2021 Tesla Model Y: Review - Cars.com

The Tesla Model Y remains untouchable in its combination of efficiency, range and performance, but it’s not without a few potentially deal-breaking quirks. More than simply energy-efficient, the Model Y is space-efficient, with generous passenger and cargo room for its size, making it a perfectly usable and spacious small SUV.
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Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.

[@bluenycom]

Even now, other EV's don't have things for you to do on the screen while charging like games, browsing, Netflix, ect. It's genius and I don't know why others are not doing the same.

[@whyallthefuss201]

You guys read my mind. I’ve been researching the model Y as my wife’s birthday gift.

[@kendonato1887]

i've owned a half dozen cars and the Model Y is by far the best vehicle I've ever owned. Highly recommend

[@whyallthefuss201]

@@kendonato1887 I thank you for the advice. My wife and I are ready to convert to electrification and I believe Tesla is a great electric vehicle Ambassador

[@sadigov]

simp

[@dlpp9427]

Got mine 3 weeks ago, she’ll love it.

[@equarg]

😅 As a female…..I never liked flowers as a gift anyways. Woopty do….death plants. A Tesla? That’s something I could actually use!😁 Hope she loves it!

[@smr32061]

Loving my Model Y! Best car I've ever owned.

[@Bikerbug2020]

Love my Model Y as well… had it since December 2020, now have 18k on the odometer… mine is used as a work vehicle.

[@tarizzolo]

Amen.

[@cosmoray9750]

Tesla is still using old battery technology. BYD's blade battery technology has revolutionized car battery sector. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6iUYox7o7mifqc

[@jay3744]

The best crossover on the market today.

[@whoops1122]

Did you count the Audi Q4?

[@jasonhatfield4747]

Someone has not been careful with curb checking when parking. That road rash on the wheels is bad.

[@tongtran007]

Amazing interior space vs exterior size. Best performance and safety as well :)

[@billybobjoe7819]

“Stop driving like an ass” lmao… i cant 🤣

[@hoodat8116]

How long ago was this video made? I know it was uploaded today, but it doesn’t have the refreshed Model Y interior.

[@chriskast988]

Agreed. And from what I understand, the wireless phone charging is much better in the updated center console. I don’t have any issues with mine.

[@hoodat8116]

@@chriskast988 Exactly. I get that 95%+ of the car is the same, but how can you post a review of the car today when you drove the older version.

[@AnalogueKid2112]

If Tesla wants reviews to be of the latest version, they should provide cars to the press like every other manufacturer

[@hoodat8116]

@@AnalogueKid2112 my question was when was the review filmed? Whether or not Tesla gives access to the media, if this was filmed 6 months ago and posted today, the info is stale-dated.

[@joeldunbar4329]

It’s the old version with old wireless phone charging, old interior

[@michaelmashburn6068]

I love the towing option. This thing could easily tow my pontoon boat. Love the hatchback too.

[@Bikerbug2020]

The best part of the Autopilot is when you are in traffic around town, it just moves along with traffic with minimal interaction by the driver. No body else has that versatility, hands down Tesla is the Top of the Pyramid.

[@Reddylion]

That's nice.

[@rkgsd]

I can live with the harshness on rough roads, but the interior panel rattles coming from the rear that I've noticed on bad roads is an issue. This is the same issue the pre-2023 Model 3 had.

[@wetzel82]

Damn they curbed those wheels a lot 😭

[@UnCannyValley67]

First thing i noticed too. Reminds me of when i had a VW GTI a few years back.

[@wetzel82]

@@UnCannyValley67 😭

[@garygoulet4526]

Try to find one without road rash ... if you do I bet they have paper plates.

[@wetzel82]

@@garygoulet4526 I agree Tesla wheels are very easy to curb they stick out a little more than usual. But anyone who truly loves their rims will be a little too cautious and park far from the curb

[@korswe]

Best and honest review of a Tesla product I have seen here on KZbin.

[@angusmacpherson2981]

Tesla are simply the best car company out there.

[@DennisCW]

The rims are all curbed, just like mine 🤣

[@grantguy8933]

Future is here.

[@trottingwolf]

The wireless charging is fixed on the Ys made after about June 2021. At least for my phone and case. Wont work on the older wireless charger but works fine on the new interior.

[@joelmsolomon]

Love the Pine State Biscuits sticker on the case in the frunk. Worth a trip to Portland just for that.

[@AndrewAndYou]

Their special menu pop-tarts are insane!

[@Carscom]

Good eye! :)

[@MrBlahblam]

those rims are chewed up, damn

[@pdiaz1582]

I thought the same thing lol. For a 2021, poor rims. Not just one also, all of them.

[@UnCannyValley67]

@Kevin Smith what an idiotic statement. It’s easy to curb the wheels while parking, no matter how careful one is.

[@brandon6541]

@Kevin Smith ikr

[@thevegas737]

All tesla model 3s and Ys have the FSD ready to go, they just charge you for it and Tesla just tells the computer to recognize that you have made the purchase.

[@AleksanderHoff]

All fun and games.. but you aren’t reviewing the 2021 model as your title states. Old center console, and lack of side panels continuing from the front to the front doors (wood or white panels) gives it away easily. The 2021 model feels a bit better on the inside.

[@davidsanders7530]

At 10:45 you say “in the model Y supercharging is not included” yet you are showing it at a supercharge and point out that it will reach full charge in 50 minutes. Can you explain what you mean by “Not included?”

[@nicholemattei2366]

They do have a 3rd row option and they do have the 10000 option of self driving

[@reaality3860]

Nice review! Quality of build and long-term reliability with the cost of maintanance would be nicer, but these bits of information are harder to come by and impossible for newly released vehicle models.

[@johnditoro1676]

I disagree with your comments on the speedometer. A slight glance to the right at the level of the road in front of you vs looking down at a classic speedometer is much safer. Also, no idea why your phone/case didn't work with that charger. Both of our phones (in their cases) work very well with our model Y's wireless charger.

[@charltonblake9967]

I kinda disagree about the android auto. I haven't missed android auto at all on my model y. I just need to be able to switch to phone sound when I want it to and it does that really well.

[@Sauce-ke]

Theres still a lot of things needed to be change on Tesla cars. Number 1 is most of the drivers hate having everything on the screen like opening the box, doors, speed meter, and even the air conditioner. Why do they put everything on screen? What if the screen stop functioning? It means that you cannot control your Tesla anymore

[@Ianmundo]

do those rims come pre-kerbed from the factory? they look terrible

[@freetrailer4poor]

Ya the only think i don't like is the felling every bump, it is a rough ride. But, new tires may fix it. I was looking at general tires with 5k mile warranty.

[@tarizzolo]

Made in America! Best car I’ve ever owned! Period. Every other car is a dinosaur compared to a Tesla. It’s like having the original iPhone in 2007, it’s just so far ahead it’s going to take other manufacturers 10 years to catch up with the paradigm shift.

[@mluu510]

Best car money can buy right now but it definitely isn't perfect. There's a lot of design decision that I disagree with

[@twany442]

Mustang Mach e for the win! That's why every Major Review site has rated the Mustang Mach e driving capabilities and fit and finish over the Tesla Model Y. Car and Driver, Kelly blue book, Edmonds, Motor week, Doug Demiro and even Sandy Monroe was actually shocked at how good it is.

[@tarizzolo]

@@twany442 enjoy your key fob and on/off button dude. Tesla tech smokes the competition.

[@twany442]

@@tarizzolo I'll enjoy anything I spend my hard earned money on thank you very much. Why don't you buy a breathing machine for when you pull your head out of Tesla's ass.

[@lululemon5400]

Thank you!! Just ordered mine and can’t wait!!🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@HappyAlexandros]

How many hours can a Tesla run its AC, starting with a full battery charge, while the car is just standing and not driving around?

[@JaeTheDev]

A long ass time. I sit and watch my sons football practice in my Model 3. I lose maybe 2% over 3 hours, about.

[@MM-bw1lo]

Uggh, they lost me with that excessive amount of dog hair. Nobody thought about vacuuming when making this tut

[@janisdunlow6135]

Love people who love animals! Don't sweat the small stuff you will be happier!!

[@TimLucasdesign]

Every other review says the Mach E handles and rides better. This guy says the reverse. Hmmm.

[@roco9504]

Preference perhaps? Or , it could be comparing to the performance Y which rides more harsh to my understanding

[@ynadle1111]

why are they using an older year model Y and claiming it's a 2021 with the title???

[@batandball617]

Ford Mach E- Moostang, Vee- Dieselgate- Dubya ID 4, please listen to Sandy Munro.

[@colestudies]

that model y has the tow hitch, you can see the cover on the back of it..

[@bhuff123]

The model Y does have some throwbacks Like Tesla does not share any information on the cars as far as what’s going on ask your mechanic if he would like to work on a Tesla

[@spacewiz163]

Personally eyeing it because it looks bigger than the model 3🙂

[@didiermejia780]

After spending a weekend with a model y from turo. I ordered a Mach E GT without thinking twice. Having to control the entire car from the touchscreen was so frustrating and stupid. Like opening the glovebox, unlocking doors, opening frunk, adjusting side view mirrors, and directing the ac fans/speed. And the keycard was very frustrating. It made me wonder of people who design the car, do they actually this car drive.

[@audunskilbrei8279]

I'm sorry. But all of the reasons you stated are pointless. Except maybe the fan control. I mean. Glovebox, doors, frunk? All things done while stationary and very easy to do. Side view mirrors? You do that once when you buy the car and then you leave them. Keycard? You use that once before you pair your phone to the car and never have to use them again(unless your phone dies for some reason). In the Ford you can't even open the Frunk from the outside. And I just checked the Mach-E. AC/fan control is touch screen driven on that too!! lol I mean they've basically ripped off tesla and removed most of the buttons too.

[@didiermejia780]

@@audunskilbrei8279 All these reasons are what made me frustrated in using the car that made me choose the Mach E. I believe the Mach E GT will be a better car since the person in charge of it was also inchage of the Shelby GT350 (which is one of my cars) and the Raptor. Also, the quality in the model y compared to the Mach e is night and day. Besides the charging infrastructure, Mach E does everything better.

[@tarizzolo]

@@didiermejia780 False. Tesla Model Y has 50% less parts to malfunction. More Storage. Better tech. Better charging. Higher clearance. Longer range. Better performance. Enjoy your key fob and on/off button dude.

[@nickkellie]

In order of release, the models go S3XY - Elon is funny 😆

[@plixie1]

Becoming a family of 5 in a few days. Would a Y still work?

[@jmatt98]

Yes, but Cybertruck would give you more room.

[@RezandJen]

If you have one child that's in a booster and can sit in the 3rd row then yes. That's assuming you get the 3rd row option.

[@MechayaAlta]

I want one without a panoramic roof and 8” ground clearance. Why are gigantic glass roofs all the rage?

[@AnalogueKid2112]

Mustang Mach E Select trim is your car

[@Carfan678]

I like glass roofs but I don’t like how in a lot of electrics cars theirs no shade like wtf why

[@AnalogueKid2112]

@@Carfan678 the VW ID.4 and Chevy Bolt EUV have shades for their panoramic roofs

[@Carfan678]

@@AnalogueKid2112 then I would go with the VW

[@MechayaAlta]

@@Carfan678 sunroofs can also lose up to 2” headroom, and the glass is heavier than metal, can crack or leak.

[@vsbb9855]

Best review ...by far from others.

[@lsol]

Love your red nail polish!

[@davebryer6133]

So how are the headlights and is there adjustable lumbar support in the passenger seat upfront?

[@RW-ur7ym]

I own a 2021 Model Y that was built in March. It has the best headlights of any car I have ever owned or driven. Mine has the adjustable lumbar support on both front seats, however I think it was recently deleted on the passenger side.

[@danchatka8613]

A fair review. Thanks.

[@StanMzmr]

I reallly wish they can redesign the front, it looks so unbalanced compared with its back

[@TrevX2001]

This is an okay review , but the apple car play and android comment is just asinine as what you WANT. Bsm monitoring will be digital/autonomous in the future. You’re the same Guy that got mad when apple got rid of the keyboard and the headphone Jack

[@Magicstockton]

11:03 MERGE WITHOUT A SIGNAL.

[@brivnii]

awesome review Cars!

[@ZacRoebuck]

👍 isn't it a crossover

[@bluenycom]

It doesn't matter. People use SUV and crossover interchangebly. Besides, most owners never leave paved roads to care.

[@RedEd1969]

Got a 3, the Y will added to the driveway next to it

[@shahaan400]

The $10k FSD package ours absurd. Just include it man

[@chaleethao1986]

"drive normally"? lol, so 10+ above the speed limit...more like drive according to the speed limit

[@juancastro8073]

I'm deciding between buying either a Nissan Rogue 2021 Platinum or this Tesla Model Y. What would you recommend me?

[@AnalogueKid2112]

Those are really different vehicles. I like EVs but not so much Tesla. The Rogue will be far more comfortable, has conventional controls that are easy to use, and is easy to get serviced without needing to go to the place you bought it. The Model Y will impress your friends, but reliability has not been good according to many sources. Maybe consider the Volkswagen ID.4 which is far more comparable to the Rogue.

[@juancastro8073]

@@AnalogueKid2112 Thank you so much for the advice!

[@tarakhossain9320]

If you are afraid of change then Nissan may be. Cause tesla does function differently. People gets used to tesla though but again you can see others videos for better understanding.

[@kn944]

@@juancastro8073 Tesla hands down. I have never been in the Nissan, but I can't imagine any medium SUV being better than the Tesla. I recently purchased one and it is an amazing vehicle.

[@Carfan678]

@@juancastro8073 if u plan on keeping ur car for a while get the Nissan they have been around for decades and decades meaning if u have any issues with ur vehicle nissans repair programs and customer service is gonna be way superior to tesla. Tesla still has kinks to work out and needs to improve their amount of dealerships and places u can even take to get it fixed

[@DidierGras]

FYI, IONIQ 5 vs TESLA MODEL Y... : Tesla great job, max speed, range especially leveraging its shape and weight. Still prefer, being in Europe, comfort. 99% of my trips are within 200kms one way. With the Hyundai IONIQ 5, I do look forward to ventilated seats, Android Auto, the roomy and comfortable interior, and HUD. Also like reclining seats with foot rest and reclining console for arms rest, all electronic aids especially against collisions, automated parking (Executive version), blind spot cams on dashboard when turning, V2L, sun shades integrated in back doors, electric sunroof shade, wide space available inside with good visibility through the back window etc. Also 5 year car warranty illimited kms (Max 80 000 for Tesla... Reliability issues?), and 8 year battery warranty (same as Tesla). Comment by Park Shawn translating from Korean to English this video : kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIilcn2rlLhnos0 Ionic 5 LR and Model Y LR both have similar spec including weight, battery sizes. Details can be found on google. Here are some highlights from the conclusion they brought up at the end of the video. 1. Both car's AVG speed were about 100KM/h (Highway drive) 2. Both car's A/C and other convenience functions(like Highway drive assistance for Ionic 5, Auto Pilot for Model Y and etc.) were always on during the test. 3. 4 drivers drove about 100km per person and checked the remaining battery at designated location. 4. Both car have shown slightly poor battery performance than usual because of the weather condition (rain) 5. By just looking at the specification, Model Y can drive 141km more than Ionic 5. However the actual drive test have shown that the difference were only about 60~70km. This experiment have shown that IONIC 5's driving range is little longer than what Hyundai advertised. 6. They have concluded that both Ionic 5 and Model Y can drive from Seoul to Busan. The distance between those two cities are about 350km. Hope this helps.

[@oaxaca911]

This dude looks like Jesse from simple pickup

[@TRULYBLESS2060]

Nice video

[@jimcmf2]

🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 CONGRATULATIONS !!! Tesla has obtained FSD LEVEL 2 Status . It took them only 10 years.

[@CharlesGallagher]

You actually pay for white paint, the other colors cost more 😁

[@maximua78]

curbed all 4 of them?

[@moaoun1304]

Wait, where the hell is the speedometer?

[@alyssavaldez2506]

It’s on the top left of the screen. They did that to clear clutter on the dash and make everything centered.

[@ianh4911]

My iphone in case works fine

[@torrx7371]

I love my Model Y, I got it brand new 3 months ago and it's easily the best car I've ever owned. Smooth ride, comfortable seats, the tech in it is awesome.... My one negative about it is the paint. I have all kinds of rock chips in the front of my car and I only drive on the highway (Meritt Parkway). They did have to repave that road so it was stripped down for 2 months, that's where it all came from. But it's a lot, at least 10 chips in various spots along the hood and front fender areas. Haven't even gone through the winter yet! So I'm not a fan at all of whatever is going on with the paint for this car. I've owned like 6 cars prior and haven't had this issue to this extent with them.

[@rohw0016]

Wrap that shit bro! 😎

[@vgrice850]

Ceramic coating and a wrap.

[@irekfilms]

All alloys are damaged 🙈

[@jackyy.1542]

model y second row seats are definitely awful 😢

[@badopinion]

They are and dudes gushing over them

[@PaulHo]

VW themselves say they're targeting the RAV4 and CRV with the ID4, so let's just never speak of that hot garbage again. The more and more I let the fact that Tesla is charging $10k for unlocking FSD, even though all of the hardware is already there, the more I realize that Polestar's system and even non-EV systems on KIA/Hyundai/Genesis (yet) have more practical and realized systems, all as part of advanced safety instead of autonomous driving. On top of that, they're much nicer interiors for real world use cases. I used to think that the Supercharging network and range would really set Teslas apart, but it's a quickly shrinking lead. Now, if you don't get the Falcon doors, you're really only gaining the best frunk.

[@daspenceradventure]

The wheels will come curbed from the factory for 2022

[@thescallytrader]

I nearly fell asleep watching this. Why would Tesla allow Apple to download their software into their car? Are you insane. You want Tesla to give Apple access to ALL the information in the car. Finally, no other car comes close to Tesla's FSD, WTF are you talking about. Please give this dude his car back and go and buy a Kia.

[@JD-yx1zi]

Tumbs down for simply virtue signaling with face nappy on while driving 🙄

[@KuyaArbee]

that exterior design is a bar of soap......

[@mluu510]

Isn't that a Porsche also?

[@jay3744]

means aero dynamic right ?

[@edejesus196]

Best looking bar of soap I’ve ever seen

[@jissanhuq3792]

@@mluu510 no way. Porsche SUVs are far more proportional

[@smallbusinessdreams]

Rivian RS1. Just as fast. Boxy like a range Rover, handles off road like a jeep. Real 7 seater. Model Y is a joke as a 7 seater.

[@MultiCaboose]

That’s a 2020 model y

[@danatomalty396]

Speedometer?? Are you really a car guy?? Joke!!

[@brandonroberts5058]

That’s a 2020

[@KeepOnTesting]

OMG what a biased review..braking issues with the Mustang? What the? 🙃👍 Spartan interior , No Apple Car play or Android auto ..no instrument cluster ..no blind spot indicator. Sorry Tesla..loving my MachE!

[@JJJosh949]

Don’t get why or how this is a SUV… they need to redesign this thing

[@patricksoon85]

15:05 Please don't compare this to other luxury SUVs. The Model Y is a lot of things, but it's definitely not a luxury SUV.

[@tarizzolo]

It will smoke those other luxury suvs in speed and safety. Oh, also driving tech, reliability, and fun factor.

[@patricksoon85]

@@tarizzolo I disagree with a lot of those, but even so, that's not my point. My point is that Tesla's brand isn't luxury. It doesn't even have leather. There's not even a sunshade. Their service centers are always backed up. You have to wait weeks and months to get stuff fixed. And have you seen the state of cars sent out to people? Sometimes doors are mismatched and one guy's windshield flew off while driving on the freeway. These are stories you never hear from BMW, Lexus, or Mercedes Benz owners. And all of those brands will have electric cars in the future if not already. So all those differentiating factors you claim are better on a Tesla will be gone soon.

[@hadtobe4502]

FSD used to b $1,000. Now its $10,000 - WTF. Its still only level 2, stuff other manufacturers give for free.

[@macdds]

Can you tell me what other manufacturers provide NOA with autolane change and highway exit? Unheard..

[@GrotrianSeiler]

The VW ID4 is the winner here.

[@arrievermaak974]

Tesla is on the brink of solving Full self-driving. Ford is 5+years behind with autonomous software.

[@twany442]

What in the fuck! Let's talk about Tesla. Bad build quality, Big ass panel gaps, screen blackouts, windows that sometimes work, doors that have problems all the time, false over rated range that doesn't add up, and three weeks of waiting on a flatbed to pick up the car for repair. Motor Trend, Edmonds, Car and Driver, Kelly blue book. Doug demiro all have rated the Mustang Mach e over the model Y. Hell! Even Sandy Monroe findings were actually really good. This guy is the first to say that the model Y was more exciting to drive over the Mustang Mach e when all the others preferred the Mustang Mach e driving capabilities. So no Tesla is not on the brink of self driving until they can cut back on all of those fatalities of the car smashing into shit. And by the way! Ford's is going to beat Tesla to self driving.

[@jb8240]

I guess we will find out who out innovates who. My vote would be the company that has been innovating all along. I have had good experience with my Model Y. I have no experience with the mustang, but if I were in the market today I don't think I would go for ford. And... why do you sound so mad?

[@tarizzolo]

@@twany442 haha Ford driving software will never catch up with Tesla! Quality isn’t an issue anymore so better find something else to convince yourself you like your Mach E more. Did you see Sandy Munros tear down of the Mach E? Oh boy that’s a lot more parts than it should be.

[@twany442]

@@tarizzolo The sami software issues your mother had while carrying you.

[@twany442]

@@tarizzolo And who the hell is Munroe? An old disgruntled engineer that used to work for with an opinion just like everyone. What vehicle has he built from the ground up? What rocket did he build from the ground up? He worked on a team at Ford and had an ideal for a few changes. Google and find out for yourself how many issues Ford had with there hose's hardly any. So is that he said the Mustang Mach E was the second best in the game on its first time out of the gate. But what's Tesla's problem then? I mean they have been doing this for years and still can't seem to get shit together. You know: those panel gaps galore, mismatch plastics, infotainment screens that blackout, doors that don't work half the time, bad build quality, poor paint jobs, over promised and under delivered range, can't buy parts to fix yourself, bad customer service and waiting several weeks on a flatbed truck to pick up your vehicle for repair. Bye Boy!

[@treads2595]

Tesla definitely has the advantage if you are going on long trips and need to use their charging network. However, everything else is problematic. The car is ugly, isn't built as well as a traditional car and there are too few physical buttons. I know people say they get use to doing everything with the screen, but I don't think that I want to drop almost $60K on something that I have to get used to. If I were in the market for an EV, I'd get the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 5.

[@kn944]

If you don't like the simplicity of the model Y's interior, then you also likely won't like the ionic 5's interior. They are pretty similar except the ionic 5 has a second screen behind the steering wheel. I also think most future cars will be going this simple interior route in the future too.

[@beau6113]

Speaking only to the button thing. Years ago I went with a Grand Cherokee because during test drives I found the combination of on screen vs real buttons the perfect blend compared to other makes, as I truly felt I would remain a button pusher for the rest of my life (especially with climate control). After several weeks I never pushed a physical button again, and now laugh that I thought it was going to impact my experience. It wasn’t a matter of getting used to anything… on-screen is just far more intuitive these days. It’s like saying you love your smart phone, but you’re going to need a rotary phone in the car.

[@jissanhuq3792]

@@kn944 that's not true it has a center stack for hvac and audio as well. Biggest issue with tesla is lack of 360 can

[@diempham8557]

Things have changed, if you don’t like the change and you have your choice of using the same thing forever.

[@monicarenee7949]

The physical button thing is a weird criticism. Took me like 1 day to get used to not physically pushing a button. I actually prefer that now to when I have to get in a car with buttons because Tesla does everything itself. I don’t even have to turn the car off when I leave.