In the current EV ecosystem, the Tesla Model Y is the undeniable king of the jungle. This compact SUV has quickly grown into the brand’s best-seller, with Tesla moving over 1.2 million units globally in 2023 alone. That’s an impressive number for any vehicle, especially an EV. In fact, the Model Y is now the most popular electric vehicle in the United States, representing roughly 40 percent of all new EV sales and showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Tesla’s direct-to-consumer model makes buying a new EV a simple, low-pressure endeavor, but the lack of a brick-and-mortar dealership does have some drawbacks when it comes to choosing the right model. That’s why we’ve compiled a handy buyer’s guide that’ll make selecting the right Model Y as easy as any other online purchase. From breaking down the differences between trims and comparing range and performance to discussing some of the cutting-edge tech that sets Tesla apart from the competition, read on to discover how the Model Y has become such a force to be reckoned with in the modern EV market.
Standard Range RWD
Price: $43,990
Range: 260 miles
0-60 mph: 6.6 seconds
The entry-level Model Y comes in the form of the Standard Range RWD trim. Outfitted with rear-wheel drive, a single electric motor, and a 67 kWh battery, the Standard Range RWD offers an estimated 260 miles of all-electric range when riding on 19-inch wheels. This setup gives it a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds, which, while a strong showing for the midsize crossover segment, doesn’t begin to approach the kind of performance offered by some of the higher trims.
The Standard Range’s smaller battery does confer some benefits in terms of charging time, allowing the EV to bring its battery from 10-80% in as little as 28 minutes when connected to one of Tesla’s Superchargers. The ability to add upwards of 180 miles of range in under 30 minutes makes the Model Y an exceedingly practical choice for those who are wary about embracing the EV lifestyle, alleviating range anxiety, and proving just how convenient the all-electric approach can be.
Like most Tesla models, the Model Y’s interior is a study in minimalism, but that doesn’t mean it’s not packed with a generous arsenal of comfort, entertainment, and convenience tech. A 15-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, a WiFi hotspot, built-in navigation, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and start all come standard, as does a panoramic sunroof, woodgrain interior trim, driver memory settings, premium synthetic seats with heating in both the first and second rows. It’s a well-rounded package, especially when you consider the EV’s relatively low starting price.
Long Range RWD/AWD
Price: $44,990 ($47,990 for AWD)
Range: 320 miles (310 for AWD)
0-60 mph: 6.5 seconds (4.8 seconds for AWD)
The biggest selling point of the Model Y Long Range would have to be its efficiency. Tesla has graced the EV with a larger 81 kWh battery that gives the trim an impressive 320 miles of range. That number drops to 310 miles when opting for the dual-motor AWD setup, but that’s still 50 more miles than the Standard Range model. The Model Y Long Range is also a little peppier from a performance perspective, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds for the RWD version. The AWD version is another marked improvement at just 4.8 seconds.
Like the Standard Range trim, the Long Range comes with an available Automatic Parking feature that can guide the EV into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces at the push of a button, and both versions share the same massive 15-inch touchscreen display that serves as a command center for virtually every function, whether adjusting the climate control, accessing navigation, or streaming your favorite media. The latter comes in particularly handy while you’re topping off the Model Y battery, allowing drivers to catch up on their favorite YouTube channels and Netflix or Hulu series from the comfort of the cabin. The touchscreen control interface might take some getting used to, but there’s no denying the fact that it makes for a clean, modern cabin that immediately sets itself apart from any other brand on the market.
Performance AWD
Price: $51,490
Range: 279 miles
0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds
The instant torque offered by an EV’s unique powertrain can really up the fun factor. Torque translates directly to acceleration, and the Model Y Performance AWD trim is a perfect example. The model uses the same dual-motor design and 81 kWh battery as the Long Range version but squeezes some extra power out of the setup at the cost of range. Don’t believe us? Just step on the “gas” pedal, and all doubts will be erased as you rocket to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. In addition to its hair-raising performance, the Performance AWD further distinguishes itself with a set of opulent upgrades that justify the trim’s high starting price.
Drivers will be treated to an exclusive set of 21-inch Überturbine wheels, a striking set of red performance brake calipers, a lowered suspension, aluminum alloy pedals, and a carbon fiber spoiler that immediately distinguishes the Performance AWD from the rest of the trim ladder. True to its name, the Performance model also comes with a dedicated Track Mode that adjusts the EV’s traction control, stability control, cooling systems, and regenerative braking to provide an edge-of-your-seat driving experience.
Improved cornering will have you carving through the curves while the upgraded cooling system ensures all the fun doesn’t come at the cost of long-term performance. These settings can all be adjusted through the EV’s control interface, which also packs a few other novel features when Track Mode is activated. Drivers looking to hone their skill behind the wheel will appreciate the Lap Timer, not to mention the built-in accelerometer and the ability to capture a live record of every turn via the Model Y’s exterior cameras.
Must-Have Feature: Full Self-Driving
The Model Y’s all-electric powertrain isn’t the only futuristic feature that sets the EV apart from your garden-variety car, truck, or SUV. Every Model Y comes standard with Tesla’s Autopilot driver-assist system, but for an additional $8,000, drivers can outfit their EV with Full Self-Driving (FSD) mode. The system uses the sophisticated network of cameras positioned at the front, rear, and sides of the EV to create a real-time model of the surrounding area. The Model Y then uses neural networks to parse this data, plotting a course and allowing you to seamlessly weave through traffic without moving a muscle.
Self-driving technology isn’t exclusive to Tesla, but the brand does offer the most advanced, feature-packed system on the market. While other brands tend to reserve their hands-free driving systems for pre-mapped multi-lane highways with obvious lane markings, FSD can adapt to a wide range of environments, from rural roads to suburban streets to dense city traffic. Even better, FSD can actually make turns, navigate intersections, weave through roundabouts, and even handle highway on and off-ramps with zero driver intervention. This puts Tesla’s system head-and-shoulders above the average hands-free offering, delivering the sort of convenience that has long been the holy grail of driving automation.
While Tesla’s FSD is remarkably advanced when compared to the rest of the market, it is still technically in development, and the automaker has made sure to build in a few failsafes to ensure a safe ride and promote peace of mind. The system requires drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel at all times when FSD is activated, and it features a built-in cabin camera that monitors driver attentiveness and will issue a series of warnings if a lack of attention is detected. FSD also includes an Automatic Set Speed Offset feature that can compensate for a wide range of road and environmental conditions, factoring in everything from road type and weather to traffic and, of course, the posted speed limit. Tesla is constantly adding new features and tweaks to keep FSD at the top of its game with automated over-the-air software updates pushed directly to the vehicle. Curious about FSD but not ready to pony up $8,000? Every Model Y is offered with a 30-day free trial of the FSD tech.
The Leading EV Has a Lot Going For It
Tesla has approached the EV market with a nimble start-up mentality that’s allowed it to grow from an unknown brand to a force to be reckoned with in today’s auto industry. The Model Y leads all EVs in terms of sales, and Tesla’s affordable Model 3 comes in a close second, with the brand’s Model X and Model S also placing in the top 10. When choosing between current Model Y offerings, we’d probably have to recommend the Long Range AWD version. With a reasonable starting price, plenty of power, and a 0-60 mph time that would still turn heads in any other segment, it’s hard to justify springing for the Performance AWD when the Long Range AWD packs so much value. Sure, you miss out on Track Mode and some styling and performance upgrades, but the Model Y can still provide plenty of thrills without breaking the $50,000 threshold.
