Used Tesla Model Y 2022-present review

Congratulations, Elon Musk, you did it. With the Tesla Model Y in the brand's line-up, the range finally spells out "S3XY". What's more, it would have spelt the proper word if Ford had never called dibs on the Model E name.

Now, you can be the judge of whether this electric SUV is an automotive smokeshow or not, but what we can tell you is that it didn't end up looking similar to the Tesla Model 3 by coincidence. You see, a plethora of parts are shared between the two cars. Essentially, you can think of the Model Y as a Model 3 that's been pumped full of growth hormone to give it a higher driving position, more room inside and some SUV style.

Power & performance: You can choose between RWD, Long Range and Performance versions, depending on how important acceleration and range is to you. As for the former attribute, the Model Y isn’t quite as rapid as an equivalent Model 3 (blame the extra weight for that). Mind you, at our private test track, we timed a Long Range version from 0-60mph and it managed the sprint in 4.8sec. How about the range-topping Performance model? Well, that has a supercar-rivalling official 0-60mph time of 3.5sec.

The entry-level RWD (rear-wheel drive) Model Y managed 0-60mph in 6.9sec in our tests – that's plenty fast enough for most buyers. The RWD has a much shorter official range than the Long Range (283 miles against 331 miles). The Performance version officially manages 319 miles on a single charge.

While undoubtedly quick, the rest of the driving experience leaves a few things to be desired. For a start, comfort isn't its strong suit, because the ride is quite busy, often jostling you around in your seat over uneven patches of road. The incredibly quick steering that works well on the Model 3 has been carried over. However, with the slightly more lethargic responses of an SUV, it makes the Model Y feel a bit nervous in the bends.

Trims & equipment: On the plus side, all Model Ys come with front and rear parking sensors, plus there are multiple cameras around the car to help with manoeuvring. LED headlights are also standard from new, as is cruise control, adaptive cruise control, faux-leather seats (heated in the front and back), an electric tailgate and keyless entry via an app on your smartphone.

The Model Y has the same 15.0in touchscreen infotainment system as the Model 3. The operating system is fairly intuitive, and while some of the smaller icons can be distracting to hit accurately while you’re driving, the system is responsive once you’ve made your selection.

There are loads of useful features (sat-nav and web browsing, for example), welcome additions (such as Netflix and Spotify) and some purely fun applications (driving games controlled using the steering wheel and the ability to make whoopee cushion noises). You also get two easily accessible wireless phone-charging mats located below the infotainment screen and USB-C ports for rapid device charging in the large, covered centre console storage bin.

Interior & practicality: Anyone sitting in the front is unlikely to have any complaints about space in the Model Y, no matter how tall they are. Plus, as we touched upon, there's more rear leg and head room in the Model Y than in the Model 3 (although not by a dramatic amount). A couple of six-footers will be more than comfortable enough on a long journey and, thanks to the flat floor, a third passenger sitting in the middle won’t feel too hard done by.

The Model Y has a huge boot – especially when you factor in the large well hidden under the floor. There’s also a smaller underfloor storage area directly behind the rear seats, which is a great place to stow the charging cables.

The hatchback tailgate makes the Model Y a much more practical option than the Model 3. Fitting a big buggy inside is no problem at all, and all versions have an electric tailgate that can be opened and closed using the touchscreen, from the Tesla app on your phone or by pressing a button on the boot lid.

If you're interested in finding a used Tesla Model Y or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

Currently, you'll need at least £32,000 to pick up a Tesla Model Y. It'll likely be a 2022 RWD or Long Range model that has around 30,000 miles on its clock. Spend between £34,000 and £38,000 on a 2023 car and above £35,000 on a 2024 model.

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Charging

The Tesla charging infrastructure is a big reason to choose a Model Y over rivals. The company’s Supercharger network is extensive, reliable and, in ideal conditions, allows you to charge the battery from 10-80% in less than half an hour. Alternatively, if you plug into a 7kW wallbox at home, a 0-100% charge in the entry-level RWD will take around 9hr 15min or roughly 12 hours in the Long Range and Performance variants.

Insurance

The Model Y ranges from insurance group 46 to 50 (out of 50), making it pricy to insure.

Reliability

Reliability for the Tesla Model Y is mixed, based on real-world owner reviews from our annual What Car? Reliability Survey. Owners have reported minor electronic issues and occasional hardware problems like faulty sensors and unreliable infotainment systems. However, they appreciate the vehicle for its absence of traditional engine issues.

Dealer service opinions vary. Tesla's mobile service has been praised for its convenience and technician professionalism. Yet, some owners are unhappy with delayed service times and poor communication.

Overall, the Tesla Model Y excels in reducing conventional mechanical issues but needs better electronic reliability and dealer service consistency.

Discover more about the reliability of the Tesla Model Y on our dedicated Tesla Model Y reliability page.

Unless you're a speed freak and will pay anything for the astonishing acceleration of the Performance, go for the Model Y Long Range. When used, the Long Range goes for similar prices to the RWD, which is slower and has a shorter range.

Our favourite Tesla Model Y: Long Range

The Kia EV6 is an electric SUV favourite of ours. Its ride is more composed than the Model Y and its handling is more polished, not to mention it's a cheaper used buy. It has a good range, too, even if it won't go quite as far as the Model Y will on a single charge.

If you'd prefer to spend even less money – sub-£30k – then consider the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Its interior is lacking some quality against rivals, as is its ride and handling balance (on early models), but it's very spacious inside and is similarly good on range to the EV6.

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If you're interested in finding a used Tesla Model Y or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.