Overall Rating
Updated on: July 20, 2020
Automotive Journalist
Model Y is an all-electric Tesla SUV, that's what Tesla calls it. But what we know so far it's more of a compact crossover vehicle. It is basically a slightly larger hatchback version of the model 3. Model Y is based on the model 3 sedan platform so it looks very similar to the Model 3 and they share about 80% of the same components but there are some key differences.
In the first phase, there are only two trims on offer and the base trim or we should say the cheapest trim will arrive next year. Right now the Long-Range model Y starts just above $54.000 after factoring in the required $1200 destination fee and the Performance Model Y starts just above $62,000. Both of these have an estimated range of 315 miles which makes the Model Y the most energy-efficient electric SUV in the world.
315 miles EPA range
Super quick Performance variant
Tesla Supercharger Network in place
Delivery dates and supply prices are highly variable
Third row seats are small and very costly to add
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto absent
compact crossover electric SUV segment
Features
Engine and Performance
Fuel Economy
Interior
Exterior
Safety
7.9
OVERALL RATING
Overall Rating
Bearing a starting price tag of $48,000, it will be competing against the likes of Jaguar I-Pace Electric SUV, being a lot cheaper than other electric cars available in the market such as the Jaguar I-Pace by almost $20,000. There is high hope on the Model Y for performing better than other offerings such as the Model 3 and Model X by the electric giant Tesla.
8.8/10
Features
7.0/10
Engine and Performance
7.8/10
Fuel Economy
8.0/10
Interior
8.0/10
Exterior
8.0/10
Safety
The 2020 Model Y comes in three versions: Performance, long Range and standard range. If you want a Model Y in 2020 you have to choose from the dual-motor all-wheel-drive options which is either the Performance or the Long-Range because the Standard range won't be produced until 2021.
All trims feature the same range from the batteries. Approx 315 miles is what Tesla is claiming in a single charge for the Model Y.
Model |
Long Range |
Performance |
---|---|---|
MSRP |
$52,990* |
$60,990 |
Key Features |
Long Range of 315 miles |
Features of the Long Range trim as standard and additional features |
15 mins charge to add 158 miles of range from Supercharger Station |
Faster acceleration and more powerful with the optional performance upgrade |
|
15-inch Touchscreen Infotainment system with OTA updates |
Lesser range of 280 miles with the performance upgrade |
|
Seating for up to 7 passengers with optional 3rd-row seats |
Only 19-inch wheels available as standard |
|
Easy access Trunk with independently folding second-row seats |
21-inch wheels in the performance upgrade with lowered suspension setup |
|
19-inch or 20-inch wheels |
Performance-oriented Brakes with Aluminum Alloy Pedals |
|
360-degree rear, side, and front-facing cameras |
||
Autopilot mode with radars that provide long-range view up to 160m |
||
12 Ultrasonic sensors to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles |
||
Independent motors for the front and rear with all-weather protection |
||
Full glass roof offers a panoramic view |
Our Recommendation
The 2020 Tesla Model Y is offered at a fabulous price compared to other electric cars in this segment. We recommend you to pick the Long Range trim, although it will appear to you as you are choosing the base trim, it comes loaded with so many techs and gimmicks that you won't notice the difference unless you get deep into the features list. As the base variant is still enough fast for a daily crossover and you won't be needing the Performance package.
The 2020 Model Y can opt-in two drivetrain options. One is a rear-wheel driven motor setup while the other is an “all-wheel-drive” setup, which uses separate motors for the front and the rear. This setup of independent motors ensures that the car can be driven easily under any circumstances.
Model |
Tesla Model Y |
Jaguar I-Pace |
---|---|---|
MSRP |
$52,990 |
$69,850 |
Motors |
Permanent Magnet AC Motor |
2x197hp permanent magnet motors |
Transmission |
Single-speed direct drive |
Single Speed Epicyclic |
Horsepower (hp) |
346 |
395 |
Torque (lb-ft) |
389 |
516 |
The new Tesla can be easily called the Model 3 in an SUV profile, as it is redesigned on the same platform. This means the driving dynamics of this structure are notably similar to those of Model 3. The car feels agile and nimble while packing the electric punch Tesla's are getting famous for. As the electric motors can shift power according to need while maintaining enough torque to get you out of any situation.
ith improved stability, which resulted in better handling, the torque transfer is also improved due to independent motors.
This is one department where Tesla always performs the best. As the Model Y is powered by independent motors for the front and the rear, which results in instant delivery of power from the time you step on the accelerator pedal. This is one vehicle that, if driven daily by you, can leave you with hating the gas-powered car due to their power delivery as the instant torque from electric motors is addicting.
Models |
Tesla Model Y |
Jaguar I-Pace |
---|---|---|
0-60 MPH |
4.8s |
4.5s |
Quarter mile |
N/A |
12.9s |
Engine |
Permanent Magnet AC Motor |
Permanent Magnet Motor |
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year) |
N/A |
N/A |
Although there is enough power packed in the Model Y, it still lacks a little short when compared to its direct rival, the Jaguar I-Pace. Even though the difference is in milliseconds, still in the final comparison, Tesla loses to Jaguar by a minor margin. But if you want a more performance-focused Tesla, you can opt for the Performance trim, which packs enough punch to propel itself from 0-60 mpg in just 3.5 seconds.
Braking
Tesla focuses more on safety than performance, and braking is one department tesla takes very seriously. Model Y has enough gimmicks to make it stop with the safe parameter. It is equipped with 19-inch wheels with corresponding all-season tires, which can further be upgraded to 20-inch wheels in the Long Range trim.
Models |
Tesla Model Y |
Jaguar I Pace |
---|---|---|
Brake Front |
N/A |
N/A |
Brake Rear |
N/A |
N/A |
60-0 performance (ft) |
N/A |
122 |
Curb weight (lbs) |
4416 |
4702 |
Unfortunately, official data regarding brakes are not available for both the rivaling SUVs, which results in no perfect comparison in terms of braking.
As the Model Y is based on the Model 3, it still has a piece of sedan under its crossover SUV shell. It possesses similar driving dynamics and can hold corners pretty well. Also, the battery pack is positioned down on the floor, which is a typical Tesla style placement. Due to being all-electric, you don't have any noises to hear coming from the engine bay. All you hear is road noise made by the tires.
The current generation of Tesla all-electric cars are the best of both worlds, quick and agile. The steering is designed correctly and provides accurate information on the road surface. It comes equipped with different steering modes, which can be changed from comfort to sport depending upon personal preferences. Also, the car comes fitted with all-season tires, so you don't have to worry about traction on any surface.
Official city and highway range are not available for the 2020 Tesla Model Y. However, we do have the mile range for the Model Y. It is said to have an EPA range of 315 miles for the Long Range trim while the Performance trim is rated for 280 miles.
Models |
Tesla Model Y |
Jaguar I-Pace |
---|---|---|
MPC (city) |
NA |
80 |
MPC (highway) |
NA |
72 |
MPC (combined) |
NA |
76 |
Tesla is also extending its Supercharger network with over 16,000 currently in place and working. Other features include a range of 158miles in charge of 15mins at the supercharger station. Although no official announcements are made still, we can expect it to have a 75kWh battery pack.
Contributing to luxury offering from Tesla, the Model Y is an electric luxury crossover SUV with interiors of superb quality. To increase the appeal of the interior, a full glass panoramic roof is fitted in the Model Y with tinted glass.
A lower mounted dashboard and raised seating height add to ease of visibility for the driver as the eyeline remains unobstructed, which makes sure comfortable drivability.
Models |
Tesla Model Y |
Jaguar I-Pace |
---|---|---|
Seating Capacity |
5 or 7 |
5 |
Front (head/ shoulder/leg)(inch) |
41/56.4/41.8 |
39.9/57.6/40.9 |
Rear (head/ shoulder/leg)(inch) |
39.4/54/40.5 |
38.1/54.6/35.0 |
Again, the interiors will remind you of the Model 3, as it seems more and more like its soul cousin because sharing a lot much with its core in the Model Y. Adding to a spacious feel is the flat floor of the car, which doubles up as a protection for the lithium battery pack mounted on the floor.
The interior is a perfect blend of simplicity and elegance as no buttons are available in the 15inch center console display, which controls a lot of in-vehicular functions.
The other features it comes equipped with are:
Currently, the seating option is only for five people by default, but soon, it will be available in a seven-seater setup with third-row seats for an extra $3,000. But if you opt for that, there is a long delay in delivery, which is expected to begin in 2021. The second-row seats come with full fold option in standard configuration, but can also be converted to independently folding. There are two interior color options currently available, which are a combination of Black and White.
Tesla’s only get a single 15inch touch screen, which is responsible for all infotainment and gimmicks related systems. The screen is placed in the good reach of the driver. Othe features that are expected to be in the infotainment setup are:
Other autonomous features which can be opted for in the customization list are
Additional functionality that is expected to arrive later this year are:
Cargo Space
The Model Y features a smooth access trunk, which is placed quite low that helps in the ease of loading and unloading stuff from the cargo. Zero buttons on the center console easy out for multiple storage spaces.
Models |
Tesla Model Y |
Jaguar I-Pace |
---|---|---|
Cargo space (cubic feet) |
68 |
25.3 |
With multiple storage spaces for cups in the center console and bottle in the door, pockets increase daily useability.
Reflections of the Tesla Model 3 can be seen on the outside as well. But it will surprise you while coming around the corner as you won't be expecting an SUV like shape. Model Y carries profoundly from Model 3, and it is pretty apparent from the front view. Even though it rides higher than Model 3, it still has that low slung look. Featuring a fluidic and aerodynamic design, the car feels like it will just glide through.
Sleek door handles hide almost unnoticeable when viewed from the front or in three-quarters view. Although the headlamps yet again will remind you of the Model 3 design. In terms of bodyline, it comes close to the BMW GT series by featuring a higher stance along with a crossover style roof.
Models |
Tesla Model Y |
Jaguar I-Pace |
---|---|---|
Curb weight (lbs) |
4416 |
4784 |
Length (in) |
187 |
184.3 |
Width (in) |
75.6 |
79.2 |
Height (in) |
63.9 |
61.3 |
Ground clearance (in) |
6.6 |
7.3 |
Wheelbase (in) |
113.8 |
117.7 |
The Model Y comes with 19-inch wheels as standard and can also be opted with 20-inch wheels from the factory, although you can choose from only one design option for the alloy wheels. The buyer can also select the performance pack under which the wheels get upgraded to 21-inch wit performance tires.
Safety is the most concerned point for Tesla cars as they are rated for being one of the safest cars out there by adherence to safety norms. All offerings, including the Model 3, Model S and Model X have been rated for achieving perfect ratings almost every time from the IIHS and NHTSA. So, the same is expected while considering the Model Y to carry forward this legacy.
The Model Y comes equipped with the following features:
Even though the car comes with autopilot as standard, it needs to be supervised. You can choose to increase it to full autonomous mode with the full Self Drive Capability. It will add the following safety features:
Navigate on Autopilot which will drive automatically from highway on-ramp to off-ramp including interchanges and overtaking slower cars
Auto Lane Change
2020 Tesla Model Y electric SUV vs Jaguar I-Pace
Jaguar certainly knows how to add luxury to their vehicles, and the same is true for the 2020 I-Pace, which is offered as a luxury electric crossover. It is more powerful than the Model Y but is also a lot more expensive than the Tesla. As the top trim Y costs less than the base trim of I-Pace, so if you are looking for a pocket-friendly and practical deal, you might consider the Tesla.
Tesla surely knows to be luxurious and Sleek while still trying its best to save the environment. Their range of cars is getting popular day by day due to the fact of bringing up the best of technological advancement and gimmicks for usage in daily driven vehicles. All these features make sure that your Tesla will keep you safe no matter how harsh the condition might get. So if you are looking for an environmentally friendly, future proof car for your usability. The 2020 Tesla Model Y will surely fit into your consideration. Also, it comes with eight years of warranty for the motor and drivetrain.