Saying goodbye is never easy, especially after 25 months of living with the Tesla Model Y Long Range, a vehicle that evokes a mix of emotions. This electric SUV, initially part of the Roadshow family and then with my own, has been a journey of highs and lows. From initial impressions of innovation to growing frustrations, my experience has been a rollercoaster. While there’s a sense of relief in concluding this chapter, a certain respect for the Model Y’s capabilities has also developed. This isn’t a straightforward review; it’s a reflection oscillating between appreciation and exasperation, aiming to offer a balanced perspective on what it truly means to live with a Model Y and consider its price in today’s EV market.
My first review highlighted both the impressive and concerning aspects of the Model Y. The jarring phantom braking incidents, occurring even at low speeds, were simply unacceptable. Compounding this was the relentlessly harsh ride quality that became increasingly tiresome over time.
Since then, Tesla has addressed some of these initial issues. Phantom braking has improved, new features have enhanced usability, and the much-anticipated “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) arrived. However, the persistent issues with FSD’s functionality raise questions about the initial concerns and the overall value proposition, especially when considering the Model Y Tesla Price.
Despite these ongoing challenges, the Model Y has earned a degree of respect. This review will explore both the positive and negative aspects, ultimately aiming to reach a reasonable conclusion about its place in the electric vehicle landscape and whether its price aligns with its performance and features.
Driving Dynamics: A Mixed Bag of Performance and Comfort
The driving experience of the Model Y is a tale of two extremes. It can be exhilaratingly fun, yet also frustrating and uncomfortable. The duality starts with its performance capabilities.
On the positive side, the Model Y boasts impressive power. While officially rated at 4.8 seconds to 60 mph, it feels even quicker off the line. The instant torque throws you back in your seat, often overpowering the 19-inch tires. This brisk acceleration contributes to enjoyable driving dynamics, although tire wear becomes a factor. Our set of tires showed significant wear after just 15,000 miles, despite using dedicated snow tires during winter.
The steering is another element that adds to the nimble feel. It’s remarkably quick, albeit lacking in feedback. The combination of rapid steering response and a small steering wheel makes the Model Y feel agile and engaging, especially for an efficient EV. This responsiveness can bring a smile to your face, showcasing the sporty side of this electric SUV.
However, the fun is quickly curtailed by the overly sensitive safety systems. Even a hint of wheelspin or slight slip triggers the traction control, abruptly cutting power and diminishing the driving enjoyment. This intrusion is particularly noticeable in spirited driving scenarios.
“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.”
The ride quality is a major drawback. The Model Y’s suspension transmits every road imperfection directly into the cabin. Even minor bumps and cracks in the asphalt result in jarring feedback, making for an uncomfortable ride. This harshness is surprising, especially considering our choice of the smaller 19-inch wheels, intended to improve ride comfort. Opting for the larger 20-inch wheels would likely exacerbate this issue.
This stiff suspension is a significant compromise. While the Model Y can be serene and quiet on smooth roads, thanks to features like dual-pane acoustic glass, the constant jarring over uneven surfaces detracts from the overall experience. Instead of enjoying the quiet cabin, you find yourself anticipating and bracing for every bump, making long journeys less pleasant. This becomes a crucial point when assessing the Model Y Tesla price – does the performance outweigh the discomfort?
Winter Handling: Gripes and Grips
Winter driving in the Model Y presents a mixed bag, heavily influenced by tire choice. The most significant improvement came from installing Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 EV studded tires. These winter tires provided exceptional grip in snowy and icy conditions and, surprisingly, enhanced ride comfort due to their softer sidewalls. The improvement was so noticeable that we extended their use beyond the typical winter season.
However, on the factory-equipped all-season tires, the Model Y’s winter performance was less confidence-inspiring. These low-rolling-resistance tires, designed for efficiency, lack the necessary grip for optimal winter handling. Despite numerous online forum opinions suggesting snow tires are unnecessary for Model Y, our experience strongly disagrees.
For those living in regions with regular snowfall, dedicated snow tires are essential for safe and stress-free winter driving with the Model Y. Without them, navigating snowy roads can be a white-knuckle experience.
That being said, the Model Y’s stability control system performs admirably in managing available traction. It effectively prevents excessive wheel slip and maintains directional stability. However, the limited grip of the stock tires restricts overall winter capability. Switching to the Nokian winter tires transformed the Model Y into a capable snow vehicle, effortlessly tackling even unplowed driveways.
Despite the effective stability control, the Model Y isn’t geared for playful winter driving. The system is highly intrusive, preventing any significant sideways action even in low-grip situations like frozen lakes. Attempting to induce slides is met with immediate power cuts, stifling any potential for winter driving fun.
Achieving a more engaging winter driving experience in a Tesla requires upgrading to the Performance model, which comes at a higher price and with a reduced range. For those prioritizing winter driving enjoyment, the standard Model Y might fall short, especially considering its price point relative to its winter capabilities with stock tires.
“Full Self-Driving”: Still in Beta, Still Questionable Value
The term “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) remains contentious, arguably an overstatement of the system’s actual capabilities. While some improvements have been made, FSD still feels like a work in progress, especially given its significant cost.
One notable improvement is the reduction in phantom braking. Early Model Y units, including our test vehicle, experienced frequent and abrupt braking events triggered by perceived threats that were not actually present. These incidents, sometimes severe enough to engage the ABS, were alarming and potentially dangerous, with reports of rear-end collisions resulting from phantom braking.
Over the course of our 25-month lease, phantom braking occurrences diminished in frequency and intensity. Hopefully, this indicates a genuine fix rather than just a desensitization of the system, which could compromise its ability to detect real collision risks.
Despite the phantom braking improvements, FSD itself remains underwhelming. Recent testing revealed persistent issues. The system exhibited inconsistent driver monitoring, sometimes ignoring extended periods of driver inattentiveness while at other times demanding steering wheel input even with hands firmly in place.
FSD’s highway driving performance was also flawed. It demonstrated a tendency to remain in the left lane unnecessarily, impeding traffic flow, and then oddly chose to overtake a semi-truck in the right lane. Furthermore, it executed an exit maneuver without signaling and then made erratic lane changes within the exit ramp, culminating in an abrupt speed reduction to 20 mph below the limit for a mild curve. Overriding FSD required significant force and resulted in jerky transitions, indicating the system’s reluctance to relinquish control.
“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 its current state, FSD feels like an expensive beta feature. Driving with FSD engaged is akin to entrusting driving to an inexperienced learner driver. The $12,000 price tag for this capability is difficult to justify, especially when compared to more refined and reliable driver-assistance systems from competitors like Super Cruise, BlueCruise, BMW’s Driver Assistance Professional, and Mercedes-Benz’s Drive Pilot, which are often available at a lower cost. When considering the Model Y Tesla price, the value of FSD remains highly questionable.
Interior Durability: White Vegan Leather Holds Up
The Model Y’s white vegan leather interior presents a stark contrast to the premium materials found in EVs from brands like Volvo, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. It can appear somewhat basic, lacking the luxurious feel expected in a vehicle with a luxury price tag. The aesthetic might be reminiscent of a 1970s-themed setting rather than a modern luxury vehicle.
However, despite initial reservations about its appearance and texture, the white interior proved surprisingly durable. After 25 months of use, including exposure to dogs and denim, the interior held up remarkably well. The driver’s seat did show some denim staining, a common issue with light-colored interiors. Concern about potential lease-end penalties arose, but a simple cleaning with Dr. Bronner’s soap effectively removed the stains.
We used a hammock-style seat cover to protect the rear seats from dog-related wear and tear. Despite this precaution, the rear seats still endured their share of dirt and grime. Yet, they emerged from the lease period looking remarkably clean and undamaged.
Overall, the Model Y’s interior, while not luxurious in material quality, demonstrated impressive durability and resilience to everyday use, defying initial expectations based on its appearance. This aspect contributes positively to the long-term ownership experience, although it doesn’t fully justify the luxury-level Model Y Tesla price in terms of material refinement.
Range and Efficiency: Meeting Expectations
Over 25 months and 15,410 miles, the Tesla Model Y’s range and efficiency largely lived up to expectations. While mileage accumulation was less than initially anticipated due to pandemic-related restrictions, the data provides a solid basis for assessment. The vehicle consumed 4,272 kWh, resulting in an average energy consumption of 277 Wh/mi, or 3.6 mi/kWh. This figure closely aligns with the EPA’s estimated efficiency for the Model Y, even considering some cold-weather driving on snow tires.
The Model Y’s range predictions generally proved accurate, mitigating range anxiety concerns. The readily available Supercharger network further eased long-distance travel. However, the introduction of idle fees sometimes detracted from the charging experience, limiting the ability to relax and utilize charging stops fully. Previously, charging stops were more leisurely, allowing for breaks and meals.
One persistent issue was unexplained range loss while parked. On several occasions, particularly when left at airports, the Model Y experienced significant battery drain, sometimes losing up to half of its charge. Disabling Sentry Mode and other energy-consuming features did not consistently resolve this issue. This range depletion suggests that keeping the Model Y plugged in during extended parking periods is advisable to prevent unexpected battery drain. While generally efficient and offering adequate range, this parasitic drain is a point to consider, especially in relation to the Model Y Tesla price and expected operational costs.
Reliability and Build Quality: Mostly Solid, Minor Quirks
In terms of mechanical reliability, our Model Y ownership experience was trouble-free. The vehicle did not require any unscheduled service visits during the 25-month lease. While pre-delivery quality issues are sometimes reported with Teslas, our Model Y appeared to be reasonably well-assembled upon delivery, with acceptable panel alignment and finish.
However, some minor quality quirks were present. The taillights exhibited persistent fogging after wet conditions, lasting for days. The frunk was not watertight, allowing water ingress, which rendered it unsuitable for storing items that needed to stay dry. This water intrusion issue was unexpected in a sealed compartment.
The frunk’s lack of water tightness limited its usability. Surprisingly, upon inspecting the frunk before returning the vehicle, we discovered a collection of leaves inside. The leaves’ entry point and duration of presence remain a mystery, highlighting an unexpected breach in what should be a sealed area. These minor issues, while not major mechanical faults, detract slightly from the overall ownership experience and are factors to consider when evaluating the perceived quality relative to the Model Y Tesla price.
Cost and Competition: Shifting Value Proposition
Tesla’s pricing strategy is known for its fluctuations, making it pertinent to re-evaluate the Model Y’s cost in the current market. The as-configured price of our Model Y Long Range, including options like paint, interior, tow hitch, and Full Self-Driving, totaled $67,490. Configuring an equivalent Model Y Long Range today, with the same options (including the now-optional charging adapter), results in a price of $66,880, including the delivery fee, which has surprisingly increased by $190 over two years.
Despite price variations during the intervening period, the current Model Y Tesla price remains roughly consistent with the original cost. However, the competitive landscape has shifted significantly.
The entry-level Tesla Model Y now starts at $50,490. Competitors like the Mustang Mach-E offer starting prices just under $43,000. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 are even more affordable, and all are arguably as enjoyable to drive, if not more so. With upcoming models like the Volvo EX30 and established luxury EVs such as the Audi Q8 e-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV available for a comparable price, the Model Y’s value proposition is increasingly challenged.
In this evolving market, the Model Y’s primary remaining advantage is its range. However, range is just one factor among many in vehicle selection. The increasing availability of compelling and often more affordable electric SUV alternatives raises serious questions about the Model Y’s overall value for money at its current price point. The Model Y Tesla price, once a leader in the segment, now needs careful consideration against a broader and more competitive field.
Things I’ll Miss & Things I Won’t
Things I’ll Miss:
- Dog Mode
- Range
- Supercharger Network (potential changes pending)
- Acceleration
- Dealership-free experience
Things I’ll Not Miss:
- Ride Quality
- “Beta” FSD
- Range loss while parked
- Monthly Payment
- Financial association with Elon Musk
The Brand Factor and Final Verdict
Beyond the vehicle itself, the evolving Tesla brand image has become an unavoidable aspect of the Model Y ownership experience. Over the past two years, owning a Tesla has increasingly taken on political connotations. Regardless of individual opinions on Elon Musk’s personal views, his close association with the brand means that driving a Tesla can be interpreted as an endorsement, or at least acceptance, of his public persona and beliefs.
This association has led to discomfort for some Tesla owners, with many expressing unease about being seen in their vehicles. Some are counting down the days until lease termination, cancelling orders, or selling their Teslas. This shift in brand perception is a significant development.
The Tesla Model Y, despite its flaws, retains compelling features and remains a contender in the electric crossover SUV segment. It offers a combination of range and performance that is still attractive. However, for a growing segment of the population, the Tesla brand image has become a barrier.
If brand association is a concern, then the Model Y might be an untenable option. Conversely, for those who are indifferent to or even supportive of Musk’s public stances, the Model Y provides a strong blend of range and performance within its class. However, for buyers seeking a genuinely premium experience that aligns with a luxury vehicle price point, alternatives to the Model Y offer a more compelling proposition.
While never ruling out future possibilities, another Model Y purchase in its current iteration is unlikely. Significant improvements are needed, particularly a complete overhaul of FSD to transition it from liability to asset, and a substantial enhancement of ride comfort to justify its near-$70,000 price.
So, where would that budget be better allocated? Our household recently welcomed a new electric SUV from a different manufacturer, a decision that has proven highly satisfying. That experience, however, is a topic for another review. Ultimately, the Model Y Tesla price needs to be weighed against its compromises and the increasingly competitive landscape of electric SUVs.
