2024 Tesla Model Y Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

Although it's based on the Model 3, the 2024 Tesla Model Y loses the sedan's satisfying road manners in the transition to its high-riding body style. Handling is less spry, leading to a clumsy feeling in corners and making it less fun to hustle. But its cabin is roomier, and its cargo area is more accommodating, so if you're shuttling kids or hauling bulky items regularly, the Model Y is the more practical choice. Driving range is near the top of the EV class, with a maximum estimate of 330 miles for the Long Range model. That's more than you get in rivals such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Volkswagen ID.4. At the center of the Model Y's dashboard is a large touchscreen. In it, you'll find the infotainment system as well as a readout for speed and navigation. The SUV's secondary controls—items such as power mirror adjustments and steering column angle—are all accessed via the screen as well, something we find rather annoying. The Tesla also suffers from below-average fit and finish, which is less common on similar products from companies such as Hyundai and Nissan.

What's New for 2024?

Tesla's yet to announce changes to the Model Y for its fifth year on the market. That said, Tesla is less predictable than other automakers and occasionally makes mid-year alterations to its products. A styling refresh for the Model Y—codenamed Project Juniper—is expected to debut soon but will likely go on sale as a 2025 model.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Buying an electric car is all about driving range, and the Long Range and Performance models offer 310 and 285 miles of range, respectively. We'd go with the Long Range, which maximizes driving range while offering plenty of performance. There are few ways to customize your Model Y and only a handful exterior colors to choose from—most of which cost extra. Those seeking the optional third row of seats can add them for $2500.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

The Model Y lineup starts with the Standard Range rear-wheel drive cost-leader trim that comes with rear-wheel drive. The Model Y's Long Range and Performance models are more compelling thanks to dual motors that provide a higher combined horsepower rating and all-wheel drive. Thanks to a generous Car and Driver reader, we were able to test an all-wheel-drive Long Range, which zipped to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, a mere 0.4 second behind our long-term Model 3 sedan. The Performance model delivered an even quicker 3.6-second blast to 60 mph in our testing. While the Model Y offers impressive acceleration, it doesn't deliver the same level of driving satisfaction as the Model 3. The SUV body creates a higher center of gravity, which dulls the sharp edge of the Model 3's handling, and the Y's ride is considerably rougher over road imperfections as well.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

Rear-wheel drive Standard Range models with 19-inch wheels carry driving range estimates as high as 260 miles. The all-wheel-drive Long Range offers 310 miles of range; the Performance model's estimated range drops to 285 miles. But the latter comes with 20-inch wheels, a lowered suspension, a higher top speed (155 mph), quicker claimed acceleration, and a dedicated Track mode.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

The EPA estimates that the Long Range model is good for 127 MPGe in the city and 117 MPGe on the highway, while the Performance model's fuel economy estimates are 115 MPGe city and 106 MPGe highway. The Long Range model that we tested over our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test route recorded just 94 MPGe and an estimated highway driving range of 220 miles, while the Performance model delivered a result of 98 MPGe and 230 miles of driving range. For more information about the Model Y's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Model Y doesn't come with the larger Model X crossover's complicated Falcon Wing doors; its interior is largely free of buttons and relies mostly on a large infotainment display positioned at the center of an uncluttered dashboard. A heavily tinted, all-glass roof lends an airy ambiance to the cabin. The optional third row of seats adds a steep $2500 to the Model Y's price. This cramped two-passenger setup is of limited use as the two seats cannot comfortably fit adult-size passengers.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Accessing almost every function of the Model Y—from the climate controls to the speedometer—requires users to interact with the large, slim infotainment display in the middle of the dashboard. The Model Y offers the same entertainment functions as the Model 3, including embedded Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube apps, as well as video games, all perfect for killing time while waiting for the battery to charge at the public charging station. Don't worry, Tesla locks drivers out of using these distractions while the vehicle is moving.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Tesla's Autopilot driving-assist system comes standard on the Model Y. Despite its name, Autopilot is not exactly the self-driving feature the company claims. The same goes for the Model Y's optional Full Self-Driving Capability. All Model Ys still require the driver's attention and possible intervention. Still, these systems are useful for reducing fatigue on long highway drives. For more information about the Model Y's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Warranty coverage for the Model Y mirrors that of the Model 3, Model S, and Model X models, which means four years or 50,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and eight years or 100,000 miles of coverage for the battery and electric motors.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 8 years or 100,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

More Features and Specs