2021 Tesla Model Y electric

The Model Y is an all-electric, mid-sized SUV built on Tesla's third platform. This new platform improves nearly every aspect of the car in order to enable true mainstream electric vehicle ownership. The Model Y will reinforce Tesla's position as a strong competitor in the luxury segment and extend its technology lead in electric vehicles. It rivals the likes of Ford Mustang Mach-e.

Tesla's Model Y comes in two trim levels for 2021: Long Range and Performance. Both models offer the same features as standard and optional. The Tesla Model Y Long Range starts at $51,490, making it a good buy among the electric crossovers on the market, while the Model Y Performance is available for $60,990. Even so, Model Y is still much cheaper than many of its competitors, who offer far fewer features and range.

As mentioned, both the trims come equipped with plenty of standard features like a 15-inch touch screen, four USB ports, a 14-speaker stereo, a Wi-Fi hot spot, keyless entry, automatic climate control, black synthetic leather upholstery, heated and 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, heated side mirrors, a panoramic glass roof, a power liftgate, and 19-inch wheels. On the safety front, there is the standard Autopilot system, which comes with forward collision warning, automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, a surround-view parking camera system with proximity sensors. 

Which trim should you buy? 

The choice between the two depends on what you value more: the Long Range's longer range and longer capacity, or the Performance's faster acceleration. In most cases, we suggest the Long Range for EV shoppers. Aside from having decent performance, it has an impressive range of 326 miles, and it is reasonably priced.

The 2021 Tesla Model Y is powered by two electric motors, a lithium-ion battery pack, and features all-wheel drive. The two-motor setup is comprised of a PMS motor of 272 horsepower at the front axle and an AC induction motor of 212 horsepower at the rear axle that combine to produce 384 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque in the Long Range trim and 450 hp and 471 lb-ft of torque in the Performance trim. The power is sent to all four wheels of this electric SUV through a single-speed direct-drive transmission.

The electric motors within every Model Y provide rapid acceleration and silent operation. In 4.8 seconds, the Model Y Long Range model accelerates from zero to 60 mph, and the car's top speed is 135 mph. Tesla's Model Y Performance accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph. With a zero-to-60 sprint time of less than five seconds, the Model Y is one of the quickest SUVs available.

Tesla's Model Y leads the pack in terms of power and performance, with 384 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. In addition, the Model Y is the quickest. Ford Mustang Mach-e follows closely behind it, although its horsepower and torque are significantly lower than the Model Y.

How well does the 2021 Tesla Model Y handle?

Aside from being environmentally friendly, the Model Y offers sporty driving dynamics that are hard to beat. It carries itself well around turns, the steering is precise and nicely weighted, and the brakes offer good stopping power. The ride is fairly harsh, even for a luxury vehicle, which is different from some competitors in the segment. In contrast to internal combustion engines, electric drive keeps the wheels powered continuously because torque is constant. So, there is excellent contact between the road and the steering wheel. 

2021 Tesla Model Y Braking Performance

Compared with their counterparts, electric cars' brakes lock more quickly. Weight transfer during stopping is significantly reduced due to the distribution of the weight evenly across the floor, the most significant component, the batteries. Thus, the front wheels are under less force and braking performance is improved. This capability contributes to the more effective braking of the 2021 Tesla Model Y. 

The 2021 Tesla Model Y offers improved performance and braking capabilities over its predecessor. On the front, the rotors measure 14 inches and are ventilated. On the rear, they measure 13.2 inches. It does provide prompt feedback regardless of conditions during adverse maneuvers, but it is also adequate for emergency braking.

Tesla is known for its exceptionally efficient electric powertrains and impressive range, and the Model Y is no exception. EPA ratings for the Model Y's Long Range battery setup are 131 MPGe equivalent in the city and 117 MPGe on the highway. Performance trim models get 115 MPGe in the city and 106 MPGe on the highway. This is a superb set of results for an EV. It is superior to any hybrid. A single charge of the Model Y Long Range is estimated to cover 326 miles. The Performance model offers 303 miles of driving range.

With each Tesla Model Y, you will receive a 48-amp charger and a 20-foot cord that can connect to a household 120-volt outlet. The Tesla Model S can be charged at one of Tesla's Supercharging stations or at most public charging stations with the included J1772 adapter. Comparatively, the Ford Mustang Mach-e has a range of 230 miles, significantly less than when compared to Model Y.

This Tesla’s cabin features clean, modern styling that's attractive and stands out from the crowd. The materials quality is good, but several critics notice panel fitment issues and other examples of poor assembly quality. In its standard two-row configuration, the Model Y seats five people, but you can add a third row that lets you seat two additional people. The front seats are supple and supportive, and they provide sufficient head- and legroom, even for taller occupants. 

The second-row seats have ample space for two adults or three children to sit comfortably. The optional third-row seats are best left for children.Many class rivals come up short of the Model Y's maximum cargo capacity of 66 cubic feet. That number is split between the main cargo area with all rear seats folded and a small trunk up front, where a traditional vehicle's engine would be mounted.

Tesla does not list cargo dimensions behind each row of seats. We do have a leather wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, simulated leather upholstery and heated front and rear seats as standard. 

While the Model Y offers an extensive amount of passenger space, the Ford Mustang Mach-e provides a spacious and well balanced interior that can seat 5 adults. When it comes to cargo capacity, the Mach-e offers just 29.7 cubic feet of space, while the Model Y offers a big 66 cubic feet. Standard interior features of the 2021 Tesla Model Y include:

• Dual-zone climate control
• 12-way power-adjustable front seats 
• Heated front and rear seats
• Simulated leather upholstery
• Heated side mirrors
• Keyless entry

How intuitive is the 2021 Tesla Model Y’s Infotainment System?

The 2021 Tesla Model Y's infotainment and connectivity system combines the driver's smartphone with a fully integrated center console to offer rich functionality, connectivity, and easy-to-use custom app experiences. You won't find a larger touch screen in most rivals than that of the Model Y. You can easily navigate its menu structure, and inputs are answered quickly. The majority of the vehicle's functions are controlled via the screen, which includes the radio and mirror adjustments. This can be a distraction while driving since there are no physical controls on the vehicle.All the standard Infotainment features are listed below:

• 15-inch touchscreen
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• 14-speaker stereo sound system
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Four USB ports
• HD Radio
• Wireless charging pad

The 2021 Tesla Model Y’s sculpted shape is sleek and sporty, while still staying true to the design principles that have made Tesla renowned for their high-performance vehicles. With the largest windows of any SUV on the market, the stylish and spacious cabin provides passengers with enough headroom in both the front and second row for tall adults to sit comfortably, whether they’re facing forward or backward. 

This model features a sleek, sporty exterior, an evolution from the Model 3. The front and rear lights feature LED illumination, so that the Model Y is visible and safe on the road. This car has a higher ground clearance than most cars of its kind. Performance trim builds on 21-inch Uberturbine alloy wheels while Long Range rides on 19-inch alloy wheels. The all-glass roof extends further back than ever before which creates more headroom, and also makes the car look more stunning!

Dimensionally, the Tesla Model Y clearly edges out the Mustang Mach-e in most of the parameters. The Model Y is the longest, the widest, and even has the highest ground clearance among the competition. The wheelbase of the Mach-e is, however, the longest. Some standout exterior features of the 2021 Tesla Model Y include:

• 19 / 20-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires
• LED headlamps and LED taillamps
• LED DRLs
• Adaptive LED headlamps
• Power tailgate
• Heated power adjustable Side Mirrors 
• Pop out door handles
• Chrome bezels around the window line

There is no safer, smarter, or more versatile car on the road than Tesla Model Y. Overall, the 2021 Tesla Model Y earned five stars from NHTSA, five stars in the side crash, five stars in the rollover test, and five stars in the frontal crash. Tesla Model Y has not yet been subjected to a crash test by the IIHS. Beyond its impressive rating, the Tesla Model Y features a robust suite of safety features to ensure the safety of its passengers. In addition to Autopilot, there are several standard systems that include forward collision warning, automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and surround-view parking cams with proximity sensors.

Standard and available safety features include:

• Lane keep assist
• Lane departure warning
• Forward collision warning
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Automatic emergency braking
• Rearview camera
• Surround-view parking camera system
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Tire Pressure Monitoring system
• Traction control with brake assist
• Available Automated parking
• Available Automated lane changing

2021 Tesla Model Y vs 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-e SUV

Compared to the Hyundai Kona Electric, the 2021 Tesla Model 3 offers more performance and has a more striking design. As a bonus, the interior looks more futuristic, and the infotainment system, too, is quite impressive. In terms of range, cargo capacity, and interior room, the Hyundai Kona for 2021 is the clear winner. As with the Model 3, the Kona Electric comes with many features and driver-assistance technologies that were optional in the Model 3.

The Tesla Model Y is a smaller, simpler, more affordable electric car derived from the Model 3. There is no doubt that the Tesla Model Y is an excellent SUV. Despite its size, it accelerates, handles, and corners well in all situations. Although the ride is firm, it is not uncomfortable. With the Model Y's impressive range and efficiency, it is a better choice than many other EVs. Despite its fairly humble cabin, the Model Y represents a solid value for money option when it comes to electric SUVs.