2020 Tesla Model Y Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

The newest ambitious project from Tesla is the all-electric Model Y compact crossover, which shares its platform and most of its cabin with the Model 3 sedan. As the brand's first compact SUV, the Model Y has a big job: appealing to luxury SUV buyers who want an EV to replace a gas-powered alternative from brands such as Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. A large battery pack will provide up to 316 miles of driving range in the all-wheel drive Long Range model; Performance and rear-wheel drive Long Range models will also be offered. The 2020 Tesla Model Y looks like a tall version of the compact Model 3 sedan but can be outfitted with a third row of seats for a total seating capacity of seven.

What's New for 2020?

The 2020 Tesla Model Y will be the upstart automaker's first entry in the compact-luxury SUV segment, pitting it against gas-powered rivals such as the BMW X3 and Porsche Macan as well as the all-electric Jaguar I-Pace and the Mercedes-Benz EQC.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Buying an electric car is all about the range, and the all-wheel drive Long Range and Performance models offer 316 and 315 miles of driving range, respectively. Tesla hasn't released range details yet for the upcoming rear-wheel drive Long Range model. As a result, we'd go with the mid-priced all-wheel drive Long Range, which offers plenty of performance. Tesla offers few ways to customize your Model Y, and only five colors for the exterior—three of which cost an additional $1000 or $2000. And those seeking the optional third row of seats will find that it won't be available until the 2021 model year.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

Like the Model 3, the 2020 Model Y lineup will eventually include a cost-leader trim (in this case, a rear-wheel drive version of the Long Range model), but the first variants to launch will be the all-wheel drive Long Range and Performance models. 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-seconds behind our long-term Model 3 sedan. 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 316 miles of range, just one mile more than the Performance model. But the latter comes with 20-inch wheels, a lowered suspension, a higher top speed (145 mph), quicker claimed acceleration, and a dedicated Track mode. Tesla has not yet released an estimated range for the upcoming rear-wheel drive Long Range model.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

The EPA estimates that the Long Range model is good for 127 MPGe in the city and 114 MPGe on the highway while the Performance model earns ratings of 129 MPGe in the city, 114 MPGe on the highway, and 121 MPGe combined. The Model Y that we tested was a Long Range model with all-wheel drive, and over our 200-mile highway fuel economy test route we recorded just 94 MPGe and an estimated highway driving range of 220 miles.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Model Y doesn't come with the larger Model X crossover's complicated Falcon Wing doors, but its interior is mostly carryover from the Model 3 sedan. Like that car, it is largely free of buttons and will rely mostly on a large infotainment display centered on a simple dashboard. An all-glass roof lends an airy ambience to the cabin but is heavily tinted to avoid roasting occupants in Sun Belt states. The optional third row of seats add a steep $3000 to the Model Y's price and won't be available until 2021.

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, which include embedded Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube apps as well as video games that are 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

There's nothing to report on crash-test results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). 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. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode

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.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 8 years or 100,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

More Features and Specs