Tesla Model Y | Review & Road Test

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The 2020 Tesla Model Y is a compact electric SUV build from the same foundation at Tesla’s Model 3 sedan. Kelley Blue Book’s Micah Muzio got his hands on a new Model Y and shares his impressions in this review.

Born from the Model 3 the Tesla Model Y is a compact electric SUV with a maximum 316-mile range according to the EPA, and a starting price around $54,000 ($54,190) for the long-range model, including $1,200 in destination charges. The Performance model, like our tester, is $8-grand more. But aren’t 0-60 times of 3.5 seconds worth it? A roughly $40,000 standard Model should arrive sometime in 2021.

Heads up, this particular Model Y is an actual customer car. So, it represents what you might actually buy yourself. Just ignore the fake carbon interior trim…And the probably not legal window tint.
Slip inside and the interior feels incomplete. No gauge cluster. Extreme simplicity. Take that, Scandinavia. The interior is roomier than the Model 3 because the roof is higher. In back the rear seats recline unlike in the Model 3. Boy that’s comfy. Seated behind myself I fit great. The Model Y’s glass roof is cool. But you definitely feel the sun on hot days.

Look slightly right from the driver’s seat and you’ll find critical info on the 15-inch center screen. Looking here rather than here takes some getting used to. But you will adapt quickly. Speaking of the screen, Tesla has done an exemplary job arranging the essential functions. Good thing because, besides the seats, nearly all aspects of the vehicle are controlled through here. Like in the Model 3, the steering wheel controls are used to adjust the mirrors, move the steering wheel, and control the audio system. If that sounds confusing, it is not. Same deal with using the screen to control the vents. It all just works. If Tesla would only include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto this would be my favorite infotainment interface.

Then we have autopilot. It works really well…when it’s working well. Though it can manage the throttle, brakes, steering and make lane changes, autopilot can also get confused, just like human drivers. So, please. No sleeping behind the wheel. I’ll also add that Autotpilot does an unexpectedly amazing job detecting trash cans. Owen Wilson “Wow”. Wing an extra $7,000 at Tesla and you can unlock “Full Self-Driving Capabilities”, enhancing the Y’s skill roster with automatic parking and lane change functions, summon remote vehicle retrieval using Telsa’s app, and automatic on-ramp to off-ramp freeway driving. Again, though it’s labeled “Full Self-Driving”, Teslas do not fully drive themselves. Again, no sleeping behind the wheel.

While we’re in motion I’ll note that the Model Y drives a lot like a Model 3. A low-mounted battery pack means a low center of gravity. Helping the Y trace corners with tenacious competence. And just like the Model 3, the steering feels stable driving in a straight line but has a sporting quick ratio off-center. Small adjustments affect your trajectory in a big way, so drive with precision.

Then there’s the acceleration. If you don’t already know, electric torque can be fun. Let’s see if it’s fun. (hard accel) Yup. Smooth relentless thrust is your reward for driving electric. Bask in its silent intensity.

If you’re motivated, you can drive your Model Y off road. Though the one dirt hill in Long Beach isn’t much of a challenge. For reference, here’s a Toyota Supra going up the same hill. For charging, a standard household outlet is impossibly slow while a 240-volt charger ads roughly 14-miles per hour charged. For fast charging on-the-go Tesla’s vast Supercharging infrastructure is the play.

As for quality issues. Our car’s b-pillar trim doesn’t fit right and neither does this lower bumper trim, the rear door alignment is slightly off, the rear seats are similarly uneven, and there’s a loud rattle coming from the rear somewhere. Among the 3 braking modes I love Hold. You can accelerate and decelerate using just the accelerator in most situations and the Model Y comes to a perfect, buttery smooth stop every time.

And no, Tesla is no longer eligible for federal tax incentives. But there might be state incentives depending on where you live. If you want a pragmatic electric vehicle the Chevy Bolt, Hyundai Kona EV, and Nissan Leaf can all be had for much less but the Model Y’s premium touches and technical strengths put it in another class. As of when this video was made the Mustang Mach E is still a mystery but depending on when you’re watching this it’s probably worth a look. As an alternative you might also consider the Jaguar I-PACE, or hey, how about…the Tesla Model 3. It’s $4,000 cheaper than the Model Y and quite similar. Or maybe spring for a Model X if you need more space and want to dazzle children at daycare.

[mdrudholm]

14 miles per hour of charging is what you would get with a 16 amp 240 volt charger. On a home charger, this car can accept up to 48 amps, which equals about 44 miles of range per hour.

[csweezey]

I'm impressed by this review. I've seen a bunch of reviews of Teslas, but so many of them are not objective; they're either "Tesla bad because I said so, " or "Tesla good because I said so." But this? Mostly just facts.
I like.

[jakefromstatefarm]

Loud rattle in the back, musta been the chapstick i saw

[Yaeejit]

Just got a Y a month ago. Fabulous. Perfect. Drove it across the country (3000) miles and had a great driving time! Yes, electric torque is mega fun.

[ReaganThatcher]

The amount of comments hitting on Micah is creepy. Y’all leave the poor man alone.

[Vanguardkl]

It's highly skilled editing that enables so much information to go into 5 minutes. Other reviewers spend 30 minutes but don't cover as much information here

[jamelrosser]

Damn Micah just semi- snitched on them with the window tint😭

[Francisco-vufh]

Never seen a KBB car review video before. Some quality content here. Funny, informative, shot, edited and produced well. Great work!

[thatdudeKarim]

This was an impressive review. Kudos to whom ever did the editing.

[chadbaptiste]

MM: "If you're motived, you can drive your Model Y off road! For reference, here's a Toyota Supra going down the same hill!"
Me: y u do dis?!

[Antontoo]

I don't know why model Y is being compared to other EVs only, it seems like it's the best compact SUV you can get in $40-70k range PERIOD. Performance, efficiency, cargo space, and tech are unmatched.

[bob]

Idk why everyone complains about center speedo, when I test drove a 3 I didn’t even think about it, instantly accustomed.

[stanbernadino]

Really nice! But they need to get those fit and finish issues under controlled yesterday.

[oliverstemp]

I don't normally like Tesla, but this seems like an almost perfect car

[thecliff]

Hey that’s the exact same vehicle in the Autotrader review! Funny that he also heard the vibration in the rear, but didn’t notice the other build quality issues.

[BrendanMacWade]

This is Tesla's most important model yet. It's an electric Crosstrek of sorts. A lifted hatchback.

[evanharris]

Let me get this right. You have my dream job, write music, and I just discovered your helicopter YouTube Channel. I’m impressed!

[jacobbio]

It’s the most bad ass, sleek and futuristic suv coupe. And it’s electric which makes it better😍

[AnalogueKid]

6:22 You’re wrong about everyone needing Level 2 charging. For anyone driving less than ~40 miles per day, overnight on Level 1 will work fine, particularly since this car is very efficient.

[bmwdinamo]

My Jeep Grand Cherokee has hilariously unaligned body panels. These body panels looks perfect by comparison