The 2021 Tesla Model Y lasts around 300,000 miles with relatively minor build quality and software update issues reported. At $40,975 to $60,990, it’s a good value for a small EV which is more fun to drive than a lot of competitors.
Is the 2021 Tesla Model Y a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 9/10 – 2021 is a great year for the Tesla Model Y since it offers a decent amount of safety tech and a long-range battery pack. Owner reviews praise the nice interior, large touchscreen, along with the responsive steering.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are reasonably nice, the seats are comfortable on long trips, cargo space is also good for a small SUV.
- Reliability 9/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2021 Tesla Model Y. Both the 2020 and 2021 offer good reliability ratings as they age.
- Performance 9/10 – Both the Long-Range and Performance versions of the Model Y are very quick for a compact SUV.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2021 Tesla Model Y is a safe EV, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. Standard features include adaptive cruise control along with lane keep assist. Optional upgrades include full-self-driving along with automated parking.
- Gas Mileage 9/10 – The Model Y gets up to 326 miles of range out of a single charge, giving it more range than many other small EVs.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Tesla Model Y depreciates slower than many other vehicles on the market, making it a great value for shoppers.
What Do Critics Say About the Tesla Model Y?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Tesla Model Y offers an agile and roomy driving experience, with high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the 2021 Tesla Model Y at 3.7/5, praising the long-range battery pack, but doesn’t like the stiff suspension.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the 2021 Model Y a 4.1/5, enjoying the over-the-air software updates, but owners don’t like the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Tesla Model Y Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Tesla Model Y include overall build quality issues, failing to update while in sleep mode, along with some vibration from the steering wheel. Overall, these problems are similar to many other electric vehicles, leading to lower repair costs than gasoline-powered SUVs.
Overall build quality issues are the most widespread complaint on the 2021 Tesla Model Y in the first 5,000 miles. Owners report panels that don’t align properly, loose hinges, and door latch issues. Usually Tesla will repair and replace parts that are broken for free under warranty, although out of warranty these parts can cost over $400.
Failing to update while in sleep mode is another issue reported by 2021 Model Y owners in the first 1,500 miles. There were software updates which improved the ability to update while the vehicle was asleep. All software updates are done over-the-air for free on affected models.
Some vibration from the steering wheel also shows up on some Model Ys at around 20,000 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by tires which have uneven wear due to poor alignment. Getting the vehicle aligned costs around $200, depending on local labor rates, and can reduce vibrations.
There are 15 recalls on the 2021 Tesla Model Y, which is worse than many other small SUVs on the market. Nearly all of the recalls cover software issues which Tesla has addressed in various over-the-air software updates for free.
How Long Will the 2021 Tesla Model Y Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Tesla Model Y can last over 300,000 miles and Tesla claims their battery packs can last over 500,000 miles, which is much longer than other small SUVs like the Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are much lower than gas cars, costing only around $100 per year.
As a used 2021 Tesla Model Y reaches 100,000 miles and depending on the vehicle history owners should be prepared to replace the 12 volt battery for $450, front brake pads which cost $350, along with the coolant which is roughly $200.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is excellent, offering a standard 15-inch touchscreen with a decent 15-speaker sound system as well. Unfortunately, the Model Y does not come with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Standard safety technology is fantastic, including:
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Blind spot monitoring
- Lane keep assist
- Automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Lane departure warning
Optional safety features include:
- Automatic lane change
- Full self-driving capabilities
- Automated parking
Is the 2021 Tesla Model Y a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Tesla Model Y is a good value since it provides low ownership costs while also being a reliable choice for an electric SUV. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $40,975 to $60,990, making it less than a Model X. When new, the price range was $39,990 to $63,990. Depreciation is better than average, only losing about 5% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Tesla Model Y?
There are two models of the 2021 Model Y offered, including the Long Range and the Performance. Both models come standard with all-wheel drive and dual-electric motors.
Long Range is the entry-level model with:
- 19-Inch Wheels
- Simulated Leather Upholstery
- Panoramic Glass Roof
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Power-Adjustable Front Seats
- Heated Front and Heated Rear Seats
- 15-Inch Central Touchscreen
- Wireless Phone Charger
- 15-Speaker Sound System
Performance is a step up, adding:
- 21-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Performance Brakes
- Lowered Suspension
- Aluminum Pedals
What Engines Come In the Tesla Model Y?
- The base motor in the Tesla Model Y Long Range trim is the dual motor setup which produces 384 horsepower and goes up to 326 miles on a charge.
- An available upgrade is the Model Y Performance model, which makes 456 horsepower, the range is reduced in this model to 303 miles.
What Colors Does the Tesla Model Y Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Tesla Model Y?
The 2021 Tesla Model Y is designed with passenger comfort in mind, offering a luxurious and spacious cabin that caters to the needs of its occupants. The vehicle’s minimalist interior design, featuring a 15-inch touchscreen display and premium materials, creates an inviting and serene atmosphere. Seating in the Model Y is both comfortable and supportive, with ample legroom and headroom for passengers in both the front and rear rows.
The optional third-row seating, although more suitable for children or smaller adults, adds versatility to the cabin configuration. The Model Y also boasts a panoramic glass roof, which not only enhances the feeling of spaciousness but also provides passengers with breathtaking views of the sky. The smooth and quiet ride, thanks to the electric powertrain, further contributes to the overall comfort and refinement of the driving experience. In summary, the 2021 Tesla Model Y excels in providing a comfortable and enjoyable ride for both drivers and passengers alike.
How Much Storage Space Does the Tesla Model Y Have?
The 2021 Tesla Model Y is a versatile electric crossover SUV that offers an impressive amount of storage space for a vehicle in its class. With a total cargo capacity of 68 cubic feet, this spacious vehicle has plenty of room to accommodate the needs of its passengers. The storage space is divided between the rear trunk, which offers 45.3 cubic feet, and the front trunk or “frunk” that provides an additional 2.1 cubic feet.
When the rear seats are folded flat, the cargo area expands to accommodate larger items such as bicycles, luggage, and even small pieces of furniture. The Model Y’s storage capacity makes sure that drivers and passengers can easily bring along all their essentials, whether it’s for a weekend getaway, a family road trip, or simply running errands around town.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The first generation of the Tesla Model Y was introduced for the 2020 model year.
2020: All-new affordable small SUV offered by Tesla, built on the same base platform as the popular Model 3.
2021: Seven-seat configuration now offered.
How Does the Model Y Compare to the Competition?
The Tesla Model Y is a very nice compact SUV that offers a powerful electric motor which leads to lower ownership costs than many of the gas-powered SUVs.
The Tesla Model 3 is a small EV sedan which is available for around $2,000 less. Both the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y are built on the same platform, while the Tesla Model Y has more passenger and cargo space. We recommend the Model Y for most shoppers for practicality, although the Model 3 is more fun to drive.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E is another small electric SUV which costs around $5,000 less. Overall fit and finish is better in the Ford Mustang Mach-E, while the Tesla Model Y is quicker and more engaging to drive. We recommend the Tesla Model Y since it’s more fun, but both are decent EVs.
