2022 Tesla Model Y

While the driving experience tends to be dominated by the Model Y's shattering ability to gather speed, it's talented in other aspects as well. With a single-speed gearbox, there's no need to wait around while the transmission decides what gear is needed - just put your foot down and go. The steering system is also a highlight, striking a good balance between easy maneuverability at low speeds and sufficient weighting when cornering at higher velocities. It's still quite a heavy SUV, though, and while you can sense that, it's not enough to stop the Model Y from proving enjoyable to pilot. The ride quality is smooth and compliant, making for a relaxed cruiser, but the optional bigger wheels do make bumps more of a common disturbance than the standard 19-inch items. And, although road and wind noise are generally well-suppressed, the absence of any engine noise means that some external sounds are heard more here than they would be over the din of a regular engine.

While the Tesla Model Y crossover doesn't offer much that's new that we haven't seen in older Teslas, it crucially introduces a more affordable SUV to slot in below the Model X. It is a bit of a pity that the company has abandoned the Standard Range model and drastically raised prices recently, though. The Audi e-tron isn't as fast but feels much more premium, and the price gap between it and the Model Y has all but shrunk. The Ford Mustang Mach-E is a much tougher competitor in terms of price and has proven popular so far. Regardless of which Model Y you go for, it's extremely quick, has a practical driving range, a spacious cabin, and plenty of features. Interior quality leaves something to be desired and we'd skip the seven-seater option with its cramped third row, but these aspects are unlikely to prevent the Model Y from storming up the sales charts.

If you wanted a Tesla SUV, the Model X was your only option until the arrival of the smaller Model Y. Although it is quite a bit older, the Model X hardly looks or feels as if it has aged. It sports a few unique design details and features like the Falcon Wing rear doors and a panoramic windshield. The Model X has a larger 17-inch touchscreen, although the Model Y's 15-inch screen is still massive. The Model X also receives the controversial new steering wheel. With more power, the Model X is much quicker, getting to 60 in as little as 2.5 seconds. The Long Range also offers a range of up to 348 miles, 18 miles more than the Model Y. Both have spacious cabins, but the Model X is even airier inside and offers greater cargo capacity. However, the starting price difference of $52,000 is outrageous. For much less money, the Model Y does most of what the Model X can do - it's our choice.

Based on the Model 3's platform, the Model Y has quite a lot in common with its sedan sibling. From the front, it's difficult to tell the two apart. The difference comes in the cabin, where the Model Y has more seating space and far more impressive total cargo capacity. But the Model 3 is lighter, so its equivalent trims have superior performance specs compared to the Model Y, while also managing a longer range on a full charge of 358 miles. The lower-slung Model 3 sedan is also a bit better to drive, and Tesla continues to offer a cheaper Standard Range variant that starts at below $50,000. The pricier trims are between $5,000 and $7,000 cheaper than the Model Y equivalents. If the sedan's space is adequate for your needs, it's the one to go for. But if you need more space, the Model Y makes a lot of sense.