The Tesla Model Y was announced in March 2019, but it wasn’t until this month that the cheapest version became available for purchase. With a price tag of $39,990 before taxes and other fees, many are wondering if the vehicle is worth the money. After all, you could buy several gas-powered vehicles for the same price, some with comparable features and performance.
So what exactly do you get when you buy a Tesla Model Y? For starters, it’s powered by two electric motors which provide nearly instantaneous torque, meaning faster acceleration and more responsiveness. The dual-motor powertrain also means all-wheel drive comes standard with every trim level; perfect for taking on bad weather or rough terrain. There’s also a host of advanced driver-assistance features like Autopilot which allow you to take your hands off the wheel in certain situations, although full self-driving capability won’t be available until later this year at least.
The Tesla Model Y has an impressive range as well – up to 326 miles depending on which trim level you opt for – meaning most people will only have to stop to recharge once a week at most. Charging time is also incredibly quick: just 15 minutes to get up to 170 miles from zero on Superchargers (Tesla’s proprietary fast chargers).
So what are the downsides of the Tesla Model Y? Well, for starters it’s still pretty expensive even when compared with other electric vehicles like the Nissan Leaf Plus. It’s also not particularly stylish; with its unassuming shape and limited exterior design options, it won’t turn any heads. Additionally, while it can accelerate quickly thanks to its electric powertrain, it lacks any real “oomph” in terms of overall speed – making highway merging more of an exercise in patience than thrill seeking.
Ultimately though whether or not the Tesla Model Y is worth it really depends on your individual needs and wants. If you’re looking for a car that will offer an impressively long range coupled with advanced safety technology and semi-autonomous capabilities then this might be the vehicle for you; just don’t expect luxury levels of performance or aesthetic design at this price point. But if saving money is important then you may want to consider a less expensive electric vehicle or even a used gasoline car instead – at least until prices come down in 2023 or beyond.
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