Tesla Model Y Standard (2026 – ) Electric review

Given all the noise about robotics, AI and rockets it feels a little strange to have Tesla pitching itself as a value brand with an emphasis on affordability. But here we are, the new Model Y Standard basically a rebranded version of the existing Rear-Wheel Drive and undercutting the rest of the range by a whole seven grand on bottom-line price. Monthly finance costs will be the metric most buyers look at, and Tesla’s own rates look competitive, while the reduced performance of the smaller battery and less powerful motor help reduce insurance costs as well, or so it’s claimed. Stripping some cost and features out of the existing Model Y is the Standard’s way of clawing back some ground on rivals, the broader advantages of Tesla ownership like the amazing Supercharger network still a powerful draw.

Tesla’s tech is well-proven, and the inherent mechanical simplicity of its cars counts in its favour to the point it states there is no commitment to regular servicing like ‘normal’ cars, though you’ll still need an MoT once it’s three years old and you stay on top of tyres, brakes and other ‘consumable’ parts. The four-year warranty should at least cover any issues in most first ownership cycles, though.

If you’re happy trusting everything in your life to tech you’ll find reassurance in Tesla’s dependence on sensors and algorithms to keep you safe. And there are plenty of them claiming to do just that. Those of a more sceptical mindset may be less convinced at the repeated false alarms from emergency braking and forward collision alerts, the parking sensors on our test car going ‘meh’ and flagging a warning of reduced effectiveness on the dash that played out with us nearly backing into a neighbour’s car. Nor are we convinced by the dependence on screen control for everything, especially given the fiddly menus and tiny graphics, both of which demand too much time with eyes off the road to operate.

The Model Y’s spacious cabin makes it a deserved family favourite, the generous rear space and big boot all perfect to fit in with hectic social schedules, school runs and the weekly shop. While the latest Model Y is much-improved Teslas still feel a bit spartan inside, the Standard taking stripped back minimalism to extremes while – bizarrely - still managing to over-complicate simple things like seat adjustment by putting it through the screen. Ride quality and refinement have all been much improved with this ‘Juniper’ generation of Model Y but the Standard still rattles over the bumps more than we’d like, the darty steering still an issue and more aggressive than it needs to be. The emphasis on cheapness pervades into every area of this stripped-back Standard as well, the horrible sounding clang of the lid for the ‘frunk’ a constant reminder of where money has been saved. At a functional level it’s all fine, it’s just any sense of surprise or delight has seemingly been sacrificed in the name of cost.

Tesla spotters – and your neighbours – will likely clock this Standard has been stripped of the snazzy front and rear light bars of fancier Model Ys, the bumpers also a simpler shape in another example of cost-saving minimalism. At least UK buyers get 19-inch wheels rather than the 18s in other markets. You don’t get the additional rear screen seen on other Model Ys, though, so while your wallet may love the stripped back spec your kids will probably hate you. Even more than they already do. At least that main screen comes brimming with all the connected features and tech you’d hope for on a Tesla, including touch-selectable gearshifting, gaming, route-planning to the nearest Supercharger and the ability to use your phone as your key. Which you’ll want to if, like us, the physical swipe card falls out of the cheap cardboard holder and into a puddle. While you can connect your Apple apps there’s still no CarPlay, though, which along with the teeny-tiny icons and fiddly UX remains an ongoing frustration. You do at least get an indicator stalk, which is an improvement over the wheel-mounted haptic ‘buttons’ that appeared on Tesla Model 3s before Tesla backtracked.

Tesla’s ongoing reluctance to share stats on things like battery capacity and power output remain annoying for the number crunchers out there, the only metric you can compare with rivals or other Model Ys being the 0-62mph time and range. The former is quite a bit slower than the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive but still plenty fast enough, the Standard picking up smartly on the throttle and delivering strong, silent acceleration in all situations. You won’t be left wanting on that score, put it that way. Official range of just over 300 miles is also plenty for most routines, this and the reliability and availability of the Supercharger network meaning range anxiety is one thing a Tesla owner never need fear. True, you can go further and faster in other Model Ys. But at some extra cost, and for the real world the Standard is more than enough for most needs.