Tesla Model Y vs Toyota Highlander: Best 7-Seat SUV?

With the Addition of a 7-Seat interior for the Model Y, This opens up a whole new class of comparison for Tesla MODEL Y, including the slightly larger Toyota Highlander. In this video, I do a side by side comparison of the Tesla Model Y and the Toyota Highlander, to determine the BETTER SUV!

Support Cleanerwatt by:

*** All video and pictures are used with permission or in accordance to the copyright owner's stated policies and use allowance. ***

Image & Video Clip Sources:

1. Tesla Media
3. Toyota Media

Data Sources:

[Cleanerwatt]

CORRECTION NOTE: In the "Performance" comparison, the STANDARD RANGE MODEL Y 0-60 mph time and Top Speed (first row of chart) was mis-labeled as "PERFORMANCE".

[Redrune]

You forgot to mention that Toyotas literally never die.

[WarrenRedlich]

Just a quick note about your thumbnail. The red line near the bottom makes it look like I've already watched the video.

[dominicllamas]

Agree with Arnold on here. I drive an S but I mostly commute to the city so charging nightly is no problem. The next SUV is a replacement for the wife so we've been considering a Y and the Highlander. One thing I think missed here is the expense to fix anything. Granted most things can be replaced under warranty it is relatively cheaper to fix a Toyota than a Tesla and a big consideration is what to do after warranty. Some examples, $500 window regulators, $1000 door handles, $1000 charge port, $2500 MCUs, electronics battery replacement (non-high-volt ~$200 every 18mos), suspension wear and these aren't even powertrain issues. It all adds up after a while if you plan on having your car past the comprehensive coverage. You can always opt for the extended warranty but that's more money. There is also a convenience aspect of knowing you can take a Toyota almost anywhere and it can be repaired. Not so much for Tesla - I have personal contacts at the shops around here and surprised to know Tesla owners from Arkansas have to be serviced in Kansas City, KS - 6+ hour commute. My last trip to the service center I sat next to two guys who had their 3's in and drove over 5 hours each to get work done (under warranty but still). Luckily I am only 50 miles away. As better cells are built and more shops can work on Tesla it makes repairs negligible and the choice easier but definitely worth considering if you plan on owning the car for the long. The car is no slouch when its working its just a hassle when something does go wrong and you're not covered.

[deanmcmanis]

I have to say that I was surprised to see your comparison between the Model Y and the Toyota Highlander. I have a friend who owns a newer Highlander, and when his previous Highlander was totaled, I helped him look for a replacement. Frankly, even though I am an active EV advocate, I did not even consider the Model Y as a replacement vehicle. The previous Hylander Hybrid cost more than $10K more than the V6 model, which made it hard to justify the price difference. But the newest Highlander Hybrid option is only a few thousand more now, which makes it a real consideration. I think that the depreciation on the Highlander Hybrid is generally higher than your source, as I can find 1-2 year old, low mileage Highlander Hybrid models closer to $35K. The Model Y is not really depreciating much yet, but I think that bubble will change as years pass. My experience with the Highlander is that it's comfortable, and roomy, but the 3rd row was painful for even small adults to sit in for an extended time. Still, the Highlander's roof doesn't slope down like the Model Y, so headroom out back is better. I wonder how a used Model X would have done in this comparison, as well as the regular (less expensive) Highlander.

[arnoldguevara]

I have a 2020 Highlander Platinum Hybrid and a Model 3 and S. I have the Highlander for range plus it is a quality vehicle. Once EV SUVs have more range for long distance driving, I’ll switch to an EV SUV. My switch is coming but not right now. I liked the video for its information.

[danchatka]

Rav4 is the best selling non-pickup truck vehicle in America.
If I needed a larger more roomy vehicle, I'd choose a Rav4.
Also, if I didn't like waiting for slow charging on road-trips or
if I lived in a cold weather area, then I'd pick a Rav4.
The Rav4 is quite a bit less expensive than the Highlander.
Tesla is the car of the future, but Toyota Rav4 is probably
a better vehicle right now for most people.

[bacphi]

FYI, I don't think the truecar price on the Highlander includes $1200 destination fee dealership charge this fee. Not to mention many other fees like advertisement fee :)

[Urgelt]

I think you showed a slide with a typo at around 8:57. You labeled the Model Y with 5.3 seconds 0-60 as a 'performance' version. I'm pretty sure that's the entry level version of the Model Y.

I like your approach to these comparison videos. You strive to be objective, and to grant credit where credit is due.

The Highlander is a pretty good SUV - good mileage, for an ICEV in its class, decent ground clearance, decent safety features, decent tech, good cargo capacity for a small-to-midsize SUV. This is exactly the kind of vehicle which BEVs must defeat in the market, if we are to eliminate fossil fuels in ground transportation.

You showed that the Model Y mounts a credible challenge to Toyota's very capable Highlander model.

I will offer a caution on one point. Resale values in the future will be different from resale values over the past three years for Tesla's mass market vehicles. Here's why:

- The quantity of Model 3 and Model Y BEVs in consumer hands is going to skyrocket. High resale values over the last three years is in part the product of scarcity, and scarcity is going to vanish due to Tesla's aggressive production ramp for these models.

- Tesla is aggressively and continuously rolling out upgrades to its mass market vehicles. A three-year-old Model 3 today isn't far off what was made in 2020, but this year, and in future years, Tesla is poised to accelerate improvements. Eventually, 4680 cells will make their way into Tesla's entire lineup - not right away, but in time. Affected models will be lighter, enjoy more range, enjoy lower costs per mile traveled. They may also gain in battery cycle life. (Tesla hasn't told us what cycle life to expect for 4680 cells, but there are reasons to think it will be significantly better than current-generation L-ion automotive batteries.)

- Tesla will be improving sensors and computers, too, and adding more gaming features.

- Tesla has the ambition of gradually reducing prices for its mass market vehicles. As they make progress on this, it will affect aftermarket prices for sale of older models.

In short, it's probably not reasonable to expect high resale values to persist at the levels we're seeing thus far. But as BEVs gain traction in the automotive market, as some cities and nations carry through with their announced intention to ban ICEVs, we can also expect ICEV resale values to trend downward, and ultimately, to crater completely (in the 2030's, probably). So it's still fair to expect Tesla's BEVs to hold value better than ICEV competitors, including hybrids.

[jameshoffman]

Good comparison, but I think there are many aspects of the Model Y experience that don't factor into your comparison. For example, how does the Highlander compare on these features?:
* Keyless entry and app integration
* Seat, steering wheel adjustability, settings personalization
* Sound system
* No-compromise web browser
* Sentry mode, Dog mode, bioweapons defense mode, etc.
* Glass roof
Also, performance comparison numbers don't capture how much smoother, more responsive and nimble the Model Y is with its instant torque and low center of gravity. Hybrids tend to be really bad with all the whirring, clutching, and shifting going on in the powertrain, inviting comparisons to washing machines.

[babstude]

doesn't the MY compete more in line with the size and features of the RAV4 ?

[Fitforacting]

@9:30 you meant to say the highlander is less expensive

[Fitforacting]

Great video!! These are the two vehicles my family are stuck between.

I’m surprise you didn’t mention that they were both all wheel drive as well. AWD

[makeworldbette]

You forgot to mention Smoke check fee, before I sold my Subaru, I had to do a smoke check and the fee is $50 last year

[Fuegolino]

Why not compare the highlander to the Model X?

[mtbmike]

10% depreciation? Tesla offered me $40k to trade in my m3 performance after 1 year

[aaztc]

Ty for the comparison. I wish you had put data on the storage of the vehicle as a another comparison point tally. Since that is also another major factor for families who purchase suvs

[_percent_bs]

Big improvement in intro music. Keep up the good work and strong analysis.

[CTAjunior]

What a bullcrap fanboy embarrassing review. The highlander is one of the most popular UberXL SUVs. Its large and the third row does not compare. The reliability is no contest. Its also much more comfortable and has a higher clearance. Lets not talk about build and interior quality. The beautiful quilted seats. Theres no battery degradation and worse case it can be replaced for $2-3k. Model Y is beautiful, fast and full of tech but overall the model x is a more appropriate comparison in size and comfort. Oh... i forgot. The long range Y with third row and autopilot was close to 80k until recently.

[tmax]

Thanks for your nice and informative videos! I noticed a small typing error at 9min 05 secs: 5.3 seconds should be the 0-60 time for "Model Y SD"