2023 Tesla Model Y electric

Tesla decided to call it a quit on the base Standard Range model from 2022 and hence there are only two trim levels available for buyers to choose from. As a result, the Long Range becomes the standard base model. When using the regular 19-inch wheels, the Long Range's estimated driving range is 330 miles. The range is reduced to a claimed 318 miles per charge when choosing the more appealing 20-inch models. The Model Y will carry a panoramic glass roof similar to that found on the big brother Tesla Model X and also feature heated front and rear seats with the front cushions being power adjustable right from the base model. Tesla also offers an optional third-row which is exclusive only to the Long Range model and all the seals come upholstered in simulated leather by default. Only five exterior colors, three of which are optional extras, and a limited number of customization options are available for the Model Y.

We Recommend

The Long Range and Performance models offer 330 and 303 miles of range, respectively, which is the most important factor to consider when purchasing an electric vehicle. The Long Range, which maximizes driving range while providing lots of performance, is our recommendation. There also isn’t any difference between the Long Range and Performance in terms of the features list.

Release Date

The 2023 Tesla Model Y will roll out in the Q3 or Q4 of 2022 and buyers who intend to buy the Model Y at a lower price can pick the 2022 model before the prices are hiked.

The discontinued Standard Range trim is inferior to the Model Y's Long Range and Performance variants. The SUV will be powered by a twin motor setup driver by a single-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive stays standard across all Model Y trims and the Long Range can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 4.8 seconds, lagging behind the Tesla Model 3 sedan by just 0.4 seconds. The Performance model delivered an even quicker 3.6-second blast to 60 mph. Despite its remarkable acceleration, the Model Y doesn't provide the same amount of driving enjoyment as the Model 3.

The Tesla happens to be the most expensive in the lot but the performance figures support the price very well. The Model Y is much quicker than its rivals but if you’re looking for an affordable alternative with good performance, the Ford would be a good choice. The Kia also has a much quicker variant but that will take the price up by a large margin but still be slightly affordable compared to the Tesla. Except for the Audi, all the vehicles carry a similar battery pack but Tesla with its longer duration in the EV segment has been able to churn out better figures.

2023 Tesla Model Y Ride and Handling

Despite its remarkable acceleration, the Model Y doesn't provide the same amount of driving enjoyment as the Model 3. The Y's handling is diminished by the SUV body's greater center of gravity, and its ride is also noticeably rougher over bumps on the road. But for a vehicle in this class, the Y has drive dynamics that make you feel in control and connected through a corner since the steering is light and fast to react to inputs. Additionally, there is hardly any body roll, especially for an SUV making it perfect for a drive around town.

2023 Tesla Model Y Braking Performance

The car still accomplished a very outstanding stopping distance from 60 mph in just 112 feet despite having all-season tires, which are normally built more for wear resistance than road grip. Both of those figures are impressive for the EV market and better than we had anticipated. The adjustable regenerative braking, which enables you to drive almost solely using the right pedal, will be appreciated by seasoned EV drivers.

Information about the Audi and Ford isn’t completely available but the test on the Ford helped understand that it comes with the best set of brakes here. Despite Ford’s massive weight, the car stopped in just 105 feet from 60 mph. The Tesla follows while the Kia takes the longest but a distance of 117 feet isn’t bad by any standards unless you intend to talk about track cars.

The anticipated range for the Performance model reduces to 303 miles while the Long Range delivers 330 miles of range. However, the Performance model has larger 20-inch wheels, a lowered suspension, and a faster top speed. The EPA estimates that the Long Range model gets 131 MPGe in the city and 117 MPGe on the highway, compared to 115 MPGe in the city and 106 MPGe on the highway of the Performance model. We measured a total range of 317 miles while operating in the max-range battery mode, which fully charges the battery at a consumption rate of 26.2 kWh/100 miles. This mode should only be used for long journeys and is not advised for daily use.

Yet again, the Tesla takes the first spot with ease and is the only car to provide 300+ miles of range, eliminating range anxiety to a good extent. The Kia offers good MPGe figures but its tiny total range puts it at the bottom of the table while both the Ford and Audi offer a very similar range figure. Tesla when compared to its rivals has extensive experience and knowledge when it comes to battery tech and hence, the brand does not let the competition come anywhere near what it is able to achieve. Tesla is also the only vehicle in which range anxiety will not be an issue.

The more complex Falcon Wing doors found on the bigger Model X crossover are absent in the smaller Model Y. The interior generally matches that of the Model 3 sedan, making it button-free, and relies on a sizable infotainment display positioned in the middle of a straightforward dashboard. The cabin has an airy feel thanks to the all-glass roof, which is highly tinted to keep passengers from getting cooked in hotter states. The Model Y comes default as a 5-seater SUV but Tesla offers an optional third row of seats that comes for an additional $3,000. Those opting for this extra will find it difficult to stuff in adults in the last row. The tall, broad windshield and short hood provide excellent forward visibility. The huge front windshield pillars only slightly hinder visibility when turning. However, rear visibility is comparable to that of a performance coupe. There is very little rearward visibility due to the small rear window and high rear beltline. The Model Y has a substantial cargo area. Tesla claims a cargo volume of 68 cubic feet in the rear, but expect this number to go down when opting for the third row. Although the back seats don't completely fold down, there is a large opening and a low load-in height. Even extra storage is available behind the retractable cargo floor in the back.

The Tesla Model Y offers the most space be it for passengers or cargo. With available frunk up ahead, the cargo capacity is pushed to a massive 76 cu-ft while the competitor falls behind by a large margin. This smart integration and use of space have left all the rivals far behind. The next highest cargo space is offered by the Mustang and is over 40 cu-ft lesser than that is offered on the Tesla. The Audi sticks to the bottom in terms of storage space with just 24.7 cu-ft of area. The Tesla is undoubtedly the ideal pick if hauling cargo is one of your priorities.

Some standout interior features on the 2023 Tesla Model Y include

• Power adjustable front seats
• Simulated leather upholstery
• Heated front and rear seats
• Panoramic glass roof
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Aluminum alloy pedals

How intuitive is the 2023 Tesla Model Y infotainment system?

When it comes to the technological aspects of the Model Y, there are a lot of benefits and drawbacks. The large 15.4-inch central screen's visuals seem clear and easy to read. The Google-based navigation system is similarly simple to use. However, the system can take a while to refresh in locations with patchy coverage, leaving you without a map for a while. The 14-speaker audio system produces immersive sound. The major drawback is the absence of smartphone integration for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Your phone can only be connected over Bluetooth, which is a poor substitute given the more feature-rich capabilities of CarPlay and Android Auto. The voice controls have a wide range of potential uses, including adjusting the cabin's temperature and opening the glove box. However, in practice, these controls can be found to be largely ineffective. On the plus side, you'll have access to a web browser that lets you do things like stream Netflix or browse YouTube videos while parked, assuming your Tesla data plan is updated.

Some of the standout infotainment features on the 2023 Tesla Model Y are

• 15.4-inch touchscreen
• Wireless charger
• 14-speaker sound system
• Online streaming service
• Voice commands
• Google-based navigation

The Tesla Model Y SUV is easily mistaken for the Model 3 sedan due to the grille-less design and distinctive headlamps identical to that of the electric sedan in appearance. Despite this, the Model Y can be easily distinguished as an SUV because of its coupe-like design, chiseled lines, and higher roof. From the back, the Model Y resembles its larger sibling, the Model X, due to the identical hatch shape and identifiable Tesla taillights. Even though the Model Y shares more than 70% of its components with the Model 3, the remaining 30% distinguish this electric SUV from others. The Model Y is distinctive for its matte black window trim and badging, as well as its black door handles and side camera housings. The chromeless expression lends the Model Y a utilitarian impression, even though it's a little detail. The front bumper and side-view mirrors are two additional features exclusive to the Model Y. When driving, the mirrors seem small for a crossover this size, however, they were made to improve the crossover's aerodynamics. The front bumper resembles the Model 3's almost exactly, although the lower sides have a slightly different design. The Model Y has more defined character lines than the Model 3, giving it a more utilitarian and muscular appearance. The Model Y contributes to the crossover presence that consumers are looking for with its raised beltline, lifted rear hatch, and wider stance.

Both the Kia and Audi offer the highest ground clearance, giving them a more utilitarian stance but the Tesla follows closely with ample space between the belly and the ground. The Mustang sits low, making it less practical in the pack when driving over an off-road patch. EVs are generally known to be way heavier than their internal combustion counterparts but despite having the most powerful battery tech, Tesla places itself on the lighter side while the Ford weighs in at almost 5,000 lbs. It is also evident at a glance that the Model Y is the biggest vehicle here, making it spacious and more practical.

Some of the standout exterior features include

• Power and heated side mirrors
• Grille-less front fascia
• 21-inch wheels
• Panoramic sunroof
• Signature Tesla LED headlights
• Optional tow-hitch

The Model Y comes with Tesla's highly sophisticated Autopilot semi-autonomous driving system as standard equipment. Optional additional sophisticated capabilities include a self-parking feature and a summon feature. Though the 2023 Tesla Model Y hasn’t been crash tested yet, the outgoing model performed extremely well and received a 5-star rating as well as the “Top Safety Pick +” from NHTSA and IIHS.

Some of the standout safety features available with the 2023 Tesla Model Y are

• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane keep assist
• Lane departure warning
• Auto lane change
• Frontal crash warning
• Automatic response to traffic lights

2023 Tesla Model Y vs 2023 Audi Q4 e-tron

One of the plushest and most comfy electric cars available is the e-tron. It offers a high-end, spacious, and comfy interior. Advantages of purchasing a Model Y include increased maximum range, better acceleration, and access to Tesla's Supercharger network. If the range isn't the highest priority, the Audi would make a better purchase as the build quality and materials on the Tesla do not justify its price.

2023 Tesla Model Y vs 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E

The Mustang Mach-E is the superior all-around electric SUV, even if the Model Y has a longer range and more acceleration. It features a sturdier cabin and is enjoyable to drive. The Mach-E is also available in more variations and configurations than the Model Y. The major upper hand for the Tesla is its range and cabin space, making it very practical.

2023 Tesla Model Y vs 2023 Kia EV6

Kia being the latest entrant in the market carries much better equipment and build quality than the Tesla. Kia also offers a larger trim list, giving the buyers additional options. Kia also offers a high-performance variant that stands strong against Tesla in terms of performance. Tesla needs to up their game in terms of cabin quality in order to stand up against the plusher rivals.

The Model Y may not be the most potent or longest-range Tesla, but it outperforms nearly all other EVs now on the market in terms of performance and range. Although more and more competitors are entering the market, the Model Y stands out thanks to its versatility, range, and availability of Tesla's Supercharger network. Despite not receiving any update for 2023, the Model Y still holds enough features and tech needed to outperform its rivals in various aspects. The areas where Tesla really needs to up their gas in its cabin construction and quality of materials used as its rivals carry a much more opulent interior. New Tesla users are also going to have a tough time getting used to the touch-only interface for literally all the controls as they chose to use no physical buttons in the cabin. Until the rivals come up with staggering acceleration and a reliable charging network, Tesla will top the EV market.