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Tesla has now staked its claim that the Model Y is the most efficient electric SUV. Specifically, the automaker says this about the all-wheel drive version of the Tesla Model Y. The great thing for consumers is that the Model Y is already one of Tesla’s cheapest vehicles, which isn’t saying much for the luxury automaker. Here’s a look into the Model Y range and how it compares to its rivals. 

Tesla Model Y range 

Tweet from the official Tesla Twitter account | Twitter

People have long known that the Model Y is a super-efficient SUV. According to Car and Driver, the Tesla Model Y Performance has a range of 303 miles on a charge. The Model Y Long Range version is where the vehicle really shines with its 330 miles on a single charge. This means an estimated 127 MPGe in the city and 117 on the highway for the ladder. Regarding Tesla’s Twitter claim, it states that the Tesla Model Y AWD is the most efficient SUV ever built. 

However, the automaker has faced some friendly pushback regarding the claim. No one doubts the Model Y’s range, but it has been pointed out that the all-wheel drive Tesla Model Y isn’t even the automaker’s most efficient. This is because the rear-wheel drive version of the SUV has significantly more range. It has 129 combined city and highway whereas the AWD Tesla Model Y offers 123 miles combined. Still, the all-wheel drive versions of the Model Y offer the most total range on a single charge. 

Tesla Model Y price drop

Tesla Model Y in white
Tesla Model Y | Photo by CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images

The Automaker also has a bit of other positive news for customers in some parts of the world. Amid claims of the Tesla Model Y being the most efficient SUV ever built, the prices have also been slashed. The Tesla Y was already one of the automaker’s cheapest rides, but now it’s even more so. According to reports, the price for the Tesla all-wheel drive SUV went from $49,990 to $46,990. Additionally, the Long Range version decreased from $52,990 to $49,990. This represents a $3,000 difference for both.

Now, the Model Y sales for below the average cost of new vehicles. This data comes from March, as the average new car in America sold for around $48,008, whereas the Model Y went for $47,240. Additionally, people who bought new EVs in March paid an average of $58,940. When 2023 started, the Tesla Y sold for around $65,990. However, the automaker has begun to hike prices in certain markets, such as the US and China.

Rivals

One of the closest rivals to the Model Y is the Hyundai Kona due to its range and price. It uses one electric motor and has a total range of 258 miles. This is lower than both the Tesla Model Y Performance and the Long Range version, but it’s also a much cheaper vehicle. Additionally, it’s perfect for day-to-day commutes.

The Polestar 2 is another rival to the Tesla SUV. It is cheaper than the Model Y and offers up to 270 miles on a single charge. Buyers can get the Polestar 2 with either a single or dual motor.

As it has for some time now, the Tesla Y price will continue to fluctuate. Currently, the SUV is as affordable as much more common options than the entry-level luxury SUV. However, what probably won’t change anytime soon is that the Model Y is the most efficient SUV regarding total range.

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