Used Tesla Model Y Quick Facts
- The best years for buying a used Model Y range from 2022 through 2025.
- Buying a used Model Y directly from Tesla that has exceeded its factory warranty includes a one-year/10,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.
- Tesla’s over-the-air updates help keep older Model Y SUVs up to date.
The Tesla Model Y offers SUV-like accommodations, featuring an available third-row seat, increased interior room, and additional cargo space compared to the Model 3 upon which it’s based. Tesla launched the Model Y in 2020, and while it received a substantive update in 2025, it’s still considered a first-generation model. However, because the company constantly changes and updates the Model Y, delineating by model year can be misleading. This fact makes it more challenging to pinpoint the exact features and capabilities of each model year — a consideration to keep in mind when shopping.
The Model Y offers better range, faster charging times, and quicker zero-to-60 mph runs than most competitors. Overall, the Model Y’s reputation for reliability and resale has improved. However, issues with early models may make buying a late-model Model Y more advantageous.
- What Is the Best Model-Year Used Tesla Model Y?
- Tesla Model Y by Model Year: What Do You Get?
- Does the Tesla Model Y Qualify for a Used electric vehicle (EV) Tax Credit?
- Things To Consider When Buying a Used Tesla Model Y
- What Year Model Y to Avoid?
What Are the Best Tesla Model Y Model Years?
2020 Tesla Model Y Trim Comparison
| Trim | Horsepower | Range (EPA est.) | 0–60 mph Time | Original MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Range AWD | 346 hp | 316 miles | 4.8 seconds | $52,990 |
| Performance AWD | 450 hp | 291 miles | 3.5 seconds | $60,990 |
From the standpoint of features, technology, and comfort, the best years are from late 2022 through 2025. Although the 2022 Model Y still uses older chip and battery technology, near the end of its run, Tesla added upgrades, including a softer suspension and updated interior. The 2023 through 2025 Model Y solidifies these changes, bringing better technology upgrades and enhanced build quality.
Tesla’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty is transferable to a new owner. However, if you buy a Model Y from a Tesla dealer and it’s out of warranty, they include a one-year/10,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.
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What Is the Best Used Tesla Model Y Model Year?
The Tesla Model Y debuted in 2020. By 2023, the automotive analytics firm JATO Dynamics reported that it was the best-selling car in the world. Although still in its first generation, numerous changes over the Model Y’s run make choosing the best year a bit of a fact-finding mission. To help, we’ve broken down each model year, the trims offered, and the features included.
2020 Model Y
Long Range
The Model Y Long Range features two electric motors and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). It has a range of up to 316 miles and can accelerate to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds.
Exterior features include a massive fixed-glass panel roof, 19-inch wheels, LED headlights and fog lamps, a power tailgate, and power-folding, heated, auto-dimming side mirrors with reverse tilt-down functionality. The Model Y boasts 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated front and rear seats, a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 40/20/40 split-folding back seat. Other standard features include a wireless charging pad and a rearview camera. The Model Y’s minimalist interior comprises a 15-inch multi-purpose center touchscreen that serves as the car’s instrument cluster and controls for climate, audio, Bluetooth streaming, apps, and navigation.
The Long Range trim includes a healthy list of standard safety and driver-assist features, all part of the standard Autopilot program. In the mix is forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
One significant upgrade is the enhanced Autopilot with Full Self-Driving Capability program. This system enables semi-autonomous driving, including highway driving from on-ramps to off-ramps, interchanges, and the ability to maneuver around slower vehicles. The system can also change lanes automatically and perform parallel or perpendicular self-parking. Within the Self-Driving Capability is the Smart Summons feature. Picture yourself waiting outside a restaurant or shopping mall when it begins to rain. With Smart Summons, you can remotely activate the Model Y, telling it to leave its parking spot, navigate safely through the parking lot, and make its way to where you’re waiting.
Performance
The Performance trim builds on the powertrain and equipment from the Long Range, but offers a range of 280 to 315 miles (depending on the upgrade) and features faster acceleration. It reaches 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and claims a top speed of 155 mph. Furthering the Performance trim’s credentials are a lowered suspension, 21-inch wheels, performance Brembo brakes, and aluminum alloy pedals.
Model Year Changes:
2025 Model Y
For 2025, Tesla updates the Model Y’s styling, adding Cybertruck-inspired headlights and revised front and rear facias. The cabin features more soft-touch materials, while ventilated front seats and rear seat displays are added to the option list.
Tesla improves the Model Y’s range, and as of late 2025, the EV is available in four trims. The base Standard Rear-Wheel Drive configuration offers 321 miles of range, while the Premium RWD model has 357. The Premium AWD delivers 327 miles of range, and the top Performance AWD configuration returns 306 miles on a charge.
2024 Model Y
Midway through 2024, Tesla drops the Standard Range RWD and replaces it with a Long Range RWD trim with an estimated 310 miles of range. AWD models can travel 310 miles. The Performance trim’s range drops to 303 miles.
2023 Model Y
The 2023 Model Y enjoys some significant improvements, although it loses its front sensors, using only its cameras for guidance. Significant enhancements include interior upgrades, new battery tech, and an enhanced ability to receive over-the-air updates. The Standard Range trim returns to the lineup with a 279-mile range and all-wheel drive, only to be replaced mid-cycle with a rear-drive version limited to up to 260 miles. The heated steering wheel gets dropped from the equipment list. The Long Range can travel 330 miles, while the Performance tops out at 303 miles.
2022 Model Y
The 2022 Model Y sees the Standard Range model dropped. Later in the model run, changes to the Model Y include an available suspension with a softer ride, heated wipers, and revised door panels. The USB-C ports switch to charge only. The Long Range trim can travel up to 330 miles on a single charge.
2021 Model Y
For 2021, the Model Y Long Range’s range increases to 326 miles. It adds a third-row seat option but removes the passenger-side lumbar and the radar system for the adaptive cruise control. A Standard Range model is introduced. Powered by its rear wheels, the Standard Range can travel up to 244 miles on a charge. Tesla produced few Standard Range models this year, so finding one may prove difficult.
See used Tesla Model Y EVs in your area.
A Word About Range
The range figures quoted by the manufacturer are EPA estimates based on ideal driving conditions. Factors affecting range include driving style, i.e., do you feather the throttle or mash it to the floor? Outdoor temperatures can also affect range, especially extreme cold or heat. In cold weather, preconditioning the battery helps minimize power loss. So long as the car remains plugged into the charger, preconditioning won’t drain the battery. Charging times may slow drastically if you don’t precondition the battery pack. Similarly, driving in extreme heat (over 95 degrees Fahrenheit) consumes more electricity, as an EV requires power to help cool its battery. Batteries near or at the maximum temperature limits may shut down charging for safety reasons.
Does the Tesla Model Y Qualify for a Used EV Tax Credit?
While the IRS did offer a used EV tax credit, it expired on September 30, 2025, and is no longer available.
What to Consider When Buying a Used Tesla Model Y
Battery Life
The Model Y battery is warranted for eight years or 120,000 miles (100,000 miles for rear-wheel drive (RWD)). Because battery and software technology constantly evolve, the best estimate is that the Model Y battery should last approximately 10 years, after which it may begin to degrade, holding less and less of its original charge. Should the battery fail, you’re looking at about $10,000 to $15,000 to replace the packs, which Tesla tends to remanufacture rather than replace. Some Reddit users report paying $16,000 to $22,000 for a replacement. Late model 2022 and newer Model Y SUVs use built-in software to test the battery’s health.
Storage and Charging
If you buy a used Model Y, it’s best to have a garage or covered carport. Either allows you to purchase and install a Tesla home charging unit to charge your Model Y overnight. A Level 2 home charger typically costs around $550, but installation can range from $500 to several thousand dollars, depending on your home’s electrical setup and labor costs in your region.
Long-Term Ownership
Tesla says it designed the Model Y’s drive unit and body to go a million miles — with proper care and maintenance. However, some Model Y vehicles have reported rust and corrosion issues, especially in areas that use road salt during harsh winters. It also occurs where engineers ground wires to the body with steel bolts. Other reports for early models include water leaking into the cabin and rear hatch, broken door handles, and power seat failure. Tesla does offer a 12-year/Unlimited mileage corrosion warranty. With minimal moving parts to fail, the Model Y should last as long as or longer than a comparable ICE car or truck. Unlike conventional cars and SUVs, the Model Y’s over-the-air updates allow Tesla to resolve many issues with a simple software update.
Resale
This may be the most challenging part of buying any used electric vehicle (EV). Any sales slowdown can cause a glut of new electric cars to flood dealer lots, meaning used EVs will compete for the same customer base as new ones. In addition, Tesla frequently changes its base pricing model, making it tricky to determine if you’re getting a good deal. A late-model Model Y is probably the best bet, giving buyers more features, fewer problems, and greater range than an early model for only a bit of money.
Tesla Model Y Years to Avoid
The 2020 and 2021 models use older chip and battery technology, which negates some of the latest over-the-air updates. They also lack features like a heated steering wheel and a softer, more comfortable suspension. These first- and second-year Model Y SUVs also suffered from less-than-stellar build quality, numerous recalls, and some issues with the advanced driver tech.
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Editor’s Note: We have updated this article since its initial publication.
