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Tesla Model Y
Owner Verdict · Mid-size electric SUV

Tesla Model Y

One reviewer drives a car for a week. We read what owners and long-term testers say after living with it, in Australia, the UK and the US.

Owner Verdict score
The easiest EV to live with. Firm ride, patchy service.

Editorial score from 10 owner and expert sources (how we score). Not a statistical average. October 2026. Most owner reports cover 2022–24 cars; the 2025 'Juniper' update is quieter and rides better.

Score breakdown

Charging network9.5
Superchargers make interstate trips simple, owners say
Running costs9.0
Very efficient; no routine servicing schedule
Space & practicality9.0
Big boot, sub-boot and frunk; suits young families
Software & app8.5
Best-in-class software and route planning; no CarPlay or Android Auto
Build quality6.5
Rattles, road noise and the odd panel or seal issue
After-sales service6.0
Easy app booking, but slow warranty escalation and distant centres
Driver assist6.0
Phantom braking on older software; FSD costly and imperfect in Australia
Ride comfort5.5
The most consistent complaint before the 2025 update

What owners love

Supercharger accessOwners doing Adelaide–Melbourne runs say charging is never the problem.
Low running costsHome or solar charging and no scheduled servicing keep costs down.
Space for a familyBoot, underfloor storage and frunk swallow prams and luggage.
Software that keeps improvingOver-the-air updates and the app are rated the best owners have used.
Quick and plantedInstant acceleration and a low, stable feel, including in the wet.

What owners complain about

Harsh rideJarring over rough or coarse-chip roads, especially on 20-inch wheels.
Service and warranty frictionSlow responses, upfront payment for some claims, centres far from regional owners.
Rattles and road noiseInterior creaks on some cars, plus noticeable tyre noise.
Touchscreen for everythingNo stalks or buttons on older cars; no CarPlay or Android Auto.
Extra costsPremium connectivity subscription, quick tyre wear, higher insurance, FSD price.

Real range vs the brochure

Long Range AWD (2025). Claimed WLTP range is 586 km.

Claimed (WLTP)
586 km
100%
Reviewer touring estimate
530 km
90%
Highway test, ~16 kWh/100 km
490 km
84%

Touring estimate from MotorScout's 2025 review (about 14.4 kWh/100 km). Highway figure is 1300EV's estimate using Chasing Cars' 16.0 kWh/100 km highway test of the Long Range RWD on a 78 kWh battery. Older RWD cars have much less range.

Known issues & fixes

Driver-window pinch protection (2025 cars)Fixed
Recall, 7,301 cars

Free over-the-air update; software 2025.26.6 or later is not affected (REC-006419).

Harsh, jiggly rideMedium
Common (pre-2025)

2025 update softer; some owners fit different tyres or wheels.

Rattles, squeaks, road noiseLow
Common

Raise at service; Tesla mobile service fixes many items at home.

Phantom braking on AutopilotMedium
Sometimes

Much reduced by updates, reports a 25-month owner.

Battery drain while parkedLow
Common

Sentry Mode uses power; turn it off when not needed.

Slow warranty escalationMedium
Sometimes

Keep records in the app; escalate in writing.

Fogged tail-lights after rainLow
Isolated

Warranty item.

Owners in their own lives

Summarised in our words from the reports listed below.

South Australia · young family

Does Adelaide–Melbourne trips on Superchargers and Chargefox. Servicing booked in the app; a door seal was fixed without asking. Would buy again.

Sydney · 7,200 km on FSD

Rates it highly for safety but says lane choice in Sydney still needs work. Worried about FSD and connectivity price rises.

Business owner · 38,000 km in 18 months

A 40 km daily run. Big savings over the old diesel ute; aftermarket tyres cut costs further.

Rural Queensland · 3 years

Long country trips with animals. Range well below the brochure and poor contact with Tesla. Plans to switch brands.

Buy it if…

  • You want the simplest road trips in an EV
  • Efficiency and low running costs matter most
  • You like an app-first, software-led car
  • You need family space at a sensible price

Sources (10)

Every claim on this page comes from these reports. AI-assisted research, checked by a human editor. We don't accept payment for verdicts.
  1. ProductReview.com.au – Model Y owner reviews (4.4/5, 30 reviews)
  2. Owner blog – Model Y 2022 Australian real-world experience
  3. InsideEVs – Model Y long-term owner review, 40,000 miles
  4. InsideEVs – Model Y ownership over 1.5 years
  5. Tim Stevens – Reflecting on 25 months with a Model Y
  6. Carbuyer UK – Model Y owner reviews
  7. Tesla Motors Club – Model Y long-term issues thread
  8. Vehicle Recalls (Australian Government) – REC-006419
  9. MotorScout – 2025 Model Y review
  10. Chasing Cars – Sealion 7 review (Model Y efficiency comparison)

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