Whether you love Tesla or hate it, there’s no denying that this automaker is one of the biggest names in EVs. And for good reason — even its “slow” vehicles are pretty darn fast. The slowest configuration of the Tesla Model Y even beat some of its more expensive competitors in the speed department, according to road tests from MotorTrend. 

Tesla Model Y performance specs

The Tesla Model Y Dual Motor Long Range has a starting price of approximately $51,190, which is fairly affordable for its class. It gets an EPA-estimated 127 MPGe in the city and 114 MPGe on the highway.

During testing at MotorTrend’s California Speedway facility, this vehicle got to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and finished a quarter-mile in 12.4 seconds at 114.8 mph. Despite this rapid acceleration, reviewers note that the Model Y handles fairly well. This is in large part due to the fact that the underfloor battery packs provide a low center of gravity.

The Model Y was able to complete the Figure Eight course in 25.2 seconds at 0.75 lateral g. MotorTrend observes that even though it doesn’t have high-performance tires, the Model Y still has a fairly impressive grip around the track.

How it compares to similar vehicles

The Tesla Model Y’s 0-to-60 mph speed is one second faster than the Audi e-tron, and only a tenth of a second slower than the Jaguar I-Pace. It can finish a quarter mile slightly ahead of the I-Pace and significantly ahead of the e-tron. Both of these vehicles are much pricier than the Model Y, making this similarity in acceleration speed all the more impressive. 

Additionally, MotorTrend found that the Model Y managed to match the 2020 Chevrolet Camaro SS. Despite the fact that this is the “slow” version of this Tesla, it can still finish a quarter-mile run in the same amount of time as a V8-powered muscle car.

The Tesla Model Y also holds its own when it comes to braking from these intense speeds. Test drivers found that it needs 118 feet to stop from 60 mph, compared to 112 feet for the I-Pace and 128 feet for the e-tron.

As this is the efficient version of the Model Y designed for long ranges, the Performance version does get better numbers in performance and handling. Even so, the Long Range definitely holds its own in this segment — and it has the added benefit of a significantly lower price tag than much of the competition.

Downsides of the Model Y

While the Tesla Model Y Long Range does have many strengths, there are some areas where it falls short. MotorTrend notes that it has a fairly stiff ride and that this model, in particular, is uncomfortable when it goes over even small bumps in the pavement. There is also a fair amount of road noise. As the reviewers point out, if you aren’t opting for the Performance model, it would be nice for the Long Range to offer a little more of a luxury experience.

MotorTrend also observes some issues with the build quality of the Model Y, recommending that any new buyers take the time to inspect their new vehicle before driving away with it. You’ll also want to be mindful when using the Autopilot technology, which reviewers describe as “inconsistent.” While it works well as adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, it doesn’t handle turns particularly well, and often crowds other cars.

While the Performance Model Y may offer better numbers, though, there’s no doubt that the Long Range model’s speed and overall performance is impressive. It has some shortcomings familiar to many Tesla drivers, but if speed is what you’re looking for, the Tesla Model Y Long Range offers it at a highly affordable cost.