Yahoo Autos Tesla Model Y Review: Electric SUV pioneer finally has company
Pros: 300+ mile range estimates; rapid acceleration; abundant interior space; easy and expansive Supercharger network
Cons: Infotainment system can be distracting; common features not available; stiff ride; iffy build quality; fluctuating prices not great for resale value
The Tesla Model Y is the first good SUV from the pioneering EV maker. Sure, the larger Model X turns in some great numbers in regard to range and performance, but the interior layout lacks the versatility expected of an SUV. And don’t even get us started on the ridiculous falcon-wing doors. By comparison, the Model Y is a lot more traditional, with normal doors and rear seats that fold to give you flexibility between passengers and cargo. On top of that, it benefits from much of what makes the Model 3 so good, since it’s based on that sedan.
Unlike other carmakers, Tesla doesn’t adhere as strictly to model year changes. In the course of a year, a Tesla could gain new features and execute fixes via over-the-air-updates. Prices also fluctuate, as can the availability of certain versions. Tesla’s reputation for build quality and reliability also leaves something to be desired, and the interior’s unusual, touchscreen-reliant controls won’t be for everyone. There are other technology oddities we go into below.
In total, the Model Y remains a strong choice among electric SUVs, especially due to its excellent range and Tesla’s Supercharger network. It is still one of several choices, though, and the competition is growing stronger. The Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and Ford Mustang Mach-E are all excellent alternatives with lower starting prices and more features.
Interior & Technology | Passenger & Cargo Space | Performance & Fuel Economy
What it's like to drive | Pricing & Trim Level | Crash Ratings & Safety Features
What are the Model Y’s interior and in-car technology like?
The Model Y’s interior is striking for its minimal design. The centerpiece is a 15-inch touchscreen that looks more like a tablet mounted horizontally on the dash. Missing are the banks of buttons, switches and knobs found in other cars. The seats and interior panels are upholstered with “vegan” synthetic leather, and shoppers can choose between black or, at additional cost, a white interior. The material has the look and feel of real leather, but it can be stifling on hot days and sadly, cooled or ventilated seats are not offered.
The front seats are somewhat firm and flat, making them prone to some hard contact points on longer road trips, and the same holds true for the second-row seats. There is a wealth of space for both rows, as 6-footers will have more than enough headroom and legroom. The optional third-row seats are notably cramped and really only suitable for small children. Despite its limiting space, it’s still nice having those seats as an option when the carpool needs to expand.
Since the Model Y lacks physical buttons, almost all functions are controlled through the touchscreen. As a result, the number of on-screen menus and settings can be daunting, with a steep learning curve. The screen can also be distracting for the driver since you’d have to take your eyes off the road to use it. There are several voice controls that can remedy many of those problems, though. The steering wheel has only two multifunction dials that control a few features such as mirror positioning, audio and cruise control.
A navigation system is standard equipment, and it’s powered by Google. On one hand, it’s a good thing because the maps and information will be up-to-date. On the other, it means you could have limited access if you’re in an area with limited data coverage. Unfortunately, neither Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto phone integration are available, though there are some aftermarket solutions that could solve that. There is also no wired audio link to your phone, forcing you to channel the audio through a lower-quality Bluetooth connection. There are some available streaming services and games to make up for it. All of the above makes the Model Y atypical among most other cars.
How big is the Model Y?
The Model Y is classified as a small SUV even though its footprint isn’t much bigger than the Model 3, which in turn is about the size of a BMW 3 Series sedan. The Model Y is only about 2 inches longer and 3 inches wider than the Model 3, but the big difference is height. The Model Y stands a full 7 inches taller.
Those larger dimensions translate to a significant gain in interior space. Enough that the Model Y can be optioned with a third row of seats, though they are admittedly intended for very small passengers. The Model Y’s rear hatch also allows for quite a bit more cargo capacity, compared to the Model 3’s trunk.
The Model Y can accommodate up to 30.2 cubic-feet of cargo behind the second-row seats and up to 72.1 cu-ft with those seats folded. If you opt for the third-row seats, those figures drop by 3 or 4 cu-ft, but even those specs are generous for both the compact SUV class and when compared to the growing number of crossover EVs. There’s also an additional 4.1 cu-ft in the frunk (front trunk).
