2021 Tesla Model Y Review
Topic: 2021 Tesla Model Y Review
The 2021 Tesla Model Y is a small SUV that sits below the largest Model X in the company’s lineup. It’s a Tesla, so of course, everything is electric. It also has a lot in common with the Model 3 sedan, including a similar design inside and out. Compared to the 3, the Y gives you more space for the rear passengers and more cargo capacity. You can even order a 2021 Model Y with the third row of seats. Just keep in mind that the third row of seats is strictly reserved for young children, as the rear window directly infringes on the passenger’s headroom.
Overall, the Model Y has many redeeming qualities. Its long-range and performance variants provide an impressive range, each EPA-rated for more than 300 miles on a full charge. They’re fun to drive, too, thanks to their quick acceleration and agile handling. However, in the past year, new competitors have entered the electric vehicle arena. In particular, you should check out the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID 4 electric SUVs. Audi’s e-Tron is another viable option if you want something more luxurious. Need help choosing model Y? Check out our expert review below for an in-depth review.
How does the 2021 Tesla Model Y roll?
We tested the Model Y’s performance with the optional performance upgrade. Acceleration is fast; our test car started from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. Equally impressive is the stopping ability from 60 mph; our test car stopped just 108 feet away. Both numbers are better than the stats for many traditional sports cars, and the Y is undoubtedly one of the fastest electric vehicles we’ve tested to date.
The steering and handling are also commendable despite the Y’s heavyweight. The steering is light and responsive to any input and gives you a sense of control and connection in a corner. Body roll is minimal, especially for an SUV. Driving in the city is excellent. Experienced electric vehicle drivers will appreciate the adjustable regenerative braking that allows you to drive almost exclusively with the correct pedal.
How comfortable is the 2021 Tesla Model Y?
The Model Y’s cabin offers good comfort in some areas and disappoints in others. The seats are well-padded and supportive, for example, and the seat warmers heat up quickly. The air conditioning, like everything else, is controlled via a touch screen. You can cool and warm the cab well, but you have to work really hard if the sun comes out and shines through the Y’s expansive glass roof. You can remotely pre-condition the cab before you get in, which is helpful.
The biggest drawback to comfort is ride quality. The Model Y doesn’t smooth out any bumps or bumps in the road much, and we think the large wheels and low sport suspension on our test vehicle only made the problem worse. Caliper summer tires also generate a bit more noise, although this is a typical compromise for extra performance. We believe the standard Y long-range model will be a better choice for a smoother and quieter ride.
How is the interior of 2021 Tesla Model Y?
The Model Y cab is spacious, with plenty of head and legroom for all occupants. It’s easy to get in and out with the wide-opening doors, high ceiling, and low steps.
Unfortunately, the large touchscreen, while fresh and modern, is the Y’s only gateway to controlling just about everything. There is a learning curve for using the controls, and using the system is generally uncomfortable while driving. Another problem: If the touchscreen peels off, you lose most of the Model Y’s control access.
Forward visibility is impressive thanks to the tall, wide windshield and short hood. There is only a slight obstruction from the large pillars of the front windshield when cornering. However, the rear visibility is like what you get in a sports coupe. The slim rear window and high waistline greatly limit what can be seen inside.
How is the technology used in 2021 Tesla Model Y?
There are significant trade-offs when it comes to the Model Y’s technological features. The large centre display is easy to see and presents crisp graphics. The Google-based navigation system also features excellent graphics. But updating the system can be slow in irregular service areas, temporarily leaving you with no response. The sound quality of the 14-speaker audio system is immersive.
The biggest drawback? There is no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone integration. Bluetooth is the only way to connect your phone and is a poor substitute for the more feature-rich capabilities of CarPlay and Android Auto. There are many things you can theoretically do with Tesla voice commands, like adjusting the cabin temperature or opening the glove compartment. However, we found that its effectiveness in the real world was lacking. Make simple requests, like calling Mom; it didn’t work multiple times in our tests.
However, the Model Y’s advanced driving aids are excellent. Sophisticated adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and blind-spot monitoring, along with a real-time digital map of all surrounding cars and motorcycles, are great tools on the open road. And if you’re parked, you have access to an internet browser that lets you do things like watch Netflix or scroll through YouTube videos, as long as you’re up to date with your Tesla data plan ($ 9.99 per month) or connected to Wi-Fi. Fi. One of Tesla’s biggest innovations is constant wireless updates that can add new features and system optimizations.
How is the storage?
The cargo space of the Model Y is huge. Tesla says it has 68 cubic feet of maximum capacity, although it’s unclear if that number includes the front trunk. The rear seats do not fold down completely, but there is a wide opening and an easy loading height. The removable cargo floor provides even more rear storage space underneath. When it comes to storing small items like water bottles or smartphones, the Model Y’s large centre console is decent for work, but organization options are limited.
Accommodation in a child safety seat is normal for an SUV of this size. There is enough room for even the largest child seats. The lower car seat anchors, however, have small access points and are difficult to fasten. The upper attachment points are on the underside of the rear seats and can be difficult to reach.
How inexpensive is the Y model?
The EPA estimates the performance of the 2020 Model Y (which we tested) has a maximum range of 291 miles and uses 30 kWh of electricity for 100 miles of driving. Both are impressive for an electric SUV.
In Techecars field tests of our 2020 Model Y performance, we observed a total range of 263 miles at a consumption rate of 29.6 kWh / 100 miles in full-function battery mode, which charges the battery to its capacity. Maximum. This mode is not recommended for daily use and should be reserved for long trips. While this result is a bit disappointing, we think the Y Performance model still has enough range for most buyers, as long as you drive safely.
2021 Tesla Model Y Price
Our Performance model test car did well in luxury SUV pricing territory with an MSRP including a destination of $ 68,700. Also, note that the $ 7,500 federal tax credit for Teslas is officially exhausted.
Worth it? The Model Y is a relative blessing compared to other high-performance SUVs when it comes to speed and performance. But if interior design and comfort features are top priorities, the Model Y is a bit of a disappointment.
The Y Performance model has an 11.5kW onboard charger and the usual array of charging cable options, including a standard 120-volt household adapter, a 240-volt SAE public charging equipment adapter, and an RV park adapter. NEMA 14-50. It also works with the nationwide Supercharger network, though you will have to pay to refuel (about 26 cents per kWh). The Model Y can be recharged to 80% via the Supercharger in about 30 minutes.
The Ys are slightly lower than the average luxury SUV in terms of warranties but comparable to luxury electric vehicle coverage. Tesla covers the battery for eight years / 120,000 miles and guarantees 70% of battery life during that time.
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There is a lot of fun with the Y Performance model. Its fast acceleration, its high manoeuvrability limits, and its fast steering verify the “pleasure of driving.” boxes. The elegant Y-position also makes it easy on the eyes. This SUV is a true beauty with the optional low suspension, larger wheels, and optional red paint.
Which Y model does Techecars recommend?
Our pick for most EV buyers is the long-range one. It’s decently fast and has an impressive 326-mile EPA-estimated range. The actual range is generally not very good as Tesla recommends charging to 90% to avoid shortened battery life. Still, it is one of the longest electric vehicles to drive. The Y Performance model is extremely fast, but its overly stiff ride is a major drawback.
Our verdict about 2021 Tesla Model Y
The Model Y is a stylish and spacious electric SUV with great appeal. In the Performance version, it is also extremely fast and dynamic. Unfortunately, the optional sports suspension and large wheels make driving relatively uncomfortable. And as with every other Tesla, the Y lags behind the rest of the industry when it comes to smartphone integration.
Tesla Y Models
The Tesla Model Y is a small, all-electric crossover SUV with seating for five passengers. An optional third-row increases the number of seats to 7. It is available in two main versions: long-range and high-performance. You may have heard of the standard Model Y line as well. Tesla briefly offered this introductory version on its website in early 2021, only to release it a month later. It had a supposed range of 244 miles. The main features of the Model Y include:
2021 Tesla Model Y Long Range
This trim is optimized for maximum driving distance and includes:
- 326 miles of variety
- Dual motors and all-wheel drive
- Touted 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds
- 19-inch wheels
- Panoramic glass roof
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Simulated leather upholstery
- Power-adjustable front chairs
- Heated front and rear seats
- 15-inch central touchscreen
- Streaming services (navigation and amusement; subscription required)
- Wireless apparatus charger
- 15-speaker sound system
This safety equipment comes standard on every Model Y:
- Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Model Y along with the car in front).
- Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending crash and applies the brakes in certain situations ).
- Lane-keeping assist (steers the Model Y back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane mark )
- Blind-spot tracking (alerts you when a vehicle in another lane over is in your blind spot)
Performance
This sportier version offers the following:
- 303 kilometres of range
- Touted 0-60 mph time of 3.5 minutes
- 21-inch wheels
- Performance brakes
- Lowered suspension
- Aluminium alloy pedals
Main options for the Tesla Model Y include:
- The third row of seat increases capacity for up to seven passengers
- A tow hitch (adds a Class II tow hitch for lightweight trailers around 3,500 lbs )
- Full Self-Driving Capability (provides added semi-automated driving aid features, such as summoning the
- Model Y out of parking spaces and automated lane changes on the street. Tesla promises this feature will encourage fully automated driving later on, but so far, the Model Y’s”self-driving” capacity doesn’t exist.)
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