EV Review: 2020 Tesla Model Y

Photo Credits: Inside EVs, Tesla.com

BUILT FOR THE DRIVER

Overview

Performance: All-Electric Vehicle, 450 horsepower

Mileage estimate: 112-118 mpge

Price estimate: $52,990 to $60,990

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Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles

Drivetrain Warranty: 8 years / 120,000 miles

2020 Tesla Model Y Review

Intro

Borrowing many of the same components from this electric automaker’s most popular vehicle, the 2020 Tesla Model Y seems destined for some big sales numbers.

Heading into 2020, U.S. sales of the popular Model 3 were more than 300,000 since its debut in late 2017. Sales for 2019 were 158,925. Because Americans love their SUVs, some were predicting the Model Y will overtake the Model 3 in sales once production goes back online.

Exterior Style

The Model Y is a “companion” vehicle based on the Model 3 that has a similar interior design and electric powertrain. They both have the same size battery (75-kWh) and produce similar horsepower and mileage estimates.

Much like the Model 3 was scaled way back monetarily from the original Tesla Model S, the Model Y is a smaller, more cost-conscious version of the Model X, a midsize sport utility vehicle. Model Y is a compact crossover SUV that starts at around $48,000 and is also following the typical Tesla playbook, meaning it has great range and fantastic performance.

While Tesla insists on labeling the Model Y as an SUV, it’s really a tall hatchback to the eye of many. It has a long panoramic glass roof and huge side windows.

Interior Space

The 2020 Model Y seats five people very comfortably. Tesla has already said that next year’s version will be adding two seats in the cargo area, giving Model Y owners an option of seven passengers. Like many third-row occupants in midsize SUVs, the Model Y’s optional seating will no doubt be a location for kids only. Reportedly the cost for the optional seven-seat configuration will be $3,000.

Seating is comfortable, especially up front due to the 12-way power adjustable. Head and leg room is solid for all five occupants. The cargo area is 15 cubic feet and extends to 66.0 cubes with the seat down. In addition to a front trunk that can accommodate a standard carry-on bag, there’s more storage space under the rear cargo floor.

Features and Technology

Expect superb handling from the Model Y. The steering gives the driver a terrific feel for the road and challenging turns are not that risky. If driving this SUV at high speeds, it’s comforting to know there are plenty of safety features. They include blind-spot monitoring, lane centering, lane keeping assist, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and an enhanced adaptive cruise control that works in traffic.

Naturally, the Model Y has some of Tesla’s cool upgrades like Autopilot, automatic parking, traffic light and sign recognition, and assisted driving in the city. Note that these features also add greatly to the sticker price.

If technology is your thing, the Model Y will provide plenty of enjoyment. It has a 15.0-inch touchscreen that accesses lots of features, including climate controls, speed, navigation, 14-speaker audio system, internet browser, steering wheel adjustment, and much more. The downsize is practically everything needs to be accessed through the touchscreen, making something minor like activating the heated rear seats a distracting nuisance.

Range and Performance

In keeping with Tesla tradition, range is a major selling point for the Model Y. Both the Long Range and Performance trim models have an estimated range of 316 miles. Tesla says a less-expensive standard Model Y will come out next year with a reduced range between 230-250 miles. Charging time for all Model Ys is 10 hours at 220 volts.

Speed is always much talked about when it comes to Tesla. The Model Y is no exception – it can get there in a hurry. The Long Range trim model does 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds. Living up to its name, the Model Y Performance goes 0-60 mph in a tremendously quick 3.5 seconds. Both versions have 250 horsepower and a top speed of 135 mph.

Conclusion

From this vantage point, it appears Tesla has done it again, giving the world a compact all-electric SUV that features a huge range and performance, is extremely fun to drive and is technologically sound.

–  J.W.

Media Video Review: Tesla Model Y