The Model Y is essentially an SUV version of the Model 3, sharing key underpinnings, equipment, and features. We found it quick, agile, and roomy, but it’s plagued with the same distracting controls and nearly as stiff of a ride as the Model 3.
Pressing on the Model Y’s accelerator pedal gives immediate and smooth forward thrust. There’s no delay or hesitation off the line—just a silent and thrilling burst of power, darting from 0-60 mph in a scant 4.7 seconds. The Long Range AWD model we tested has an EPA-rated 326-mile driving range, and takes 10 hours to replenish the battery on a 240-volt connector.
The Model Y handles like a sports car, too, with quick steering and taut suspension that allow it to dive into corners with enthusiasm. However, the ride is too stiff and choppy. Bumps and ruts hit hard, making passengers feel like every road imperfection is transmitted directly into the cabin.
The front seats are comfortable and supportive, even for the long haul. It’s nice to have four-way lumbar support adjustment and, thankfully, adjusting the seats is performed with conventional controls on the side of the seat, rather than having to wade into the touch screen. The rear seat has lots of headroom, is well-shaped, and gives decent leg support. This is the one clear area where the Model Y is significantly better than the 3.
Like the Model 3, the Model Y’s cabin is clean and uncluttered. This minimalist look is most prevalent when the driver looks straight ahead, because there aren’t any gauges whatsoever in front of the driver. Instead, nearly every car function is accessed through the 15-inch touch screen on the center of the dashboard. Yes, this huge screen looks cool and futuristic, but it adds unnecessary distractions to the act of driving. Not only does the driver need to look over at the screen to see the digital speedometer, but even basic functions like adjusting the side mirrors, the power steering wheel, or changing the airflow of the dashboard vents require screen interaction. Compounding the problem is that the on-screen text is small, so even trying to look at the time or the outside temperature requires some eyes-away-from-the-road scrutiny. Also, neither Android Auto nor Apple CarPlay are compatible.
In other ways, the Model Y’s infotainment system is quite advanced; for instance, it offers a number of features to help pass the time while you’re stopped to recharge on a road trip. It can play videos from YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu—thankfully only while the car is parked. The car can also serve as a game console, with an onboard menu of games.
Tesla has nailed the public DC fast-charging experience better than any other electric carmaker. During a long drive, the navigation system will chart out Tesla’s Supercharging venues where drivers can fast-charge a Tesla on destination chargers. Unlike other charging networks, drivers just plug into Tesla’s proprietary connector without having to swipe a card or connect via an app. It’s as seamless as it can get, and relatively quick, too. You get charged afterwards through an email.
Flush door handles aid the Model Y’s aerodynamics, but operation involves an awkward hand pivot to pull them out. If you don’t have the Tesla app on your smartphone open, you must tap the credit card-sized key on the midsection roof pillar (B-pillar) to lock and unlock the doors. Thanks to an array of cameras all around the car, the Tesla always "knows" its position on the road and displays it on the center screen. But, instead of a blind spot warning icon embedded into the side mirrors where most people would be looking (and as in most cars), the screen shows cars as they move around the Model Y in adjacent lanes. Note that the image on the screen can be obscured depending on where the driver’s right hand is positioned on the steering wheel.
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Capability option includes several components, including Smart Summon, Navigate on Autopilot, and Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control, which we’ve found aren’t fully developed. Tesla makes the point that several of the features are still in “Beta” form, which means it acknowledges these systems aren’t fully developed yet. Customers may want to wait to order this expensive option package until the features add more in the way of real benefits to customers.