25,000 Miles With a Tesla Model Y Performance | Has It Lived Up to the Hype?

It’s been two years and 25,000 miles since we first got our 2020 Tesla Model Y Long Range Performance, and we’ve learned a lot about what it’s like to live with on a daily basis – and if it lives up to the hype from when it first hit the market. Overall, we liked our time with the Model Y, but we certainly encountered our fair share of quirks and build quality issues that hampered our experience. But that’s not to say we didn’t have just as many positives. Head to the video above to find out what it’s like to live with the Tesla Model Y.

00:00 Intro
00:56 What We Got
02:18 What it's Like to Live With
02:57 The Positives
05:19 The Negatives
08:47 Maintenance
09:54 Edmunds' Take

[edmundscars]

After two years with the Model Y, we’ve become very familiar with Tesla’s crossover. Would you take a Model Y over cars like the Genesis GV60 and Audi Q4 e-tron, or has the competition caught up? Let us know in the comments below!

[patrickcartwright]

We have 47k miles. Service center has been great. Biggest complaint is random breaking when in cruise control.

[SpottedSharks]

I'm trading a 3LR for a YLR for a massive road trip I am planning for next summer. While there are probably better individual EVs out there in this class, Tesla's charging network is by far the best.

[rhondadoak]

We also have a MYP, purchased in August 2021 with 17, 000 miles. We have had NONE of the issues you mentioned. Our initial build quality was spot on, and we checked it over with a fine-toothed comb. Ours has been to a service center twice, both times were pretty good experiences. Once was an operator issue :). And once, a year after delivery, to have the state inspection, an alignment, rotation of tires, etc. We've had mobile service two times, both excellent experiences. Once to add the HomeLink system for our garage door and once to replace a taillight that had a chip on it when we took delivery of the car. My husband thought that this one was petty. We did have PPF put on the car the day we picked it up and two weeks later had ceramic coating added. Both of those have proven to be a good investment. It makes cleaning the unending smashed bugs MUCH easier than any other car we've owned. Yes, the ride is stiffer than our Lexus RX350, but it's a performance car and in my mind expected. I do a lot of back country road driving, which is not nearly as smooth or as well maintained, as highway driving, and is great for collecting bugs.

[hvn]

I got my Model Y 2022 in February. I would've been fine going with a Mach E but dealers were gauging in my area. So far, after 8 months, I haven't had any major issues at all. There were a few fit and finish issues at delivery, but they were all fixed pretty quick and most of it was just cosmetic. Tesla constantly add/deletes features from each model and I suspect the problems Edmunds had are probably not an issue for the current model. Also, regarding the problem of having to use a touchscreen to adjust things such as the climate control, there are shortcuts and voice commands that most owners know how to use. I also wouldn't get the performance version and expect a plush ride.

[joshb.]

I've had a Model Y for two years. Edmunds is just knit picking. It's roomier, more comfortable, and more practical than they make it out to be. I've owned MB, Audi, BMW, and Volvo and it's hands down the best car I've owned. The tech and voice commands are excellent, not the junk other brands peddle. The upfront pricing without markup and the all in tech is awesome. Best of all, the total cost of maintenance over two years has been $60. They came me and finished the job in 20 minutes.

P.S. You can't intentionally order the stiffest suspension and then complain about ride quality....

[JasonTaylor-poxc]

After driving Corollas for years, I finally got a Tesla Model Y Long Range in Sept 2021. I specifically changed my order because I test drove the Performance model and Long Range to compare the ride experience - while the Performance model was faster, the suspension and ride quality were a lot worse - just not worth it for me. The Long Range is still plenty fast (you can enable a power boost for extra $$$ if you really hate money) and the better ride quality and extra range were more important. It still rides like a sports car since there isn't air/variable suspension. I did have a few quality issues to resolve, but those were covered in warranty - with the mobile service (which was great). I did have one issue that required a service appointment, but since I knew my local service center had a bad reputation, I scheduled service at another location - which went very well (about the same time/distance away). While I would prefer CarPlay, the Tesla software is probably the best native experience of any car maker (not exactly a high bar). I greatly appreciate the direct-to-consumer approach, - yes, they are expensive cars, but at least you won't have extra markups at delivery. Over the air updates means my car gets better every week. However, the killer feature is the supercharging network - no hassle, super high uptimes, and integrated with the navigation system - nothing else is even close. Is my car perfect - nope. Is it still the best car I've owned so far, yep.

Now, if I were looking for a car for local commutes and errands - there are plenty of good options now for that use case. Personally, I'd take a good look at the Ioniq 5 if mostly local but with occasional road tripping - if you can find a dealer that won't tack on an extra $10k just for fun.

[SkDude]

I have a Model 3, have only had a positive experience with my car, the Service Centers and Mobile Service that came to my house were always great. What other car brand comes to your home or office to take care of your car right there on site? As for the harsh ride you guys picked the PERFORMANCE model, that’s on you! If you want a soft ride choose the Long Range model. For me it’s been the best car I’ve ever owned.

[peterkn]

A lot of the things mentioned here are similar to what I have gone through with my 2018 Model 3: Fun to drive but with tons of little problems. The only gripe I have is with your critique of the suspension, you purchased the performance package so it isn't fair to said it's too sporty. Although, the window coming back down by itself is a big flaw. One positive thing you didn't mention is that they give 3 or 4 years of warranty so most of the basic problems, especially problems with the first gen, were covered.

[rcbigdaddy]

We purchased a 2022 Model Y Performance last fall and so far have had no issues with it other than a slightly misaligned front hood. No rattles or failures. Ride quality is still stiff but it is a performance model. It is not so stiff as to be overly annoying.

[fmm]

Just under 250.000 miles here on the same Tesla battery. Degradation around 10 pct. I am a happy owner 🙂.

[Tesla_FishingGuy]

We have a 2021 model 3 SR and a 22 model y Performance and we love them! We’ll never go back to combustion vehicles. The stiffness in the MYP is pretty rough, but not enough to say we don’t love it. Our build quality was extremely good. We’ve had almost zero issues with either one. The service center is the biggest drawback. Although they are getting better. I find myself wanting to go grocery shopping just drive them.😂😂

[wolfgangezeh]

Don’t know why, but the lady’s husky voice is making my day!

[mowcowbell]

Complaints about the distraction of the touchscreen can be greatly reduced if you use voice commands. I rented a Model Y from Hertz for a week and used voice commands to take care of most things I wanted to adjust while driving.

[imudevco]

Trading in my 3 for the Y LR in December. A bit more than I would like but I’m just going to enjoy it.

[Zavarcerealtor]

I have zero idea who this woman is, but I want her to do all the videos. Great job!

[RogerWilsonTodd]

I bought a Model Y Long Range (not Performance) in their SECOND year of production and have not had the issues described in the Edmunds video with their "Day Zero" vehicle, and I read that further improvements were made in production year three. So, when prices come back down and federal incentives kick in, it would be a great time to buy.

[Cross-xmfr]

Lets complain about the ride in model y performance w huge rims, low profile tires and lowered suspension.

[rmeden]

I also have one of the first Model Ys (LR). I agree with many of their criticisms. The ride is rough and finishes are cheap. I haven't had the service problems, only one issue after the initial fit and finish ones. Service center criticisms are valid. Android Auto/carPlay isn't valid. T hat was known and the integrated infotainment system is pretty good. It's a solid, reliable, cheap to operate, and fast car.

[dougholmes]

Great hit piece. Not surprising though. I took delivery on my Model Y Performance in February 2022 and have had zero issues. I have just shy of 22, 000 miles on it and I love it!