Used 2023 Tesla Model Y

Let’s assess the Model Y on its own merits and leave any extraneous baggage created by Tesla’s CEO for social media to quibble over. There’s a whole team responsible for producing this SUV and they’ve done a great job. The Model Y combines impressive technology with practicality, while also delivering an enjoyable driving experience.

It succeeds in safety as well. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has made it a Top Safety Pick+ and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave it a maximum five stars overall.

There are a couple of things to be wary of, though. We’ve found Tesla build quality in general can be hit-or-miss. During our time in a Model Y, we kept hearing a rattle in the back, and some trim pieces didn’t align properly.

Also, despite effective accident prevention technology, sometimes a Tesla is going to get dinged. Which is when the search for an approved bodywork repair shop starts, followed by exasperation on discovering that there aren’t many. There are only a couple for most of Los Angeles, for example, so turnarounds can take a long time.

The Performance version of the 2023 Model Y has a lowered, firmer suspension and stronger brakes than the Long Range and base variants. Give it a test drive to see if that setup is acceptable. It’s wonderfully fast, though.

The less expensive Model Y variants are still sufficiently quick. The joy of electric motors is that they serve up virtually all of their thrust immediately, whereas combustion engines tend to have sweet spots. The Model Y’s chassis is able to handle such power — with precise steering, confident braking and composed handling.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and researching the current collection of luxury electric SUVs, including the Tesla Model Y.

It’ll be a snowy day in Hawaii before Tesla adds more buttons to its cars. The skeletal dashboard in the 2023 Model Y SUV doesn’t do much more than provide somewhere for the 15-inch infotainment touchscreen to go.

Most of the relevant cabin functions are accessed through this screen, which does involve a learning curve and the potential for distraction. Even though most manufacturers are adding Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration into their cars, Tesla does not — which we think is a mistake.

The Model 3 does allow streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu into its hallowed system, however, to pass time while the battery recharges. We also think the double wireless phone charging pad is cool.

There are heated seats in the first and second rows. The front seats are particularly comfortable. Buyers have a choice of standard seating for five, or accommodations for seven with an optional third row (power-folding) with extra USB ports.

Naturally, that third row is short on legroom and headroom. Adults will want to sit as far from it as possible. Legroom in the second row is great for a compact SUV, though, at 41.8 inches. The standard glass roof contributes to a general airiness.

Both the second and third rows fold flat to create a useful amount of cargo area. The 5-seater has 72.1 cubic feet behind the fronts, the 7-seater has 67.9. Under the hood is another 4.1 cubic feet of storage space.

Range
The relatively high prices of Tesla vehicles are partly justified by their class-leading ranges.

Tesla Superchargers
In addition to Tesla vehicles’ superior ranges, the company’s network of fast charging stations is well established, allowing the Model Y to take on 162 miles of range in just 15 minutes.

Over-the-air updates
Things like range, performance, and navigation information can all be improved throughout a Tesla vehicle’s life with over-the-air updates.

Sentry Mode
A parked Tesla is still an aware Tesla, monitoring its surroundings and sending alerts to an owner’s smartphone if necessary.

Smart Summon
Can’t face schlepping around the parking lot looking for your Tesla? This feature, part of the optional Enhanced Autopilot package, will leave its space and negotiate its way to you automatically.

Autopark
A self-parking function that can handle both parallel and perpendicular spaces is another item in the optional Enhanced Autopilot package.

Tesla doesn’t provide any output figures, so we’ve included some estimates below. A single-motor, rear-wheel-drive powertrain is standard, and the two upper trims have a dual-motor AWD setup.

Maximum towing ability is 3,500 pounds, but that will reduce range.

Model Y
Single electric motor, rear-wheel drive
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 140/119 MPGe
EPA-estimated range: 260 miles

Model Y Long Range
Dual electric motors, all-wheel drive
390 horsepower (estimated)
376 lb-ft of torque (estimated)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 127/117 MPGe
EPA-estimated range: 330 miles

Model Y Performance
Dual electric motors, all-wheel drive
420 horsepower (estimated)
481 lb-ft of torque (estimated)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 115/106 MPGe
EPA-estimated range: 303 miles

More Model Y range and efficiency information is available on the EPA’s website.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Tesla has a basic new-vehicle warranty of four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This is typical for the luxury car sector. The battery in the Model Y is covered for eight years or 120,000 miles.