With the launch of the Model 3 in 2017, Tesla made electric cars more accessible to the masses. However, soon enough, the California-based electric carmaker realized that it’s the SUVs and crossovers that are catching the fancy of new car buyers. As a consequence of that, less than two years after the Model 3’s arrival, Tesla gave the world a high-riding version of their entry-level car – the Model Y.
The Model Y shares 75% components with the Model 3, and it is everything that the hatchback is – affordable, quick, and compact. However, compared to its low-slung sibling, the Model Y is a mid-size crossover, which means it has more ground clearance and the driving position is high and commanding. Plus, there's more space and practicality. It even gets a seven-seater option. Of course, these things may not matter to you if you’re single, but for any family man or woman with kids and a dog, words like third-row or seven seats are music to one's ears.
As you will read in the remaining part of the story, the 2021 Model Y has almost all the bases covered. However, there’s a catch. You see, in the olden times, Tesla cars were the default option if you wanted to go electric. But over the past few years, new rivals have emerged from established carmakers, and they’re catching up quick. And, in the Model Y’s case, you’ve got sport utility EVs like the Audi Q4 e-tron and Ford Mach-E breathing down its neck.
Sure, the Model Y has its work cut out, but it’s still riding on Tesla’s strong EV network and offers mind-blowing performance in a practical and spacious package. But does it offer good value for your money? Let’s find out.
2021 Tesla Model Y: Battery Pack, Range, And Charging
Tesla offers the Model Y in two versions at the moment – Long Range and Performance. Both feature a dual-motor setup (one motor on each axle) that draws power from a 75 kWh battery pack. The Long Range Model Y, as the name suggests, has a range of 326 miles on a single charge, while the Performance Model Y has a slightly lower range of 303 miles on a full charge.
The Performance derivative makes up for the lost range by offering quicker acceleration and a higher top speed. It can clock 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph. The Long Range has a 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds and its top speed is 135 mph.
In January 2021, Tesla launched a more affordable Standard Range RWD version of the Model Y in the States. This version came with a single motor and offered 244 miles of range along with a 0-60 mph time of 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 135 mph. However, it was quickly dropped from the company’s online configurator, and there’s no news on whether it’ll come back anytime soon. In related news, Tesla has put the Model Y Standard Range RWD version on sale in Hong Kong and China. Reportedly, the Standard Range RWD version is available off-menu in the U.S., but since Tesla’s boss man, Elon Musk, wasn’t happy with the range of the Standard Range RWD version, it’s been dropped from buying options, at least that's the case while shopping it online.
As for its charging time, using Tesla’s Superchargers, a 15-minute charge is enough to provide a range of around 162 miles. At home, using a 120-volt charger, recharging the Model Y’s battery can take anywhere between 20-40 hours. Level 2 charging (240-volt) will reduce the charging time to 8-12 hours.
2021 Tesla Model Y: Interior, Equipment, And Space
When it comes to a Tesla car’s cabin, the company sticks to its tried-and-tested formula of offering a minimalistic interior. Just like its other siblings, the Model Y’s dashboard is dominated by a massive 15-inch central touchscreen that controls virtually every function in the car. There’s a full glass roof and features like 12-way electrically-adjustable front seats, heating front and rear seats, power-folding and heated rear-view mirrors, dual-zone climate control, a power-adjustable steering column, cruise control, LED foglamps, a power trunk lid, and more are part of the standard package. Surprisingly, there’s no Android Auto or Apple CarPlay connectivity on offer.
Tesla gives you two interior color options to choose from – the standard all-black with faux wood trim, or the optional black-and-white interior ($1,000). As standard, the Model Y is a five-seater. However, you can turn it into a seven-seater by adding the third-row for $3,000. Note, the seven-seat option is only available with the Long Range version. Since the Model Y is a small crossover, don’t expect to fit grown-ups in the rearmost row. The space won’t be sufficient. According to Tesla, the total cargo space of the five-seater version, with the rear seats folded and including the frunk, stands at 76 cubic feet.
Since Tesla is known for its cutting-edge driver assistance systems, the Model Y is equipped with Autopilot driver aids that include emergency braking, collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring as standard.
The Performance version can be differentiated from the Long Range version, courtesy of its bigger 21-inch Uberturbine wheels (as opposed to standard 19-inch wheels on the Long Range), while it also gets lowered suspension, performance brakes, and aluminum alloy pedals.
2021 Tesla Model Y Costs And Options
The 2021 Model Y Long Range costs $53,990 and the Model Y Performance is priced at $60,990. White is the default and only free paint option available with the Model Y. Three paint options worth $1,000 and one (Red) for $2,000 are optional. A tow hitch can be added for $1,000. Full Self-Driving Capability is available for $10,000. It adds functions like ‘Navigate on Autopilot’, auto lane change, auto park, Summon, and traffic light and stop sign control. With the Long Range, you also get the option to fit 21-inch Induction Wheels for $2,000.