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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | EV |
| Base Price | $46,339–$55,776 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.5/10, the 2026 Tesla Model Y earns a Recommended rating among the evs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 9.0/10, while Reliability at 6.3/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.3/10 — 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 — 8.9/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.0/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 9.0/10 — 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 $46,339–$55,776, fully electric, seating 5, the Tesla Model Y sits in the premium tier of the ev category. Value lands at 7.2/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. As the current model year, it benefits from the latest updates and full manufacturer warranty coverage.
Bottom line: Think of the 2026 Tesla Model Y as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in reliability are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
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 2026 Tesla Model Y ranks #143 of 268 evs in the Carivo database — better than 47% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.6/10. Its $46,339 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $52,750 by about 12%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full EV ranking → · Best EVs under $50k →
Across the Model Y model years we've scored, the 2026 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 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $46,339 | |
| 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 | 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.
| Visibility / Windshield wiper/washer / Linkages 30/05/2025 · 25V359000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model Y vehicles. The hose connector may block the windshield washer nozzles, preventing washer fluid from reaching the windshield. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor… |
|---|---|
| Seats / Critical fasteners 18/06/2025 · 25V410000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The fasteners attaching the seat back to the seat bottom may have been improperly tightened. |
| Electrical system / Horn 28/07/2025 · 25V490000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model Y vehicles. The ring terminal of the horn ground wire may be improperly secured, allowing the circuit to open and preventing the horn from sounding. |
| Electrical system / Wiring 01/10/2025 · 25V658000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2026 Model Y vehicles. The reverse lights may fail to illuminate while the vehicle is in reverse, due to a defect in the wiring. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle… |
| Electrical system / Propulsion system / Fuses, relays, contacts, and shunts 10/10/2025 · 25V690000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2025 Model 3 and 2026 Model Y vehicles. The battery pack contactors may fail, causing a loss of drive power. |
Showing 5 of 6 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
We rate the 2026 Tesla Model Y's reliability 6.3/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
6 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 7.5/10 overall, ranking #143 of 268 evs in our database (better than 47% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2026 Tesla Model Y starts at $46,339 and ranges up to $55,776 across trims (MSRP when new). It is fully electric, so per-mile running costs are typically the lowest in its class.
Explore the full lineup of Tesla models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.