2021 Tesla Model Y review
Tesla Model Y highlights
Customer rating
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)
Pros
- Roomy and comfortable interior
- Good battery range and Supercharger network for rapid charging
Cons
- Third-row seats are only suitable for small children
- Air conditioning has to work hard to cool the interior
Battery range (EPA estimate)
244 miles
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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The 2021 Tesla Model Y adds option for a third row
Tesla has added the option for third-row seating to its 2021 Model Y all-electric compact luxury SUV. The extra seats expand capacity to seven, but their positioning and proximity to the rear window limit their usefulness to smaller children. Elsewhere inside, the Model Y offers ample space for passengers and luggage alike, while the large touchscreen takes care of all the infotainment, ventilation, and driving choices. It takes a bit of practice to learn and lacks either Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ smartphone connectivity.
The rear-wheel-drive Standard Range model was offered in early 2021 and then quickly dropped from the lineup. That leaves the Long Range and Performance models, which both feature all-wheel drive and an EPA-estimated range of about 300 miles. The Model Y's interior lacks the luxury of some premium rivals, such as the Audi e-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQC. The Model Y is an appealing choice for a compact luxury SUV, battery-powered or not.
All Tesla Model Y years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Tesla Model Y generation from 2020 to 2026
What is new for the 2021 Tesla Model Y?
- The Model Y is available in a new trim called the Standard Range.
- Model Y trims have been upgraded with Cloth Seats, Automated Cruise Control, and Heated Steering Wheel as standard equipment this year.
- Power Folding Third Row, Adjustable Suspension, and Rear Spoiler features are now available as options on select trims.
2021 Tesla Model Y trims
Curious how Tesla Model Y trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesLong Range: Includes 19-inch wheels, leatherette upholstery, 12-way power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, 15-inch touchscreen display with navigation, and more.
Performance: Unlocks 21-inch wheels, lowered suspension, larger rear electric motor, and performance brakes.
Tesla Model Y photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Tesla Model Y
1. Long range, fast charging
The 2021 Tesla Model Y is available in two trims with dual electric motors and a lithium-ion battery; both trims deliver impressive range for extended journeys. The 2021 Model Y Long Range has an EPA-estimated range of 326 miles on a full charge, and the Performance trim has an EPA-estimated range of 303 miles on a full charge.While on the go, you can quickly restore the Model Y's battery using a Tesla Supercharger station to gain 158 miles of range in just 15 minutes of charging, making this EV a great option for daily commuting or family road trips.
2. All wheels, all the time
With its dual electric motor setup on both axles, the 2021 Tesla Model Y delivers standard all-wheel-drive capabilities. This system distributes available electric horsepower to all four wheels to respond to changing road conditions and weight transfers with maximum torque. This capability makes the Model Y a confident choice for tackling harsh weather conditions or rough road surfaces with ease.
3. Latest and greatest tech
The nucleus of the 2021 Tesla Model Y's functions is a user-friendly center-dash-mounted 15-inch touchscreen that's the focal point of the SUV's interior. This intuitive display is easy to see and reach, and features a navigation system, Bluetooth® connectivity, and a 14-speaker audio system with crystal clear sound. A wireless charging device also comes standard, and there are four USB ports in five-passenger models to keep smartphones and other devices at total battery capacity.
4. Palpitating performance
If you think you need a V6 or V8 gas-powered engine to deliver whip-quick acceleration, allow the 2021 Tesla Model Y to prove you wrong. The Performance trim lives up to its name with a zero to 60 mph time of 3.5 seconds, while the Long Range trim covers the same distance in 4.8 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). Moreover, the Model Y matches its powerful speed with sharp steering and agile handling, making it a seriously fun all-electric SUV.
5. Space galore
Whether you choose the five-passenger 2021 Tesla Model Y or add the optional third row for seven passengers, you'll appreciate the SUV's voluminous cabin and interior space. Adults and teens will find comfort in the second row with 41.6 inches of legroom, and you'll have no issues accommodating two child seats if you have young kids. The 2021 Model Y also proves handy when stopping at the home improvement store. Folding the rear seats opens 72.1 cubic feet of cargo storage, and there's a 4.1-cubic-foot "frunk" (front trunk) to store smaller items.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2021 Tesla Model Y, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
Introduced in 2021, the Ford Mustang Mach-E is a sporty all-electric SUV with seating for five passengers. 2021-2022 models come standard with rear-wheel drive and a 68-kWh standard-range battery; higher trims offer electric all-wheel drive and an 88-kWh extended-range battery.
Standard features on the 2021-2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E Select include:
18-inch carbonized gray-painted aluminum wheels
Keyless entry with push-button start
15.5-inch touchscreen display
The Toyota RAV4 Prime is a plug-in hybrid variant of the gas-powered RAV4. Available in 2021-2022 models, this small SUV has an EPA-estimated range of 42 miles on a full charge (electric only), and an EPA-estimated range of 600 miles with a full charge and a full tank of gas.
Standard features on the 2021-2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime SE include:
18-inch alloy wheels
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Cloth upholstery
The Jaguar I-Pace made its debut in 2019 as a quick and quiet SUV with impressive range. 2019-2020 models use two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery that delivers an EPA-estimated range of 234 miles on a full charge.
Standard features on the 2019-2020 Jaguar I-Pace S include:
LED headlights
Eight-way semi-powered front seats
Meridian™ sound system
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Ratings & reliability
Tesla Model Y features and specs
Curious how Tesla Model Y trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
Standard Range 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Mirrors
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leatherette Seats
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Skylight(s)
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- Adjustable Suspension
- Automated Parking
- Cloth Seats
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Full Roof Rack
- Power Folding Third Row
- Skylight(s)
- Third Row Seat
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
0.0L
Engine type
Electric
Wheelbase
113.8"
Overall length
187"
Width
75.6"
Height
63.9"
Leg room
F 41.8"/R 40.5"
Head room
F 41"/R 39.4"
Front tires
P255/45WR19
Rear tires
P255/45WR19
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Tesla Model Y FAQ
The 2021 Tesla Model Y has an available automated parking system called Autopark. It uses data from the vehicle's cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and GPS to maneuver the Model Y into parallel and perpendicular parking spaces.
Yes, the 2021 Tesla Model Y is equipped with voice commands. You can use these commands to call a contact, navigate to a location, listen to music, and control various aspects of the vehicle without taking your hands off the wheel.
The 2021 Tesla Model Y offers two lithium-ion batteries—a Long Range battery in the Long Range trim that requires 10 hours to charge with 240V, and a Performance battery in the Performance trim that needs 12 hours to charge using 240V.
Yes, all 2021 Tesla Model Y electric SUVs come standard with an expansive all-glass panoramic roof. This feature provides a seamless view of the sky to better connect you to nature. The glass roof also provides UV protection for all passengers inside the vehicle.
More about the 2021 Tesla Model Y
Color options
Exterior colors:
Deep Blue Metallic
Midnight Silver Metallic
Pearl White Multi-Coat
Red Multi-Coat
Solid Black
Interior colors:
Black
White
Interior details
The 2021 Tesla Model Y interior has a standard two-row configuration that seats five passengers; available third-row models increase capacity to seven passengers. The cabin features a modern design with ample legroom, including 41.6 inches in the second row. Seating is comfortable and supportive, with standard heated front and second-row seats and leatherette upholstery. With 76.2 cubic feet of cargo space with all rows folded and in the small front trunk, the 2021 Tesla Model Y delivers impressive storage space for running errands and transporting bulky items.
Child seat details
The 2021 Tesla Model Y provides seating for five passengers or seven passengers with an optional third row. The second row has two complete sets of LATCH connectors. It can easily accommodate infant car seats, rear-facing convertible car seats, forward-facing convertible car seats, and booster car seats. Rear-facing infant seats have plenty of space behind the front passenger seat. Unfortunately, the 2021 Model Y's third row is not as accommodating to child seats. Due to space constraints, there's only room for one forward-facing convertible car seat or booster car seat, and installation is complicated.
Performance
All trims of the 2021 Tesla Model Y use dual electric motors and a lithium-ion battery to generate zero-emissions power. All-wheel drive also comes standard on Long Range and Performance models. The 2021 Model Y delivers speedy acceleration that covers zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds with the Long Range trim, and 3.5 seconds with the Performance trim (according to the manufacturer, when new).
If you're looking for an all-electric SUV for road trips, the 2021 Tesla Model Y Long Range has an EPA-estimated range of 326 miles on a full charge. The 2021 Tesla Model Y Performance isn't far behind, with an EPA-estimated range of 303 miles on a full charge. Towing capacity is an estimated 3,500 lbs., when properly equipped.
Year comparison
2020-Present Tesla Model Y (First Generation)
The Tesla Model Y was introduced for its first generation in 2020 as a luxury all-electric SUV, available in two trims: Long Range and Performance. Both models feature dual electric motors and a lithium-ion battery, with standard all-wheel drive. A five-passenger seating configuration is the only option for the 2020 Model Y. 2021 and newer versions offer an optional third-row seat that increases capacity to seven passengers.
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