While it’s more popular with buyers than the Model 3 sedan on which it’s based, the 2023 Tesla Model Y is an altogether less satisfying offering. The electric crossover feels clumsier on a twisty road and offers less driving range, though it’s still a leader in that area among rivals such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Volkswagen ID.4. Like the Model 3, the Y’s interior is crafted from low-quality materials and all of the SUV’s controls are accessed through a singular infotainment display mounted to the dashboard. Its price also puts it into contention with luxury EV SUVs such as the Audi Q8 e-tron, the Cadillac Lyriq, and the Genesis GV60, all of which offer more panache and better build quality. But the Model Y can be had with a feature that those utes don’t offer, one which gives it a leg up with family buyers with small children: a third row of seats.
What's New for 2023?
The Model Y carries over to 2023 with no changes, not even to its price tag. But, the company is known for rolling out changes on the fly, so it could see changes later in the model year.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Buying an electric car is all about driving range, and the Long Range and Performance models offer 330 and 303 miles of range, respectively. We'd go with the Long Range, which maximizes driving range while offering plenty of performance. There are few ways to customize your Model Y, and only five colors for the exterior—three of which cost extra. Those seeking the optional third row of seats can add them for an additional $3000.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
The Model Y lineup no longer includes a Standard Range cost-leader trim. No loss there; the Model Y's Long Range and Performance models are more compelling than a Standard Range trim anyway. Thanks to a generous Car and Driver reader, we were able to test an all-wheel-drive Long Range, which zipped from zero-to-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, a mere 0.4 second behind our long-term Model 3 sedan. The Performance model delivered an even quicker 3.6-second blast to 60 mph in our testing. While the Model Y offers impressive acceleration, it doesn't deliver the same level of driving satisfaction as the Model 3. The SUV body creates a higher center of gravity, which dulls the sharp edge of the Model 3's handling, and the Y's ride is considerably rougher over road imperfections as well.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The all-wheel-drive Long Range offers 330 miles of range; the Performance model's estimated range drops to 303 miles. But the latter comes with 20-inch wheels, a lowered suspension, a higher top speed (155 mph), quicker claimed acceleration, and a dedicated Track mode.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
The EPA estimates that the Long Range model is good for 127 MPGe in the city and 117 MPGe on the highway, while the Performance model's fuel economy estimates are 115 MPGe city and 106 MPGe highway. The Long Range model that we tested over our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test route recorded just 94 MPGe and an estimated highway driving range of 220 miles, while the Performance model delivered a result of 98 MPGe and 230 miles of driving range. For more information about the Model Y's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Model Y doesn't come with the larger Model X crossover's complicated Falcon Wing doors; its interior is mostly carryover from the Model 3 sedan. Like that car, it is largely free of buttons and relies mostly on a large infotainment display centered on a simple dashboard. An all-glass roof lends an airy ambiance to the cabin but is heavily tinted to avoid roasting occupants in Sun Belt states. The optional third row of seats adds a steep $3000 to the Model Y's price—we can't imagine they'll be spacious enough for adults to ride in comfort.
Infotainment and Connectivity
In the Model Y, almost every function is managed through the large, slim infotainment display that's in the middle of the dashboard. Everything from climate control to the speedometer is shown on this display, which takes some getting used to. The Model Y offers the same entertainment functions as the Model 3, including embedded Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube apps as well as video games perfect for killing time while waiting for the battery to charge at the public charging station. Don't worry, drivers are locked out of using these distractions while the vehicle is moving.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Tesla is known for its very advanced Autopilot semi-autonomous driving system, and the Model Y offers the feature as standard. Even more advanced features such as a self-parking feature and a Summon feature are optional. For more information about the Model Y's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Warranty coverage for the Model Y mirrors that of the Model 3, Model S, and Model X models, which means four years or 50,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and eight years or 100,000 miles of coverage for the battery and electric motors.