The saying goes, “all good things must end,” and after 25 months with a blue Tesla Model Y Long Range, it’s time to reflect. This electric SUV has been a part of our lives, initially joining the Roadshow family before becoming a personal vehicle. Having previously shared my initial impressions of the Model Y, highlighting both its impressive aspects and concerning flaws, this long-term review dives deeper into the ownership experience. While there’s a sense of relief in moving on, a certain respect for the vehicle has also developed over time. This review aims to unpack these mixed emotions, offering a balanced perspective on living with the Tesla Model Y.
Driving Dynamics: A Mixed Bag of Thrills and Harshness
The Tesla Model Y presents a duality in its driving dynamics. On one hand, it can be genuinely fun and engaging, boasting impressive acceleration. On the other, it suffers from a jarring ride quality and intrusive safety systems that can detract from the driving experience.
Let’s start with the positives. The Model Y is undeniably quick. While officially rated at 4.8 seconds to 60 mph, it feels even faster in real-world driving. The instant torque from the electric motors provides brisk acceleration that can easily overwhelm the 19-inch tires, especially from a standstill. Even with dedicated snow tires used during winter months, the original tires showed noticeable wear after just 15,000 miles, a testament to the vehicle’s eagerness to launch.
The steering is also remarkably direct and responsive. Although lacking in feedback and feel, the quick steering ratio and small-diameter steering wheel contribute to a sense of agility, making the Model Y feel nimble and eager to change direction. For an electric vehicle prioritizing efficiency, the Model Y delivers unexpected thrills when you put your foot down.
However, this fun is often short-lived. The moment the system detects even a hint of wheelspin or tire slip, the Tesla’s electronic stability control system aggressively cuts power, abruptly ending any spirited driving. This intervention, while intended for safety, can feel overly sensitive and frustrating for drivers seeking even mild performance driving.
The most significant downside to the Model Y’s driving experience is its harsh ride quality. “Even minor imperfections in asphalt result in painful feedback in the cabin thanks to suspension with all the refinement of a kick in the ass.” This statement accurately captures the jarring nature of the Model Y’s suspension. Despite opting for the smaller 19-inch wheels, specifically to improve ride comfort over the larger 20-inch option, the Model Y crashes over bumps and road imperfections. Every minor imperfection transmits noticeable jolts into the cabin, making longer journeys on less-than-perfect roads tiring and uncomfortable.
On smooth highways, the Model Y’s dual-pane acoustic glass and overall sound insulation create a calm and quiet environment. However, the constant intrusion of road imperfections through the stiff suspension overshadows these positive attributes, leaving you counting down the miles to your next charging stop, eager for a break from the relentless ride.
Winter Performance: Studded Tires are a Must
Winter driving in the Tesla Model Y highlights the critical importance of proper tires. The best upgrade for winter performance was undoubtedly fitting a set of studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 EV tires. These tires not only provided exceptional grip on snow and ice but, surprisingly, also significantly improved the Model Y’s ride quality. The softer sidewalls of the Nokian tires absorbed road imperfections more effectively than the factory all-season tires, making a noticeable difference in comfort. The improvement was so substantial that we kept the winter tires on longer into the spring than typically necessary.
Conversely, the factory all-season tires proved to be inadequate in snowy conditions. Their low-rolling-resistance design prioritizes efficiency over grip, resulting in compromised winter performance. In snowy conditions, the Model Y on stock tires felt nervous and somewhat unpredictable. Despite numerous online forum posts and Reddit threads suggesting snow tires are unnecessary for Teslas, our experience strongly disagrees.
“If you live somewhere where it snows regularly, and if you want to be able to get home without white knuckles on a stormy day, you should buy a dedicated set of snow tires.” This advice is crucial for Model Y owners in colder climates.
While the stock tires lacked winter grip, the Model Y’s stability control system is commendable in managing available traction. It effectively maintained control, even in slippery conditions. With the Nokian Hakkapeliitta tires, the Model Y transformed into a winter-weather capable machine, confidently navigating even unplowed driveways and challenging snow conditions.
However, the stability system prioritizes safety over driver engagement. For those seeking some winter driving fun, the Model Y’s overly cautious stability control system is a disappointment. Even on a frozen lake, attempting to induce even a small amount of rear-wheel slip proved nearly impossible before the system intervened, cutting power and preventing any playful sliding. Engaging in any kind of spirited driving in low-grip conditions is effectively prohibited by the vehicle’s electronic nannies. For those seeking winter driving antics, upgrading to the significantly more expensive Performance model, while sacrificing range, might be necessary.
“Full Self Driving”: Still in Beta, Still Problematic
“In the software world, “beta” means broken.” This sentiment accurately reflects the current state of Tesla’s “Full Self Driving” (FSD) system. The term itself is arguably a misnomer, representing a significant overstatement of the system’s actual capabilities. “Autopilot” was already a stretch, but “Full Self Driving” feels like blatant marketing hyperbole.
On a positive note, the phantom braking issue that plagued earlier versions of the Model Y has largely been mitigated. Our Model Y, an early production unit without a radar sensor, initially suffered from frequent and abrupt phantom braking incidents. On undivided highways, the car would often slam on the brakes unnecessarily, reacting to oncoming vehicles safely within their lane. These events were sometimes so forceful that the ABS would engage, creating a disconcerting and potentially dangerous situation. Reports of rear-end collisions caused by phantom braking and subsequent lawsuits underscore the severity of this initial problem.
Over the course of our lease, phantom braking occurrences became less frequent and less severe. Hopefully, Tesla has genuinely addressed the root cause and not simply desensitized the system to potential collisions.
Despite improvements in phantom braking, FSD remains far from “full self-driving” and is still riddled with issues. A recent final drive before returning the vehicle highlighted its continued shortcomings. While FSD effectively maintained speed and lane positioning on the highway, it exhibited several concerning behaviors. The system failed to detect intentional glances away from the road but frequently demanded steering wheel inputs even with hands firmly in place. It also demonstrated poor lane discipline, lingering in the left lane and unnecessarily passing a semi-truck on the right. Furthermore, it missed a highway exit without signaling and then made abrupt, erratic lane changes within the exit lanes before drastically slowing down for a mild curve. Overriding FSD required significant force on the steering wheel, as the system resisted relinquishing control, resulting in unsettling lurches.
“At best, driving with FSD on is like riding shotgun with a pimply 15-year-old with a freshly minted learner’s permit in their pocket.” This analogy aptly captures the anxiety-inducing nature of relying on FSD. The $12,000 price tag for this “privilege” seems exorbitant, especially considering the availability of more mature and reliable driver-assistance systems from competitors. Super Cruise, BlueCruise, BMW’s Driver Assistance Professional, and Mercedes-Benz’s Drive Pilot all offer superior performance, greater reliability, and a more comfortable user experience, often at a lower cost.
Interior Durability: White Vinyl Holds Up Surprisingly Well
Compared to the premium vegan interiors offered by brands like Volvo, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz in their EVs, the Tesla Model Y’s white vinyl interior initially appears questionable, perhaps reminiscent of a 1970s-themed aesthetic. For a vehicle positioned in the luxury price range, the interior materials lack a truly luxurious feel.
However, despite initial reservations, the white vinyl proved surprisingly durable and easy to maintain. “Legitimately dog- and denim-proof.” This is an accurate assessment of its resilience. By the end of the 25-month lease, the driver’s seat showed some blue staining, a common issue with white interiors and denim. Concerned about potential lease-end charges, a quick cleaning with Dr. Bronner’s soap effectively removed the stains.
While we used a hammock-style seat cover to protect the rear seats from our dogs, they still endured significant wear and tear, including dirt and grime. Yet, they emerged looking remarkably unscathed. Overall, the Model Y’s interior, despite its basic materials, held up exceptionally well to daily use and pet transport.
Range and Efficiency: Accurate Estimates, but Phantom Drain Concerns
Over 25 months and 15,410 miles, the Tesla Model Y consumed 4,272 kWh of electricity, resulting in an average efficiency of 277 Wh/mile, or 3.6 miles/kWh. This figure closely aligns with the EPA’s estimate, even with cold-weather driving and winter tire use. “EPA’s estimate” is a reliable benchmark for the Model Y’s energy consumption.
In general, the Tesla’s range predictions proved accurate, and range anxiety was rarely an issue. The extensive Supercharger network undoubtedly contributed to this peace of mind. However, the introduction of idle fees at Supercharger stations diminished the convenience of charging stops, discouraging leisurely breaks during charging sessions.
One persistent issue was significant range loss while parked. On several occasions, particularly when leaving the Model Y at the airport, the car lost a substantial portion of its charge while parked, sometimes exceeding half of the battery capacity. Disabling Sentry Mode and other energy-consuming features did not resolve this “random loss of charge while parked”. Leaving the vehicle plugged in when parked for extended periods seems to be the most effective solution to mitigate this phantom drain.
Reliability and Quality: Solid Mechanically, Minor Quirks
From a mechanical standpoint, the Tesla Model Y proved remarkably reliable. “Mystery leaves that somehow blew into a closed trunk”. Despite this minor mystery, the vehicle did not require any service visits during the 25-month lease. While Tesla has been known for panel alignment and build quality issues, our Model Y appeared reasonably well-assembled upon delivery.
However, some minor quality quirks were present. The taillights fogged up for extended periods after rain or washing, and the frunk was not watertight, allowing water ingress. This water intrusion rendered the frunk unusable for storing items that needed to remain dry. The discovery of leaves inside the frunk, despite it being supposedly sealed, further highlighted this issue. The source and entry point of these leaves remain a mystery, symbolizing the minor, albeit perplexing, quality inconsistencies.
Cost and Competition: Value Proposition Questioned
Tesla’s pricing is notoriously dynamic, making cost comparisons complex. The as-configured price of our Model Y Long Range with options including paint, interior, tow hitch, and FSD was $67,490. Remarkably, configuring a similar Model Y Long Range today, including the now-optional charging adapter, results in a nearly identical price of $66,880, including the increased delivery fee. “Given how… dynamic Tesla pricing can be, I thought it’d be interesting to do the math on how much this car would cost were I to purchase another.”
While the Model Y’s price has remained relatively stable, the competitive landscape has shifted significantly. The base Tesla Model Y now starts at a lower price point, but compelling alternatives have emerged at even more competitive prices. The Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6 all offer compelling electric SUV options, often at a lower price point and with arguably more refined driving dynamics. Furthermore, upcoming EVs like the Volvo EX30 and established luxury electric SUVs like the Audi Q8 e-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV provide premium alternatives within a similar price range.
In this increasingly crowded market, the Model Y’s value proposition is less clear-cut. Its primary advantage remains its range and access to the Supercharger network. However, in a market with rapidly improving EV technology and expanding charging infrastructure, range is becoming less of a differentiating factor, and other aspects like ride comfort, technology refinement, and brand perception are gaining importance. “In this field, the Model Y really only stands out for its range, and there’s so much more than range to consider.”
Things We’ll Miss and Won’t Miss
Things I’ll Miss:
- Dog Mode: A genuinely useful and pet-friendly feature.
- The Range: Provides genuine long-distance capability.
- The Supercharger Network: Still a significant advantage, though evolving.
- The Acceleration: Instant torque and brisk performance are addictive.
- The (lack of a) Dealership Experience: Direct ordering can be convenient.
Things I’ll Not Miss:
- That Ride Quality: Unforgivably harsh and uncomfortable.
- The word “beta” applied to a safety system: FSD’s beta status raises safety concerns.
- Random loss of charge while parked: Inconvenient and unexplained battery drain.
- The Monthly Payment: EV ownership can still be expensive.
- Being in any way financially associated with Elon Musk: Brand image concerns.
The Elon Factor and Final Verdict
“There’s one final aspect of Model Y experience that I cannot ignore: the evolution of Tesla’s brand image.” The increasing polarization surrounding Tesla’s brand, largely due to Elon Musk’s public persona and political stances, has become a significant factor for many owners. Owning a Tesla has, for some, become an unintended political statement, regardless of individual agreement or disagreement with Musk’s views. This association has led some Tesla owners to feel uncomfortable driving their vehicles, prompting lease cancellations, pre-order abandonments, and even vehicle sales.
This evolving brand image is a significant challenge for Tesla. Despite the Model Y’s undeniable strengths in range and performance, and its continued competitiveness in the electric crossover SUV segment, brand perception is becoming a hurdle for a growing number of potential buyers.
“If that’s you, I don’t blame you. If, on the other hand, you can put on your blinders and ignore, or indeed if you actually enjoy Musk’s weapons-grade trolling, then you’re getting one of the best combinations of range and performance in the segment. If, however, you’re looking for something premium, something that actually deserves to be in the luxury segment, you can do better than a Model Y.”
While the Tesla Model Y offers a compelling blend of range and performance in the electric SUV market, its harsh ride quality, problematic “Full Self Driving” system, and evolving brand image detract from its overall appeal. For those prioritizing a truly premium experience and refined driving dynamics, alternatives in the electric SUV segment offer a more compelling package. A significant revamp, particularly addressing ride comfort and FSD reliability, would be necessary to reconsider the Model Y in the future. For now, exploring other electric SUV options, as we have recently done, might be a more satisfying choice.
