Tesla Model Y 2022 review
Overview
The Tesla Model Y finally reached British roads in February 2022, after UK order books opened in October 2021. Launch pricing started at £54,990 for the Long Range All-Wheel Drive and £64,990 for the Performance, with every right-hand-drive car imported from Tesla's Gigafactory in Shanghai. A cheaper Rear-Wheel Drive version joined the range in autumn 2022, broadening its appeal to fleet and private buyers alike.
Essentially a taller, hatchback-bodied sibling of the Model 3, the Model Y answers the one complaint many UK buyers had about the saloon: practicality. There is an 854-litre boot under the powered tailgate, expanding to 2,158 litres with the rear seats folded, plus a 117-litre frunk and generous under-floor storage for charging cables. The cabin is pure Tesla minimalism, with almost every function living on the 15-inch central touchscreen, a panoramic glass roof, heated seats front and rear, a heated steering wheel, and a heat pump fitted as standard for more efficient winter driving.
On the road the Model Y is brisk rather than nimble. The Long Range reaches 62 mph in 4.8 seconds, and its 331-mile WLTP range pairs with the UK's dense Tesla Supercharger network for genuinely long-distance ease, charging at up to 250 kW DC. The downside flagged by UK reviewers is the firm, jittery ride on UK tarmac and steering that can feel nervous in bends; the lighter Model 3 remains the better drive.
For used buyers the case is compelling. Euro NCAP awarded the Model Y a five-star rating in September 2022 with record-breaking adult-occupant (97%) and safety-assist (98%) scores. Three-year-old Long Range cars now trade well under half their new price, but check battery health, tyre condition (even wear is vital on an EV this heavy), and remaining warranty - four years/50,000 miles on the vehicle and eight years/120,000 miles on the battery and drive unit for the Long Range and Performance.
UK price from: £54,990
Specifications
| UK new price (2022) | £54,990 Long Range AWD; £64,990 Performance |
| Battery (usable) | 75 kWh (Long Range); around 60 kWh (RWD) |
| WLTP range | 331 miles (Long Range); 319 miles (Performance); 283 miles (RWD) |
| 0-62 mph | 4.8 s (Long Range); 6.6 s (RWD); 3.5 s (Performance, 0-60 mph) |
| Top speed | 135 mph (Long Range, RWD); 155 mph (Performance) |
| Charging | DC up to 250 kW (CCS); AC 11 kW (Type 2) |
| Boot space | 854 litres seats up; 2,158 litres folded; frunk 117 litres |
| Braked towing capacity | 1,600 kg |
| Euro NCAP | 5 stars (2022: 97% adult, 98% safety assist) |
| Dimensions | 4,750 mm long; 2,890 mm wheelbase |
| Insurance group | 50 (Long Range); 46 (RWD) |
| Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles; battery and drive unit 8 years / 120,000 miles |
Features
- 15-inch central touchscreen with satellite navigation, live traffic visualisation and entertainment apps
- Full-length panoramic glass roof
- Heated front and rear seats plus a heated steering wheel, all standard
- Powered tailgate with hands-free-style hatchback access
- Heat pump cabin heating for improved cold-weather efficiency
- Autopilot driver-assistance system included as standard
- Sentry Mode security and built-in dashcam recording
- Premium audio system and 360-degree glass visibility with laminated windows
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin air filters (pair) | £30 | Estimate; straightforward DIY job on the Model Y |
| Wiper blades (pair) | £40 | Estimate; Tesla-specific fitment, check length before ordering |
| Front brake pads, axle set | £150 | Estimate; EVs wear brakes slowly, but check disc corrosion |
| 19-inch tyre 255/45 R19, each | £200 | Estimate; budget more for premium EV-rated brands |
| 16V low-voltage lithium battery | £220 | Estimate; fitted from factory, should outlast old 12V lead-acid units |
| Type 2 charging cable | £250 | Estimate; buy from Tesla accessories or a reputable EV supplier |
Pros
- 331-mile WLTP range on the Long Range, backed by the UK's best EV charging network
- Enormous family practicality: 854-litre boot, 117-litre frunk and flat-folding rear seats
- Record-breaking Euro NCAP scores - one of the safest cars ever tested
- Effortless dual-motor performance and near-zero running costs with 0g/km emissions
Cons
- Firm, restless ride quality on typical British roads
- Everything runs through the touchscreen - no driver display, no buttons for basics
- High insurance group and costly accident repairs, a known Tesla ownership sting
- Inconsistent panel fit and paint finish reported on early Shanghai-built cars
