2022 Tesla Model Y: New Tesla Model Y Compact Sport Utility Vehicle Review

Posted on

2022 Tesla Model Y the Model Y has an attractive performance that is the hallmark of the Tesla brand. Its dual-motor electric drivetrain delivers instant torque to all four wheels for fast acceleration from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds on the Long Range model and just 3.5 seconds on the Performance model.

On top of higher top speeds and faster 0-60 times, the Performance model adds performance brakes and lower suspension. Come together to create an enjoyable driving experience without sacrificing practicality.

The Performance model still has an electric range of over 300 miles.

While we like the attractive performance of the Model Y even in the base trim, the ride is a bit firm for a vehicle considered a luxury SUV.

If you prioritize a smooth, fluid ride in a premium crossover, you might want to consider a hybrid luxury SUV like the Lexus RX Hybrid.

2022 Tesla Model Y Review

This is the Model Y, Tesla’s smaller and cheaper sibling of the Model X SUV. Tesla introduced it as a new nameplate in 2020 and we don’t expect any significant changes for 2022 unless the automaker decides to add a steering wheel yoke and an upgraded interior. updated from the recent Model S/X refresh.

2022 Tesla Model Y

The Model Y competes with other compact electric luxury SUVs including the Audi Q4 Sportback E-Tron and the Volvo C40 Recharge. Some may also compare it to non-electric luxury SUVs including the Volvo XC60 and Jaguar F-Pace.

  • We’ve had the Tesla Model Y Performance for two years now.
  • By then we had done drag races, traveled overland, and lived with it for 25,000 miles.
  • But what you might want to know is how it held up at that time. Dig to find out.

We’ve been living with our long-term Tesla Model Y for two years now, and in that time we’ve carried it along highways, byways, and in every other way you can imagine.

We even took him to the track. If you’re not familiar with our long-term testing program, that’s where we at Edmunds welcome cars into our garages on loans of more than two weeks on average. Instead, we buy it with our own cash or the automaker lends it to us for a year so we can find out what the real ownership experience is like.

In the case of our Model Y, Tesla’s all-electric crossover SUV, we bought it back in 2020 and we liked it enough to keep it for two years instead of the usual. We chose the Dual motor Performance model and implemented the Full Self Driving Capability.

We also added lowered suspension, red paint, and the optional Tesla Induction wheels to increase curb appeal. Overall, the Model Y costs $68,700, a bargain compared to similar models that will cost you in 2022, as the price has risen to over $85,000. Good grief.

As with any car we welcome in our long-term fleet, some are good, some are bad, and there are many lessons to be learned. In our 25,000-mile summary video, we cover everything we experienced with the Model Y in two rounds around the sun with it.

There’s a lot to like, including its large cargo capacity, pleasant driving dynamics, and of course its straight-line acceleration. There were also a lot of things we didn’t like, namely the stiff ride, poor build quality, and the difficulties we encountered while trying to service the Model Y.

To its credit, Tesla has found a way to generate a lot of social media buzz over a car that, in the grand scheme of things, few people buy. A case in point is the insanely fast Plaid version of the Model S a definite special car or the Cybertruck, which piles up delays faster than any NASA telescope project. But behind the noise are some pretty interesting Tesla models, and one of them is the Model Y 2022.

The Y debuts 2020 as a pioneer in the all-electric small SUV class. It is similar to the small Tesla Model 3 sedan but provides a more spacious interior for passengers and cargo. It even has the option of a third-row seat, albeit a small one. When it comes to providing an enjoyable mix of space, range, and performance for an EV, the Y stands out the most.

For 2022, Tesla is making some minor changes to the Model Y. From a new, lighter 12-volt lithium-ion battery (replacing traditional lead-acid batteries) to laminated rear windows to better protect the cabin from noise.

But more significant changes are also rumored to be coming for the Y. Specifically, Tesla could change the design of the Y’s main battery pack to a structurally integrated design known as the 4680. How will this new battery pack affect the Y’s capabilities or performance? has not yet been determined, but we will update this section as we learn more.

Meanwhile, the Model Y faces new competition. The Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Volkswagen ID.4 all debuted recently, and each has interesting qualities that might blow your mind away. Check out our test team’s full Expert Rating below to help you decide which EV is best for you.

READ NEXT: 2022 Tesla Model 3: New Tesla Model 3 Compact Car Review

  • Lots of reaches
  • Stunning acceleration, especially from the Performance. model
  • Supercharger network convenient for long-distance driving
  • Spacious seating and cargo space
  • Just a small update so far
  • More significant changes may occur later in the model year
  • Part of the first Model Y generation introduced for 2020

2022 Tesla Model Y Performance

Acceleration is not the weak point here. During Edmunds’s testing, the Model Y Long Range took just 4.8 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standstill. And despite being equipped with all-season tires, which are typically designed more for wear resistance than the grip on the road, our test vehicle still managed to achieve a very impressive stopping distance of 60 mph in just 112 feet.

Both numbers are better than we expected and impressive for the EV segment.

Steering and handling are also commendable despite the Model Y’s weight. The steering is light and responds quickly to input, giving you control and connection while cornering.

The body roll is also minimal, especially for an SUV. The ability to drive in the city is very good. Experienced EV drivers will appreciate the adjustable regenerative braking that allows you to drive almost exclusively using only the right pedals.

Tesla offers two Model Y variants, Long Range and Performance, both of which feature dual-motor AWD powertrains. Both models are fed by a 75-kWh battery. When we tested the Model Y Long Range, it hit 60 mph in under 4.1 seconds. Tesla claims the Performance model will make that sprint in just 3.5 seconds.

  • Long Distance: 326 miles
  • Performance: 303 miles

These Model Y driving range figures are taken from the 2021 model; I hope the 2022 version is similar or identical.

2022 Tesla Model Y Interior

The interior of the Tesla Model Y has a sleek and minimalist design. It uses premium vegan simulated leather and tasteful pieces of wood that stretch across the dashboard. Central to the interior is the 15-inch infotainment system that controls almost everything. It has a bit of a learning curve, and we hope it comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

2022 Tesla Model Y

The seats are quite spacious in the first and second rows. The seats are supportive and comfortable for long-distance cruising, and the cabin is quiet thanks to the electric powertrain. The third-row seats available in the Long Range model are very tight, but it’s worth it if you sometimes need that extra sea in a pinch.

The cargo area is spacious in the 5-seat model, but space is reduced if you add an optional third row. The maximum rear cargo capacity with the rear seats folded is 68 cubic feet, and there’s a small “frunk” up front where the engine would normally be.

Tesla offers plenty of room on the Model Y. There’s significantly more cargo space than the C40 Recharge, plus more than 4 inches of extra legroom for rear passengers.

Compared to the Model 3 sedan, the Model Y has almost an inch less front legroom but an additional 5.3 inches of rear legroom. The Model Y also offers a seven-seat configuration, but we wouldn’t recommend it because of the almost non-existent legroom.

Cargo space (behind the first row + front trunk):

  • 2022 Tesla Model Y: 68.0 cubic feet
  • Refill Volvo C40 2022: 44.0 cubic feet
  • Legroom (first/second row):
  • 2022 Tesla Model Y: 41.8/40.5 inches
  • 2022 Tesla Model 3: 42.7/35.2 inches
  • Refill Volvo C40 2022: 40.9/36.1 inches

READ NEXT: 2023 Tesla Model 3: The New Tesla Model 3 Most Affordable Electric Car Review

2022 Tesla Model Y Technology

The Model Y works with the same 15.0-inch touchscreen infotainment screen as the rest of the Tesla lineup. Nearly every control for a compact SUV is integrated into the infotainment system, which has a significant learning curve if you’re coming from a non-Tesla vehicle. Tesla also doesn’t support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, so you’ll need to be familiar with system navigation and media apps.

2022 Tesla Model Y Exterior

The styling of the Tesla Model Y is very similar to that of the Model 3 sedan but with an SUV body. It has a sleek body line, a stylish wheel design, and a sloping roofline. The Performance model looks sportier with a lower suspension, 21-inch alloy wheels, and a carbon fiber rear spoiler.

2022 Tesla Model Y

The size of the Tesla Model Y is on the larger side of the compact SUV segment. It’s larger than the mainstream compact crossovers of the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, and the same size as the Ford Mustang Mach-E.

2022 Tesla Model Y Favorite Features

330-MILE REACH
The Tesla Model Y Remote has an excellent electric range that makes it a handy daily driver.

3-Row Seating
It is the only electric SUV in this class available with seating for up to seven people.

READ NEXT: 2023 Tesla Roadster: The New Tesla Roadster Quickest Car Review

2022 Tesla Model Y Standard Features

The standard Model Y Long Range Trim features dual electric motors, all-wheel drive, and a range of up to 330 miles.

Standard exterior features include 19-inch Gemini wheels, a panoramic glass roof, a power liftgate, and heated mirrors. Inside, you are treated to a vegan synthetic leather interior, heated front and rear seats, and automatic temperature control.

The standard infotainment system has a large 15-inch screen that controls almost everything, including climate control, navigation, music, and more. It also has a 14-speaker audio system, 4 USB ports, and two wireless charging pads.

The standard Autopilot semi-autonomous driver assistance system combines adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, automatic steering, blind spot monitoring, and more. This makes driving on the highway almost easy, but you still have to keep your hands on the wheel and keep your eyes on the road.

2022 Tesla Model Y Factory Option

Upgrading to the Performance trim speeds up acceleration and increases top speed, but also increases the price tag. You also get a bit of a hit on the electric range, but that’s still an impressive 303-mile range rating. Other upgrades on the Performance model include 21-inch Uberturbine wheels (a $2,000 option on the Long Range model), performance brakes, lower suspension, and aluminum alloy pedals.

2022 Tesla Model Y

3-row seating with space for up to seven people is a $3,000 option on the Long Range trim and isn’t available on the Performance model.

Some of the options available for both trims include a tow hitch ($1,000), interior 2 black and white ($1,000), and Full Self-Driving Capability ($12,000), which adds to the list of driver assistance features including Navigate on Autopilot, Auto Lane Change, Parking Auto, Call, and more.

2022 Tesla Model Y Battery Power, Charging Time, And Range

Every 2022 Tesla Model Y is equipped with dual electric motors and all-wheel drive. The standard Long Range model has an impressive range of 330 miles and a 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds. The Performance model reduces the range to 303 miles and increases acceleration to a 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds.

  • Remote AC induction electric motor with 75-kWh battery pack
  • 447 horsepower (approx.)
  • 376 lb-ft of torque (approx.)
  • EPA city/highway/combined fuel economy: 131/117/125 MPGe
  • Range: 330 miles
  • Performance
  • AC induction electric motor with 75-kWh battery pack
  • 580 horsepower (approx.)
  • 481 lb-ft of torque (approx.)
  • EPA city/highway/combined fuel economy: 115/106/111 MPGe
  • Range: 303 miles

READ NEXT: Tesla Model 3 Inside: Gets All-New Design Changes Inside and Outside

Tesla Model Y Sales Skyrocket

According to estimates, Tesla has shipped 500,000 Model Ys this year and could deliver 760,000 before 2022 is over.

When the Tesla Model Y first came to market, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said it would be the electric car maker’s best-selling vehicle in the future. This might be hard for some to believe because it’s really just an inflated Model 3, and quite expensive.

That said, it started to become clear rather quickly that the Model Y did outperform its smaller, cheaper sibling, and is now one of the best-selling vehicles in the world.

According to the latest estimates from Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BloombergNEF), Tesla has delivered about 500,000 Model Y electric crossovers so far in 2022. It wasn’t long ago that Tesla shipped less than half a million cars in total. How do 500,000 global shipments rank among the world’s best-selling cars?

Based on 2021 sales, the Model Y will already be in the top 10 for 2022. The Tesla Model 3 actually took ninth place last year, not far behind the Ford F-150. The best-selling models in 2021 are the Toyota RAV4 and Toyota Corolla, each with around 1.1 million shipments.

BloombergNEF projects that Tesla will ship approximately 760,000 Model Y electric crossovers by the end of 2022. Depending on Ford’s global F-150 sales (Ford mainly sells the F-150 in North America, while Tesla sells Model Y in many global markets), Tesla crossovers have the potential to sell it more worldwide this year. Check out the Bloomberg chart below, shared by Sawyer Merritt.

2022 Tesla Model Y Interior Safety Ratings and Features

The Model Y earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with five stars in each test. The 2021-2022 Model Y also qualifies for the 2021 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, the agency’s highest rating.

Looking at the driver assistance features, each Model Y includes automatic emergency braking, Autopilot adaptive cruise control, lane centering, blind spot monitoring, and rear traffic warning. Buyers can also spend $10,000 upgrading to “full self-driving capability”—a regular reminder that no vehicle on the market is truly self-driving—which adds navigation on Autopilot, autonomous lane changes, parking assistance, calling, and traffic lights. and control stop signs.

2022 Tesla Model Y

2022 Tesla Model Y Price

The Tesla Model Y 2022 starts at $64,990. The Model Y Performance Model starts at $67,990. Fully charged, Performance models can exceed $80,000.

The Tesla Model Y brings what everyone loves about the Tesla brand into a handy compact crossover. It’s basically an SUV version of the Tesla Model 3 with the same styling inside and out, attractive performance, and excellent range. Significant differences are the standard dual motor, AWD configuration, more spacious interior, and optional 3-row seating on the Model Y.

For 2022, the Model Y has two trim levels available; Long Term and Performance. As you can tell from the name, the Long Range model has a longer range (up to 330 miles) and has an optional third row, while the Performance model has faster acceleration and a higher top speed, but also has a lower range, higher price tag, and you can’t get third-row seats.

As of this writing, there are no significant changes to the 2022 Tesla Model Y. However, Tesla regularly sends out software updates over-the-air, some major and some minor.

The 2022 Tesla Model Y Long Range starts at $64,990. Performance Models start at $67,990.

The destination fee is $1,200, and there is also a non-refundable $250 order fee that is due the day you buy the Tesla Model Y.

There are some more affordable alternatives to the Model Y in the burgeoning electric SUV field such as the Ford Mustang Mach E, Volkswagen ID.4, and Kia EV6. The Jaguar I-Pace, Audi e-Tron, and the upcoming Cadillac Lyriq are on the pricier and more luxurious side of the segment.

People Also Ask Tesla Model Y 2022

Q: How much will the Tesla Model Y cost in 2022?

A: The Tesla Model Y 2022 starts at $64,990. The Model Y Performance Model starts at $67,990. Fully charged, Performance models can exceed $80,000.

Q: Will Tesla have a 2022 Model Y?

A: The Tesla Model Y tried to capitalize on the scorching success of the Model 3, but the all-electric crossover failed more than sizzled. While the Model 3 fulfills its mission with dancing handling and impressive range, the 2022 Model Y feels like a lazy attempt to appeal to the SUV-buying public.

Q: Is Tesla coming out with a new Model Y?

A: The Tesla Model Y 2023 will come with some new features and some features removed. What’s this? The Tesla Model Y is one of the best and best-selling vehicles in the world. It is a spacious vehicle that offers a lot of features and functionality.

Q: Will there be a new Tesla in 2022?

A: The Tesla Model 3 provides an overall pleasant driving experience. It is agile and fast, and its minimalist interior design looks modern and luxurious. Lots of range and ease of charging are also high points.