As they say, all good things come to an end. After spending 25 months with a blue Tesla Model Y Long Range, it’s time to reflect on the experience. To be honest, my feelings are a mixed bag, swinging between a grudging admiration and a sense of relief as the lease concludes. Having lived with this car day in and day out, I’ve developed a complex relationship with it, one that this review will attempt to unpack, balancing both the positives and the undeniable negatives.
Initially part of the Roadshow fleet, this Model Y became my family car, and as documented in my initial review, I was initially captivated by many aspects. However, alongside the initial excitement, some deeply concerning issues quickly surfaced. The most glaring was the car’s inability to maintain cruise control for even short distances without resorting to phantom braking, a critical flaw. Furthermore, the Model Y’s harsh ride quality, initially a minor annoyance, became increasingly grating over the months.
Over the ensuing years, some of these initial problems have been addressed to varying degrees of success. Phantom braking occurrences decreased, new software features enhanced usability, and the much-hyped “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) finally arrived. Yet, the persistent issues and the underwhelming reality of FSD leave me questioning whether my initial reservations were indeed justified.
Despite these shortcomings, the Model Y has earned a degree of respect, albeit begrudgingly. This Tesla Model Y Review will be a journey through the highs and lows, aiming to reach a balanced and reasoned conclusion about this popular electric SUV.
Driving Dynamics: A Dichotomy of Fun and Frustration
Image showing the Tesla Model Y exterior, highlighting its design and stance for a Model Y review.
The Model Y presents a split personality when it comes to driving dynamics. At times, it’s genuinely enjoyable, offering exhilarating performance. Yet, it can also be deeply frustrating and consistently uncomfortable due to its unforgiving ride.
Let’s start with the positives: raw power. The Model Y is undeniably quick. While officially rated at 4.8 seconds to 60 mph, it feels even more energetic in real-world driving. The instant torque propels it forward with surprising force, often overwhelming the 19-inch tires’ traction. It’s worth noting that after just 15,000 miles, these tires are already showing significant wear, despite winter use with dedicated snow tires.
The steering is also remarkably fast and responsive. While lacking in feedback, the quick ratio and small diameter steering wheel contribute to the Model Y’s feeling of agility. For an electric vehicle prioritizing efficiency, it delivers unexpected thrills.
However, this fun is easily curtailed. The moment any wheelspin or slippage is detected, Tesla’s overly intrusive safety systems intervene, abruptly cutting power and killing the momentum. More on this later.
“Even minor imperfections in asphalt result in painful feedback in the cabin thanks to suspension with all the refinement of a kick in the ass.”
While the Model Y can be engaging in moments, it quickly becomes a literal pain. The suspension transmits every imperfection in the road surface directly into the cabin with jarring force. Even minor road irregularities translate into harsh jolts, despite opting for the smaller 19-inch wheels specifically to mitigate ride harshness. One can only imagine the discomfort experienced with the optional 20-inch wheels.
This is particularly disappointing because, on smooth roads, the Model Y exhibits commendable noise isolation thanks to its dual-pane acoustic glass and other sound-deadening measures. However, the constant barrage of impacts from even minor bumps makes long journeys a test of endurance, as you find yourself counting down the miles to the next Supercharger stop, not for charging, but for respite from the uncomfortable ride.
Winter Driving and Tire Performance
Image depicting the Tesla Model Y driving in snowy conditions, emphasizing winter performance for a Model Y review.
The highlight of winter driving was undoubtedly the installation of Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 EV studded winter tires. These tires provided exceptional grip and were surprisingly quiet compared to other studded tires I’ve used. Crucially, their softer sidewalls noticeably improved the Model Y’s otherwise punishing ride quality. The ride improvement was so significant that we extended their use well into spring beyond what was seasonally necessary.
Conversely, on the factory-fitted all-season tires, the Model Y felt precarious in snowy conditions. These low-rolling-resistance tires are simply too hard and lack the necessary grip for adequate winter performance. Despite numerous forum and Reddit claims from Model Y owners suggesting snow tires are unnecessary, let me be unequivocally clear:
If you live in a region with regular snowfall, and value safe and confident winter driving, investing in a dedicated set of snow tires is essential for the Model Y.
That being said, the Model Y’s stability control system is reasonably effective at managing available traction. The limitation lies primarily with the inadequate grip provided by the stock all-season tires. With the Nokian winter tires, however, the Model Y transformed into a capable snow vehicle. Even navigating unplowed driveway conditions became manageable, highlighting the importance of proper winter tires.
However, while the stability control is effective, it prioritizes safety over driving enjoyment in low-grip scenarios. As someone who enjoys spirited driving, especially on ice, the Model Y proved frustratingly restrictive. Even on a frozen lake, inducing even a slight rear-end slide was nearly impossible before the car aggressively cut power, hindering any playful driving dynamics.
For those seeking more engaging low-grip handling, the Performance model, with its higher price tag and reduced range, might be necessary.
Full Self-Driving (FSD): Still in “Beta” and Far From Full
Image showing the Tesla Model Y interior screen, focusing on the “Full Self-Driving” interface for a Model Y review.
I still struggle to use the term “Full Self-Driving” without quotation marks, as it represents a prime example of automotive over-promising. “Autopilot” was already a stretch, but “Full Self-Driving” is, frankly, misleading.
Let’s acknowledge the improvements. The phantom braking issue that plagued early Model Ys, including this radar-less model, has largely been mitigated. Initially, this car frequently and aggressively braked for oncoming vehicles in the opposite lane on undivided highways, sometimes triggering the ABS.
These phantom braking incidents, while more common on secondary roads, also occurred on highways, presenting a genuine safety concern. The potential for rear-end collisions due to phantom braking was a significant worry, and indeed, reports and even lawsuits have emerged citing such incidents.
By the end of my lease, phantom braking occurrences had become less frequent and less severe. Hopefully, this indicates a genuine fix from Tesla, rather than simply a reduction in sensitivity to potential collisions.
However, while phantom braking has improved, FSD itself remains deeply flawed. In a final test drive before returning the car, its performance was underwhelming. It exhibited inconsistent driver monitoring, sometimes ignoring extended periods of eyes-off-road driving, while at other times demanding steering wheel input even with hands firmly in place.
FSD performed adequately in maintaining speed and lane position on highways, but exhibited poor lane discipline, often lingering in the left lane and unnecessarily overtaking a semi-truck on the right. It also executed an exit ramp maneuver without signaling, then swerved erratically between lanes before drastically slowing down for a gentle curve. Critically, manual override often required significant force and wrestling of the steering wheel, indicating FSD’s reluctance to relinquish control, leading to abrupt vehicle lurches.
“At best, driving with FSD on is like riding shotgun with a pimply 15-year-old with a freshly minted learner’s permit in their pocket.”
In essence, FSD in its current state feels akin to being a passenger with an inexperienced teen driver. The $12,000 price tag for this functionality is exorbitant, especially considering the superior and more affordable driver-assistance systems offered by competitors like Super Cruise, BlueCruise, BMW’s Driver Assistance Professional, and Mercedes-Benz’s Drive Pilot.
Interior Durability: White Vegan Leather Holds Up to the Test
Image showcasing the Tesla Model Y white interior, emphasizing the durability of the vegan leather for a Model Y review.
Compared to the premium vegan materials found in EVs from brands like Volvo, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, the Model Y’s white vinyl interior initially appears as a questionable choice, reminiscent of a 1970s aesthetic. For a vehicle in the luxury price bracket, it lacks a truly luxurious feel.
However, its durability proved surprisingly robust. After 25 months, the driver’s seat showed some denim staining, a common issue with white interiors. Concerned about potential lease-end charges, a quick cleaning with Dr. Bronner’s soap effectively removed the stains.
Rear seats were protected with a hammock-style cover for our dogs, but still endured considerable dirt and grime, yet cleaned up remarkably well. Overall, the interior held up exceptionally well to daily use.
Range and Efficiency: Meeting EPA Estimates
Image of the Tesla Model Y charging screen, highlighting range and efficiency metrics for a Model Y review.
Over 25 months, we drove 15,410 miles, consuming 4,272 kWh, resulting in an average efficiency of 277 Wh/mile, or 3.6 miles/kWh. This closely aligns with the EPA’s efficiency estimate, even with cold-weather driving and snow tire use.
The Tesla’s range predictions generally proved accurate, and range anxiety was rarely an issue. The extensive Supercharger network certainly contributed to this confidence, although idle fees sometimes discouraged extended charging stops.
One persistent issue was significant range loss while parked. On several occasions, after airport parking, the Model Y had lost up to half its charge. Despite disabling Sentry Mode and other power-saving features, this continued. Leaving it plugged in when possible is advisable to mitigate this issue.
Reliability and Build Quality: Minor Quirks, No Major Faults
Image showing the Tesla Model Y frunk with leaves inside, humorously highlighting build quality quirks for a Model Y review.
Mechanically, the Model Y proved reliable, requiring no service visits during the lease. While Tesla’s are often criticized for panel gaps and build quality issues, our Model Y was reasonably well-assembled.
However, some minor quality issues were present. Taillights frequently fogged up after rain and the frunk was not watertight. Water ingress into the frunk is concerning for a sealed compartment.
The frunk’s lack of water tightness meant we rarely used it. Upon final inspection, we found leaves inside the frunk, raising questions about how they entered a supposedly sealed compartment.
Cost and Value: Shifting Market Dynamics
Image displaying the Tesla Model Y pricing configuration screen, discussing cost and value proposition for a Model Y review.
Considering Tesla’s fluctuating pricing, re-configuring the same Model Y Long Range with original options (paint, interior, tow hitch, FSD, and now-optional charging adapter) results in a similar price of $66,880 today, compared to $67,490 two years ago, including a slightly increased delivery fee.
While the price remains relatively stable, the competitive landscape has changed significantly. The base Model Y is now $50,490, but alternatives like the Mustang Mach-E (starting under $43,000), Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6 are more affordable and often offer a more refined driving experience. With upcoming models like the Volvo EX30 and established luxury EVs like the Audi Q8 E-Tron and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV at comparable prices, the Model Y’s value proposition is now questionable.
The Model Y’s primary remaining advantage is range, but other factors are increasingly important in purchase decisions.
Things I’ll Miss & Things I Won’t
Things I’ll Miss:
- Dog Mode
- Range
- Supercharger Network (potentially changing with network access deals)
- Acceleration
- Streamlined, dealership-free purchase experience
Things I’ll Not Miss:
- Ride Quality
- “Beta” tag on safety-critical systems
- Parked range loss
- Monthly Payments
- Indirect financial association with Elon Musk
The Elon Factor and Brand Image
Image of the Tesla logo on the Model Y, highlighting brand perception and the “Elon Factor” in a Model Y review.
A significant aspect of the Model Y ownership experience is the evolving Tesla brand image. Over the past two years, owning a Tesla has become increasingly politicized. Regardless of personal views on Elon Musk’s politics, his close association with the brand now makes driving a Tesla a statement, whether intentional or not.
Many Tesla owners express discomfort with this association, considering ending leases, canceling orders, or selling their vehicles. This brand image shift is a considerable drawback.
Despite its flaws, the Tesla Model Y retains appealing qualities and remains a competitor in the electric crossover SUV segment. However, for a growing number of consumers, Tesla’s brand image is becoming a deal-breaker.
If brand perception is a concern, alternative EVs are readily available. Conversely, for those who disregard or even appreciate Musk’s controversial persona, the Model Y offers a compelling combination of range and performance. However, for buyers seeking true luxury and refinement, the Model Y falls short.
While I wouldn’t definitively rule out future Model Y ownership, significant improvements are needed. FSD requires a fundamental overhaul to become a valuable feature rather than a liability, and the ride quality needs substantial improvement to justify its near-$70,000 price tag.
My family has recently transitioned to a new electric SUV from a different manufacturer, a decision we are very pleased with, a story for another time.
