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Tesla Model Y

Our unique Expert Rating Index combines scores from 30 of the top UK motoring websites to give you a definitive rating on every new car

Expert Rating

Tesla Model Y

(2022 - present)

    Summary


    Arriving in early 2022, the Tesla Model Y is essentially a raised crossover version of the popular Model 3 saloon, and a slightly smaller sibling to the larger Model X.

    The all-electric Model Y range launched with a choice of two dual-motor all-wheel drive trims; the entry-level Long Range and the range-topping Performance. An entry-level single-motor rear-wheel drive model joined the range in Summer 2022, which dropped the starting price for a Model Y by £6,000.

    Like the other vehicles in the Tesla line-up, the Model Y has been praised by British reviewers for its on-board tech features, impressive performance and up to 326 miles of battery range, What Car? adding that the mid-sized SUV “should hold its value brilliantly.” The Model Y also offers worldwide access to Tesla’s acclaimed Supercharger charging network.

    Although it’s ultimately a similar overall size to the Tesla Model 3 saloon, the Model Y adds extra practicality to the equation. “It’s more family friendly with a practical hatchback and SUV-shaped body”, Electrifying.com concludes, adding that “it’s sure to be Tesla’s most desired car.”

    At same time, the Model Y inherits many of the same drawbacks as other Tesla models. Carbuyer comments that the SUV has “patchy” build quality, while almost every review has criticised the ride quality compared to other family cars.

    For The Sun, this is “further proof that Tesla is excellent when it comes to new tech but is still catching up on the basics of making cars.” That said, The Sun still concludes that the Model Y is one of the leaders in its class, and poses a simple question to UK buyers who are considering the pros and cons of booking a test drive: “Y-not?”

    As of July 2023, the Tesla Model Y holds an Expert Rating 77%, based on 25 reviews published by the UK motoring media. It’s now the best-selling electric car in the UK, overtaking the Model 3 almost as soon as it was launched.

    Model Y highlights

    • Innovative on-board tech
    • Impressive performance and battery range
    • Tesla’s excellent Supercharger infrastructure
    • Family-friendly and spacious cabin

    Model Y lowlights

    • Inconsistent build quality
    • Limited range of models
    • Model 3 is cheaper and better to drive
    • Poor ride quality

    Key specifications


    Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
    Engines: electric motor, battery-powered
    Price: From £44,990 on-road

    Launched: Spring 2022
    Last updated: Summer 2022
    Replacement due: TBA


    Media reviews


    Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

    Auto Express

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    Auto Trader

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    Autocar

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    Business Car

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    Car

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    Carbuyer

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    Carwow

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    Company Car Today

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    Daily Mirror

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    Driving Electric

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    Electrifying.com

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    Green Car Guide

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    Honest John

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    Move Electric

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    Parkers

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    RAC

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    The Sun

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    The Sunday Times

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    The Telegraph

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    Top Gear

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    What Car?

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    Which EV?

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    Which?

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    Safety rating


    Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

    Overall score: 5 stars
    Date tested: September 2022
    Read the full Euro NCAP review

    Adult protection: 97%
    Child protection: 87%
    Vulnerable road users: 82%
    Safety assist: 98%

    Notes on safety rating

    The Tesla Model Y has one of the best safety ratings of any new car on the market, with the highest overall Euro NCAP score in recent years. It also won the 2023 What Car? safety award, presented in conjuntion with UK-based safety organistation (and the UK’s designated Euro NCAP member) Thatcham Research.

    The only thing to remember is that Tesla’s AutoPilot and ‘self-driving’ functions are not properly autonomous driving functions, and still require human control at all times. However, they do provide very good assistance to the driver in many circumstances to help prevent an accident.

    Eco rating


    Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

    No eco rating

    As of July 2023, the Tesla Model Y has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

    Reliability rating

    MotorEasy logo 600x167

    Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

    No reliability rating

    As of July 2023, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Tesla Model Y to generate a reliability rating.

    The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Model Y, we’ll publish the score here.

    Running cost rating

    Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

    Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

    Battery rangeAverageScoreVariationScore
    EV models317 milesA283 – 331 milesA – B
    Electrical efficiencyAverageScoreVariationScore
    EV models4.4 m/KWhB4.2 – 4.9 m/KWhA – B
    Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
    All models50F50 – 50F – F

    We don’t have complete running cost data on the Tesla Model Y, but the good news is that it’s quite efficient in its use of electricity (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon on a petrol or diesel car), which will help keep costs down and also helps the Model Y to average more than 300 miles of driving range on a single charge.

    Insurance might be quite hefty, however, as the Model Y is in the top-ranked Group 50. Unfortunately, we don’t currently have servicing cost data but check back again soon for the latest updates.

    Awards


    Trophies, prizes and awards that the Tesla Model Y has received

    2023

    • Auto Express Awards – Best Mid-Size Company Car
    • Auto Trader Awards – Best Car for Families
    • What Car? Awards – Safety Award

    2022

    • GQ eCar Awards – Best SUV

    Similar cars


    If you’re looking at the Tesla Model Y, you might also be interested in these alternatives

    Audi Q8 e-tron | Audi Q4 e-tron | BMW iX3 | Ford Mustang Mach-EHyundai Ioniq 5 | Jaguar I-Pace | Kia EV6 | Mercedes-Benz EQC | Polestar 2 | Skoda Enyaq | Tesla Model 3Volkswagen ID.4

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    The Tesla Model Y offers similar tech and performance to the popular Model 3 with extra practicality, but the ride quality is disappointing.Tesla Model Y