Model Y Versus the Competition

Sure, we found more to criticize, just as we do on all vehicles. The Model Y's ride is choppy, we miss phone mirroring (although Tesla's software works pretty well), and we did experience the headline-making, overly optimistic range estimates, such as the car using 64 miles of range after a gently driven 43-mile highway cruise.

But neither did we find anything glaringly wrong. Viewed in comparison to other compact SUVs, both electric and fuel-powered, the Model Y is tidily sized, easy to maneuver, quiet, and reasonably comfortable. It has plenty of range and adequate space in the back seat, trunk, and frunk. Whether you view its single-screen interface as futuristic minimalism or ruthless cost-cutting, it's relatively easy to learn and use. We can't say it's leagues better than other, newer electric SUVs, but nor can we say that any of those EVs are leagues better than the Model Y.

There is one area where Tesla blows away the competition, and that's the Supercharger network. Fast-charging a Tesla could not be easier: Simply plug in, and the car and the charger work out all the authentication and payment details. There's no messing about with logins or key tags or credit cards, and the svelte Supercharger cable is far easier to manipulate than those 10-ton CCS hawsers. The Model Y even closes the charge port for you when you unplug it. Forget about the technical details; from a user perspective, this is how thingsoughtto work. (Let's hope Supercharging remains this easy when other manufacturers start using it.)

001 2023 Tesla Model Y Long Range front three quarters

Is the Tesla Model Y StilltheElectric SUV to Buy?

Many of us went into this evaluation wary of the cultlike vibes from the Teslarati, who gloss over glaring faults, explain away the inherent danger Full Self Driving poses to the general public, and shush owners who dare complain about their Tesla cars, and we certainly don't want to appear like we are joining their ranks.

But our job is to evaluate cars, not the people who make, own, or love them, and there is no denying the Tesla Model Y is very, very good—and that, as our testing shows, it has been this good for the three years it's taken the competition to catch up. While some competitors are as good as the Tesla, none is clearly better, and the Model Y is still running at the front of the pack.

2023 Tesla Model Y Dual Motor (Long Range) Specifications
BASE PRICE*	$52,130
PRICE AS TESTED*	$55,130
VEHICLE LAYOUT	Front and rear-motor, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV
MOTOR TYPE	Induction (front), permanent-magnet (rear)
POWER (SAE NET)	384 hp
TORQUE (SAE NET)	375 lb-ft
TRANSMISSION	1-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST)	4,337 lb (49/51%)
WHEELBASE	113.8 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT	187.0 x 75.6 x 63.9 in
0-60 MPH	4.4 sec
QUARTER MILE	12.7 sec @ 114.9 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH	118 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION	0.85 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT	25.5 sec @ 0.74 g (avg)
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON	127/117/122 mpg-e
EPA RANGE, COMB	330 miles
ON SALE	Now
*Prior to any federal or local incentives or rebates.