Tesla Model Y Review (2026) | RWD, 505km range, worth having?

2026 Tesla Model Y Review – Still the Benchmark Electric SUV?

The Tesla Model Y has already proven itself as one of the world’s most successful electric cars, at one point being the bestselling car globally. Tesla has updated it with subtle improvements to the design, comfort, equipment and refinement, while also marketing an affordable entry model aimed at widening its electric SUV appeal – the Model Y Rear Wheel Drive, priced from €42,990. It offers up to 505 kilometres of range but is slightly pared-back when it comes to the features it has. Yet largely it retains the Y’s brilliance that makes it a sound buy in Ireland in 2026.

Pros

• Real-world efficiency
• Software and infotainment system
• Charging network integration and trip planning
• Boot space
• Fast performance

 Cons

• Road noise at motorway speeds
• Firm suspension on rough Irish roads
• Entry model loses glass roof and some premium features
• Limited colour choice

2026 Tesla Model Y Design

The entry-level Model Y manages to look slightly more appealing than higher grade versions, though the styling has been ‘downgraded’ somewhat. For a start there’s no full-width light bar at the front. But to these eyes it looks fine, perhaps a little less intimidating.

At the back, there are separate tail lights: gone is the light bar. Again, it looks quite simple and attractive compared to the full-fat versions.

What else is different?

19-inch alloy wheels come as standard with a black finish. There are less colours to choose from – just three – grey, white or black. But the black-on-black test car looked great and certainly not as is if it was lacking in any way.

The Y’s classy frameless doors remain, which give it a sporty and upmarket feel regardless.

Driving the 2026 Tesla Model Y 

The Model Y loses none of its appeal behind the wheel. Acceleration is brisk, despite a power detune. 0-100km/h is 7.2 seconds and the Y is still more eager to accelerate than most other cars on the road.

Comfort and refinement levels are mixed, however. There’s some road noise at high speeds on the motorway. The rear suspension does find itself more troubled by Irish roads, being particularly bumpy on rough rural roads.

But on a whole the Model Y is most enjoyable to drive: easy, predictable and very fast.

How efficient is it?

Very! The range estimates are up to 505 kilometres for this version. It’s also the most efficient Model Y you can buy with consumption possible as low as 13.1 kWh / 100km. Over a week of testing my average consumption was 15.9kWh.

Yet it doesn’t have the same legs as the Long Range version for long motorway trips, which now offers up to 609 kilometres range. For some buyers the upgrade will still be worth it.

Charging the Model Y

AC charging is up to 11kW, while DC charging is possible up to 175kW for the standard range battery to add up to 260 km in just 15 minutes. There’s also access to the Tesla Supercharger network, which is entirely plug and charge with no need for apps or RFID cards.

Interior & Practicality 

The Model Y’s interior has always been so minimalist that there’s little Tesla could actually take away. But there are a few differences to note.

For a start the entry-level, rear wheel drive does without the glass roof and introduces fabric seats. But on balance, they don’t feel cheap and look fine.

The area between the front seats is also now open and doesn’t feature the same closed storage area as higher grade versions.

Otherwise it’s classic Tesla. The large central screen is packed with features and controls pretty much everything. Mind you there’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, as is typical of Tesla. The maps function works great however and helps to plan charging stops, while also including pre-heating of the battery. There’s also a Spotify account you can log into. The Y is made in Tesla’s Berlin Gigafactory and the build quality is very good.

There’s a huge boot though no parcel shelf features in the entry model tested. Rear seat passengers will find plenty of legroom, however Tesla has removed the digital screen that included controls for climate and other features like gaming and music.

2026 Tesla Model Y Price

The Model Y Rear Wheel Drive is the entry into the range and is priced from €42,990 . For more range and equipment, buyers can step up to the Model Y Premium with Long Range Battery, which is available from €49,990  for the Rear Wheel Drive, or from €52,990  for the All Wheel Drive. The top of the range Model Y Performance is available from €61,990 .

Verdict 

The Tesla Model Y RWD with the standard range battery tested here does without some of the polish and features of the Long Range versions, but is still mightily impressive. It’s enjoyable to live with every day thanks to its practical cabin, excellent in-car tech and good handling. Ride quality and refinement suffer a bit, but by and large the spec changes don’t make a huge amount of difference to the experience of what is an easy to recommend electric SUV.

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Written by Caroline Kidd

Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year