Tesla Model Y Performance 2021 Review

The 2021 Tesla Model Y is a small SUV that slots below the larger Model X in the company's lineup. It's a Tesla, so of course it's all-electric. It also has a lot in common with the Model 3 sedan, including similar design inside and out. Compared to the 3, the Y gives you more space for rear passengers and greater cargo capacity. You can even order a 2021 Model Y with a third row of seats. Just know that the third row of seats is strictly for small children because the rear window glass directly intrudes on passenger head space.

Overall, the Model Y has many redeeming qualities. Its Long Range and Performance variants offer impressive range, each rated by the EPA at more than 300 miles on a full charge. They also feel great to drive thanks to quick acceleration and nimble handling. However, new challengers have entered the EV arena in the past year. In particular, you should check out the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Volkswagen ID.4 electric SUVs. Audi's e-tron is another viable pick if you want something more luxurious. Need help deciding on the Model Y? Check out our Expert Rating below for our in-depth evaluation.

What's it like to live with?

Our car experts lived with a 2020 Tesla Model Y Performance and drove it for thousands of miles as part of our long-term evaluation fleet. Read our long-term Tesla Model Y test page to learn about long-term reliability, energy efficiency and our take on what it's like to own a Model Y.

Which Model Y does MatoCar recommend?

The Tesla Model Y is a fully electric small crossover SUV with seating for five passengers. An optional third row increases seating capacity to seven. It comes in two main trims: Long Range and Performance. You might have also heard about the Model Y Standard Range. Tesla offered this introductory trim briefly on its website at the start of 2021 only to discontinue it a month later. It had a purported 244 miles of range. Feature highlights for the Model Y include:

Long Range This trim is optimized for maximum driving distance and comes with:

• 326 miles of range
• Dual motors and all-wheel drive
• Touted 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds
• 19-inch wheels
• Panoramic glass roof
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Simulated leather upholstery
• Power-adjustable front seats
• Heated front and rear seats
• 15-inch central touchscreen
• Streaming services (navigation and entertainment; subscription required)
• Wireless device charger
• 15-speaker sound system

This safety equipment comes standard on every Model Y:

• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Model Y and the car in front)
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Lane keeping assist (steers the Model Y back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
• Blind-spot monitoring (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)

Performance This sportier version offers the following:

• 303 miles of range
• Touted 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds
• 21-inch wheels
• Performance brakes
• Lowered suspension
• Aluminum alloy pedals

Main options for the Tesla Model Y include:

• Third row of seats increases capacity for up to seven passengers
• Tow hitch (adds a Class II tow hitch for lightweight trailers up to 3,500 pounds)
• Full Self-Driving Capability (provides additional semi-automated driving assistance features, such as summoning the Model Y out of parking spaces and automatic lane changes on the highway. Tesla promises this feature will support fully automated driving in the future but so far the Model Y's "self-driving" capability doesn't exist.)