Yahoo Autos I drove the Tesla Model Y and found 7 reasons to buy Elon Musk's $66,000 electric SUV over rivals
Teslas are by far the most popular electric vehicles in the US — and for good reason.
I tested a 2022 Model Y SUV and came away impressed by its quick acceleration, roomy cabin, and tech features.
Tesla's extensive Supercharger network is another great reason to buy one of its EVs.
Driving a Tesla for the first time showed me Elon Musk's electric vehicles aren't all hype. In fact, there are several solid reasons to strongly consider buying from Tesla instead of one of its many rivals, depending on your particular preferences.
The 2022 Model Y SUV I borrowed from a friend recently (Tesla doesn't offer press loans) delivered an attractive combination of cutting-edge tech, minimalist design, and speedy acceleration. For those reasons and more, the popular Y is a great choice for certain buyers — if you can get past its flaws.
Sporty driving
Despite not being the higher-priced Performance version, the Model Y Long Range I sampled was plenty sporty. It leaped forward with the fierce acceleration intrinsic to high-powered electric cars. Pair that quickness with precise steering and a stiff suspension, and you get an all-wheel-drive SUV that's more agile and exciting to drive than most.
Range fit for road trips
Tesla remains one of the range leaders in the US. The Model Y earns a healthy 330-mile estimate from the Environmental Protection Agency. The model I drove has an EPA range of 318 miles (on account of its larger wheels) which is still more than many EVs on offer today.
Packed with tech
The SUV's crisp and feature-packed touchscreen makes it a tech-lover's paradise.
Practically everything in the vehicle is controlled through the super-responsive display, which includes whimsical features like games, a digital whoopee cushion for pranking passengers, and a web browser. Sentry Mode surveils the area around your parked car and records if it senses something fishy.
Moreover, Tesla frequently tweaks capabilities through software updates, just like you'd get on a smartphone.
Some people may be repelled by the idea of relying on a digital interface for basic functions like the A/C and windshield wipers. That's understandable. But for anyone interested in a car that's sort of like an iPhone on wheels, a Tesla is tough to beat.
