The 2021 Tesla Model Y was put to the test by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) not too long ago, and as it turns out, it fared pretty well in the organization’s crash tests. But, that shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. After all, the Tesla Model Y comes standard with a long list of confidence-inspiring safety features.

The 2021 Tesla Model Y standard safety features

The 2021 Tesla Model Y was designed with your safety in mind. It boasts both a low center of gravity and a rigid body structure. It also features large crumple zones designed to provide unparalleled protection in the event of an accident. But it’s not just its body structure that contributes to the Tesla Model Y’s protective nature.

This year’s new Model Y also comes stocked with a number of advanced crash-avoidance and pedestrian protection features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and forward-collision warning. Fortunately for the Model Y, its many safety features earned it a pretty impressive rating from the NHTSA.

How the NHTSA rated the 2021 Tesla Model Y

The 2021 Tesla Model Y is the latest Tesla model to earn a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. The NHTSA grades vehicles using a number of scenarios, including frontal crashes, which are broken down into subcategories for the driver and passenger, and side crashes, which include both barrier and pole tests. The Model Y? Well, it scored five-star results in every test. 

But, that’s not what’s most impressive about the Model Y’s safety ratings. The NHTSA determined this year’s model is a rollover risk of 7.9%. Which, according to Tesla, is the lowest rollover rating of any SUV recorded to date by the NHTSA. We told you the Model Y’s safety ratings were pretty impressive.

Will the IIHS rate the 2021 Model Y?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) hasn’t rated the 2021 Tesla Model Y just yet. And, according to Torque News, it’s not even on the organization’s list of vehicles to be tested. I know, I was surprised too. But, as it turns out, Tesla has opted out of having the Model Y tested by the IIHS. At least that’s what Torque News’ contact at the IIHS said. Had Tesla chosen to have the vehicle tested by the IIHS, it would be on the organization’s schedule.

Is the Tesla Model Y worth buying?

While the 2021 Model Y did earn some pretty impressive safety ratings from the NHTSA, this year’s model does have some issues to contend with. Because while this year’s model may be safe, it has earned a pretty troubling predicted reliability rating from Consumer Reports. Its actual rating? A dismal one out of five.

There is some good news, though. Though Consumer Reports gave the Tesla Model Y a one out of five predicted reliability rating, it did give it a perfect predicted overall owner satisfaction rating. So, while the Model Y may not be the most reliable electric car out there, it is safe. And, odds are, you’re bound to enjoy owning it.