |
| 0–60 mph | 5.6s | 4.8s | 3.5s |
| 0–100 km/h | 5.9s | 5.1s | 3.7s |
| Horsepower | 295 hp (220 kW / 299 PS) | 384 hp (286 kW / 389 PS) | 456 hp (340 kW / 462 PS) |
| Top Speed | 135 mph (217 km/h) | 135 mph (217 km/h) | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
| AWD | ✘ RWD only | ✘ RWD only | ✘ RWD only |
| Supercharging | — | — | — |
| Single motor rear-wheel drive | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| 260-mile EPA estimated range | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| 15-inch center touchscreen with streaming and gaming | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Autopilot standard | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Vegan, leather-free interior | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Over-the-air software updates | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Dual motor all-wheel drive | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Up to 320-mile EPA estimated range | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
Stats, Drag Races & Fun
Performance
Model Y (RWD) 2024 Model Year
5.6s
0–60 mph
0–100 km/h: 5.9s
295hp
Horsepower
220 kW / 299 PS
330lb-ft
Torque
447 Nm
135mph
Top Speed
217 km/h
Model Y Long Range AWD 2024 Model Year
4.8s
0–60 mph
0–100 km/h: 5.1s
384hp
Horsepower
286 kW / 389 PS
376lb-ft
Torque
510 Nm
135mph
Top Speed
217 km/h
Model Y Performance 2024 Model Year
3.5s
0–60 mph
0–100 km/h: 3.7s
456hp
Horsepower
340 kW / 462 PS
497lb-ft
Torque
674 Nm
155mph
Top Speed
249 km/h
Races
Model Y Performance vs Lamborghini Urus (0-60 mph) · Model Y Performance (dual motor)
Lamborghini Urus WINS
Model Y
3.7s
Lamborghini Urus
3.3s
Model History & Which to Buy
Generations
Photo via Google Images
2025-Now
Second Generation: Juniper Refresh
Pros
- Full-width light bar styling with a more aerodynamic body (0.22 drag coefficient), adding real range
- Ventilated front seats, redesigned dash materials, and real ambient lighting
- 8-inch rear passenger touchscreen for climate and entertainment
- Noticeably quieter cabin with a more compliant, less harsh suspension
- Nine airbags including a new far-side driver airbag, plus an added forward-facing camera
Cons
- Efficiency-focused tires cut top speed to 125 mph, down from 155 mph on the outgoing car
- Standalone fog lights removed; the new front fascia is a styling departure that won't suit everyone
- Price increase over comparable pre-refresh trims
- New front bumper camera (with a built-in sprayer) is another component that can get dirty or damaged
Know Before You Buy2025-2026 (Juniper refresh)
The Juniper refresh brought a new front end, retuned suspension, more sound deadening, and upgraded interior materials, so it drives and feels noticeably different from pre-refresh cars.
Photo via Google Images
2020-2024
First Generation
Pros
- Strong efficiency and range for the class
- Rapid acceleration across all trims
- Extensive Supercharger network access
- Frequent over-the-air feature updates
Cons
- Inconsistent panel gaps and paint quality reported on early units
- Firm ride quality, especially on Performance trim
- Minimalist interior lacks physical buttons
- Phantom braking reported by some owners
Best Used Value2022-2023
A reasonable mix of price and remaining battery warranty, with most early launch-year quality issues already resolved.
Avoid If Budget-Conscious2020
The riskiest used model year, with the highest recall count and the most launch-related quality complaints of any Model Y year.
Watch For2022 onward
Tesla changed the onboard computer and suspension tuning mid-cycle, so two Model Ys bought just months apart can have different hardware and slightly different ride characteristics.
Who Is It For?
Suitability
Family Use
88
Spacious cargo area and top safety ratings suit growing families well
Daily Commuting
92
Low running costs and instant torque make it ideal for everyday driving
Road Trips
84
Extensive Supercharger network supports longer journeys with minimal downtime
Tech Enthusiasts
93
Frequent OTA updates and a tech-forward cabin appeal to gadget lovers
First-Time EV Owners
87
Simple one-pedal driving and intuitive controls ease the EV transition
Where & Why People Buy
Market IntelligenceGlobal Stats
Top Markets
🇨🇳
China
Model Y sales surged over 39% year over year in May 2026 and it topped the country's NEV sales charts.
🇺🇸
United States
Still Tesla's largest single market by volume even after a year-over-year sales dip in 2026.
🇪🇺
Europe
Deliveries surged over 130% year over year in 2026 as new incentives and the refreshed model landed.
🇰🇷
South Korea
Deliveries jumped well over 250% year to date in 2026, one of Tesla's fastest-growing markets.
🇦🇺
Australia
The Model Y became the first EV to top the country's overall new-vehicle sales chart, not just the EV segment.
Who's Buying
Suburban Family Upgrader
Households replacing a gas SUV with one that has more cargo room and lower running costs, drawn by the hatchback layout and rear seat space.
Value-Conscious Commuter
Buyers cross-shopping mainstream compact SUVs who get won over by lower fuel and maintenance costs over a multi-year loan.
Tech-Forward Early Adopter
Buyers most interested in the touchscreen-driven interface, over-the-air updates, and Autopilot/FSD features.
Used-EV First-Timer
Buyers new to EVs shopping the used market, usually targeting a 2022-2023 model year for the best mix of price and remaining battery warranty.