The 2020 Tesla Model Y lasts around 300,000 miles, with some minor touchscreen and headlight issues reported. At $34,900 to $49,998, it’s a good value for an electric SUV with plenty of practical features.
Is the 2020 Tesla Model Y a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a good year for the Tesla Model Y since it offers a good mix of technology and performance. Owner reviews praise the safety features, quiet cabin, and the large central screen.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are relatively nice for a small SUV, the seats are comfortable on longer trips, cargo space is also good behind the rear seats.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major mechanical problems mentioned on the 2020 Model Y, although overall build quality is worse than some competitors.
- Performance 10/10 – The Tesla Model Y is quicker than most other small SUVs on the market, and the performance version is as fast as many sports cars.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2020 Model Y is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist. Optional upgrades include the full self-driving package.
- Gas Mileage 9/10 – The Model Y gets up to 129 MPGe, which is better than some other competitors on the market.
- Value 8/10 – The 2020 Tesla Model Y is similar in price to some other small electric SUVs, making it a decent value for shoppers.
Positive Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Model Y?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Tesla Model Y is quick, agile, and roomy with good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Tesla Model Y at 3.5/5, enjoying the long battery range, but doesn’t like the stiff suspension on the performance model.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Model Y a 4.1/5, praising the excellent driver assistance technology, but owners don’t like that it doesn’t have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Tesla Model Y Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Tesla Model Y include the touchscreen freezing, condensation in the headlights, along with a few reports of the steering wheel coming loose. Overall, these problems are similar to some other small electric SUVs, leading to average repair costs.
The touchscreen freezing is the most widespread complaint from 2020 Model Y owners, showing up within the first 1,000 miles. Pressing and holding both buttons on the steering wheel will restart the screen, which typically fixes the problem. There are many over the air updates available which also improve the reliability of the screen.
Condensation in the headlights has also been reported by some Model Y owners at around 5,000 miles. The seals on the headlights in some production runs are known to fail, allowing water into the light assembly. Tesla has been replacing headlights on affected models for free as part of a warranty service.
The steering wheel coming loose, and in a couple of cases, coming off, is another issue reported by some Model Y owners. Tesla has been replacing the steering wheel on affected models and is still investigating the source of the issues since they have been fairly rare compared to the other complaints.
There are 16 recalls on the 2020 Tesla Model Y, which is worse than many other small SUVs on the market. The most serious recall covers suspension knuckles, which may fracture, increasing the risk of a crash. Tesla will replace parts on affected models for free. Many of the other recalls are software-based, and fixed via over the air updates for free.
How Long Will the 2020 Tesla Model Y Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Tesla Model Y can last around 300,000 miles, which is longer than some other small electric SUVs like the BMW i3. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than average, at only around $150 per year. One important thing to keep in mind is the battery pack will need to be replaced at around 500,000 miles and can cost over $15,000.
As a used 2020 Model Y reaches 100,000 miles and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the 12-volt battery for $500, front brake pads costing $350, along with the coolant, which costs around $200.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is excellent and includes a large 15-inch touchscreen and a premium 14-speaker audio system. Optional upgrades include some web-connected apps for audio and video streaming.
Standard safety technology is great, and includes:
- Autopilot that maintains set speed and distance from other vehicles
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Blind spot monitoring
- Adaptive cruise control
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Lane keep assist
- Surround-view parking camera system
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Full self driving capability with automatic lane changing and parking assistant
Is the 2020 Tesla Model Y a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Tesla Model Y is a good value since it’s similar in price to some other small EVs, while also offering low ownership costs. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $34,900 to $49,998, making it less than a Tesla Model X or a Hyundai Nexo. When new, the price range was $49,990 to $59,990. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing about 8% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Model Y?
There are two versions of the 2019 Tesla Model Y offered, from the entry-level Long Range to the more powerful Performance. Both models come standard with all-wheel drive.
Long Range is the entry-level model with:
Features and Capabilities:
- Estimated Range: 316 miles.
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds.
- Wheels: 19-inch wheels.
- Touchscreen: 15-inch touchscreen interface.
- Seating: Power-adjustable front seats with heating.
- Roof: Panoramic glass roof.
- Audio: 14-speaker premium audio system.
- Connectivity: Four USB ports.
Safety and Driver-Assistance:
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a driver-set distance between the Model Y and the car ahead.
- Forward Collision Mitigation: Provides warnings of potential collisions and can apply brakes under certain conditions.
- Lane Keeping Assist: Redirects the Model Y back into its lane if drifting is detected.
- Blind-Spot Monitor: Alerts the driver to vehicles in the adjacent lane that may be in the car’s blind spot.
Performance is a step up, adding:
Features and Capabilities:
- Powertrain: Enhanced for an acceleration of 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds.
- Range: 315 miles.
Options and Upgrades:
- Full Self-Driving Capability: Offers semi-automated driving assistance, including automatic lane changes on highways.
- Performance Upgrade: Available for the Performance trim. It introduces 21-inch wheels, sport-tuned suspension, and brakes, but decreases the range to 280-291 miles. (This upgrade became standard for the Performance trim partway through the model year).
- Tow Hitch: Class II hitch suitable for trailers up to 3,500 pounds.
- Garage Door Opener
What Engines Come In the Model Y?
- Long Range:
- The Model Y Long Range uses a Dual Motor setup, providing All-Wheel Drive capabilities. The motor has around 380 hp for this variant. With this motor setup, the Long Range Model Y can achieve a 0-60 MPH time of 4.8 seconds.
- Performance:
- The Performance variant of the Model Y also features a Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive system but is optimized for maximum performance. The estimated horsepower exceeds 450 hp. This powerful configuration propels the Model Y Performance from 0-60 MPH in an impressive 3.5 seconds.
What Colors Does the Model Y Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Model Y?
The 2020 Tesla Model Y boasts a blend of luxury and innovation, leading many to commend its comfort. Built on the foundation of Tesla’s unique design ethos, the Model Y’s cabin offers spaciousness, thanks to its minimalist interior design and the absence of a traditional combustion engine. The seats are well-padded and come upholstered in premium materials, providing a plush seating experience for both the driver and the passengers.
The panoramic sunroof not only provides an open and airy feel to the cabin but also offers an expansive view of the sky, enhancing the overall driving and riding experience. Furthermore, the silent operation of the electric drivetrain means there’s minimal noise intrusion, allowing for a quieter, more serene cabin environment. All these features, combined with advanced climate control and a top-tier sound system, make sure that occupants of the Model Y have a comfortable and enjoyable journey.
How Much Storage Space Does the Model Y Have?
The 2020 Tesla Model Y is designed for versatility, offering ample storage space for its category. It features a total of 68 cubic feet of cargo space when you fold down the rear seats. This expansive room is large enough to fit larger items like bicycles, furniture pieces, and multiple suitcases with ease. In addition to this generous cargo space, the Model Y also boasts a front trunk, commonly called the “frunk.” This is a smaller storage area, but it’s perfect for grocery bags, smaller suitcases, or personal items that owners might want to keep separate from the main cargo area.
Furthermore, the Model Y offers various small interior storage solutions such as door pockets, a center console with storage compartments, and cup holders. The combination of these storage spaces makes the Model Y a convenient vehicle for both everyday use and longer journeys.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The Tesla Model Y was introduced for the 2020 model year as a compact SUV designed to be more affordable than the larger Model X.
2020: All-new compact SUV built on the same platform as the popular Model 3.
2021: Seven-seat configuration now offered, introduced and discontinued a Standard Range model.
2022: Minor interior changes from earlier years.
2023: Standard-range model has Tesla’s new 4680 battery packs.
How Does the Model Y Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Tesla Model Y is a very good small electric SUV, although the build quality still lacks behind some of the competition on the market, which feels a bit more refined.
The Tesla Model 3 is another EV from Tesla which costs around $2,500 less. Performance is better in the Tesla Model 3, while the Tesla Model Y offers a more practical interior with improved passenger and cargo room. We recommend the Tesla Model Y if you want an SUV, while the Model 3 is more fun to drive.
The Tesla Model X is a larger SUV made by Tesla, which costs around $15,000 more. Interior materials and features are more luxurious in the Tesla Model X, while the Tesla Model Y fits better in large cities where parking is at a premium. We recommend the Tesla Model Y for most people unless you want the extra power and luxury found in the Model X.
