Cheapest New Tesla SUV in 2023 Is Also the Safest
While the 2023 Tesla Model X is a luxurious and highly-advanced electric SUV, it’s very expensive. However, the smaller 2023 Tesla Model Y, which is the cheapest new Tesla SUV in 2023, is a much more affordable alternative. On top of that, the Model Y is the safest vehicle in the lineup for the EV automaker, for it’s the only one to win an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.
2023 Tesla Model Y is the most affordable new Tesla SUV
With a starting cost of $47,240, the 2023 Tesla Model Y is the cheapest new Tesla SUV. That starting price is for the Base trim. Other trims offered include the Long Range ($50,240) and Performance ($54,240).
Regardless of which Model Y trim you get, you’ll still end up paying considerably less than for the 2023 Model X, the only other new Tesla SUV available. It starts at $97,490 for the Base trim and $107,490 for the Performance trim.
Furthermore, the Model Y is more affordable with a series of price cuts this year. This includes a $3,000 price drop in April for the Performance and Long Range trims. Plus, the $7,500 federal EV tax credit and state and local incentives can lower the cost even more.
Model Y is the only Tesla vehicle to win a 2023 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award
Along with being the cheapest new Tesla SUV, the 2023 Model Y is the safest vehicle in the Tesla lineup. It’s the only one to win a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The Model Y earned this honor due to excellent results in a series of crash tests and other safety evaluations conducted by IIHS. In nearly every area, it earned perfect scores. This includes front crash prevention, front impact, side impact, roof strength, seats, and head restraints. The only areas in which the electric SUV didn’t achieve perfect scores were second-tier “acceptable” ratings for the LATCH system for attaching a child seat and the headlights for some trims.
Safety features in the Model Y
Safety for the 2023 Tesla Model Y starts with its high-strength and rigid structure, which forms a protective shell during car crashes. Also, the low center of gravity keeps the electric SUV firmly planted on the ground — preventing rollover accidents.
There’s also a 360-degree camera system. With front, side, and rear cameras, it provides optimal visibility on all sides of the vehicle. Also, the Tesla Vision system detects nearby vehicles. This helps with preventing crashes with other cars — and makes it easier to park the EV SUV.
Other safety features include front collision warning, side collision warning, blind spot warning, automatic emergency braking, obstacle aware acceleration, and lane departure warning and correction. Additionally, the Model Y has Sentry Mode, a highly advanced vehicle security system. Another crucial feature is cabin overheat protection, which is a good thing to have given the incidents of deaths of children and pets in hot cars during scortching weather.
As the cheapest new Tesla SUV, the 2023 Tesla Model Y is a more affordable alternative to the pricey Model X. Furthermore, it’s the safest vehicle in the EV lineup, for it’s the only one to win an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.
