Summary
The Tesla Model Y is a mid-sized electric crossover, and for the last couple of years has been the world’s best-selling car – that’s car of any kind, not just the best-selling EV.
Launched in 2022, the Model Y is essentially a raised crossover version of the Model 3 saloon. Like other Tesla models, it has received regular updates each year, and a substantially updated version was launched in early 2025.
The all-electric Model Y range is available in the UK in three versions: short- and long-range versions of the entry-level model, which has a single electric motor driving the rear wheels; and a long-range all-wheel drive model.
Like the other vehicles in the Tesla line-up, the Model Y has been praised by British reviewers for its on-board tech features, impressive performance and battery range – all of which were improved with the mid-life update in 2025. The Model Y also offers worldwide access to Tesla’s acclaimed Supercharger charging network.
Although it’s ultimately a similar overall size to the Tesla Model 3 saloon, the Model Y adds extra practicality to the equation. “It’s more family friendly with a practical hatchback and SUV-shaped body”, Electrifying.com concludes, adding that “it’s sure to be Tesla’s most desired car.”
At same time, the Model Y inherits many of the same drawbacks as other Tesla models. Carbuyer comments that the SUV has “patchy” build quality, while almost every review has criticised the ride quality compared to other family cars.
For The Sun, this is “further proof that Tesla is excellent when it comes to new tech but is still catching up on the basics of making cars.” That said, The Sun still concludes that the Model Y is one of the leaders in its class, and poses a simple question to UK buyers who are considering the pros and cons of booking a test drive: “Y-not?”
As of May 2025, the Tesla Model Y holds a New Car Expert Rating of A, with a score of 79%. This includes data from both the original and facelifted versions. It has excellent scores for safety and media reviews, and has zero tailpipe emissions. Running costs are not cheap, however, largely thanks to high insurance premiums, and we don’t yet have reliability data.
Model Y highlights
- Innovative on-board tech
- Impressive performance and battery range
- Tesla’s excellent Supercharger infrastructure
- Family-friendly and spacious cabin
- Zero tailpipe emissions
Model Y lowlights
- Inconsistent build quality
- Limited range of models
- Model 3 is cheaper and better to drive
- Poor ride quality
- Insurance premiums are high
Key specifications
Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Engines: electric motor, battery-powered
Price: From £44,990 on-road
Launched: Spring 2022
Last updated: Spring 2025
Next update due: TBA
Image gallery
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Adult protection: 97%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 82%
Safety assist: 98%
Notes on safety rating
The Tesla Model Y has one of the best safety ratings of any new car on the market, with the highest overall Euro NCAP score in recent years.
The only thing to remember is that Tesla’s AutoPilot and ‘self-driving’ functions are not properly autonomous driving functions, and still require human control at all times. However, they do provide very good assistance to the driver in many circumstances to help prevent an accident.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of May 2025, the Tesla Model Y has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the Model Y is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing whenever it ever takes place. Check back again soon.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of May 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Tesla Model Y to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.
As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Model Y, we’ll publish the score here.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
| Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 311 miles | A | 283 – 331 miles | A – B |
| Electrical efficiency | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| EV models | 4.5 m/KWh | A | 4.2 – 4.9 m/KWh | A – B |
| Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
| All models | 50 | F | 50 – 50 | F – F |
| Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
| Year 1 | £353 | C |
| Year 2 | £610 | B |
| Year 3 | £984 | B |
| Year 4 | £1,310 | C |
| Year 5 | £1,675 | C |
| Overall | £4,932 | C |
We don’t have complete running cost data on the Tesla Model Y, but the good news is that it’s quite efficient in its use of electricity (the EV equivalent of miles per gallon on a petrol or diesel car), which will help keep costs down and also helps the Model Y to average more than 300 miles of driving range on a single charge.
Insurance might be quite hefty, however, as the Model Y is in the top-ranked Group 50. Servicing costs are average to good over the first five years, which is better than many premium-brand rivals.
Recalls
Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Tesla Model Y
Date: April 2022
Recall number: R/2022/131
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2021 to 11/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 9,471
Defect: On certain vehicles that are running firmware release 2022.8 and that experience a loss of low voltage system support the audio subsystem may become unavailable including the use of eCall functionality.
Remedy: Firmware release 2022.12.3 or later reverses the power management process introduced in firmware release 2022.8 and maintains eCall audio functionality.
Date: December 2021
Recall number: R/2022/006
Model types: All
Build dates: 03/2020 to 06/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 127
Defect: The front suspension lateral link may be insufficiently torqued.
Remedy: Inspect the connection of both front suspension lateral links to the sub-frame. Replace any related damaged components and ensure correct torque of fastening bolts.
As of August 2024 (our latest data point), there have been two DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Tesla Model Y. These cover suspension and software issues.
Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Tesla service centre.
If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used Model Y, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Tesla Model Y has received
2024
- Carbuyer Awards – Best Large Company Car
2023
- Auto Express Awards – Best Mid-Size Company Car
- Auto Trader Awards – Best Car for Families
- Carbuyer Awards – Best Company Car
2022
- GQ eCar Awards – Best SUV
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Tesla Model Y, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Audi Q8 e-tron | Audi Q4 e-tron | BMW iX3 | Ford Mustang Mach-E | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | Jaguar I-Pace | Kia EV6 | Mercedes-Benz EQC | Polestar 2 | Skoda Enyaq | Tesla Model 3 | Volkswagen ID.4
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Tesla Model Y at The Car Expert
Buy a Tesla Model Y
If you’re looking to buy a new or used Tesla Model Y, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car
Search less, live more. We make finding the right car simple. Find out more
Search for your next new or used car with Auto Trader. Find out more
Discover great deals available on both new and used cars. Find out more
Lease a Tesla Model Y
If you’re looking to lease a new Tesla Model Y, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal
Personal contract hire deals from Carparison Leasing. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Rivervale Leasing. Find out more
Subscribe to a Tesla Model Y
Subscriptions are becoming a very popular way for consumers to try an electric car for a few weeks or months to help decide whether it’s a suitable alternative to a petrol car. If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)