The 2021 Tesla Model Y is a midsize electric SUV offering room for up to seven people when equipped with the optional third-row seat. Unlike the Model X, the Model Y isn’t a large SUV. In fact, the Model Y rides on the same platform as the compact Model 3. Price-wise, the Model Y might seem expensive for an SUV until you compare it to other EVs such as the Jaguar I-Pace and Audi e-tron. On the flip side, Ford’s Mustang Mach-E undercuts the Long Range and Performance trims by a substantial margin.
We should point out that during a model year, Tesla sometimes makes numerous over-the-air updates, as well as radical price shifts. The information and pricing in this review reflect the vehicle at its release in 2021.
2021 Tesla Model Y Standard Range (Original starting price when new: $39,990)
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The 2021 Tesla Model Y Standard Range starts at $39,990.
The Standard Range trim is a bit of a unicorn. Tesla intended the Standard Range to be a low-cost entry model similar to the Model 3 Standard Range Plus but wound up discontinuing the Model Y Standard Range early in the model’s production run.
Powered by its rear wheels and with a smaller battery pack, the Model Y Standard Range couldn’t live up to its 244-mile advertised range. However, as Tesla produced and shipped only a few cars, they can be found in the used car market.
The Model Y Standard Range comes similarly equipped to the all-wheel-drive Long Range model, minus the additional electric motor, larger battery pack, and extended range.
Who is this trim level for? The Model Y Standard Range appeals to budget-minded buyers looking for a low price and who don’t regularly need to travel more than 200 miles between charges.
2021 Tesla Model Y Long Range (Original starting price when new: $58,990)
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The 2021 Tesla Model Y Long Range starts at $58,990.
The all-wheel-drive Model Y Long Range can travel 326 miles on a single charge and scoot to 60-mph in just 4.2 seconds.
The Long Range trim comes with a healthy list of standard safety and driver assists, all part of the standard Autopilot program. In the mix is forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
Exterior features include a massive fixed-glass panel roof, 19-inch wheels, LED headlamps and fog lamps, and power-folding and heated auto-dimming side mirrors with reverse tilt-down. The standard color is white, with black, silver, and blue costing an additional $1,000, and red an extra $2,000.
Gaining entry to the Model Y requires one of two things. With the Tesla app on your phone, you need only approach the car to unlock the doors and drive away. Without the app, opening the doors requires a credit card-sized key touched to the car’s b-pillar. Once inside, tapping the card against the center console allows the driver to operate the vehicle.
The Model Y boasts 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated front and rear seats, a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 40/20/40 split-folding back seat. Other standard features worth mentioning include a wireless charging pad, power trunk-lid release, and a rearview camera.
The Model Y’s minimalist interior may seem a bit stark, even boring at times. It features faux-leather upholstery in either white or black and a giant 15-inch multi-purpose center touch screen that serves duty as the car’s instrument cluster and controls for the climate, audio, and Bluetooth streaming features apps and navigation.
The screen also contains numerous interesting Easter eggs, such as Dog Mode, which keeps the A/C turned on if you need to leave your pet in the car. Ensuring a passerby doesn’t mistakenly think they’re witnessing a dog in a hot car situation, the words “My owner will be back soon” appear on the display screen, with the car’s temperature visible just below.
Other fun features include Romance Mode, which displays an image of a crackling fire. There are various ways to kill time when charging, such as access to video arcade games or the ability to stream movies from Netflix and YouTube (vehicle must be stationary to operate).
A standard 14-speaker Premium audio system includes two amps and a powered subwoofer, plus Tesla’s Immersive Sound. Regrettably, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, AM radio, and SiriusXM are not available at any price.
The Model Y uses eight exterior cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors to help with various driver assists. The cameras work in conjunction with Tesla’s Sentry Mode, a system that can monitor and record activity outside the car once parked. Video is stored on a thumb drive inside the glove box, recording any possible break-in attempts or damage done by vandals or a careless driver.
There are only a few options for the Model Y. A tiny and cramped third-row seat is available, allowing two additional passengers along for the ride. 20-inch wheels and a tow hitch are also available.
However, the most significant upgrade is the $10,000 Full Self-Driving Capability program. This system allows total autonomous driving, including highway driving from on-ramp to off-ramp, interchanges, and the ability to maneuver around slower cars. The system can also change lanes automatically and self-parallel or perpendicularly park.
Within the Self-Driving Capability is the Smart Summons feature. Picture yourself waiting outside a restaurant or shopping mall when it begins to rain. With Smart Summons, you can remotely activate the Model Y telling it to leave its parking spot, negotiate safely through the parking lot, and make its way to where you’re waiting. Pretty slick.
Who is this trim level for? The Long Range is the best trim for those who want maximum driving range on a single charge. It’s not as fast as the Performance model, but hitting 60-mph in under five seconds is far from sluggish.
2021 Tesla Model Y Long Range includes:
- Self-driving capability – This optional upgrade allows the car to drive itself so long as it can see road markings and other visual clues.
- Premium audio – This 14-speaker system includes a subwoofer and two amps. Tesla’s Full Immersive Sound increases the sound stage, creating a surround-sound-like environment.
- Heated front and rear seats – Quickly warm the seat bottoms and seatbacks to keep occupants comfortable.
- Wireless charging pad – Allows compatible smartphone charging by laying the device on the pad.
2021 Tesla Model Y Performance (Original starting price when new: $63,990)
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The 2021 Tesla Model Y Performance starts at $63,990.
The Performance trim builds off the powertrain and equipment from the Long Range but with a shorter overall range and faster acceleration. The Performance trim reaches 60-mph in just 3.5 seconds and claims a 155-mph top speed.
Furthering the Performance trim’s credentials are a lowered suspension, 21-inch wheels, performance Brembo brakes, and aluminum alloy pedals.
Who is this trim level for? The Performance trim is for those who want the most from their Tesla, and by most, we mean speed rather than range. The Performance can travel 303 miles on a charge, which is still comparable to most rivals.
2021 Tesla Model Y Performance includes:
- Upgraded powertrain – Making the equivalent of 580 horsepower, the Performance delivers neck-snapping acceleration and passing power, precisely what Tesla owners expect.
- Performance brakes – Designed by Brembo, these larger brakes allow faster stopping times, even after repeated use.
- Lowered suspension – Helps the Model Y better hug the ground during aggressive cornering.
- 21-inch wheels – Improve cornering and traction while delivering a rather rough ride.
