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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | EV |
| Base Price | $43,640–$55,863 |
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 2023 Tesla Model Y earns a Good rating among the evs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 9.1/10, while Reliability at 6.0/10 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 6.0/10 — 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 — 8.8/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.8/10 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 9.1/10 — 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 $43,640–$55,863, 118 MPG, seating 5, the Tesla Model Y sits in the mid-market bracket of the ev segment. Value lands at 7.1/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2023 Tesla Model Y, but it needs the right buyer. Its 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 2023 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 $43,640 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $52,750 by about 17%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full EV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2020 Tesla Model Y scores 7.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 7.4 — and starts roughly $4,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| 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 (this review) | 7.4/10 | $43,640 | |
| 2022 | 7.4/10 | $42,290 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.4/10 | $40,940 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.4/10 | $39,591 | Read review → |
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.
| Exterior lighting / Tail lights 15/11/2022 · 22V844000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. One or both taillights may intermittently fail to illuminate. |
|---|---|
| Suspension / Subframe/mounting bracket 05/12/2022 · 22V895000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model Y vehicles. The front suspension lateral link fasteners may not have been properly attached to the sub-frame. |
| Steering / Automated/adaptive steering 15/02/2023 · 23V085000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act… |
| Seats / Critical fasteners 27/02/2023 · 23V130000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Model Y vehicles. The bolts securing the second-row seat back frames may not have been securely tightened. |
| Steering / steering wheel/handle bar 30/05/2023 · 23V385000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Model Y vehicles. The steering wheel fastener may be loose. |
Showing 5 of 16 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.