Tesla Model Y hits a high note with Consumer Reports but with some criticism

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The crew Consumer Reports has been testing outside Tesla’s Model Y, and as the all-electric crossover was received, a few criticisms were discussed in a Talking Cars podcast centered in their first impressions.

The Model Y being examined was a white, Dual Motor Long Range edition of the car using All-Wheel Drive and Full Self Driving option package, enabling a listing of the automobile driveability and now accessible Autopilot features. Jake Fisher, Consumer Reports’ (CR) Auto Test Director, first noted the enjoyable, sporty nature of the Model Y’s driving fashion , however all participants agreed that labeling the vehicle as an SUV was a misnomer.

“Big picture what you find is a Model 3 hatchback,” Fisher commented. The dispute over style classification, however, was set into a positive light. Specifically, adding the hatchback-type layout features solved what the group defined as “deficiencies” in Model 3. “The advantage is that you get more headroom and notably the back seat space,” mentioned Mike Monticello, Autos Editor for CR. “It’s just much like it took all of the fantastic things about the Model 3, it even stored them…but it took some of the bad things…and made them much better … It’s an improved Model 3, even if you think about it like that. ”

Credit: Consumer Reports
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Some deficiencies carried on into the Model Y, though, according to the review. Fisher took trouble with the center console display carryover. “They crammed everything into this one display that’s off-center,” he said noting that Tesla had “an opportunity” to enhance the usability of the Model 3 features that were missed from the Model Y. Specifically, the group wanted the capability change the air vents without going through a display menu to adjust the steering wheel, and insert automatic rearview mirror adjustment part of the motorist profile functionality.

The true road-handling and driving experience of the Model Y was critiqued as neglecting to be improved from the Model 3 experience. Mike Monticello, also an Autos Editor using CR, noted the automobile ’s stiff ride and wind sound in the cabin, each of which are not issues from the Model S or Model X. Monticello also noted the tire noise when traveling and falling road bumps.

Credit: Consumer Reports

Tesla’s newest beta Autopilot attribute made its way into the crosshairs through the talk too, specifically the Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control function that can be toggled on and off. The attribute formerly induced the Model Y to stop at each red, yellow, and green light, but only stops at a green light if there isn’t a vehicle before the car or truck. “They continue changing the behaviour of how the vehicle drives,” Fisher mentioned mentioning that the constant updates don’t even increase feeling or the relaxation of security that Autopilot is likely to provide.

Despite the reported criticisms in the Consumer Reports group, the review session nonetheless ended on a positive note for Tesla along with the Model Y. They provided caution before the new crossover was out to the market for approximately a year to gauge reliability issues, but they acknowledged that alternative vehicles were probably not up to level to those interested in Tesla specifically.

Even though there are options when looking for a vehicle that supports issues, the mentality of a existing Tesla owner probably won’t match the features provided from automakers with electrical vehicles such as the Hyundai Kona, Fisher summarized. “Other electrical automobiles don’t have that ‘Tesla Mystique’ … [they don’t push like] … a performance automobile. ”

You can see the Consumer Reports complete Model Y podcast below: