carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | EV |
| Base Price | $39,591–$49,576 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.4/10, the 2020 Tesla Model Y earns a Good rating among the evs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.9/10, while Reliability at 6.1/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional ev — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.1/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. Safety is a strength too — 8.7/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.9/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 8.9/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $39,591–$49,576, 118 MPG, seating 5, the Tesla Model Y sits in the mid-market bracket of the ev segment. The value score of 6.9/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2020 Tesla Model Y, but it needs the right buyer. Its value and performance and reliability scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2020 Tesla Model Y ranks #176 of 268 evs in the Carivo database — better than 35% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.6/10. Its $39,591 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $52,750 by about 25%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full EV ranking →
Across the Model Y model years we've scored, the 2020 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.5/10 | $46,339 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.5/10 | $46,339 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.5/10 | $44,990 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.4/10 | $43,640 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.4/10 | $42,290 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.4/10 | $40,940 | Read review → |
| 2020 (this review) | 7.4/10 | $39,591 |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Electrical system / Adas / Autonomous/self driving / Software 27/01/2022 · 22V037000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through… |
|---|---|
| Suspension 21/11/2021 · 21V912000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The front and rear suspension knuckles may fracture, causing the suspension links to separate. |
| Suspension / Critical fasteners 25/10/2021 · 21V835000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Model Y and 2019-2021 Model 3 vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame. |
| Electrical system / Software 01/02/2022 · 22V045000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles… |
| Exterior lighting 30/09/2020 · 20V609000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020 Model Y vehicles equipped with a global rear lamp and tow package configuration. A software error prevents the illumination of trailer brake lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the… |
Showing 5 of 23 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Explore the full lineup of Tesla models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.