The Tesla Model Y is large and clean, with tech, speed, and practicality. The proportion and large cabin add an excellent space for little ones and the driver, making it the perfect family Tesla. The fully LED headlights and taillights are sharp and futuristic, and the shape makes the car feel like a hatchback, even with the interior layout of an SUV. This car is for families who want to drive electric and want to experience Tesla at it’s best.
The exterior lines of the vehicle are distinctive with Tesla; The lines are flowing and larger than the model 3. The Model Y also includes flush black door handles and trim, frameless doors and mirrors, and much more. The Model Y includes a massive sunroof that extends from the rear to the front of the car. It is heavily tinted, which reduces cabin heat in summer.
In the interior of the Y, there is not much; similar to a concept car: A mirror, a large infotainment screen, gear and turn stalks, and a steering wheel. Once you are inside, you are shocked by how simple it is. Faux-veneer wood adds some warmth and a Scandanavian touch to the all-black cabin. The black and white cabin adds a piano-like white dashboard that feels like a Yamaha grand piano. The driver seat has unlimited driver settings, positions, and memory, for all of your family members who want to drive your Tesla; Maybe not the little ones…
If you opt for the Long Range RWD, you get all of the benefits, but at a lower price. In the Long Range and Performance models, you get the Premium options; one year of premium connectivity, floor mats, and heated rear seats for all passengers, including the middle rear seat.
All Model Y’s come with standard Autopilot. Autopilot is Tesla’s version of Adaptive cruise control. Although it is a good system, It is not full-self-driving. It accelerates, brakes when a car is in front and steers within its lane. It does not stop in its lane if there isn’t a car in front, it cannot change lanes, and it cannot turn into a different street. You also need full attention as the driver, all you have to do is hold the steering wheel, or just tap it every 10 seconds so the car knows you’re there. They are doing this so they can prevent sleeping or distracted drivers on the road. You could upgrade to Full-Self-Driving capability that can park, Summon, change lanes, navigate to its destination, and turn by itself. This option cost around $10,000 CAD. In the future, it will be able to drive fully autonomously; and it’s already almost there!
There are too many features in this vehicle to name. To find the full potential of your car, you have to see what’s in front of you inside the Model Y. This “Control Centre” is loaded with tools and goodies. You can set your steering modes, acceleration, regen modes, and even make your car drive like a gas car if you are transitioning into the EV trend. The screen also includes a toybox, like “Emissions Testing Mode”, Trax (a DJ app), Romance mode, which plays jazz, turns on the “fireplace” and heats the cabin, Santa Mode for the holidays, and Cowbell (because you’ve got to have more cowbell).
When in Park, the car gives you another menu. In climate, you can set ‘dog mode’, a setting for your dog if you need to get a quick item from the market, and Camp mode, for Camping!
Finally, we move to the Tesla Entertainment Centre, which includes Youtube, Netflix, Tesla tutorials, Twitch, a live game-streaming app, and Spotify. These things only work once connected to the internet or using Premium connectivity (which costs $10/month after your trial). But the Tesla Arcade does not need any type of connectivity.
The Tesla Arcade has games such as Fallout Shelter, Stardew Valley, Backgammon, Chess, 2048, Cuphead, BeachBuggy Racing Tesla Edition (a Tesla-themed racing game), and 80’s Atari Classics, including Lunar Lander, Centipede and Millipede, Super Breakout, Asteroids, and Tempest.
Prices for the Model Y vary. For the Long Range RWD, it is expected to cost around $60,000 minus taxes and levies, potential savings, and options. For the Long Range Dual-Motor, It will cost around $69,000, and around $79,000 for the Performance version. With enough upgrades, you could reach Model-X pricing territory.
In conclusion, my verdict is that the Model Y is an excellent car. If you want to try something new, an SUV, and want to join the Tesla movement, this is the best car for you. If you prefer a sedan version, the Model 3 is identical but smaller, with the sportiness of a sedan.
Think you don’t like minimalism? Maybe you’re willing to spend a few more bucks for the Model X, which is more like your conventional car, but more luxurious, and keeps that Tesla vibe. We hope you shortlist the Model Y because it’s an excellent choice, and if you want to purchase a used Tesla, head to Tesladrive.ca to find used Teslas at our site! Just follow the easy steps, and you’re ready to go! Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook!
Santiago Bélanger for TeslaDrive Canada
