Tesla Model Y: Five reasons why we love it...and five reasons why we loathe it

The compact electric SUV market grows almost weekly nowadays, with high-riding, big-booted EVs dominating roads and supermarket car parks.

European powerhouses have been quick to fill this segment, but their hard work was immediately undone last year by the arrival of the Tesla Model Y.

Tesla's fourth model is now the best-selling electric car in Britain, with more than 35,000 vehicles rolling out of forecourts. That's impressive when you consider first cars only landed in late 2021 and early 2022.

So, what is it about the Model Y that makes it shine, and does it have any undesirable flaws? 

1. We LOVE the Tesla Model Y because…

It has more than enough range to take on the school run and your daily commute with ease, due to its super efficient 75kWh battery. Tesla says the official range is up to 331 miles, which in the real world translates to around 300 miles and just over 3.0mpkWh. 

That’s an admirable level of efficiency considering some rivals use bigger batteries; and during the winter months the Model Y performs better than others, typically offering a range of more than 270 miles.

2. We LOATHE the Tesla Model Y because…

The ride is quite firm and it isn’t as comfortable as its Model 3 sibling. It sits on bigger wheels than the Model 3, with 19in wheels (20in wheels are optional) fitted which aren’t very forgiving on poor road surfaces. Newer models have been updated, which has offered some improvement, but you still feel jostled around when riding over potholes and ridges, especially at lower speeds. 

3. We LOVE the Tesla Model Y because…

It’s a seriously quick car for its size, delivering a whimsical level of acceleration that blows its rivals away. With 286kW on tap and a dual-motor set-up, the Model Y can sprint from 0-62mph in just 4.8sec – that’s an impressive sprint time for a big family EV. Opt for the Performance AWD variant and the 0-62mph time drops a blistering 3.5sec. 

4. We LOATHE the Tesla Model Y because…

Even though the minimalist interior allows for a less cluttered and simple design, the lack of physical buttons is a real bug bear. You are forced to go into the Tesla’s large infotainment screen, then select a specific menu in order to change any of the Model Y’s settings.

This is particularly tricky on the move when trying to carry out the most mundane tasks, such as adjusting the temperature of the air conditioning or changing the angle of your wing mirrors. 

5. We LOVE the Tesla Model Y because…

You get access to Tesla’s brilliant Supercharger network which makes charging on the move incredibly easy. The brand’s own network gives you a one stop shop for EV ownership,with exclusive access to an ever-increasing number of charging hubs dotted around the UK at motorway stations. 

With Tesla models proving so popular in the UK, some hubs can be busier than others. But once you are plugged in you can add as much as 200 miles in just 15 minutes.

6. We LOATHE the Tesla Model Y because…

Due to it being taller and heavier than its saloon-styled relative, the Y isn’t as good through the bends. The quick steering set-up carried over from the Model 3 is less responsive and can feel a bit nervous compared to rivals.

And the dual-motor Y’s turning circle is particularly annoying, taking 12.1m to rotate between kerbs; for comparison the Skoda Enyaq needs just 9.3m. 

7. We LOVE the Tesla Model Y because…

Much like the Model 3, the Y is a brilliant family car thanks to its ability to swallow both people and luggage with ease. Front space is good, but it’s in the back where the Y improves on its saloon sibling, feeling less cramped than the 3.

There’s more than enough room for six footers in the back and the middle seat passenger won’t feel too hard done thanks to the Model Y’s flat floor. 

8. We LOATHE the Tesla Model Y because…

The American brand has omitted smartphone mirroring, which means you can’t connect your Apple or Android device. While this isn’t the greatest hardship in the world, it does limit you to Tesla’s in-built system. Intelligent navigation apps like Waze are therefore made redundant.

9. We LOVE the Tesla Model Y because…

Every model is excellent value for money, with more range, performance and efficiency offered than most of its rivals. The new Rear-wheel-drive variant is a solid option, with a 283-mile range and sub £45,000 price tag.

It's the Long Range trim that really delivers, with more poke than most ICE-powered SUVs and a real-range figure that’s good enough for longer trips. And the appeal to motorists is evident, with the Model Y the UK’s best-selling electric car in the UK. 

10. We LOATHE the Tesla Model Y because...

the Autopilot feature is one to be approached with caution as it isn't all plain sailing. While Tesla says it can guide the car automatically you certainly shouldn't rely on it do do all the driving.

The system itself can be jerky and inaccurate at times, with poor lane discipline; it's even prone to not reading the road properly so be wary if you find yourself using it on the motorway.