When it comes to electric cars, Tesla has long been at the forefront, with the Model 3 and Model Y being two of the brand’s most popular vehicles. As the owner of a 2019 Tesla Model 3 Performance, I recently had the opportunity to try a 2023 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD for a week. With a growing family and a baby on the way, the idea of upgrading to the Model Y had been on my mind, especially considering its reputation as the best-selling EV and overall new car in 2023.
So, is the upgrade worth it? Let’s break it down.
Build Quality and Tech Upgrades
One of the first things I noticed about the Model Y is the improvement in build quality. Tesla has clearly made strides over the years, and the 2023 Model Y feels more refined compared to my 2019 Model 3. The gaps are tighter, the materials are slightly more premium, and there’s a general sense that Tesla has been listening to feedback.
The screen in the Model Y is noticeably brighter than the one in my Model 3. While both are centred around the same software experience, the improved brightness and responsiveness make it feel a step ahead.
However, there’s a significant change in how Tesla handles driver assistance. My Model 3 relies on sensors, whereas the Model Y uses Tesla Vision, a camera-based system. While Tesla Vision is supposed to be the future of their tech stack, I found it to be less reliable in low-visibility situations. It’s a trade-off some may want to consider.
The Model Y handles corners with remarkable precision, much like the Model 3. That said, the extra weight and taller stance of the Y are noticeable. While the Model 3 is also on the heavier side, the weight difference is more apparent in the Y. When I shared my initial impressions of the Model Y in 2022, I noted a slight body roll in corners. However, whether due to improvements made since or simply having more time to acclimatise to the car, it didn’t feel like an issue on this occasion. For more about my experience driving this car on b-roads, check out this article on Driven By Rhys.
Practicality
Boot Capacity and Interior Space
There’s no denying the practicality boost with the Model Y. Its boot is cavernous compared to the Model 3, with a deeper underfloor storage compartment and a hatchback design that makes loading bulkier items far easier. For a growing family, this is a major win. With a pram, car seats, and all the other paraphernalia that comes with a baby, the Model Y feels like a much better fit.
Both models easily accommodate a family shop. However, the higher position of the Model Y makes loading much easier. With its flat load space, similar to an estate car, the Y offers greater practicality. In contrast, the Model 3 has a slight drop in its boot, which can make loading larger items a bit more challenging. Overall, the Y feels noticeably more convenient.
The raised driving position also makes it feel more SUV-like, giving a commanding view of the road. It’s a subtle but noticeable difference, especially for longer drives or city commutes.
Size and City Driving
Despite being larger, I didn’t find parking the Model Y to be an issue in Cardiff. Sure, I consciously sought out larger spaces, but the car’s cameras and parking aids made manoeuvring straightforward. The slightly higher seating position also gave better visibility, which is a welcome feature in tight spots.
Commuting to work and doing the morning school run was an interesting experience. While I can’t say for certain if the size of the Model Y influenced other drivers, I did notice them giving the Y a bit more space when merging lanes or navigating tighter spots on dual carriageways. The improved visibility from the Y’s higher driving position was particularly helpful in heavy traffic.
That said, parking at my destination proved to be a challenge. With more practice, I’m sure I could adapt to manoeuvring the Y into tighter spaces. However, I found myself avoiding spots I’d have comfortably parked the Model 3 in, opting instead for spaces with more room to ensure easier access.
Range and Batteries
The Model Y Long Range AWD has a larger battery (331 miles) than my Model 3 Performance (near 300 when new). Despite being a heavier car, the Model Y offers a slightly longer range, thanks to its more efficient design. For families planning road trips or longer commutes, this could make a difference. However, the Performance version of the Model 3 has a certain charm with its acceleration and sportier handling, which the Model Y doesn’t quite match.
Another thing to note is the battery chemistry. My older Model 3 uses NCA (nickel-cobalt-aluminium) batteries, whereas the newer Model Y employs LFP (lithium-iron-phosphate) batteries. LFP batteries have a longer lifespan and can be charged to 100% regularly without degrading as quickly. For long-term ownership, this could be a significant advantage.
Knowing the car had a newer, improved battery gave me confidence that it would comfortably reach my destination with charge to spare. This significantly eased my range anxiety, and I’ve had no hesitation in hitting the navigation button and trusting it to accurately predict the remaining charge upon arrival. The only notable discrepancy between the predicted and actual range occurred when travelling through Mid Wales on b-roads, where the difference was slightly more pronounced.
Living with the Model Y
After a week with the Model Y, it’s easy to see why it’s dominating the market. It’s the ultimate all-rounder for a family EV—spacious, practical, efficient, and packed with tech. While it lacks the sporty edge of my Model 3 Performance, it’s clear that the Model Y is built with a different audience in mind.
This week’s testing coincided with a cold snap in the UK, with temperatures dropping below freezing and some areas seeing their first snow of the year. One of the great perks of owning a Tesla, whether it’s the Model 3 or Model Y, is the ability to pre-condition the vehicle. You can defrost it and step inside feeling like it’s summer. The Model Y, with its newer battery, performed impressively, maintaining all of its charge while warming up. In contrast, my 2019 Model 3 with its older battery typically loses a couple of percent before setting off. The heated steering wheel in the newer Model Y was a real treat and definitely spoiled me!
The charging network is a frequent topic of discussion, and there’s no denying that charger availability has improved significantly. However, to fully enjoy the lower running costs of an electric car, home charging is key. Of course, this isn’t an option for everyone. If you’re able to install a home EV charger, the upfront cost—now more affordable than ever—can be offset by accessing cheap overnight electricity rates. For example, we’re with British Gas and pay just 7.9p per kWh between midnight and 5am. By comparison, charging elsewhere could cost upwards of 40p per kWh.
For a growing family like ours, it makes perfect sense. The extra space, easier loading, and longer range outweigh the slight downsides of adjusting to a larger car. Plus, knowing that it’s built with newer tech and materials gives peace of mind for long-term ownership.
Is It Worth the Upgrade?
If you’re in a similar position—considering an upgrade for practicality, a growing family, or the appeal of newer tech—the Model Y is worth serious consideration. For us, it feels like the logical next step. While the Model 3 will always hold a special place in my heart for its sporty appeal, the Model Y offers the space, comfort, and practicality that we now need. And with Cardiff’s streets proving manageable during my test week, size doesn’t feel like a major barrier.
Would I miss the agility and punch of the Model 3 Performance? Maybe. But knowing that the Model Y better suits our future needs makes it an upgrade I’m seriously considering.
If you’re on the fence, I’d recommend taking the Model Y for a test drive—it might just win you over.
