Review QuickTakes:
The Tesla Model Y is an electric SUV with up to three rows of seats and seating for seven people. Fold all of the rear seats flat, and a Model Y can carry up to 76 cu.-ft. of cargo space. The maximum driving range measures 330 miles, and when using the Tesla Supercharger network, the Model Y recharges up to 162 miles in 15 minutes. All-wheel drive is standard, and Tesla says that a Model Y can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Tesla
What’s New for the 2022 Tesla Model Y?
Except to meet regulatory requirements, Tesla does not adhere to traditional model-year changeovers. Instead, the company makes modifications and updates to the Model Y whenever they are ready for production. For example, halfway through the 2021 model year, Tesla began offering an optional third-row seat for the Model Y.
As this review is written, Tesla recently discontinued production of the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Standard Range model, effectively increasing the electric SUV’s base price. Further detective work reveals that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has increased the estimated maximum driving range from 326 miles to 330 miles this year. Also, a new center console design with a wireless charging pad is a recent addition to the Model Y.
In early 2022, Tesla rolled out new infotainment software with a redesigned user interface, added customization capability, automatic seat heating based on the cabin temperature, and other upgrades.
Tesla
2022 Tesla Model Y Price and Configurations
Tesla Model Y prices are in a state of constant flux. They can rise or fall at any given time. As this review is written, the starting prices range from just over $60,000 to the mid $60,000s, including the destination charge.
Two versions of the Model Y are available. Highlights are listed below:
Tesla Model Y Long Range — This is the base model for 2022, equipped with dual-motor AWD, a long-range battery pack offering an estimated 330 miles of driving range, 19-inch wheels, fog lights, and power-folding and heated exterior mirrors. Inside, the Model Y Long Range has standard five-passenger seating, simulated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, heated front and rear seats, and a panoramic glass sunroof.
A 15-inch touchscreen control panel mounts to the dashboard like an oversized tablet computer and receives over-the-air software updates when Tesla issues them. Additional standard features include a 13-speaker premium sound system, wireless smartphone charging, a climate control system with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration, a surround-view camera system, and Autopilot semi-autonomous adaptive cruise control with lane-centering capability.
Tesla Model Y Performance — For maximum acceleration and handling, choose the Model Y Performance for its more powerful electric motors, 21-inch wheels, performance tires, and lowered suspension. The driving range with this model is an estimated 303 miles.
Is the 2022 Tesla Model Y Worth It?
Model Y prices have risen this year, but its range, performance, and utility suggest that it continues to set standards in a growing EV segment. Consider upgrading to the Tesla Model X if you need more headroom and legroom in the third-row seat.
Tesla Model Y Competitors for 2022
The Tesla Model Y faces a longer list of rivals than ever before, some from mass-market brands and some from traditional luxury marques. Similarly configured models include the Audi Q4 e-tron, BMW i4, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Jaguar I-Pace, Kia EV6, Polestar 2, Volkswagen ID.4, and Volvo C40 Recharge.
Tesla Model Y Features
Highlights
Assembled in California, the Tesla Model Y is the electric vehicle manufacturer’s best-selling model. Tesla markets the Model Y as a crossover SUV, but with its restricted ground clearance, you could just as easily consider it to be a sportback type of electric car.
2022 Tesla Model Y Safety Features
- Forward Collision Warning — Standard feature, pairs with automatic emergency braking to avoid collisions or limit damage during a collision
- Blind Spot Collision Warning — Standard blind-spot monitoring system warns the driver when other vehicles are in the Tesla’s blind spots
- Lane Departure Avoidance — Standard feature steers the Model Y back into its lane if it is about to wander over a lane marker
- Autopilot — Standard driver assistance feature, pairing adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering assist system. Autopilot is designed for use with the driver’s hands on the steering wheel
- Full Self-Driving — Optional package* equipping the Model Y with limited hands-free semi-autonomous driving capability and remote parking and return (Summon) systems. Tesla plans to update it with Autosteer hands-free semi-autonomous driving on city streets in the future
Tesla
2022 Tesla Model Y Technology
- Touchscreen controls — Through the 15-inch dashboard touchscreen, drivers and passengers execute nearly all of the Model Y’s features and functions
- Premium Connectivity — Standard connected services; requires a subscription after 30 days of ownership
- Wireless smartphone charging — Standard feature
- Parking sensors — Standard front and rear sensors warn the driver when the Tesla approaches objects
- Surround-view camera — Standard camera systems that provide a 360-degree view around the Model Y
2022 Tesla Model Y Specs
- Electric dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD)
- Lithium-ion battery pack
- Long Range — 384 hp and 376 lb.-ft. torque; 316 to 330 miles of range
- Performance — 470 hp (estimated); 303 miles of range
- EPA rating — 122 MPGe (Long Range); 111 MPGe (Performance)
Tesla
2022 Tesla Model Y Interior
- Simulated leather seats — Standard feature
- Heated front and rear seats — Standard feature
- Panoramic glass roof — Standard feature
- Premium sound system — Standard feature with 13 speakers
- Third-row seat — Optional feature*, but with restricted headroom and legroom
*Availability is subject to specific trim level selections
