I drove a Tesla after testing 14 other EVs; now I get why people are so obsessed

• I drove a Tesla for the first time and came away impressed with the much-hyped brand.

• The Model Y's sleek interior, speedy acceleration, and innovative tech features set it apart.

• But its oversized touchscreen and lack of physical buttons isn't for everyone.

Tesla created and dominates the burgeoning market for electric vehicles. But can the company's popular cars withstand a barrage of competitors from titans like Ford, General Motors, and Volkswagen?

That's the big question I sought to answer when I got behind the wheel of a new Tesla Model Y SUV earlier this month. After testing more than a dozen battery-powered rides in the last year — but never one made by Elon Musk — I wondered whether Teslas can live up to the hype or not. Put differently: Are the company's fanatical supporters right, or are its cars nothing special?

I borrowed a friend's Tesla to find out for myself. (The company doesn't offer press loans, so journalists have to get creative.)

First, the basics

The Model Y is Tesla's small SUV and its most popular product. It has a starting price of $65,990 and two motors that provide all-wheel drive. A Performance version that sacrifices some range for added quickness is available for $4,000 extra, but the base model is plenty sporty.

Tesla doesn't have dealerships and instead sells its cars online, direct-to-consumer. Buyers can take delivery at a Tesla location or have their vehicle shipped to their home.

What stands out: Cutting-edge technology, sporty driving, and effortless charging

Slide into a Tesla and you'll find a refreshingly uncluttered interior free of conventional buttons, vents, and gauges. The cabin's sleek design and understated wood trim more evoke an Apple store than an automobile.

This minimalist look is made possible by a large touchscreen that controls practically all important vehicle functions aside from stopping, going, and turning. This command center contains the door locks, A/C settings, speedometer, and navigation system. It's also stuffed with outside-the-box features like games, a digital whoopee cushion, and Netflix, which can help owners pass the time while charging.

The display is super responsive to taps and swipes and features crisp graphics. Plus, Tesla regularly adds new capabilities through software updates, making the Model Y's cockpit a tech nerd's paradise.

There's plenty of room to stretch out in both the front and rear seats thanks to a totally flat floor and tall glass roof. And the Model Y provides tons of cargo space, including a generous trunk up front and an under-floor storage area in back, both of which you won't find in every EV.