Tesla Model Y

Tesla’s Newest

Base MSRP: From $48,000
Configurations:

Basic – From $48,000
Long Range – From $52,990
Performance – From $60,990

—

EPA Range: 315 miles of range
Charging Acceptance Rate: 9.6 kWh

Review of the Tesla Model Y

Overview

Performance: Electric vehicle, 75-kWh battery, 450 horsepower
Mileage estimate: 112-118 mpge
—
Price estimate: : $48,000 to $60,990
—
Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain warranty: 8 years / 120,000 miles

The All New 2020 Tesla Model Y

Intro

Borrowing many of the same components from this electric automaker’s popular electric vehicles, the 2020 Tesla Model Y seems destined for some big sales numbers.

However, the Model Y won’t be matching the sales figures of the Tesla Model 3 anytime soon. Heading into early March 2020, Tesla only had time to construct and deliver several thousand Model Ys before it shut down the Fremont (CA) factory due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Much like the Model 3 is scaled back monetarily from the original Tesla Model S, the Model Y is a smaller, more cost-conscious version of the Model X, a midsize sport utility vehicle. Model Y is compact crossover SUV that starts at around $48,000 and is also following the typical Tesla playbook, meaning it has great range and fantastic performance. In comparison, the Model X base price is in the $82,000 range.

The Model Y is a “companion” vehicle based on the Model 3 that has a similar interior design and electric powertrain. They both have the same size battery (75-kWh) and produce similar horsepower and mileage estimates.

Heading into 2020, U.S. sales of the popular Model 3 were more than 300,000 since its debut in late 2017. Sales for 2019 were 158,925. Since Americans love their SUVs, some are predicting the Model Y will overtake the Model 3 in sales once production goes back online.

Features

If technology is your thing, the Model Y will provide plenty of enjoyment. It has a 15.0-inch touchscreen that accesses lots of features, including climate controls, speed, navigation, 14-speaker audio system, internet browser, steering wheel adjustment, and much more. The downside is that practically everything needs to be accessed through the touchscreen, making something minor like activating the heated rear seats a distracting nuisance.

Exterior Style

While Tesla insists on labeling the Model Y as an SUV, it’s really a tall hatchback to the eye of many. It has a long panoramic glass roof and huge side windows. While the design may look cool, the sloping roof creates a small rear window and poor visibility.

Interior Space

The 2020 Model Y seats five people very comfortably. Tesla has already said that next year’s version will be adding two seats in the cargo area, giving Model Y owners an option of seven passengers. Like many third-row occupants in midsize SUVs, the Model Y’s optional seating will no doubt be a location for kids only. Reportedly the cost for the optional seven-seat configuration will be $3,000 added to the total.

Seating is comfortable, especially up front due to the 12-way power adjustable. Head and leg room is solid for all five occupants. The cargo area is 15 cubic feet and extends to 66.0 cubes with the seat down.

In addition to a front trunk that can accommodate a standard carry-on bag, there’s more storage space under the rear cargo floor.

Charging

In keeping with Tesla tradition, range is a major selling point for the Model Y. Both the Long Range and Performance trim models have an estimated range of 316 miles. Tesla says a less-expensive standard Model Y will come out next year with a reduced range between 230-250 miles. Charging time for all Model Ys is 10 hours using a Level 2 charging station with a higher level charging power.

Vehicle Power and Speed

Speed is always much talked about when it comes to Tesla. The Model Y is no exception – it can get there in a hurry. The Long Range trim model does 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds. Living up to its name, the Model Y Performance goes 0-60 mph in a tremendously quick 3.5 seconds. Both versions have 250 horsepower and a top speed of 135 mph.

Performance

Expect superb handling from the Model Y. The steering gives the driver a terrific feel for the road and challenging turns aren’t so scary when driving the Tesla Model Y electric vehicle. While driving this SUV at high speeds on the freeway, it’s comforting to know the safety features are plentiful. The Model Y safety features include blind-spot monitoring, lane centering, lane keeping assist, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and an enhanced adaptive cruise control that works in traffic.

Naturally, the Model Y has some of Tesla’s cool upgrades like Autopilot, automatic parking, traffic light and sign recognition, and assisted driving in the city. Note that these features also add greatly to the sticker price.

Conclusion

From this vantage point, it appears Tesla has done it again, giving the world a compact all-electric SUV that features huge range and performance, is extremely fun to drive, and is technologically sound.

– J.W.