Tesla Model Y - How good ACTUALLY is it?! (UK 4K REVIEW) 

Thank you for your honest review. It will be very help for people who are unfamiliar with Tesla. Some of my favourite features: - Keyless entry (using my phone) - Driver’s profiles (I’m 1,94 meters, my wife is 1,64 meter). Except for the interior mirror (which is a bummer) every setting (steering wheel position, seat position, mirror position) is adjusted automatically when the driver opens the driver door. - Fantastic audio system - The Tesla App. - And of course the brilliant acceleration.

Not mentioned in the review .. (i ) the autopilot really reduces fatigue on long runs. (ii) the sound system is way better than a premium system in a Merc/Audi/BMW (iii) The supercharger network and Tesla trip planning system is unbeatable (iv) It’s the safest car in the world, nothing has a higher NCAP.

One thing that most reviewers almost universally forget to mention..The Tesla Supercharging network is 99% reliable on a roadtrip compared to the dodgy third party charging networks that all other brands have to use.

I have to agree. You can find EVs out there that do individual things better than the Model Y, but the overall package can not be beat. That's why I bought the Model Y.

Got my Model Y LR in September and I’m very happy to say it’s by a distance the best car I’ve ever owned.

Thank you! I love the model y. I love the range on the car, the tow hitch, the battery heating system so the range doesn't fault as much in the cold. I love how roomy the interior is too, I have taken it on several long trips including from los angeles to new york city

We tried an Ioniq 5, it was ok, didn't really trigger a buy signal in me, maybe that was because I said to the salesguy "I don't need another car but there's nothing stopping me from buying one." and he never asked if I wanted to buy one. Tried a Kia EV6, liked that except for the long wait time and the headrest kept bumping my head and isn't adjustable. Never a Tesla fan but figured we should try the Model 3 which was available at the time and sure enough, didn't like it. I couldn't get my feet under the seats when sitting in the back, not practical enough for 4 adults. I wanted a hatchback with full open loading space. I didn't need another saloon car so it didn't bring anything that we don't already have. A while after the Model Y came out, we went to see one and my only complaint is the Tesla test drive experience, 20 minutes starting in a city centre so 10 minutes in each direction really doesn't let anyone experience the vehicle in different conditions. That said, we found every issue that we weren't happy with on the Model 3 were no longer issues for us. The rear passenger space in the Y is a world of difference to the M3. We placed an order for the Model Y as the factors that really feature high for me were NCAP safety, supercharger network and the integration with the car navigation and also, something which is often overlooked, efficiency! Tesla are ahead of everyone else in these three areas, others are playing catch up. I get that it's quite a divisive choice for people but we're happy with it.

What you and most reviewers completely fail to recognize is the change from one off car models to fully integrated software, firmware and hardware platforms that Tesla has pioneered and other ev makers are trying to emulate (without much success thus far) Tesla continually provides SOTA (software over the air) and more importantly FOTA (firmware over the air) updates. This is huge as it keeps the vehicle up to date for a much longer time than the old tech cars and significantly reduces depreciation and maintenance costs and continually improves driving experience, performance and safety. Compare this to the first Android phones which could not upgrade operating system or download apps. Look well known issues with VW group software and firmware, Hyundai with trying to add battery conditioning etc.

Before I ordered my Model Y I tested nearly every EV SUV - Tesla was far ahead in all the important metrics - the biggest for me is knowing that you have the seamless supercharging experience along with the over the air updates and incredible safety.

We just bought a model Y and absolutely love it. We love the looks, the ride, the storage, and the nerd factor. What other car has a Santa mode, with the car rendered on the screen as a sleigh with reindeer? But most important, what other car can offers a variety of fart sounds? Someone at Tesla has a puckish sense of humor, and that someone may well be the much reviled Elon Musk.

I live in France and have just picked up my new Tesla Y from the Toulon distribution centre. The Tesla Y basic RWD model is cheaper than the 3 and costs Euros 48,000 so is a bargain plus I get 10,000 kilometres free supercharging over 2 years.

Had my MYLR about 3 weeks and already done two long road trips in it…one of them carrying 5 adults with luggage 180 miles each way. Loads of room and passengers comfortable - could still see out of the rear view mirror! A full charge from home the night before meant i had plenty to reach my destination plus enough to stop at a nearby Super Charger outlet on the way home for a 20min recharge…no issues, no queuing and instant connection/charge with no faff! So far done 1000 miles and so far really pleased….

This video was okay, but really falls short on show what separates Tesla from any other EV on the market. You see the person reviewing this vehicle has no technical knowledge about it. This is why the most important features of this vehicle was not even mentioned. It’s sad because many people watch these videos and never find out about these features. I sincerely hope the reviewer can do some homework and learn all the ends and outs of the software which is what makes Tesla better than any other EV. Apple and android products are not needed as all that functionality is already provided in Tesla software. It’s crazy to here people still wanting this old technology, but it shows that reviewers know nothing about Tesla software. They just added Apple Music as a feature in the Tesla software for free. Next Tesla has the best voice command system on the market period. The voice command system is so good that you hardly ever have to use the screen. You can simply press a button on the steering wheel, issue the command, and the software executes for you. There are plenty of videos on RU-vid showcasing Tesla voice commands so if you own a Tesla please take some time to watch them and you will have a lot of fun with the vehicle. Also, the software has secure 3rd party app integration. This allows me to issue voice commands from my Apple Watch to my Tesla. This is a great convenience as I can open my trunk using Siri when coming out of the grocery store. The software has so many features and options which is the main reason why so many people like the vehicle. Also Tesla continues to update and improve the software over the air and also add additional features all for free. No other automaker is doing this. Get to know the software if you really want to know why Tesla vehicles are so popular.

The Tesla Model Y is incredible!! Best car on the market

In general the charging infrastructure in the Netherlands is quite good, though slow. Therefore, in the Netherlands, I hardly use Tesla’s supercharger, because I charge overnight. Nevertheless the supercharger network of Tesla is the best; period. Last year we’ve made a road trip from the Netherlands to Rome (Italy). During our three week road trip we didn’t have any problems charging, though the general charging infrastructure in the other countries (Belgium, Luxemburg, France, Switzerland and Italy) wasn’t that well to almost non-existent. Due to the Tesla charging network there was always a charger on our route. The navigation system is marvellous in that sense. Just type in your destination and it will show where to charge, and if you’re in a hurry for how long. For the EV newbie’s; do not trust the battery mileage indicator. Trust the mileage indicated in the navigation system. That one, in my experience, is flawless. Keep you eye on that one. If your ‘accelator foot’ is made of lead, you should cut your mileage in half or even more. I drive my M3P for 2,5 years now. I literally only had to top of wiper fluid and of course my charging. Haven’t pay more that €24,- for a full charge. In my humble opinion; there no better car than a Tesla. It’s a thoughtful made car, caring for the well-being of the occupants. In a Tesla you don’t pay extra for safety features. These are the safest cars you can buy.

I think you're correct about tesla, love them or hate them they are doing everything pretty spot on, ev wise. I just wish they were more affordable - currently out of reach for myself unfortunately.

Swapped a 2020 BMW X5 MSPORT for a Model Y LR with acceleration boost. Some (all) of the motoring press slated the MY ride/handling. I was also convinced that I’d made an error. I actually thought I might return it to Tesla (there is a money back guarantee). 20,000km later, I utterly love it! I do miss the fabulous split tailgate on the X5, but apart from that the MY is a far far better car. (Motoring journalists are basically human excrement) 🤬

You can manually deploy the middle part of the rear seat, so yes - you can do 'through loading' if required.

We're four months and 4.5k miles into Model Y Long Range ownership and would highly recommend it. Tried a Model 3 for a few days and the Y is far more practical. So easy to run it off the App as well. We've also bought a second electric car (Mini) - would never go back to ICE.

What an absolutely stunning car! Cant wait for mine to arrive!

Another top review Tish. I love the way you say it as you see it both inside and out. It clearly is built for practicality over fun but Tesla already have those bases covered in other models. As a practical EV I think it's hard to beat but I have to agree its looks are not its strong point but I wouldn't quite call it hideous. I'm not a fan of total touch screen control though, a single point of failure from a user control point of view. It's not cheap though but compared to some rivals it's not too expensive either. Too costly for me at the moment though. Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing. Wishing you a happy new year.

The bottle with a cup makes the interior look a bit more lively. And quite an enjoyable review as always 👋🎄

Once you get FSD beta in your country it’ll blow your mind. Aside from Tesla leading technology in vehicles currently, they’re also the best engineered EVs on the planet. Model Y is also the safest car in the world to drive. Hard to put a price on you and others safety.

I have just received the model Y 2 weeks ago a lovely car to drive. The only draw back is on the new model Y and 3 is the ultrasonic sensors have been removed and there is no parking aids. And for a 50k plus car is quite poor to say the least. Apparently tesla vision will have an update at some point. So if you have issues parking this car will not help you.

There is through loading. You can fold the middle seat using the latch behind it.

I have a Y long range. Not as pretty as the Polestar it replaced but as your video suggests, it just ticks all the boxes as a family car.

Tried one earlier this year as I had an Audi Q4 on order but delivery kept getting pushed back (eventually cancelled but that’s another story - 18 months delivery quote!). Your review is spot on - incredible space and technology together with ridiculous performance but a bland car and just okay ride. Didn’t order one as £60K just too much for what it is IMHO. However will definitely revisit it in 2/3 years time given the SR model is out now at £52K and I think there will be a sub £50K model out by then. Eventually decided not to change our family car and got a Peugeot e208 as our second car and very pleased with it. I do know one thing - will never buy another ICE car again so Model Y is in pole position when we change our family car.

Not quite right on 1:39. The Model Y body is 12.9cm wider than the Model 3 body. (Measured with unfolded mirrors, the difference shrinks to 4.1cm.) It is also 18.1cm higher and not 15cm. Not trying to be a nerd, but those are the figures.

Don't know what size wheels are on the test car, but have heard that the smaller size wheels will improve the ride, as may more of a load. I like the look of the Teslas, form follows function with a more rounded shape. Some of the recent European and Japanese autos front ends look like they were stolen from 1885 vintage locomotives!

“A little bit hideous” classic comment from you Tish - don’t hold back 😅

That frunk close hurt me to the core! Great review though.

Tesla is and will be, for the foreseeable future, the benchmark for all others.

Great video, at least we get a view around the car inside and out. As some vids don't let view so much outside. Be better if there was a window screen display.

Not a bad review for a self proclaimed Tesla hater.

Love your reviews, real life stuff

If you want confort select the smaller wheels. More air in the tires makes a huge difference.

Just got a Y and looks good so far. Slightly miffed about the lack of parking sensors though!

Excellent review! We have one and your bang on mostly …. And the host reviewer is gorgeous, well done . And yes tesla is still king

Model Y best color on Black and Blue with white interior. I agree with you I would go for Tesla it is the most reliable among them all.

Only in Brittan can a vanilla sedan be considered a SUV. Who really need quick acceleration....wow. Maybe an E-bike review next on how all the fresh air is a real drawback to the experience.

Add the continuous software updates mean the car is updated all the time. Easy to overlook. Dog mode is a game changer for us meaning we can take our dog with us when we otherwise could not.

Much better value now after the price crash. Not so good if you’ve just bought one though….ouch!

Another good upload Tish, Thanks. I love my MYP, for me the size is better as my parents are elderly, and couldn’t get into M3P. Thankfully I’ve have no build quality issues and love the Supercharger network for reassurance on most trips.

Third best seller in the UK for 2022!! Says it all. Latest 2023 Y has a rear display with climate controls.

Great review. - sensible stuff about the power, unless you are racing, you don’t need it.

Here in Italy gasoline is reaching 2€ per liter... EVs might still be quite expensive, but they're making more and more sense each day that passes.

The cargo area with the seats down is the same as a Ford Edge (with its seats down).

Interesting thoughts. I’ve just traded in my Model 3 LR 2021 for a 2023 Model Y. The Model Y is way more comfortable, quieter and has a way better/more sophisticated suspension and handling. More planted. When going over a bump I felt the Model 3 jiggle. The Model Y feels like a BMW on M suspension and big wheels.

I own a Model 3 (2 years now), and I can tell you that the glass roof is a bit of an issue in a Texas summer. There are aftermarket screens; and I'll add one next summer. Model Y has been criticized for that harsh ride especially compared to Model 3. Maybe its better when its fully loaded with luggage and passengers? I dont know. (Love your hair, by the way!)

Happy new year looking forward to car reviews in 2023 hopefully a Kia Sorento review of a UK spec xxxxx

Fun fact: in September 2022, the Tesla Model Y was the best seller in the European market, and was the number one best seller in Germany, Österreich (Austria), Switzerland and Latvia in that month. And I have a Hot Wheels Model Y, as part of the HW Green Speed series.

Great review as usual

My first EV was a X, then went to 3P in march 19, but got a 2023 Y Performance on the 28th of december. The YP is much better in most ways, the only things that are better in the 3P are: gocart feeling (driver engagement) and rear view visibility through window. The YP from berlin (2023 model) is very well built, also its quite silent even on the 21" winter wheels with Nokian R5. It is also very efficcient, I didnt have heat pump in the 2019 3P, but the newer ones do.. However I see constantly I get much more range out of the Y than the navi estimates. For instance I was driving a long trip in the winter weather in Norway, over the mountains. At the beginning of the trip it estimated I would arrive with 9% SoC, but after some driving it was saying 18%, then an hour later 19%.. So I do really like the car. The YP also is quite qick and has now gotten track mode as 3P has. The Y also has terrain mode, larger roof window, more practical hatch.. On the YP also one can get tow hitch, this you cant get on 3P regrettbly. I do miss the accelleration from the 3P though, but the yP is "quick enough".

I’m a very happy owner of a Model Y. Apart from its great features, I can currently sell it for a 20% profit. Shattering the driving off the lot 20% loss reality facing other car brands

TGE had good experience with one of these ! It literally had a complete meltdown on him on the motorway 🤣😂

It keeps getting bigger and bigger every time she looks at it. If mine is not getting bigger, what am I doing wrong?

Great review! You described many of the things I couldn’t! We settled on an ID4 AWD due to the Y Long Range in the states being so expensive ($65k!). It’s kind of like the early days of android vs iPhone… VW comes up way short. ID4 is only good if comparing its “driving” to an ICE car…. They’re about 75% of a Tesla…

Good review year 22 Tish. It is a great big white whale , yup, so was kinda the 5 series GT BMW back 2009. Hated for a few years now rather respected. That leather looks super shiny in back of the Y.

Well done Peanut! X

Thanks!

Great review again, thank you

Terrible that they removed the ultrasonic sensors. You literally don’t know how close you are to anything when parking or turning in a tight corner

Nice review of "My ugly baby" which, of course, I love. Apple CarPlay was downloaded a few weeks ago. I high percentage of heart rather than head, goes into a Tesla purchase decision.

Thank you so much for a great video.

I was so triggered when she closed the frunk hahaha. Someone should have shown her the right way.

Happy New Year Tish.

Good review overall. But no, Tesla will never put Apple Car Play or Android Auto into their cars when they have far better music, video and gaming already built in.

Great review. Also note that is has a 1588 kg towing capacity. The recent lower price (£45k) makes this tempting, but ride & handling worse than M3 & the looks. It's also 2.8 inches wider outside due to wider track & tyres, but not wider insider.

Your fits are always on point👌

Supergirl has 'MASSIVE 'change of clothes!😋

Still can’t get away with Tesla design- I just see it as a Ken and Barbie toy ; mostly due to the large front window drop which gives it an accentuated dome shape of cabin….but yeah, practicality🤷‍♂️. Too minimal inside- no soul- more like an appliance.Not for me- surely there is a happy medium?.

I had a model 3 now I have along range Y I like being higher up.

Excellent review!!

Happy new year Tish

Simple reason Tesla does not have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is - they have Autopilot which relies on navigation data points. (Hence explains why they have best in class Autopilot)

Check the panel gap around the front trunk ! Massive

I like your honest way of reviewing….. 😂

If you really, really, really hate to update your phone software; don’t by a Tesla. Tesla’s are constantly improved by software updates. That might result in a reshuffle of the user interface which might be off putting to you. After a software update I always read the release notes and check whether my most used functions are still in their place and if not where they have been moved to.

Brill review!

Having owned a new Model 3 P for a few months now, the car is excellent and i love it - but there are some basic functions that are standard on a car of this price, that it doesn't do very well - all of this applies to the Model Y as well. -Adaptive cruise control is horrible at low speeds, i.e. stop start traffic. It lurches forward way too fast, only to then have to decelerate a lot as it gets close to the car in front. It's like a bad learner driver, jerking it's way along in traffic. It's much better on the motorway but for stop start traffic it's unusable. Having previously owned a 2018 Golf, it was a lot better at creeping along in stop start traffic. -Auto wipers....a recent update has improved these somewhat but they are still nowhere near as good as every other car with a proper rain sensor. Until the update they were useless.....either taking way too long to wipe or suddenly going mental and super fast wipe when there is hardly (if any) rain at all. They are still not right - particularly at night when it has trouble seeing the rain drops....Tesla's obsession on using the camera's for every sensor function is making things like this glitchy at best. -Auto high beam....Thankfully an update a month or so ago has improved the Auto high beam so that it's now pretty good - prior it was completely useless and dangerous. It's a good job they fixed it as the auto high beam is activated regardless every time you engage or reengage autopilot. -Soft brakes.....Even on the performance model the brakes are pretty soft and lack any initial bite. To make things worse if you make the most of the (awesome) regen capabilities on Tesla's then the brake discs can get corroded from lack of use and combine this with the soft as butter brake pads you will find when you need to stop in a hurry the brakes do very little without you hammering them flat to the floor. Very disconcerting i can tell you! Better pads will solve this as, on the performance model at least, the brake calipers are pretty beefy 4 pot brembo's. -No underbody protection paint/coating on the sills (rocker panels)......This one i find bewildering - every car i have owned in the last 20+ years has an underbody protective coating/paint on the bottom half of the sills. There is none on Tesla's - as a result you will get tiny paint chips all across your sill within just a 1000 miles. By 20k miles it will become very noticeable, especially on white and black cars. There is also no PPF on the lower rear quarter that you find on many cars - so you get paint chips there very easily too, more than you would expect which i think is a result of the air flow in that area due to the aero dynamic shape. -Black flush fiddly door handles on a black car = invisible door handles at night!.....if you go for a black car you might be struggling to open the doors at night unless you have some very bright street/house lights. Finally there are some quirks that have resulted in problems that never occurred on ICE cars.....having gone thru a very cold spell in December, it was not so great to discover that i now need to de-ice/frost my headlights!. Without the heat of the engine and no heat at all coming from the very efficient LED headlights, any frost that forms on them never clears - as a result the headlights are useless and you can see nothing with them unless you spray a can of de-icer on them. Still on the flipside the defrost/pre-heat car function from your phone is a revelation - its so nice being able to heat the whole car up before getting in it and it being nice and toasty with all the windscreen clear....the latest models have heat pumps and so can chuck out a LOT of heat pretty quickly, enough to de-ice your windscreen within 5 minutes of preheating the car. Just a pity it can't also do the headlights!

Great review there. 👍

What about the missing Parking warnings on the new model Y😢😮

Long Term as the cars get older the lack of a nationwide service network will be a problem, as EV adoption gathers pace queuing for chargers will become a problem.

the long range model y and 3 n uk r almost the same price which one would you have i cant decide thank

Test drove a Model Y Performance today, enjoyed the experience and is bloody fast, still not sure about moving to EV though

The Y IS wider than model 3. It’s a meaningfully bigger car

Nice review.

even without USS and parking sensors, 360Cam and front/rear cross traffic sensors?

Definitely needs a proper instrument cluster in front of you has well, all the main controls should be proper switches......

It looks great to me, especially from the back! Different tastes…

Another great review I hate the look of it, hate the interior, hate the massive touch screen, too expensive. Not for me! Looking forward to more reviews, Tish, Happy New Year!

Great review, but still feel uneasy about having to look at the centre for everything and every increasing lack of involvement. Maybe OK for motorways but twisty country lanes less fun. Still the quality has improved over earlier Teslas.

You might think it's ugly but it's personal choice...

I wonder how many people suffer from muddy cables! Considering one, but the jiggly ride would put me off!

You mentioned that car was not comfortable.As I know, Tesla changed suspension system for model Y and 3 to be more comfortable. Is there no noticable difference in comfort with compared to previous version?

Great video.

What is the capacity of base model Tesla Y?

That electric trunk with the memory function... WOOOOOW: I don't know any other car with electric trunk that does not have that function. It's STANDARD even on ! Also... the suspension is not more stiff because of the added weight compared to the Model 3, but because of the added height.

Can’t believe you dropped down the bonnet like this..🤦🏻‍♂️🫣

Another excellent review Tish. WELL DONE. For me, I cannot love the Tesla, I cannot justify a cost of over £50 - £60k. I get the benefits etc and cannot argue with reasons for anyone who owns one nor how superbly efficient Tesla charging infrastructure is. However, imo they are so boring visually, same bland look, same bland wheels, same boring colours. I’m attracted to a car that ‘makes’ me look at it and ‘want’ to buy it. So, for me its not a Tesla, sorry. Paul🇬🇧