Summary
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. It arrived in the UK in early 2022. It’s now the best-selling electric car in the UK, overtaking the Model 3 almost as soon as it was launched.
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 April 2024, the Tesla Model Y holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 79%. It has excellent scores for safety and media reviews, and has zero tailpipe emissions. Running costs are not cheap, largely thanks to high insurance premiums, and we don’t yet have reliability data.
Model Y highlights
- Innovative on-board tech
- Impressive performance and battery range
- Tesla’s excellent Supercharger infrastructure
- Family-friendly and spacious cabin
- Zero tailpipe emissions
Model Y lowlights
- Inconsistent build quality
- Limited range of models
- Model 3 is cheaper and better to drive
- Poor ride quality
- Insurance premiums are high
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
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“With a practical and reliable range, fast charging capabilities, plenty of space and user-friendly on-board technology, the Tesla Model Y will have no trouble appealing to buyers who need to take care of the family basics, but who also want the kerb appeal and badge kudos that Tesla provides at this point.”
Author: Ellis Hyde
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The new all-electric Tesla Model Y SUV brings all the benefits of the Model 3, while offering extra space.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“At first glance, the Tesla Model Y looks like a jacked-up Model 3, for which you’ll pay a hefty extra amount, but a test drive reveals that this small SUV is more than the sum of its parts. To our mind, it’s also the best looking Tesla.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: RWD 2023
Score: 8 / 10
“A slowish, heavy-ish crossover the basic Y may be, but it has more dynamic character than several rivals put together.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Despite some dynamic shortcomings and being too touchscreen-heavy, the Model Y is comfortably towards the top of the class, and with access to a charging network that’s still second to none.”
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Business Car
Model reviewed: Long Range
Score: 9 / 10
“The Tesla Model Y is an impressive EV, with rivals still seeming to be playing catch up in terms of the performance, range and technology. If you’re after a mid-sized SUV and want to make the move to electric, this has to be one of the best options.”
Read review
Car
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Tesla Model Y is dynamic to drive and addictively fast, and with prices ranging from £45k to £60k, makes a compelling case for itself. It’s a Model 3 with extra space and practicality it remains up there with the best in class.” (Phil McNamara)
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.4 / 10
“The Tesla Model Y takes what makes the Model 3 great and adds SUV practicality.” (Ben Custard)
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Tesla Model Y is essentially a raised SUV version of the Model 3. It comes with the same blend of a great range, quirky software and Tesla’s brilliant global charging network.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed:
“Another appealing model from Tesla. Range, performance and practicality are all excellent, although the Model 3 can do a lot of what the Model Y does, and for a cheaper price.”
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Daily Mirror
Model reviewed: Long Range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Tesla Model Y Long Range five-door SUV is essentially a crossover version of the Model 3 and looks set to become a common sight on UK roads from early next year and, like all Teslas, it feels like a different world when you climb aboard.”
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Driving Electric
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The long-awaited Tesla Model Y boasts ultra-rapid charging capability and bundles of practicality, making Tesla’s take on the popular mid-size SUV class one of the best electric cars on sale.” (Ellis Hyde)
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Electrifying.com
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“This is a Model 3 without the compromises of a saloon. It’s more family friendly with a practical hatchback and SUV-shaped body. It’s sure to be Tesla’s most desired car.”
Read review
Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: Long Range Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive
Score: 9 / 10
“The Tesla Model Y does all the things well that Tesla does well. This includes having a long driving range and lots of performance. And access to the Tesla Supercharger network is also a big benefit. It’s also more practical than the Model 3, with a hatchback and more luggage space.” (Paul Clarke)
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Tesla Model Y offers the same range of strengths that make the similar Model 3 so appealing: it’s very fast, it’s loaded with tech features, the efficiency and battery range are really impressive and public charging is a doddle. However, the ride comfort just isn’t good enough for a family SUV.”
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Move Electric
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“If you’d like a Model 3 but need extra space, then you’re going to love the Tesla Model Y. It’s not cheap, but in terms of performance, practicality and range few rivals come close. And while you’ll never be sneaking out to take it for a drive just for the hell of it, it’ll be painless to live with not least because of that Supercharger network.” (James Disdale)
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.2 / 10
“On the road, it’s decent, but a Model 3 is better. Fast steering and acceleration mean the Model Y promises a sporty drive, but the lumpy ride quality and disappointing noise levels take the shine off somewhat.”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: Model Y Long Range
“It crashes over potholes, which in turn shatters the peace of the otherwise serene cabin. It’s further proof that Tesla is excellent when it comes to new tech but is still catching up on the basics of making cars.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Model Y Long Range
Score: 9 / 10
“The UK spec Model Y is pricier than expected, and on British roads it’s let down by an overly-stiff ride and a boomy, rattly cabin — particularly at low speeds — but if you opt for the smallest 19in wheels, that should be mitigated to some degree. As a package, owners are likely to be delighted.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: Long Range
Score: 8 / 10
“Good rather than great, the Tesla Model Y offers much of the driving experience on the successful Model 3 but with more space – at the cost of efficiency and range. With so many good battery electric alternatives coming to market, it would pay to look around.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
““Everything you liked (and most of what you didn’t) in the Model 3, in a more practical shape. But not a pretty one.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Tesla Model Y is a Model 3 for the more family-minded buyer. It could be better to drive, but it stands out for performance, range and charging – and should hold its value brilliantly.”
Read review
Which EV?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“It has been a long wait for the Tesla Model Y to arrive in the UK, but it was worth it. This is the best electric SUV on the market for performance, features and charging infrastructure. The boot space is enormous. But the Model Y is also priced into territory beyond the Model 3 and is more expensive in the UK than it is in the US and Europe. In other words, a brilliant electric SUV, if you can afford it.” (James Morris)
Read review
Which?
Model reviewed: Range overview
“With people falling over themselves to buy the Model 3 electric saloon, the Tesla Model Y has the potential to do even better. After all, it’s more practical than the ‘3’, lacks nothing in terms of performance and has a very usable range. It’s also much better built than other Teslas – but ultimately its biggest challenge will be whether it can improve on Tesla’s patchy reliability record.”
Read review
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 April 2024, the Tesla Model Y has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the Model Y is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing whenever it ever takes place. Check back again soon.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of April 2024, 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 workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.
As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Model Y, we’ll publish the score here.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 317 miles | A | 283 – 331 miles | A – B |
| Electrical efficiency | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 4.4 m/KWh | B | 4.2 – 4.9 m/KWh | A – B |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 50 | F | 50 – 50 | F – 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
- Carbuyer Awards – Best Company Car
- 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-E | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Jaguar I-Pace | Kia EV6 | Mercedes-Benz EQC | Polestar 2 | Skoda Enyaq | Tesla Model 3 | Volkswagen ID.4
Buy a Tesla Model Y
If you’re looking to buy a new or used Tesla Model Y, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car
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Lease a Tesla Model Y
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Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric car for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol car. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)
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