Overview

The Tesla Model Y is the fourth mass-production model from the electric car maker. It’s a roomy family-sized SUV that’s mechanically similar to the Tesla Model 3, with the major difference between them being that the Y’s SUV body delivers more interior and boot space.

It’s won Best Company Car in the Parkers New Car Awards 2024 goes up against cars such as the futuristic Kia EV6, reassuringly Bavarian BMW iX1, sporty Ford Mustang Mach-E and curtain-twitching-tastic Audi Q4 E-Tron. Tesla’s electric cars are a leading light in the electric car universe and stand out from the crowd with a pared back design language and rapid and efficient Supercharger network, which makes a Tesla simpler and faster to charge than most of its rival EVs.

Tesla quotes a range of up to 331 miles for the Model Y, and while that’s about 40 miles short of the Model 3 in the same spec, the trade-off is the extra space inside. You also pay a premium for the SUV, although if you’re buying on finance then the difference in your monthly costs won’t be extreme.

On the road, the Model Y has the performance we’ve come to expect from a Tesla, so it’s fast in a straight line, although the car’s taller body means it’s not quite as composed as the Model 3 in corners. We also found that large wheels do harm the car’s ride, and it’s on the firm side when compared with some rivals.

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.