After almost five years with our Tesla Model 3, we decided it was time to add a second car. Our oldest son is starting college, California gas prices are still not fun, and we already knew the Tesla ownership experience worked well for us.
So we picked up a Model Y. It was not a complicated decision, but after living with a Model 3 for years, the differences were easier to spot right away.
Quick Answer
The Tesla Model Y feels like the natural next step if you like the Model 3 but want something easier to get in and out of, with more room and a higher seating position. It still drives like a Tesla, it still feels familiar inside, and so far I am really enjoying it.
My biggest complaint is Tesla Vision replacing the older ultrasonic parking sensors. In my experience, the vision-based distance estimates are not as reliable as the sensors in my Model 3, especially when parking close to low objects or pulling into a tight garage.
Why We Bought Another Tesla
We bought our Model 3 about five years ago when gas in California was getting ridiculous. I had a Toyota FJ at the time, and I was spending somewhere around $400 to $500 a month on gas.
At that point, it made more sense to put that money toward a car payment instead of handing it over at the pump. I traded in the FJ, picked up the Model 3, and it ended up being one of the better car decisions we have made.
Over those five years, the Model 3 has been easy to own. Outside of tires and cabin air filters, there really has not been much maintenance. No oil changes, no transmission fluid, no regular engine-related work. That is one of the things people sometimes underestimate about electric cars.
Model Y Versus Model 3
The Model Y feels very familiar if you are coming from a Model 3. The interior layout is basically the same, the screen setup feels the same, and the driving experience is still very Tesla.
The biggest everyday difference is the seating position. The Model 3 drives great, but after years of stepping down into it like a low sports car, I was ready for something easier to get into. With the Model Y, you step more into the car instead of down into it.
The Model Y does not feel like a traditional SUV in the old-school sense. From what I understand, the ground clearance is not dramatically different from the Model 3. It feels more like Tesla pulled the roof up, raised the seating position, and gave you more usable space.
One thing I noticed right away is that my eye line is higher than the rearview mirror. In the Model 3, I was looking up more. In the Model Y, I am looking slightly down at it. That higher seating position is probably one of the biggest comfort improvements for me.
Driving Impressions
We went with the long range Model Y, rated around 330 miles. It still has plenty of performance, and the 0 to 60 time is close enough to what I was used to in the Model 3 that I do not feel like I gave up much.
It handles well and still has that quick, planted Tesla feel. You can tell it is a little more top heavy than the Model 3, but it does not feel sloppy or disconnected.
For our needs, the tradeoff is worth it. I get the familiar Tesla driving experience, but with more space and a seating position that is easier to live with day to day.
The Tesla Vision Problem
The main thing I do not like is Tesla removing the ultrasonic sensors and relying on Tesla Vision instead. I understand the idea behind it. If Tesla can solve more through cameras and software, they can improve the system over time without constantly changing hardware.
But right now, I do not think Tesla Vision is on the same level as the older ultrasonic sensors for parking distance. With my Model 3, I trusted the sensors. My garage is tight, and I knew that when the car said I had about 13 inches left, that was my limit. If I got out and measured it, it was right there.
With the Model Y and Vision, the distance estimate feels inconsistent. I cannot even say it is always too far or always too close. It just does not feel reliably accurate in the same way.
My understanding is that there is no camera directly in the front bumper. The system is using the camera behind the rearview mirror, angled down, along with the side cameras. That means there can be a blind spot close to the front bumper, especially around that 12 or 13 inch range.
The car can understand things like curbs because the side cameras can see long objects along the sides. But a small, low object directly in front of the car may not be seen the same way. If the cameras do not pick it up, the car may act like it is not there.
For now, I use my eyes first. That is what you should do anyway, but the difference is that I trusted the old ultrasonic sensors more than I trust Tesla Vision for close parking.
Full Self-Driving Caveats
I did not buy Full Self-Driving on this Model Y, but I understand why people are frustrated. If someone paid a lot of money for Full Self-Driving and the promised capability is still delayed, that would be upsetting.
Tesla also offers Full Self-Driving as a monthly subscription, and referral credits can sometimes be used toward it. The problem is timing. If your free or credit-based Full Self-Driving period starts before the version you actually want is available, you may burn through that time without getting the feature you expected.
That is something I would pay close attention to before buying or redeeming anything tied to Full Self-Driving. The promise and the current reality are not always the same thing.
White Seats And Accessories
I went with the white seats, which still surprises some people. I know the horror stories are out there, but I also know people who have had Tesla white seats for years without major issues.
Bad experiences tend to get posted more than normal ones, so I am not too worried about it. I do keep a small pack of water-only wipes in the car. They look like baby wipes, but they do not have the extra chemicals. That is what I use for quick cleanup.
For accessories, I only recommend things I actually use. If something was sent to me for review or came through an affiliate relationship, I keep that separate so it is clear what I personally use day to day.
Why I Did Not Wait For Cybertruck
I originally had a Cybertruck reservation from the morning after the announcement. At the time, it sounded like a great fit. I have always been more of an SUV or truck person, and the early pricing and range numbers made it interesting.
But years passed, and when we needed another car, we needed another car. Waiting for a reservation number to come up can be a long process, especially with a new vehicle that has limited production at the start.
That is the practical side of it. Even if the Cybertruck is exciting, people eventually have to decide whether they can keep waiting or whether they need a vehicle now. For us, the Model Y made more sense.
Key Takeaways
- The Model Y is an easy transition if you already like the Model 3 but want more space and a higher seating position.
- The driving experience still feels very Tesla, though the Model Y does feel a little more top heavy than the Model 3.
- Tesla Vision parking distance estimates are my biggest concern, especially compared with the older ultrasonic sensors.
- For tight garage parking, I do not trust Tesla Vision the way I trusted the sensors in my Model 3.
- Full Self-Driving is worth researching carefully before paying upfront or redeeming credits, because timing matters.
- The Model Y made more sense for us than continuing to wait for Cybertruck because we needed a second car now.
Watch the Video
The video above above for the full drive-and-talk version, including my real-time thoughts on the Model Y, Tesla Vision, Full Self-Driving, accessories, and why I decided not to keep waiting for Cybertruck.
