My relatively pleasant experience with the Model 3 in Seattle earlier this year, had me excited to test out the Model Y. On paper, it seems like the perfect package for a steal. Seeing that I might potentially be a buyer, I tested the Dual Motor Long Range with the “Full Self Driving” beta. Initially, I was awestruck with the Model Y’s tricks and treats, but in the 16-hour experience, I realized that the Model Y has yet to reach its full potential to be the best car on the road. Overall, it was a good car, but is this “go-kart on steroids,” compelling enough to die for?

Seeing that every other vehicle in the Bay Area is either a Tesla Model Y or Model 3, I wonder why I never warmed up to the brand. Perhaps it’s the bias I have held against Tesla, being a typical gasoline Euro junkie. Instantly greeted by a courteous employee at the Tesla showroom and seeing amazing lease deals for the current Model 3 and Model Y, I was starting to warm up to the brand and decided it was time to join the dark side.

Exterior view of Tesla Model Y.

First Impressions

Sitting in the Model Y, I realized that my outward visibility was greatly expanded with nothing between me, the steering, and the road in the front. At first, I believed Tesla made a wise decision by not having a driver-centric display. This turned out to be a major drawback.

Upon entering the vehicle, one can’t miss the giant tablet acting as a cockpit for the vehicle. Initially, it took some time to adhere to the screen. Whereas many cars – whether it is a Toyota or a Mercedes – can be straightforward in instrument navigation, Tesla tends to have a bit of a learning curve. The sheer amount of menu items and lack of buttons take significant time to get used to. Fiddling with the mirrors and navigating through the countless menus to find my optimal vehicle setting, I was finally ready to drive the vehicle – 30 minutes into my 16-hour test.

A Tesla Model Y being charged using a home charger.

I instantly fell in love with the effortless acceleration and precise steering feel. The available est. 330 miles range also helps ease the ‘range anxiety’ many face when owning an electric vehicle. Thank the dual motor technology for that. However, I instantly started missing the driver-centric speedometer standard in every other car out there. Glancing towards the center screen, I could tell I was dangerously over the speed limit. The lack of an engine roar and effortless acceleration makes a speedometer in front, a necessity to avoid speeding tickets in this car.

Within the first 5 minutes of driving, the Model Y’s Full Self-Driving Beta was activated. This was the final trick up Tesla’s sleeve – for me at least. Setting the destination to my home from Tesla, I was impressed by how frighteningly accurate the technology is. Towards the end of the test drive, however, I encountered a very frightening situation to the point of panic while on “Autopilot.” I now get why people question Tesla’s safety.

Driving Dynamics

Whether it was the 2020 Model X, 2022 Model 3, or this Model Y, every Tesla I have driven has excelled in their connectedness to any given canyon or mountain road. Suddenly, the rather bumpy ride in daily driving was forgiven when I took these cars on roads littered with little imperfections, sharp corners, and bits of straights. Although we don’t drive on those roads every day, that is where Tesla comes into their element.

As a daily driver, what the Model Y is mainly used for, the car can be a little brash. With its zippy acceleration, non-existent engine noise, and stiff suspension, the car can become a bit too dramatic for a daily driver. That is if you imagine yourself as a race car driver during your commute to work. Drive the car within the speed limits, the car is equally mellow, and the excitement gets dissolved in a sea of wind noise, road noise, and unbearable bumps on the Bay Area roads.

Interior view of Tesla Model Y.

Comfort

The wind noise and rather stiff suspension couldn’t be overlooked. To add on, Tesla decided to focus more on looks rather than actual seat comfort. The seats feel nice initially but then you notice the lack of support for the back and that cushioning could’ve been a lot better. A relatively cheaper brand can provide better seats than the ones on Model Y.

As I wanted to make sure that the test was thorough, I had my parents join me on the test drive and my dad constantly complained about the seatbelt choking him. I thought he was exaggerating but then I noticed that he actually couldn’t lower the seat belt and changing the seat setting would make him too uncomfortable. 

I also realized that I could never really get a properly comfortable driving position. No matter how hard I tried, something just felt a bit off with the driving position, the steering position, and/or the mirror position. Sometimes the seatback didn’t feel supportive enough, or the steering felt too low… I was constantly adjusting my seat during my time with the Model Y. At least twice every hour I was driving the vehicle. It doesn’t help that we must position ourselves in a way where we need to see the center screen, control the center screen, and be able to see the road and steer the vehicle.

One place where the Model Y excels is in space. I instantly noticed the space and felt like I was sitting in an Airline seat with more space. 

The best way to describe the interior of the Tesla: It wasn’t Business or First Class, but more like Premium Economy on an airplane. A step above Economy, but not as comfortable or luxurious as Business Class.

Aerial view of a Tesla Model Y configured with 7-seats.

Equipment

All the controls for everything imaginable in this vehicle are crammed into a giant tablet on the center of the dashboard. From speed to blind spot, to backup cameras, to driving controls, to climate controls – all of it is done on one screen. Frankly, it’s a UX disaster.

I challenge anyone to attempt to adjust the climate control or change a song while driving on a Bay Area freeway without making any mistakes. I lost count of the number of times I mistakenly changed the climate settings, drive settings, or struggled to choose a song to play. This experience has left me feeling frustrated, and I now appreciate the simplicity of old-school buttons and separate controls.

Another area where I think Tesla had an oversight was their idea of implementing blind spot monitoring. Sometimes following old-school tricks can be beneficial. Like most drivers, I have a habit of checking my mirrors before changing lanes. In the Tesla, the process goes: first look at the mirrors, then signal, then look at the screen in the center to see if I am clear to go. Thankfully, the side-view camera pops up when signaling to change lanes. Although a neat solution, it is a solution to a problem that didn’t have to exist in the first place. A better placement would be directly in front of the driver like a competing Korean make that does it right.

Full Self Driving

The revolutionary thing, amongst many other things that this car provides, is its ‘Full Self Driving’ capabilities. It is in beta mode, so we are technically guinea pigs in Tesla’s mission to achieve actual Full Self Driving. 

The alert we received from our test vehicle after it failed to recognize my mom’s interactions with the steering wheel.

Although it worked flawlessly for me, we had a very frightening experience when my mom took the wheel with FSD. No matter how hard my mom tried, the vehicle just wouldn’t acknowledge that she was holding on to the steering wheel. A bit frightening when the vehicle started slowing down in the left-most lane where most like to go over the speed limit. The car then decided my mom wasn’t allowed to touch FSD anymore for the rest of the drive. She paid the price even though she didn’t do anything wrong. 

Final Verdict

In summary, considering all aspects of the car and the overall experience of owning it at its current price, the Tesla Model Y is a great value for money. It seems to be designed for software engineers who prefer to explore given features in-depth rather than seeking customization options. A prosumer would fall in love with the Tesla Model Y, however, the general consumer would take some time to warm up to the Model Y.

This car is a game-changer as it has revolutionized the automotive industry – pushing forward innovations never thought of before in a car. We can’t wait to see what the next generation of Tesla has to offer. For now, take advantage of the current offers as the price seems to be just about right. Safety? not so much.