The Tesla Model Y Isn't the Only Game in Town Anymore, and Knows It
Both reviews frame this car's current position honestly: still genuinely excellent, but no longer able to coast on being the obvious default choice the way it once could.
Illustration for editorial purposes
From Category-Defining to Just Very Good
There was a period when this car was Europe's fastest-selling model of any kind, full stop. Reviewers keep noting that dominance has faded as rivals caught up — not because the car got worse, but because everyone else finally got serious.
Specs at a Glance
| Body style | Electric SUV |
|---|---|
| Versions | Standard, RWD, Long Range RWD, Long Range AWD, Performance AWD |
| 0–60mph | 5.6 sec (RWD) to 3.3 sec (Performance) |
| Claimed range | Up to 390 miles (Long Range AWD) |
| Drag coefficient | 0.22 (among the most aerodynamic in its class) |
Full Review Summary
What Car?
What Car? rated every version as genuinely quick, with even the entry-level RWD sprinting 0-60mph in 5.6 seconds, easily outpacing the cheapest Kia EV6. They recommended the Long Range RWD specifically as only marginally slower than the base car while offering meaningfully more range, and noted the Long Range AWD's battery was recently enlarged to 79kWh usable, pushing official range to 390 miles.
Autocar
Autocar detailed the new entry-level Standard version's aggressive pricing, undercutting the previous base model by £3,000 while offering stronger residual values and cheaper insurance through careful specification choices. They praised the 2025 "Juniper" facelift's aerodynamic refinements, including a 0.22 drag coefficient matching the Mercedes-Benz EQE saloon, and found the sheer breadth of credible rivals now on sale has grown enormously since the car's 2022 UK launch, even as the Model Y itself remains a genuinely well-rounded package.
Trims & Engines at a Glance
The entry Standard trims down more than just the powertrain — cloth seats, a smaller centre console, fewer speakers and passive dampers all help it undercut the rest of the range by thousands.
| Derivative | Engine | Power | Transmission | Body | 0–62mph |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model Y Standard | Single electric motor, RWD | ~299bhp | Single-speed automatic | SUV | 6.9s |
| Model Y Long Range RWD | Single electric motor, RWD | ~340bhp | Single-speed automatic | SUV | 5.5s |
| Model Y Premium Long Range AWD (5 or 7 seats) | Dual electric motors, AWD | ~455bhp | Single-speed automatic | SUV | 4.6s |
| Model Y Performance | Dual electric motors, AWD | ~460bhp | Single-speed automatic | SUV | 3.3s |
Battery capacity rises from around 60kWh (Standard, LFP chemistry) to roughly 78-82kWh (Long Range, Premium and Performance, NMC chemistry), giving official ranges from 314 to 391 miles depending on variant. The seven-seat layout is only offered on Premium Long Range AWD. Check Tesla's UK configurator for current pricing.
Strengths
- Strong performance across every version in the range
- Access to the extensive Tesla Supercharger network
- Aggressive, genuinely competitive pricing on the new Standard version
- Excellent aerodynamics contributing to strong real-world range
Weak points
- No longer the default, unrivalled choice it once was
- Nearly all controls routed through the touchscreen
- No Apple CarPlay compatibility
- Nannying driver assistance systems some testers find intrusive
Who It Actually Suits
Buyers who want a genuinely capable, well-priced electric SUV with access to reliable rapid charging. The new entry-level Standard version is worth serious consideration for buyers who don't need maximum range, while the Long Range RWD remains the sweet spot for most.
More Tesla Reviews
Watch the Reviews
Tesla Model Y review ↗ (same video, watch above ↗)