2022 Tesla Model Y

The Tesla Model Y, the brand's newest core model, remains crucial for the EV automaker, bringing a more affordable electric SUV within reach of a wider audience. Unfortunately, much has changed in a year and the Model Y is now over $10,000 pricier than it was. Like other Teslas, the Model Y mixes blinding acceleration with a practical range - the Performance variant will hit 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and yet is claimed to manage 303 miles between charges. For similar performance in a gas-powered compact luxury crossover, you'll have to shell out over $70,000 for a BMW X3 M or over $80,000 for an Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio. The Model Y doesn't feel as well-built as the German, though, and it also has to do battle with the Ford Mustang Mach-E. Our Tesla Model Y review will reveal whether the crossover is still competitive with this diverse group of compact SUVs.

At a glance, it's not easy to tell the new Model Y apart from the Model X, especially in pictures. In the metal, the latter's bigger size is more apparent. In front, the most noticeable difference is that the Model Y does away with the Model X's slim grille, instead featuring a smoothed over front fascia that is closely aligned with the Model 3 sedan. From the back, the two are even harder to tell apart, with the Model Y doing without the Model X's rear chrome strip and large spoiler. The Model Y Long Range has 19-inch alloy wheels and available 20-inch Induction wheels, while the Performance model has 21-inch Uberturbine wheels. Both trims have LED fog lamps, power-folding side mirrors, and a tinted glass roof.

Marginally narrower but over ten inches shorter in length than the Model X, the Model Y measures 187 inches in length, 75.6 inches in width excluding the mirrors (83.8 inches including the mirrors), and 63.9 inches in height. The wheelbase is 113.8 inches long and ground clearance works out to 6.6 inches. So, while its dimensions are more manageable than the Model X, it's not exactly a small vehicle. In terms of curb weight, the Long Range comes in at 4,363 pounds while the Performance weighs 4,398 lbs.

Tesla's usual limited color palette applies to the Model Y, too, with a choice of just five colors. Only Pearl White and Midnight Silver Metallic are standard, with an extra $1,500 required for Solid Black or $1,000 for Deep Blue Metallic. Red Multi-Coat is the most expensive color at $2,000.

Blisteringly quick acceleration is the order of the day in any Tesla, and even though the Model Y is more accessible than the Model X due to its lower price, much the same applies here. The dual electric motors are paired to a single-speed fixed-gear transmission and, although Tesla doesn't provide power outputs for the electrified powertrain, all you need to do is plant your right foot once to know that it doesn't matter. Both models absolutely fly off the mark, aided by all-wheel drive, with the Long Range going from 0-60 in 4.8 seconds and the Performance doing the same in just 3.5 seconds. The latter can also reach a top speed of 135 mph or 155 mph with the Performance Upgrade pack.

A rear-wheel-drive Standard Range model was available to order via the Tesla website early last year but now no longer appears, although the EPA still has a listing for it at the time of writing. Rival luxury SUVs with gas-fed power include the BMW X3 M which takes 3.9 seconds to hit 60 - it's more expensive than the Model Y, though. Lower-priced versions of the Ford Mustang Mach-E are slower than the Model Y although the Ford can be had in a high-performance derivative that will match the Model Y Performance to 60 mph. With the optional tow hitch, the Model Y has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs.

For now, the Model Y range is available only with all-wheel drive and dual electric motors. The front motor is an AC induction, liquid-cooled unit, while at the back, there is an AC permanent magnet synchronous motor. Digital control of torque spread to the front/rear wheels improves handling and traction. In both cases, a single-speed fixed-gear transmission is utilized.

Both models are immensely powerful, with the Performance estimated to produce over 450 horsepower, endowing it with performance to challenge some truly exotic SUVs. Unlike in a gas-fed vehicle, the Model Y's power is instantly accessible, with quick getaways from traffic lights and even safer merging on highways. When you're in a hurry, or even if you just want to stun your passengers into silence, the wave of power is as addictive here as it is in the more powerful Teslas. Of course, the eeriness of going so fast with zero mechanical noise makes one feel that although those flying cars haven't yet arrived, this does feel like the game has moved on in a big way.

While the driving experience tends to be dominated by the Model Y's shattering ability to gather speed, it's talented in other aspects as well. With a single-speed gearbox, there's no need to wait around while the transmission decides what gear is needed - just put your foot down and go. The steering system is also a highlight, striking a good balance between easy maneuverability at low speeds and sufficient weighting when cornering at higher velocities. It's still quite a heavy SUV, though, and while you can sense that, it's not enough to stop the Model Y from proving enjoyable to pilot. The ride quality is smooth and compliant, making for a relaxed cruiser, but the optional bigger wheels do make bumps more of a common disturbance than the standard 19-inch items. And, although road and wind noise are generally well-suppressed, the absence of any engine noise means that some external sounds are heard more here than they would be over the din of a regular engine.

According to the EPA, the Model Y Performance has an MPGe rating of 115/106/111 city/highway/combined and a range of 303 miles. The Long Range has a range of 330 miles with 19-inch wheels and a rating of 127/117/122 MPGe.

The battery charge time is good. Charging is best done using one of Tesla's Superchargers (there are currently 20,000 Superchargers globally), where a 15-minute charge can provide a range of 162 miles. Tesla's new V3 Superchargers provide a superior charging rate of 250 kW, an improvement over the V2 Superchargers' 150-kW maximum charging rate. While the mobile connector is standard, Tesla recommends installing the wall connector at home.

Using a regular 120-volt home plug, expect the Model Y to take close to two days for a full charge from zero to 100 percent, although charging from empty is a rare occurrence, so this is the worst-case scenario. Using a 240-volt outlet, a full charge will take under 10 hours, so this is a great option for getting a depleted battery back to a full charge overnight.

In the cabin, the 2022 Tesla Model Y once again adheres closely to the brand's formula, which means a minimalist design, a giant 15-inch central touchscreen through which nearly all the vehicle's functions can be controlled, and an airy feel made possible by the expansive glass roof. Although it looks good at first glance, interior quality raises a few question marks; once again, Tesla hasn't quite managed to match German luxury SUVs in this area. Both trims get features like 12-way power-adjustable front seats, along with seat heating both front and rear. Tesla's usual raft of Autopilot driver aids applies, such as emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and collision warning. Available features include auto park and auto lane change.

As standard, the Model Y seats five passengers in two rows. A seven-seater option is available, adding a third row with two seats. However, the Model Y is over ten inches shorter than the Model X, and the latter already has a cramped third row, so this option box is best left unticked on the Model Y. There is better news in the first two rows, with plenty of headroom and legroom for average-sized adults, and even six-footers will be able to get quite comfortable at the back. The glass roof also enhances the perception of space. Although the dashboard is similar to the Model 3, the driving position is a bit higher here. It doesn't necessarily mean that the view out is perfect, though, because the small rear window restricts the view out of the back, and the broad A-pillars can be an issue when making turns. Ingress and egress pose no issues.

Tesla restricts the cabin environment to just two choices: all black with light wood trim, or black and white with a white inlay running across the dashboard. The latter option will add $1,000 to the price. Although both are clean and modern, rival SUVs offer much more interior customization. The synthetic leather upholstery is of good quality, but overall, the cabin materials lack the richness expected of a luxury SUV and feels rather stark. Without necessarily resorting to Mercedes levels of glitz, it wouldn't hurt if Tesla added a bit more pizzazz to its interiors.

The Tesla Model Y offers plenty of cargo space between the large trunk at the back and the smaller front frunk. The rear trunk is large and well-shaped, and there is underfloor storage that is a lot more accommodating than expected. Both five- and seven-seater versions have a frunk with a volume of 4.1 cubic feet. In the five-seat derivative, there is 30.2 cubes behind the second row and 72.1 cubes with the second row folded. The seven-seat version's figures are 12.8/26.6/67.9 cubes behind the third/second/first rows respectively. The 40/20/40-split-folding second-row seats are surprisingly heavy, so a big tug is needed to raise them again. The frunk is big enough for a carry-on case and some smaller items.

In-cabin storage is also excellent, with an especially deep center console and another covered spacious compartment ahead of that. Two cupholders are fitted in front, and another two cupholders are housed in the rear fold-down armrest.

As standard, the Tesla Model Y comes equipped with 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated front and rear seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable steering column, power-folding and heated side mirrors, and LED fog lamps. Further convenience items include push-button ignition, a garage door opener, cruise control, and a 12-volt power outlet. A power trunk lid release makes for easier access to the cargo area, while a wireless charging pad is standard and situated beneath a covered compartment in front. Being a Tesla, there is a thorough array of driver aids, including collision warning, emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, a rearview camera, and eight airbags. Parking sensors are also equipped front and rear, which are especially useful since the Model Y isn't the easiest to see out of. Tesla's Full Self-Driving Capability is an option at $12,000, adding features like auto park and auto lane change, along with traffic light and stop sign control.

All infotainment duties - and pretty much all other functions, even adjusting the side mirrors - are handled by the large 15-inch touchscreen mounted to the right of the steering wheel. The screen itself is responsive and crystal clear, but the lack of physical controls means that you can't make any adjustments based on feel alone, which can frustrate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren't available, another limitation of the system. What you do get is Bluetooth, four USB-C ports, and docking for two smartphones with wireless charging. A Wi-Fi hotspot is part of the package as well, as is navigation. Audio is channeled via a 14-speaker sound system with a subwoofer.

The 2022 Tesla Model Y has already been recalled seven times according to the NHTSA. Two of these were for obscured pedestrian warning sounds, and another was for a seatbelt warning chime that may not activate. Other problems included an improperly defrosting windshield, overheating that could cause the center display to malfunction, the possibility that the car won't stop at a stop sign due to a faulty "rolling start" feature, and suspension knuckles that could fracture. Matters don't improve with older models. At the time of writing, the 2021 Tesla Model Y had 11 recalls to its name, including unexpected automatic emergency braking and a front suspension lateral link that could separate. The 2020 model? A shocking 13 recalls.

The Model Y is covered by a basic four-year/50,000-mile warranty and the battery/drive unit comes with a warranty that runs for eight years or a mileage of 120,000 miles. The latter warranty gives you an idea of optimal battery life, although Tesla batteries have been designed to last well beyond this point.

The Tesla Model Y put in a fantastic performance in the NHTSA's crashworthiness test, earning the maximum five-star safety rating for every crash test it was put through. Reviews from the IIHS were equally glowing. The Model Y emerged with a Top Safety Pick Plus award for 2022.

Like other Teslas, the Model Y's low center of gravity and the large crumple zones contribute to its strong safety cell. Of course, there is a long list of passive and active safety features, too, including eight airbags - side curtain and knee airbags are included as well. The Model Y also has tire pressure monitoring, a hill holder function, and stability control. Tesla's familiar Autopilot suite comprises blind-spot monitoring, collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Customers can also upgrade to Tesla's so-called Full Self-Driving Capability upgrade, although the name is misleading as this system doesn't offer fully autonomous driving. It does, however, introduce advanced features like auto lane change, autopark, summon, and navigate on Autopilot, a system that can guide the Model Y from on-ramps to off-ramps. Traffic sign/traffic light recognition has been added in recent times and autosteer on city streets will be available later.

While the Tesla Model Y crossover doesn't offer much that's new that we haven't seen in older Teslas, it crucially introduces a more affordable SUV to slot in below the Model X. It is a bit of a pity that the company has abandoned the Standard Range model and drastically raised prices recently, though. The Audi e-tron isn't as fast but feels much more premium, and the price gap between it and the Model Y has all but shrunk. The Ford Mustang Mach-E is a much tougher competitor in terms of price and has proven popular so far. Regardless of which Model Y you go for, it's extremely quick, has a practical driving range, a spacious cabin, and plenty of features. Interior quality leaves something to be desired and we'd skip the seven-seater option with its cramped third row, but these aspects are unlikely to prevent the Model Y from storming up the sales charts.

Pricing for Tesla Model Y starts off with the Long Range at $62,990. This goes up to $67,990 for the Performance. When we reviewed the 2021 Model Y, the Long Range was over $10,000 cheaper and the Performance was $7,000 more affordable. These prices exclude a destination charge of $1,200 and any options.

Federal tax credits no longer apply to new Teslas, with the incentive having expired at the end of 2019. However, the Model Y will theoretically qualify for the California Clean Fuel Reward with a rebate of $1,500. With these and other incentives, the Tesla Model Y price can potentially cost less in your region.

The new Tesla Model Y SUV range consists of the Long Range and Performance. Both trims use dual motors and AWD. A single-speed, fixed-gear transmission is equipped.

Standard equipment on the Long Range includes 19-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights, a glass roof, seating for five, synthetic leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, a 15-inch central touchscreen, navigation, and 12-way power-adjustable front seats. A 14-speaker audio system is fitted, along with multiple USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity. On the safety front, the Model Y has eight airbags, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and collision warning.

The Performance variant offers most of the same features but more power, enabling it to accelerate to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. It also has access to a Performance Upgrade with larger 21-inch wheels, performance brakes, and a lowered suspension.

Tesla offers minimal customization of its models and few accessories, and the Model Y is no different. There are no packages to increase the list of creature comforts, and the same goes for standalone optional extras. However, Tesla's Full Self-Driving Capability (although not technically full autonomous driving) offers the likes of autopark and auto lane change, and is a $12,000 option - this can also be purchased after customers take delivery. The only other significant options are 20-inch wheels on the Long Range ($2,000), a tow hitch ($1,000), and the no-cost Performance Upgrade on the Performance trim, adding a lowered suspension, 21-inch wheels, and increasing the top speed to 155 mph. Finally, seating for seven will cost you $3,000 on the Long Range.

This depends on how much you value ultimate performance and whether you're willing to pay for it. The Long Range offers all the performance anyone could need for $5,000 less than the Performance. Our recommendation would be the Long Range model with the Full Self-Driving Capability tech included, as this provides access to the best driver-assist features that Tesla has to offer.

If you wanted a Tesla SUV, the Model X was your only option until the arrival of the smaller Model Y. Although it is quite a bit older, the Model X hardly looks or feels as if it has aged. It sports a few unique design details and features like the Falcon Wing rear doors and a panoramic windshield. The Model X has a larger 17-inch touchscreen, although the Model Y's 15-inch screen is still massive. The Model X also receives the controversial new steering wheel. With more power, the Model X is much quicker, getting to 60 in as little as 2.5 seconds. The Long Range also offers a range of up to 348 miles, 18 miles more than the Model Y. Both have spacious cabins, but the Model X is even airier inside and offers greater cargo capacity. However, the starting price difference of $52,000 is outrageous. For much less money, the Model Y does most of what the Model X can do - it's our choice.

Based on the Model 3's platform, the Model Y has quite a lot in common with its sedan sibling. From the front, it's difficult to tell the two apart. The difference comes in the cabin, where the Model Y has more seating space and far more impressive total cargo capacity. But the Model 3 is lighter, so its equivalent trims have superior performance specs compared to the Model Y, while also managing a longer range on a full charge of 358 miles. The lower-slung Model 3 sedan is also a bit better to drive, and Tesla continues to offer a cheaper Standard Range variant that starts at below $50,000. The pricier trims are between $5,000 and $7,000 cheaper than the Model Y equivalents. If the sedan's space is adequate for your needs, it's the one to go for. But if you need more space, the Model Y makes a lot of sense.