Review:

Tesla’s
latest ambitious project is the all-electric Model Y compact crossover, which
shares its platform and much of its cabin with the Model 3 sedan. As the
brand’s first compact SUV, the Model Y has a big task: appeal to luxury SUV
buyers who want an EV to replace gas-powered alternatives from brands like
Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. A larger battery pack will provide a driving
range of up to 316 miles in the All-Wheel Drive Long Range model. The 2020
Tesla Model Y looks like a longer version of the compact Model 3 sedan but can
be equipped with a third row of seats for a total seating capacity of seven
people.

 What is new for
2020?

The
2020 Tesla Model Y will be the automaker’s first entry into the compact luxury
SUV segment, pitting it against gas-powered rivals like the BMW X3 and Porsche
Macan, as well as the all-electric Jaguar I-Pace and Mercedes-Benz.

EV motor, power, and performance:

Like
the Model 3, the 2020 Model Y lineup will eventually include a cost-leader trim
(in this case, a rear-wheel-drive version of the long-range model), but the
first variants to launch will be the all-wheel-drive, long-range , and
efficiency models. Thanks to a generous Car and Driver reader, we were able to
test an all-wheel-drive Long Range, which zipped from zero to 60 mph in just
4.4 seconds, compared to our long-running Model 3 sedan. Just 0.4 seconds
behind. While the Model Y offers impressive acceleration, it doesn’t deliver
the driving satisfaction of the Model 3. The SUV body creates a high center of
gravity, which dampens the sharp edge of the Model 3’s handling, and the Y’s
ride is fairly firm over road imperfections. Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The
all-wheel drive Long Range offers a range of 316 miles, which is just one mile
more than the Performance model. But the latter comes with 20-inch wheels,
lower suspension, a higher top speed (145 mph), quicker claimed acceleration,
and a dedicated track mode. Tesla has not yet released an estimated range for
the upcoming rear-wheel-drive long-range model.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe:

The
EPA estimates that the Long-Range model is good for 127 MPGe in the city and
114 MPGe on the highway, while the Performance model earns 129 MPGe in the
city, 114 MPGe on the highway, and 121 MPGe overall. The Model Y we tested was
a long-range model with all-wheel drive, and on our 200-mile highway fuel
economy test route we recorded just 94 MPGe and an estimated highway driving
range of 220 miles. .

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo:

The
Model Y doesn’t come with the complex falcon-wing doors of the larger Model X
crossover, but its interior carries over from the Model 3 sedan for the most
part. Like this car, it’s largely button-free and will mostly rely on a large
infotainment display centered on a simple dashboard. An all-glass roof gives
the cabin an airy feel but is heavily tinted to keep occupants from roasting in
Sunbelt states. The optional third row of seats adds $3,000 to the Model Y’s
price and won’t be available until 2021.