2024 Tesla Model Y Review
Today, I’ve got a vehicle on deck that is one of the most popular cars on the road right now. The 2024 Tesla Model Y is THE electric vehicle right now (and really just Tesla’s brand as a whole). While I love how much they pushed car manufacturing forward, the question stands: is it family-friendly?
If you’re new here - welcome! I’m Kelly the Car Mom and as a mom of almost four (if you missed the life update click here), CPST, and a huge car fan, I can’t wait to walk you through all the features of the 2024 Jeep Gladiator to help see if it’s right for your family.
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2024 Tesla Model Y Overview
The Model Y is Tesla’s more popular, smaller SUV. It’s a two row SUV, with a third row optional, but I only have the two row with me today. Truthfully, I’m happy to just have the two rows because I’ve seen the third row - let’s just say I don’t have many nice things to say about it.
Before we dive in, I will say that I think the Model Y is a really functional two row option and if you want a third row, go up to the Model X. It will be a much better bet for your family.
Let’s talk about the last elephant in the room: price. The Model Y I’m touring today comes in at an MSRP of $49,900. This does include AWD, a range of 310 miles, and a ton of great features. Yes, this price is expensive, but when comparing next to similar EV’s, the Model Y falls right in the middle on price (sometimes even on the lower end).
Charging
Let’s talk about charging because this is the biggest concern for families when looking into Teslas, or all EV’s for that matter. When you go to buy a Tesla, more than likely you will also be purchasing a typical 220 charger or quicker and have it installed in your home.
When looking at charging on the road (road trips for example), Tesla has a Supercharger Network, which is the most advanced group of chargers out there right now. Every other manufacturer is trying to figure out how to make their cars adaptable to be charged on Tesla’s network - it’s that great. You’re talking about 55,000 across 6,000 locations.
So if charging is a concern, I’d recommend mapping where the nearest super chargers are around your house, in addition to getting a charger installed at home. This will guarantee peace-of-mind no matter what.
2024 Tesla Model Y Exterior
One thing about Tesla, their exterior stays consistent. Even though this is the 2024 model, it looks practically the same on the outside as their 2022 model. I personally am a fan of how the Model Y looks. It has a sportier, sleeker look than the X. I think it’s darling.
You can definitely say no matter which Tesla you’re interested in, their exteriors have really pushed the remaining car manufacturers into a more sporty, high-tech route. It’s a much-needed change I personally love.
2024 Tesla Model Y First Row
Before we break down the first row, let’s talk about how to actually get into the Tesla. If this was my personal car, I’d already have the app downloaded and just use it to unlock the car and set the AC / heater on. You will also get the option of a credit card that works like traditional keys.
What I really like about Tesla is their trim levels (only three) vary in driving capabilities and range, but in terms of features, they are all the same across the board. This is so refreshing.
As for the interior, it could not be more simplified. While I like this clean look, I just know if there was one piece of trash in this car I would lose my mind. That being said, we’ve got a little bit of wood and chrome detailing in here, along with the faux leather, so it’s a really nice look.
For the size of the vehicle, you’ve got some great center console storage. Charging capabilities of case and there are standard cup holders that work great. Lastly, I want to talk about the gorgeous sunroof that extends almost the entire roof of the car. It truly brings in so much air and light, plus the head clearance is great.
Infotainment System
The Tesla Model Y is what I would call having the original iPad screen as its infotainment system. There is not a button in this car (except for the legally required hazards) - it’s all on the screen.
While there is definitely nothing else like this infotainment system on the market, I’d say it’s pretty intuitive to understand. When I say everything is controlled through this system, I mean it. Things like opening the glove box, turning on the windshield wipers, these kinds of things are all exclusively controlled by the infotainment system.
Another note - there is no Apple Carplay or Android Auto. Instead, everything is an individual app, such as Apple Podcasts. I don’t mind this, but it definitely is different.
For those of you who are really technology-friendly, the dock never changes and all the controls between about a two button press away will be right up your alley. If technology and these kind of controls are not something you’re comfortable with, this infotainment system will not be for you.
2024 Tesla Model Y Second Row
Just a reminder, you can choose between getting just two rows in a Model Y, or adding a third row. While I do not recommend the third row (it’s incredibly small), today I will be focusing on the second row bench capabilities, since it’s the same in either option.
Let’s talk about the bench itself. While it does have a decent width, this is not what I would consider a three car seats across machine. I tried a three across combination of seats I use the most (infant, combination, and booster) and was unsuccessful.
What all of this means is that I would not recommend buying a Tesla Model Y with the hopes of doing three car seats across frequently. To me, this is a car that you have one child already, accidentally have twins, and from there could find a car seat combo that works.
Second row amenities include:
Great head and knee clearance
Comfortable seats
Nice wide and flat floor board (no big hump in the middle seat)
Two small vents on the console
Two charging ports
Two leather back pockets
Tesla Model Y LATCH Diagram:
2024 Tesla Model Y Trunk and Frunk
Tesla basically invented the frunk (front trunk). Since there’s no engine, you can get a little extra space in the front - although it’s nowhere large enough to fit a stroller. I’ve seen families put leftovers, dirty diapers, or pretty much anything small that you don’t want to smell up the rest of your cabin.
As for the trunk, it smacks. I’ve got a double Mockingbird stroller back here and there is still room to spare. There’s enough room for a Costco haul up top AND there’s storage underneath. You can fold down either seat in the back with a simple button press on the left-hand side and it works like a charm
2024 Tesla Model Y Wrap Up
Overall, I have really enjoyed this car! The drive, technology, and vibe is so different - but I kind of love it. If I’d have to recommend this car to a specific family, it would be for those with 1-2 kids looking to enter the electric market. This car offers a really good value for a lot of performance and tech.
To see a complete walkthrough of the 2024 Tesla Model Y, click here.
What do you think of the Tesla Model Y as a family vehicle? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with the latest family cars on the market, check out my recent posts: