The search for a traditional mid-size SUV is not that difficult, as one will come across multiple options. But filter that list to electric vehicle options, and one may come across only a handful of cars that are reliable and tailored for most budgets. The 2024 Tesla Model Y could rank among these picks because of how value-for-money it is and the modern technology and safety elements that it offers.

Great acceleration
Motors have gained a one-up on traditional ICE engines, primarily because of how fast they can go from zero to the desired speed. Tesla depicts this beautifully in the Model Y. The base trim of the SUV, the Long Range RWD, can go from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.7 seconds, while the Long Range AWD variant does this in about 4.8 seconds. The Tesla Model Y Performance brings this number further down to 3.5 seconds.

Exceptional charging speeds
EV charging cannot match topping up gas. Still, Tesla does its best to ensure one saves time when on the move, with up to 319 miles on a full charge with the Performance trim. For the highest range of about 373 miles, one could consider the Long Range RWD variant. But the true range figures will differ based on various factors, such as the battery condition and age, terrain, climate conditions, driving mode, and idling time.

Driving modes make it suitable for all drive types
Not everyone may want to push the vehicle to its limits. In this case, the Model Y has an impressive set of driving modes to tailor the experience to one’s liking. The Chill mode limits acceleration, while the Standard mode offers the usual level of performance. There’s a Track mode available on the Performance Model Y, designed for modifying stability control, regenerative braking, traction control, and cooling systems to improve performance and handling while driving on a closed circuit course.

Smart climate control modes
Those who buy a Tesla are in for a suite of technology that can make life easier. For instance, when the vehicle is in Park, one can toggle through a list of features, such as Keep Climate On, Dog mode, and Camp mode. The feature allows one to keep the climate control system running, when in Park, even after one leaves the vehicle or is still in it. For instance, the Dog mode helps maintain comfortable cabin temperature for pets while one actively and frequently monitors the temperature using the mobile app. So, one could run errands while their pet sits comfortably in the cabin.

Ample storage space
The Tesla Model Y offers over 2100 litres of space, which includes locations in the driver and front passenger seats. The centre console has two cup holders, two storage compartments, and a wireless phone charger. Another console is integrated into the centre of the second-row seat back.

The space inside the cabin is also smartly designed. For instance, coat hangers are fitted on each side of the vehicle in the second row next to the reading light. One could also access the glove box with the push of a button. As for the cargo bay, it comes with four hooks designed to attach to four corners of a lashing device, like a cargo net, to secure items to the rear trunk floor and keep them from shifting around.

Excellent safety elements
There’s a lot that allows the Tesla Model Y to brag about safety. For starters, it comes with a standard set of airbags, typically in the front and knee region, and seat-mounted side and curtain airbags. Other standard features include an occupancy sensor in the front passenger seat and provisions to attach child safety seats.

Based on the trim selection, one could look forward to a range of safety technology features. For instance, Active Safety Features may include the ability to brake automatically, warn about potential collisions, monitor and alert one about vehicles in the blind spot, and potentially prevent moving out of the lane unknowingly. Automatic steering lane changes and autopilot navigation are other features one could look forward to on the Tesla Model Y.

Monitor everything on a smartphone
One can stay connected to their car and access, precondition, and monitor the Model Y from anywhere by downloading the Tesla App on a compatible smartphone. For instance, one should be able to lock or unlock the vehicle, enable or disable the heating or air conditioning, and monitor the cabin climate.

The app can replicate charging information and open or close the charge port. Other features of the app include the vehicle location, estimated range, ability to open the front trunk and view crucial information like the odometer, VIN, and current software version.

Prices that make it accessible
The 2024 Tesla Model Y comes in three different trim options. The first is the Long Range RWD, available for about £46,000. The middle trim, the Long Range AWD starts from £51,000, while the Performance AWD has a starting price of £59,000. Buyers looking for a lower price tag could consider searching for pre-owned options, including the 2023 Tesla Model Y offered by dealerships. Alternatively, one could look at Tesla’s financing options to split the car’s value into monthly payments.