Overview

The Tesla Model Y isn’t just the most popular electric car, but in 2023 was also the world’s best-selling car overall, and coming in second behind the Toyota Corolla in 2024. If you want an EV, it’s become one of the default choices. It’s the fourth car from the firm and is mechanically similar to the Tesla Model 3. The major difference between them is that the Y’s SUV body delivers more interior and boot space, making it a far more useable choice. 

Tesla continues to improve the Model Y – a recent boost being the introduction of a new Long Range Rear Wheel Drive model. This replaces the previous RWD car and boasts a significantly improved range of 373 miles, along with a more powerful electric motor. This has been further improved to 383 miles for the Model Y’s 2025 facelift, detailed in a separate news story.

There are still stocks of the outgoing models, so you can choose between grabbing one of these with little delay or waiting for the upgraded model. In outgoing form, the Model Y Long Range RWD sits alongside pre-existing Long Range AWD and Performance models, which can’t travel as far on a charge but are much quicker – the latter able to sprint to 62mph in just 3.5 seconds.

It’s very competitively priced next to other electric SUV rivals, including the Audi Q4 E-Tron and Mercedes-Benz EQA. Both of these cost more but can’t travel as far on a charge, and aren’t as quick either.  Other competitors include the BMW iX1 – and more coupe-like iX2 – while you could also consider a Kia EV6 or Ford Mustang Mach-E if you’re not as fussed about a premium badge on the bonnet.

Regardless of which Model Y you go for, performance and range aren’t an issue, but we’ve been left disappointed by the way it drives, especially its steering and ride quality.

What sets the Model Y apart from its rivals is access to Tesla’s brilliant Supercharger network, with the firm having more than 1,200 dedicated EV chargers across the UK, and being the only automotive manufacturer to have such a network. 

Over the next few pages we’ll be thoroughly reviewing all aspects of the Tesla Model Y and rating them in our verdict. Our scores will take into account the driving experience, how pleasant the interior is, the practicality on offer, what it’ll cost you to run and how far it will really go on a charge.

We put every car we get our hands on through a rigorous testing process. If you’ve like to find out how we reached our verdict, head over to our how we test cars page for everything you need to know.