Used 2021 Tesla Model Y

It doesn’t look much like one, but the 2021 Tesla Model Y is technically an SUV. A small, premium, all-electric crossover — to be exact. It’s based on the same platform as the Model 3, but costs more at its entry level. That’s the price of the family-friendly extra space.

However, for those households that really don’t need the cavernous Model X crossover or the remarkably high cost that goes with it, the Model Y could fit the bill. It still has that special Tesla appeal, the glorious acceleration that electric motors provide, and it isn’t too expensive in the grand scheme of things. Even a regular BMW X3 starts at about $44,000.

Following the launch of the Model Y last year, a Standard Range version slotted in as the entry-level model with rear-wheel drive and the smallest range (244 miles). That model has since been discontinued. It’s been removed from Tesla’s retail site, but is available off-menu while supplies last. That means communicating with a Tesla representative.

To be appreciated fully, some cars demand involvement from a driver and provide thrills in return. The Tesla Model Y is not one of them.

It actually offers ways for the driver to be less engaged than in a traditional car. The standard Autopilot setup, great for long commutes, includes adaptive cruise control with steering assistance. The optional Full Self-Driving package has things like automatic lane changing. Both systems require the driver to remain alert. It’s also cool to witness them in action.

Nevertheless, there are thrills to be had in a Model Y because of its electric propulsion. The nature of such drivetrains means that virtually all the power is available all at once. There’s no waiting for the transmission to wind up or for any turbochargers to spool before blasting away when the lights turn green. These things are quick.

Even the  Standard Range model, representing the erstwhile entry level, can zip from standstill to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. And the Performance model does it in a rapid 3.5 seconds.

The rest of the car is up to the challenge that such acceleration presents. The suspension is taut, but not too firm. The steering is quick. And the low-slung battery pack results in an equally low center of gravity for optimum stability.

Drivers can choose how strongly the regenerative braking system kicks in, including one mode that results in rarely having to touch the brake pedal at all. Yet it will always bring the Model Y to a well-executed smooth stop.

The Standard Range version has rear-wheel drive, and although the Model Y is a crossover, the two all-wheel-drive variants don’t have the kind of ground clearance that would make them useful away from the tarmac.

Apart from the steering wheel, a couple of stalks protruding from the column, and a landscape-oriented 15-inch touchscreen, there isn’t much up front in the Model Y. It’s almost like the interior designer had a phobia about buttons. This kind of starkness is strangely impressive at first, but we wonder if it might become just plain boring over time.

The screen is the sole source of information for all the crucial driving stuff, the infotainment system, and even climate control. The screen is at least user-friendly and looks great.

Owners can access their Model Y with their smartphone or a hotel-style keycard. Once inside, they might marvel at the ingenious packaging, with plenty of passenger space in the 5-seater version. Naturally, the newly available 7-seater arrangement in a small crossover is not going to be expansive.

The quality of the cabin materials is suitably premium, but the way they’ve been put together isn’t quite so precise. Our test vehicle had some misaligned trim pieces and a rattle in the back.

Cargo space is generous, however, with a maximum of 68 cubic feet when those 40/20/40 split-folding reclining rear seats (or 2nd-row seats) are fully down. There’s also some more storage space up front.

As if to announce that Tesla does things differently from other car companies, the Model Y does its best to disguise the fact that it’s supposed to be a crossover/SUV of sorts. The casual observer might assume it’s a Model 3, the Model Y’s closest relative, because they have many things in common.

The front end is smooth and flowing because it doesn’t have to make space for a grille like those dinosaur cars that run on dinosaur juice. The flush-fitting door handles are the same. And both have a sleek rear end, although the Y has a hatchback, and the 3 has a trunk. Put the two together, though, and the Model Y is noticeably taller and a bit longer.

The Long Range version comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, though 20-inch alloys are available. The Performance model has 21-inch alloy wheels.

Regarding exterior paint selections, white is the only “free” color. Buyers may also choose from black, metallic grey (known poetically as Midnight Silver), deep blue metallic, or red.

SMART SUMMON
It saves walking around a cold, wet parking lot. It could also impress onlookers. This optional feature controlled by Tesla’s smartphone app makes the Model Y travel from its parking space to wherever the driver is standing or to a chosen location, all autonomously. The Tesla owner is considered responsible if any mishaps occur along the way, though.

OVER-THE-AIR UPDATES
Instead of updating a car for the newest model year, which is what most other carmakers do, Tesla can install new features and its latest software automatically, just like a smartphone has its operating system upgraded periodically. These updates have included a Sentry mode where anyone lurking around a Tesla with malicious intent will have their actions caught on the vehicle’s cameras.

Although the rather bare-looking dashboard might imply otherwise, the 2021 Model Y still has quite a bit of standard equipment. The first two seating rows are heated, and the front seats have 12-way power adjustability. Above them is a large glass roof that filters out both ultraviolet and infrared light.

Safety equipment includes forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, steering assistance, and blind-spot monitoring.

The infotainment system is controlled by a 15-inch touchscreen and comes with four USB ports, docking for two smartphones (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration is not available, however), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, navigation, plus a 15-speaker/2-amplifier audio system.

The main added extra is Full Self-Driving Capability, at $10,000. This brings features such as Navigate on Autopilot (see our Safety Technology section), automatic lane changing, stopping assist at stop signs and traffic lights, automatic parking for parallel and perpendicular spaces, and Smart Summon (see our Favorite Features above). Tesla is also about to introduce Autosteer in city driving. This whole package can be purchased after taking delivery of the car, but chances are it will cost more.

Of note: the 2021 Tesla Model Y now uses in-cabin cameras to monitor whether drivers are paying attention to the road when the company’s Autopilot driver-assistance system is active. The change applies to Tesla Model Ys already purchased. If you own a Model Y, the system is likely already active in your car. The update was sent over the air in late May.

Other options are pretty straightforward. Any paint color other than white is extra: $1,000 or $2,000 for the Red Multi-Coat. A black/white interior is $1,000. The 7-seat arrangement with a third seating row is $3,000. And a towing package is $1,000 for the ability to pull up to 3,500 pounds.

The Performance version is also eligible for Performance Upgrade that lowers the suspension, adds performance brakes and aluminum alloy sport pedals, and raises top speed from 135 mph to 155 mph.

Tesla, of note, has added a pay-as-you-go subscription option for its Full Self-Driving bundle. Buyers can upgrade from the Basic Autopilot system for $199, or from the Enhanced Autopilot system for $99 a month. This can be done through Tesla’s app.

The Model Y Long Range can cover 326 miles, and the Performance variant still does pretty well at 303 miles. These two cars each have a pair of electric motors, enabling all-wheel drive. Every 2021 Model Y has a 75-kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack located under the floor.

An ideal way to recharge a Model Y is at home, using a 240-volt outlet and letting it work overnight for about 10 to 12 hours. If a longer journey is necessary, Tesla’s expanding network of Superchargers can replenish a battery completely in about an hour. As well as charging the car, it charges the driver for the electricity. The current (no pun intended) rate is 28 cents per kWh.

Long Range
AC induction electric motors w/75-kWh battery pack
447 horsepower (estimated)
376 lb-ft of torque (estimated)
EPA city/highway/combined fuel economy: 131/117/125 MPGe
Range: 326 miles

Performance
AC induction electric motors w/75-kWh battery pack
580 horsepower (estimated)
481 lb-ft of torque (estimated)
EPA city/highway/combined fuel economy: 115/106/111 MPGe
Range: 303 miles