The saying goes, “all good things must end,” and while that can be a somber thought, it’s balanced by the fact that less desirable experiences also eventually conclude. After spending 25 months with a blue Tesla Model Y Long Range, the question lingers: where does this experience fall? Frankly, it’s a mixed bag. As I reflect on my time with this electric SUV, I find myself oscillating between a sense of grudging respect and outright relief that our paths are parting.
This particular Model Y began its journey as a part of the Roadshow test fleet before becoming a member of my family. If you’ve followed my initial review and ongoing coverage, you’ll know I was initially captivated by many aspects of this vehicle. However, there were also deeply concerning issues that emerged early on. The most glaring was the car’s inability to consistently engage cruise control for even short distances without triggering phantom braking – a safety flaw that was simply unacceptable. As the months progressed, the Model Y’s relentlessly firm ride quality became an increasingly prominent irritant.
Over the subsequent years, some of my initial criticisms have seen improvement. The phantom braking incidents have decreased significantly, new software features have enhanced usability, and we even received the much-anticipated “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) capability, a feature I honestly doubted would materialize before the lease concluded.
Yet, the persistent shortcomings of FSD raise questions about whether my initial reservations were indeed valid. Despite these ups and downs, the Model Y has earned a degree of reluctant admiration over these past two years. This review, therefore, will navigate between positive and negative aspects, aiming to reach a balanced and insightful conclusion about whether a Tesla is truly a good car.
Driving Dynamics: A Mix of Thrills and Harshness
My conflicted opinion on the Tesla Model Y starts with its driving dynamics. In moments, it can be genuinely exhilarating to drive, yet at other times, it’s disappointingly unengaging and consistently jarring.
Let’s begin with the positives: power. The Model Y possesses undeniable speed. While officially rated at 4.8 seconds to 60 mph, it feels even quicker, launching forward with remarkable force, often exceeding the traction capabilities of its 19-inch tires. And, somewhat surprisingly, after only 15,000 miles, these tires already exhibit noticeable wear, despite winter use of a dedicated set of snow tires.
The steering is also remarkably quick. Though lacking in feedback, it is direct and responsive. This responsiveness, combined with the compact steering wheel, contributes to the Model Y’s feeling of agility and engagement. For an electric vehicle prioritizing efficiency, it delivers unexpected bursts of fun.
However, this fun is quickly curtailed the moment even a hint of wheelspin or loss of traction occurs. Tesla’s overly sensitive safety systems abruptly cut power, effectively ending any spirited driving. More on this control later.
“Even minor road imperfections translate into jarring feedback within the cabin, thanks to a suspension system that lacks refinement.”
Unfortunately, the Model Y’s ride quality is a significant drawback. Even minor imperfections in the road surface transmit harsh impacts into the cabin, a result of a suspension system that prioritizes firmness over compliance. The ride is jarring over even small bumps, despite opting for the smaller 19-inch wheels specifically to improve ride comfort. Choosing the optional 20-inch wheels would only exacerbate this issue.
This is particularly disappointing because, on smooth roads, the Model Y’s acoustic laminated glass and other design elements contribute to a quiet and serene cabin. However, the constant intrusion of road imperfections makes even moderate drives feel taxing, eagerly anticipating the respite of the next Supercharger stop.
Winter Driving: Grip vs. Fun
The highlight of winter driving with the Model Y was undoubtedly fitting a set of Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 EV studded tires. These tires provided exceptional grip and, surprisingly, were less noisy than other studded tires I’ve used in the past. Crucially, their softer sidewalls noticeably improved the Model Y’s otherwise stiff ride quality. The enhancement was so significant that we kept them on well into spring, beyond what seasonal norms typically dictate.
Conversely, on the factory-equipped all-season tires, the Model Y felt somewhat precarious in snowy conditions. The low-rolling-resistance tires are inherently hard and not optimized for genuine winter performance. Despite numerous online forum discussions where Model Y owners suggest snow tires are unnecessary, let me be clear:
If you reside in an area with regular snowfall and value confident winter driving, investing in a dedicated set of snow tires is highly recommended.
That being said, the Model Y’s stability control system performs admirably in managing available grip. However, the stock tires simply don’t offer much grip to manage. Equipped with the Nokian tires, the Model Y transformed into a winter driving machine. Even navigating unplowed driveways became effortless.
Despite the effective stability control, it prioritizes safety over driver engagement. For those who enjoy a bit of playful sliding in low-grip conditions, the Model Y’s system is overly intrusive. Even on a frozen lake, inducing even a slight tail-out moment was nearly impossible before the car aggressively cut power.
This lack of playful handling might disappoint some drivers. To unlock more dynamic winter driving, one would need to upgrade to the significantly more expensive Performance model, sacrificing range in the process.
“Full Self-Driving”: Still in Beta?
I still struggle to write “Full Self-Driving” without quotation marks, as it represents a prime example of automotive over-promising. “Autopilot” was questionable enough; “Full Self-Driving” feels like a misnomer.
Let’s acknowledge the improvements. The phantom braking issue that plagued early Model Ys has largely been resolved. This particular vehicle was an early production model, lacking radar and relying solely on windshield-mounted cameras for object detection.
Initially, on undivided highways, the car would frequently and abruptly brake for oncoming vehicles safely within their lane. These braking events were often so forceful that the ABS would engage.
While more common on secondary roads, phantom braking also occurred on highways, creating genuinely alarming situations. As I noted previously, this could lead to rear-end collisions, and indeed, reports and even lawsuits have emerged citing such incidents.
By the end of our lease, phantom braking had become much less frequent and less severe when it did occur. Hopefully, Tesla has genuinely addressed the root cause and not simply desensitized the system to potential collisions.
Thankfully, I never experienced a situation to test this revised sensitivity.
While FSD has also evolved and been updated, it remains fundamentally flawed. On a recent final drive before returning the car, its performance was underwhelming. The system showed little concern when I intentionally looked away from the road for extended periods, yet frequently prompted me to “apply steering force” despite my hands remaining firmly on the wheel.
FSD capably maintained speed and lane position on highways, but it consistently favored the left lane, impeding traffic flow, and once overtook a semi-truck on the right. It also exited the highway without signaling and then made erratic lane changes within the exit ramp, ultimately slowing to 20 mph below the speed limit to navigate a gentle curve. Perhaps most concerning, in numerous instances where I needed to override the system, significant force was required to regain control, causing unsettling lurches.
“Engaging FSD feels akin to being a passenger with a nervous, newly permitted 15-year-old driver.”
At best, using FSD feels like riding with a nervous, inexperienced teenager with a learner’s permit. The idea of paying $12,000 for this “privilege” is frankly absurd. Systems like Super Cruise, BlueCruise, BMW’s Driver Assistance Professional, and Mercedes-Benz’s Drive Pilot are demonstrably more dependable, more capable, and significantly more user-friendly. They also come at a considerably lower cost.
White Interior: Dog and Denim Durability?
Compared to the premium, vegan materials used by brands like Volvo, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz in their EVs, the Model Y’s white vinyl interior initially seems like a questionable design choice, perhaps better suited to a 1970s-themed setting. For a vehicle in the luxury price bracket, it lacks a sense of genuine luxury.
However, I must acknowledge its resilience. It has proven surprisingly durable. By the end of the lease, the driver’s seat showed some blue dye transfer, a common issue with white interiors and denim. I was concerned about potential lease-end charges, but a quick cleaning with Dr. Bronner’s soap effectively removed the stains.
We used a hammock-style seat cover to protect the rear seats from our dogs, but they still endured their share of dirt and grime and emerged looking remarkably unscathed.
Overall, the interior has held up exceptionally well.
Range and Efficiency: Living Up to Expectations
Over 25 months, we accumulated 15,410 miles in the Tesla, less than initially anticipated, but understandable given pandemic-related travel restrictions during a significant portion of our ownership. During this time, the car consumed 4,272 kWh, achieving an overall efficiency of 277 Wh/mile, or 3.6 miles per kWh. This closely aligns with the EPA’s estimates, even with considerable cold-weather driving on snow tires.
In general, the Tesla’s range predictions were accurate, and range anxiety was rarely a concern. Easy access to the Supercharger network certainly contributed to this confidence, though idle fees sometimes discouraged lingering at charging stops as we might have preferred. Relaxed charging stops for meals or breaks became less appealing due to potential fees.
However, we did experience a persistent issue: significant range loss while parked. On several occasions leaving the Model Y at the airport, we returned to find a substantial charge depletion, sometimes exceeding half the battery capacity. Despite disabling Sentry Mode and other energy-saving features, this issue persisted. Leaving the car plugged in when possible is advisable.
Reliability and Build Quality: Mostly Solid
From a mechanical standpoint, the Model Y proved remarkably reliable. It required no service visits throughout our ownership. While pre-delivery quality control issues are frequently reported with Teslas, our vehicle arrived in reasonably good condition, with acceptable panel alignment and finish.
However, it wasn’t without minor flaws. Condensation would frequently accumulate in the taillights after rain, persisting for days. We also quickly learned that the frunk was not reliably waterproof. Water intrusion into a supposedly sealed compartment seems inherently problematic.
Consequently, we avoided using the frunk. Therefore, I was surprised to discover a collection of leaves inside when inspecting it before returning the car. How they entered this sealed space remains a mystery.
Cost and Value: Shifting Landscape
Given Tesla’s fluctuating pricing, I wanted to assess the current cost of a comparable Model Y.
The final price of our Model Y Long Range, including options like paint, interior, tow hitch, and FSD, was $67,490. Configuring a similar Long Range model today with the same options (including the now-optional charging adapter) results in a price of $66,880, including the $1,390 delivery fee, which has surprisingly increased by $190 in two years.
Despite price fluctuations over time, the current cost is roughly the same.
However, the competitive landscape has changed dramatically. The base Tesla Model Y now starts at $50,490. The Ford Mustang Mach-E begins under $43,000. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 are even more affordable, and all are at least as enjoyable to drive, if not more so. With upcoming options like the Volvo EX30 and established luxury EVs like the Audi Q8 e-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV available at comparable prices, the Model Y’s value proposition is increasingly questionable.
In this evolving market, the Model Y’s primary remaining advantage is its range, but there are many other factors to consider beyond just range.
Things I’ll Miss:
- Dog Mode
- Range
- Supercharger Network (though its future is evolving)
- Acceleration
- Streamlined, dealership-free purchase experience
Things I Won’t Miss:
- Harsh ride quality
- “Beta” label on safety-critical systems
- Unexplained range loss while parked
- Monthly payments
- Association with Elon Musk’s public persona
The Musk Factor: Brand Image in Flux
One undeniable aspect of the Model Y ownership experience is the evolving perception of the Tesla brand. Over the past two years, owning a Tesla has, for some, become a perceived political statement. Regardless of one’s personal views on Elon Musk’s political leanings, his close association with the brand has led some to feel that driving a Tesla implies an endorsement, or at least acceptance, of his views.
I’ve spoken with Tesla owners who now express discomfort being seen in their vehicles. Many are counting down the days on their leases, canceling pre-orders, or even selling their cars. This shift in brand perception is a significant and unfortunate development.
The Tesla Model Y, despite its flaws, possesses numerous compelling features and capabilities that make it a noteworthy vehicle. It remains a contender in the competitive electric crossover SUV segment. However, for a growing number of consumers, Tesla’s brand image is becoming a barrier to consideration.
If you find yourself in this camp, it’s entirely understandable. Conversely, if you are able to disregard, or even appreciate, Musk’s controversial online presence, you’ll find the Model Y offers a compelling combination of range and performance within its class. However, if you prioritize a truly premium experience worthy of the luxury segment, superior alternatives to the Model Y exist.
While I hesitate to definitively rule anything out, I cannot envision owning another Model Y without significant improvements, particularly to FSD, which currently feels more like a liability than an asset. And, spending nearly $70,000 on a vehicle with such a punishing ride is difficult to justify.
So, where would I invest that sum instead? We recently added a new electric SUV from a different manufacturer to our family fleet, and we are exceptionally pleased with our choice. But that’s a story for another time.
