2024 Tesla Model Y

Name: 2024 Tesla Model Y Review
Brand: Tesla

Release Date: Early 2024

Estimated Price: Starting around $55,000

great

8.1/10

edmunds TESTED

The 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. A lack of easy smartphone integration and the lackluster interior materials are the Y's biggest drawbacks.

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2024 Tesla Model Y Review

byAlex Nishimoto^{Correspondent
Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007. He was a staff writer for MotorTrend for 10 years and since then has contributed to CNET, PRI, AutoWise and other publications.},

rating written byJonathan Elfalan^{Director, Vehicle Testing
Jonathan Elfalan has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. As a director of vehicle testing at Edmunds, Jonathan has tested and reviewed thousands of cars and written thousands of car-related articles over the course of his career. Jonathan got his start testing cars for Road & Track magazine as a newly minted mechanical engineer grad from University of California, Irvine, and has also contributed to Motor Trend and the Associated Press. He likes to say he learned to drive a manual transmission in a rear-wheel-drive mid-engine vehicle but often omits it was his family's 1991 Toyota Previa minivan.}

Pros

Plenty of range
Stunning acceleration, especially from the Performance model
Convenient Supercharger network for long-distance driving
Roomy seating and cargo space

Cons

Touchscreen interface can lead to driver distraction
No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone integration
Less expensive base model isn't offered

What's new

Possible interior and exterior updates
Part of the first Model Y generation introduced for 2020

Overview

The 2024 Model Y is Tesla's compact crossover SUV. It was one of the first fully electric compact crossovers to hit the market, and it is essentially the standard by which all other entrants in the segment are judged, and for good reason. It's spacious and relatively comfortable, it comes with plenty of range and power, and it's packed with plenty of technology features that most Tesla owners love.

Though the Model Y is the current benchmark in its class, competitors from legacy automakers are quickly catching up. It's for this reason that Tesla could very well be planning to update the Model Y for the 2024 model year. It's all just rumor at this point, but updated styling (both inside and out) and new or revised features seem the most likely to us. However, know that Tesla doesn't adhere to strict calendar years for releasing updates. Any update, if it comes, could just as easily happen for 2023.

The updates will likely help secure the Tesla Model Y's dominant sales lead, but savvy EV shoppers should still look closely at the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai Ioniq 5 as well as new entries such as the Chevrolet Blazer EV. Check out our Expert Rating below for our test team's full report on the Model Y's real world range, utility and more.

What's it like to live with?

Our test team lived with the Model Y and put it through its paces over thousands of miles and months of real-world use. Check out our long-term Tesla Model Y test page for all the details on how it held up over the duration of our test, how reliable it was, and what it's like to live with.

Am I Ready for an EV?

EV ownership works best if you can charge (240V) at home or at work ^{This typically means a 240V home installation, but you could also have a similar setup at your office or other places your car is already parked for several hours each day. Don't expect a regular household outlet (120V) to suffice unless you've got a plug-in hybrid, in which case overnight charging at home is feasible.}

If you can’t charge at home, charging at a charging station could take at least 10x longer than at a gas station ^{With public charging infrastructure still in its infancy, the user experience can be maddeningly inconsistent. Tesla owners tend to rave about the reliability and speed of the company's proprietary Supercharger stations, but rival DC fast options have thus far been plagued by technical issues and overcrowding. It's an evolving landscape and our best advice is to do your research on the available options for the EV you want to buy.}

Adding a 240V home charging system could cost up to $1,000 or more ^{If your existing electrical service can handle the additional demands of EV charging, you may be able to add Level 2 charging at home for less than a grand, including installation. But your costs will multiply if you need to upgrade your electrical panel or add a dedicated circuit.}

Learn more about EV charging

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Great

8.1

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

8.5/10

How does the Model Y drive? Acceleration isn't a weak point. During Edmunds' testing, the Model Y Long Range needed just 4.8 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill. And despite being equipped with all-season tires, which are typically designed more for wear resistance than road grip, our test vehicle managed a very impressive stopping distance from 60 mph of just 112 feet. Both of those numbers are better than we expected and impressive for the EV segment.

Steering and handling are also laudable despite the Model Y's heavy weight. The steering feels light and is quick to respond to inputs, giving you a sense of control and connection through a corner. There's minimal body roll too, especially for an SUV. In-town drivability is excellent. Seasoned EV drivers will appreciate the adjustable regenerative braking that allows you to drive nearly exclusively using just the right pedal.

Comfort

8.0/10

How comfortable is the Model Y? The Model Y's cabin provides good comfort in some areas and disappoints in others. The seats are well padded and provide ample support and the seat heaters warm quickly. But the synthetic leather upholstery doesn't breathe particularly well and can feel stifling in hot weather. The climate control, like everything else, is touchscreen-operated. It can cool and heat the cabin well, but it has to work extra hard if the sun is out and beaming through the Y's expansive glass roof. You can remotely precondition the cabin before you get in, which is convenient.

The Long Range model is a huge step up in ride quality over the Performance model. The ride of the Long Range is much more livable (especially on the 18-inch wheels), though we still wouldn't call it plush. Smaller bumps and cracks tend to make their way into the cabin. That said, the Model Y does a commendable job of filtering out wind and ambient noise, creating a pretty serene cabin experience.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? The Model Y's cabin is spacious, with lots of headroom and legroom for all occupants. Getting in and out is easy thanks to the wide-opening doors, tall roof and low step-over height. The Model Y's available third-row seat is cramped but does add seven-passenger capability should you need it in a pinch.

Alas, the large touchscreen, while it looks cool and modern, is the Y's single gateway to controlling nearly everything. There's a learning curve to using the controls, and the system is generally distracting to use while driving. Another issue: If the touchscreen flakes out, you lose the majority of access to the Model Y's controls.

Forward visibility is impressive thanks to the tall and wide windshield and short hood. There's only a bit of obstruction from the large front windshield pillars when you're making turns. Rear visibility, however, is like what you get in a sport coupe. The slim rear window and high rear beltline greatly restrict what you can see out of the back.

Technology

7.5/10

How’s the tech? There are significant pros and cons when it comes to the Model Y's technology features. The big center screen is easy to see and has crisp-looking graphics. The navigation system, which is Google-based, is also clear and easy to read. But the system can be slow to update in spotty service areas, leaving you temporarily mapless. The sound quality from the 14-speaker audio system is immersive.

The biggest downside is the lack of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone integration. Bluetooth is the only way to connect your phone, and it's a poor substitute compared with the more feature-packed capability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Model Y's advanced driver aids perform great in stop-and-go traffic, but they have proved slightly annoying at highway speeds or along roads with parked cars. We've experienced a number of false alarms with the system riding too close to another car on the highway or mistaking a parked vehicle on the shoulder for a stopped vehicle in our lane, making for a rude awakening for the car behind us. Few competitor vehicle systems share these issues.

On the upside, you'll have access to an internet browser that allows you to do stuff like watch Netflix or scroll through YouTube videos — while parked, of course, and provided you're up-to-date on your Tesla data plan. One of the greatest innovations from Tesla is constant over-the-air updates that can add features and system optimizations.

Storage

8.0/10

How’s the storage? The Model Y's cargo space is massive. Tesla cites 68 cubic feet of maximum capacity, though it's unclear whether that number includes the front trunk. The rear seats don't fold entirely flat, but there's a wide opening and an easy load-in height. The removable cargo floor provides even more rear storage underneath. The center console has a sliding bin cover and sueded smartphone charging spaces.

Child safety seat accommodation is average for an SUV of this size. There's sufficient space for even the largest of child seats. The lower car seat anchors, however, have small access points and are hard to loop through. The top tether points are on the lower side of the rear seats and can be hard to reach.

Range and Efficiency

8.0/10

How are the range and efficiency? [Editor's note: The following relates to the 2021 Model Y Long Range, which is what we most recently tested. EPA range and efficiency estimates have changed slightly since then, but our general takeaways still apply.] The EPA estimates the Model Y Long Range has a maximum range of 326 miles and uses 27 kWh of electricity for every 100 miles of driving, making it the next most efficient luxury EV behind the Tesla Model 3. Both are very impressive for an electric SUV.

In Edmunds' real-world testing of the 2021 Model Y Long Range, we observed a total range of 317 miles at a consumption rate of 26.2 kWh/100 miles running in the max-range battery mode, which charges the battery to full capacity. This mode is not recommended for daily use and should be reserved for longer trips. While the Model Y didn't quite match its range estimate in our test, its 300-plus-mile range is more than sufficient for most people as long as you're driving conservatively.

One big advantage to the Model Y is access to Tesla's proprietary Supercharger network. It provides trustworthy and reasonably priced recharging that comes in handy when you need a bunch of range quickly (such as on road trips).

Value

8.0/10

Is the Model Y a good value? The Model Y Long Range model is less expensive than the Performance but still well into luxury SUV pricing territory. Is it worth it? The appeal of the Model Y depends on what you value. If it's speed and space for its size, the Model Y is a relative bargain compared to other luxury electric SUVs. But if interior design and comfort features are priorities, the Model Y is slightly disappointing.

In terms of warranties, the Y's is a bit below average for a luxury SUV but comparable to coverage for a luxury EV. You get four years/50,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and roadside assistance. Tesla covers the battery for eight years/120,000 miles and guarantees 70% retention of the battery life over that period.

Wildcard

9.0/10

The Model Y Long Range may lack the theatrics of the Performance model, but it's properly quick and provides a similar level of fun behind the wheel. Pair that with a better ride quality and we think the Long Range is the preferred model of the two. It checks off the "fun-to-drive" boxes with fewer compromises to comfort. The Y's sleek stance also makes it good to look at, and you can still get the big wheels to give it some Performance model flair.

Which Model Y does Edmunds recommend?

We suggest going with the Long Range model since it offers plenty of battery range and more than enough performance for most. It will also save you a few thousand over the Model Y Performance, which is a blast to drive but has a stiffer ride and less range.

Tesla Model Y models

[Editor's note: The following unofficial information is based on last year's Model Y. We expect the 2024 model will have a similar lineup and we'll update this section once we have complete information.] The Tesla Model Y is a fully electric small crossover SUV with seating for five passengers. An optional third row increases seating capacity to seven. It comes in two main trims: Long Range and Performance. There's also an unadvertised base-model standard-range Model Y that Tesla seems to be building in small numbers and adding to its inventory. It's similarly equipped to the Long Range trim but has slightly less range (279 miles) in exchange for a lower price. Keep reading for our breakdown of the Model Y's features and options.

Long Range
This trim is optimized for maximum driving distance and comes with:

330 miles of range
Dual motors and all-wheel drive
Tesla-quoted 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds
19-inch wheels
Panoramic glass roof
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Synthetic leather upholstery
Power-adjustable front seats
Heated front and rear seats
15-inch central touchscreen
Streaming services (navigation and entertainment; subscription required)
Wireless device charger
14-speaker sound system

This safety equipment comes standard on every Model Y:

Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Model Y and the car in front)
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane keeping assistance (steers the Model Y back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Tesla Autopilot (combines adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance for hands-on low-level automated driving)
Blind-spot warning (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)

Performance
This sportier version offers:

303 miles of range
Tesla-quoted 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds
21-inch wheels
Lowered suspension
Aluminum alloy pedals

Main options for the Tesla Model Y include:

Third row of seats increases capacity for up to seven passengers
Tow hitch (adds a Class II tow hitch for lightweight trailers up to 3,500 pounds)
Enhanced Autopilot (upgrades Autopilot with navigation-following and automatic lane changes, a semi-automated parking system and Smart Summon, which will drive the vehicle to your chosen location)
Full Self-Driving Capability (Tesla promises this feature will support fully automated driving, but so far the rollout of the Model Y's self-driving capability has been problematic and its future remains uncertain.)

2024 Tesla Model Y videos

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2024 Tesla Model Y

2024 Tesla Model Y Review

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