Should you buy one?

If you’re looking for an electric car that takes the hassle out of the charging process or worries about range, the Model Y is tough to beat. With a much longer – and trustworthy – electric range as part of this latest update, the Model Y is easier to own than ever, and especially with Tesla’s superb charging network.

Though overshadowed by many rivals by the way it drives, with the Model Y off the pace for comfort and handling, if you’re not as keen a driver, it certainly deserves your attention. Sure, the Model Y’s starting price is higher than a Model 3’s and you don’t get quite as long a range, but this is made up for by the car’s larger and more practical body that makes it a much better family SUV.

What we like

The straight-line performance is enjoyable, while the extra space afforded by the SUV body means it’s a more practical choice than the Model 3. We like the sheer variety of tech on board, because it’s easy to use once you’re familiar with the way that Tesla does things. Add in the excellent Supercharger network, and the Model Y has a great deal going for it. The impressive real-world range of the new Long Range models giuves it an edge over many rivals, too.

What we don’t like

The car’s ride is overly firm, especially when specced with 20-inch wheels. The fast steering promises something of a sporty drive, but the Model Y can’t quite deliver in this regard, which makes the firm ride all the more irritating. We’d recommend trying a Model 3 and Model Y back-to-back to see whether you need the extra space of the SUV, or you’d prefer the range and improved handling that’s provided by the former.