2021 Tesla Model Y Review

Name: 2021 Tesla Model Y Review
Brand: Tesla

Price Range: $21,000 - $34,999

Tesla Model Y Performance 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

The 2021 Model Y is a stylish and roomy electric SUV with strong appeal. Of the two versions, we prefer the Long Range. It lacks the crazy acceleration of the Performance but is still pleasingly quick. It's also smoother-riding and a better value. Where the Y clearly lags the rest of the industry is smartphone integration.

See all features & specs

Price & Payment

249 cars

$28,192 avg. price

Min$

Max$

See listings

Appraise My 2021 Tesla Model Y

Tesla Model Y model years

Tesla Model Y for Sale

Tesla Model Y types

SUV
Performance

2021 Tesla Model Y Review

by the Edmunds Experts

6/7/2021

What's new

Introduced, and then discontinued, Standard Range version
Seven-seat configuration now available
Part of the first Model Y generation introduced for 2020

What is the Model Y?

The 2021 Model Y SUV slots below the larger Model X in the company's lineup and shares much with the Model 3 sedan, including a similar design both inside and out.

For 2021, Tesla is expanding the Model Y lineup with a new Standard Range version. It's less expensive than the preexisting Long Range and Performance versions and comes with an estimated 244 miles of maximum range. That's notably less than the 326 miles of the Long Range. It also comes with rear-wheel drive instead of all-wheel drive. But the upside is that Tesla charges about $43,000 for the new Standard Range compared to about $51,000 for the Long Range.

Tesla is also now offering a seven-seat passenger option for the Model Y. The company announced this feature at the Model Y's debut but has not made it available until now. The two-passenger third-row seat can fold flat but reduces cargo capacity compared to the five-passenger Model Y.

Edmunds says

The new Model Y Standard Range makes this electric SUV affordable to a wider range of EV shoppers. Its 244 miles of range is sufficient enough for most people's daily driving and commuting, too. We like the Model Y a lot but also recommend checking out the new competition for 2021: the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4. Our full review on the 2021 Model Y is in the works. In the meantime check out Edmunds' review of the 2020 Tesla Model Y.

2021 Tesla Model Y EV Insights

Trim:

Model Y Standard Range

Estimated Range Based on Age

226 miles

EV batteries lose 1-2% of range per year. Est. range for this car is 226 miles.

Estimated range mapfrom

Charging

NACS

Plug Type

8 hrs

240V Home Charging

EV batteries should be kept at 30-80% charged to extend battery life.

When can I use NACS/Tesla charging stations?

EV Battery Warranty

8 yrs or 100,000 miles

According to GeoTab’s data, if the observed degradation rates are maintained, the vast majority of batteries will outlast the usable life of the vehicle.

Estimated battery warranty remaining is 4 years or 44,000 miles for this car.

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

$4,225

Available Rebates. Restrictions apply.

See All EV incentives

Cost to Drive

$50/mo

Model Y

$174/mo

SUV Avg.

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

Am I Ready for an EV?

EV ownership works best if you can charge at home (240V outlet)
Adding a home charging system is estimated to cost $1,616 in
Edmunds is partnering with Treehouse, an independent provider of home EV installation services. Learn more about the installation services partnership

Need to install a charger at home?

Get a free quote

See All EV Insights

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Year

Make

Model

See pricing history

Tesla Model Y Owner Reviews

3.9

46 reviews

5(56%)

4(10%)

3(12%)

2(9%)

1(13%)

See all 46 reviews Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Buy the Model Y

Dale, 04/19/2021

2021 Tesla Model Y Performance 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD)

Overall we love our Model Y Performance. The "Long Range ... " model identified at the bottom of this review is misstated. The handling and performance are absolutely excellent. It is exhilarating to drive each and every trip. The front seats have copious adjustments and are very comfortable. We have had no returns to the dealer for problems in the 27,000 miles we have owned our … Tesla. People frequently stop and want to chat about our Model Y. Plan to pay full price. Factory fit and finish do not match most other vehicles. There will be a learning curve. Adjusting most car functions on a computer screen is a new experience. Driving it on the mostly flat interstates of the Midwest gives us a comfortable, realistic range of 225 miles - far short of the claimed 303 miles. Use the range metric of about 23 miles (less in cold weather) per 10% of battery energy to plan your recharge points. Around town, hilly or slow-speed driving may give you as much as 30 miles per 10% of battery energy. When reaching the risky limit of about 250 miles, you better be at the charging station. Note that due to regeneration of battery charging on deceleration, driving in stop and go traffic gives better mileage than highway driving. Our Model Y Performance came with "summer tires." That means you really do not want to drive in ice or snow and/or temperatures much below freezing. Trust me. Park it until Spring or change to all season tires. Installing mud flaps and applying the accessory plastic protectors on the front curve of the rear fenders is recommended. I also paid to have a plastic rap professionally installed over the entire front bumper. That flatish nose is an inevitable target for bugs and other road debris. As far as recharging is concerned, everyone always asks if I purchased the factory home charger. No. I just plug the car into a 115v 12amp wall or outside outlet using the factory mobile connector. This connector came with the car when I bought it but is now a $200.00 option. However using a regular outlet recharges the battery very slowly. Specifically, charging from a low battery up to 90% could take all weekend. An alternative with much faster results is using a home 240 volt outlet such as where your electric clothes drier is plugged in. If you live in an apartment or do not have a garage, see below. The next most common question is regarding concern finding recharging stations away from home. We drive our Tesla interstate all the time. There are copious Tesla-installed "Superchargers" nationwide, especially near Interstate Highways. However they still are not as common as gas stations and remaining charge-vigilant is necessary. Note that maintaining your electric vehicle battery at or near full charge is no more necessary than neurotically keeping the fuel tank in your gasoline car full. Should you be unlucky enough to experience a breakdown, such as exhausting the the battery or getting a flat tire (no spare), you will need to contact Tesla Road Assistance for rescue via the car's computer or your mobile phone. This service is available for the four years of factory warranty. I do not know anyone who used this service to speak of its efficacy. For those drivers not experienced with a high-performance vehicle, prudence may suggest reducing power from "sport" to "chill" on the control menu until mastery is achieved. Inexperience in this really fast vehicle can lead to a really bad outcome.

2021 Tesla Y dual motor long range at 25,000 miles

JRS, 02/02/2021

2021 Tesla Model Y Long Range 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD)

Now with 25,000 miles and through a New England winter in this vehicle. Pros: Great driving, tight on the road, excellent handling, fit and finish holding up no rattles, 300 plus miles range, superb in snow (using snow tires). Service has been excellent. A mobile unit showed up to replace a filter in the HVAC system due to a smell. The problem was resolved. Cons: The touch screen for …

Best car I have ever owned

electrolux, 03/30/2021

2021 Tesla Model Y Long Range 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD)

I have owned lots of different makes of vehicles. The technology and drive experience in the Model Y is second to none. The seats are the most comfortable seats I have ever sat in. I have only been getting about 280 miles of range in my normal driving but superchargers are plentiful and reliable.

Notions improvements.

Jim , 02/09/2021

2021 Tesla Model Y Long Range 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD)

My first Tesla was early production 2018 Model 3. My newest Tesla is a 2021 Model Y. People compare to ride quality of Mercedes. Okay fine, maybe doesn’t float like a Benz but I’ll take that over endless costly engine troubles with both a M and C class I owned. I’ve gone across the country in my 3 from NYC-CO and had 0 issues. I agree with some service comments. Tesla can improve its …

See all 46 reviews of the Tesla Model Y

Write a vehicle review

2021 Tesla Model Y video

Electric SUV Comparison: Tesla Model Y vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E vs. VW ID.4 | Pricing, Range & More

With the rise in popularity of electric vehicles, it's safe to say that 2021 is the year of the EV. But with so many manufacturers jumping into the EV game, it's getting harder to know which EV is the best choice for your lifestyle. In this video, Carlos Lago from Edmunds runs down a trio of top-rated electric SUVs: the Tesla Model Y, the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the…

2021 Model Y Highlights

Type:

SUV

Trim:

Standard Range

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$39,990
EV Tax Credits & Rebates	$4,225 Based on income
Engine Type	Electric
EPA Electric Range	244 miles
Cost to Drive	$50/month
Total Charging Time (240V)	8.0 hours
Seating	5 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles
EV Battery Warranty	8 years / 100,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Model Y models:

Automatic Emergency Braking: Warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if the driver doesn't respond in time.
Active Cruise Control: Maintains a set gap between you and the car you're following. It comes to a complete stop and resumes following too.
Lane Keeping Assist: Warns if you are drifting out of your lane and will nudge the steering to get you back in line.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover5 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover7.9%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

People who viewed this also viewed

Tesla Model 3
3.4 average Rating out of 9 reviews.
Starting at $42,490

See Tesla Model 3 Inventory

Tesla Model X
Starting at $84,990

See Tesla Model X Inventory

Tesla Model S
Starting at $79,990

See Tesla Model S Inventory

2021 Tesla Model Y Review

Price & Payment

2021 Tesla Model Y Review

What's new

What is the Model Y?

Edmunds says

2021 Tesla Model Y EV Insights

Estimated Range Based on Age

Charging

EV Battery Warranty

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

Cost to Drive

Am I Ready for an EV?

Tesla Model Y Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Trending topics

Buy the Model Y

2021 Tesla Y dual motor long range at 25,000 miles

Best car I have ever owned

Notions improvements.

2021 Tesla Model Y video

Electric SUV Comparison: Tesla Model Y vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E vs. VW ID.4 | Pricing, Range & More

2021 Model Y Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2021 Tesla Model Y info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Tesla

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds