Tesla Model Y: interior, dashboard & infotainment | DrivingElectric (2024)

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Tesla’s minimalist cabin will continue to divide people, but there’s no arguing its infotainment system is still one of the best in the business

by Shane Wilkinson, Tom Jervis

14 May 2024

  • 1Verdict

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Interior, dashboard & infotainment rating

4.5 out of 5

​When the Tesla Model 3 (the Model Y’s saloon sibling) first arrived, there was nothing quite like its ultra minimalist interior out there. Nowadays, several other models from rival manufacturers have adopted the ‘less is more’’ approach – for better and for worse – with the Model Y mimicking the 3’s cabin almost identically, bar a slightly higher driving position.

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The Model Y follows a very similar design language to the pre-facelift Model 3. Inside, you’ll find the brand’s typically minimalist setup, with a 15-inch touchscreen acting as the dashboard’s centrepiece.

Tesla’s reputation for build quality isn’t exactly immaculate, but we have seen some notable improvements on more recent examples of the Model Y. It still doesn’t feel quite as luxurious inside as some rivals, like the Audi Q4 e-tron, but the standard-fit vegan upholstery and suede door linings do feel reasonably plush.

Tesla Model Y dashboard

Ever heard the phrase “too much of a good thing”? Well, while the Tesla Model Y’s minimalist cabin makes it look strikingly modern, this has ultimately come at the expense of ergonomics. Everything is centred around the giant 15-inch touchscreen, with very few physical controls in sight, bar the indicator stalks and hazard lights. There are no dials or head-up display either; instead, this information is displayed at the right-hand side of the screen.

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As you can expect, having to take your eyes off the road and look down to the centre to check your speed isn’t exactly an ideal setup – we constantly found ourselves accidentally straying over and under the speed limit given we didn’t have this information in our direct line of sight. We think the inclusion of a head-up display would be the ideal compromise, allowing Tesla to keep its minimalist aesthetic without spoiling the ergonomics. We’re not holding out much hope regarding its inclusion in the future, though, especially given the facelifted Tesla Model 3 did not include this piece of equipment in its long list of upgrades.

Equipment, options & accessories

The Tesla Model Y comes with pretty much all the kit you’d want as standard, including the 15-inch touchscreen, wireless charging pad for two smartphones, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, tinted panoramic glass roof, 14-speaker sound system, a heat pump to warm the cabin more efficiently and vegan upholstery. Plus, 19-inch alloy wheels, though you can upgrade to a set of 20-inch rims should you wish.

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You don’t get a traditional key fob with the Model Y, as the keyless entry system automatically recognises your phone as the key. But you also get a credit-card-style key as backup and for valet parking etc. The basic version of Tesla’s Autopilot system, over-the-air update capabilities and a smattering of other tech is fitted to all Model Ys, as well.

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Upgrading to the Long Range version doesn’t get you any extra kit other than the extra motor and bigger battery. However, the Model Y Performance adds lowered suspension, 21-inch alloy wheels, upgraded brakes and aluminium pedals, as well as the extra horsepower.

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Unlike most of its rivals, there is a fairly limited options list with the Model Y. There is the option to upgrade from the base white paint to something a little more vibrant, but this will cost you an arm and a leg – it's no wonder then why most Model Ys you see are in greyscale. You can also add either 'Enhanced' or 'Full Autopilot', thought do note that while Tesla dubs its driver assistance systems as ‘self-driving’, all require the full attention of and occasional inputs from the driver.

Infotainment, apps & sat nav

You might not getApple CarPlay or Android Auto in the Model Y, but Tesla’s infotainment system being as slick as it is makes up for that. The graphics on the huge 15-inch central touchscreen are sharper than most of its rivals and it’s quick to respond, too. Which is especially good considering everything is controlled through the screen, from the climate controls to even opening the glovebox – something that can be a tad frustrating at times.

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The main thing that sets Tesla’s system apart from those used in rivals, however, is the range of additional features it offers. For starters, you have the ability to stream music services like Spotify and Apple Music while you drive along, as well as video services like Netflix, Disney+ and YouTube – provided you’re already signed up for the necessary subscriptions, that is. There’s even a ‘Careoke’ feature which, from our personal experience, is enough to keep a car full of hyperactive musical theatre performers entertained for a three-hour round trip.

Perhaps the biggest stars of the show are the range of video games such as Cuphead and Stardew Valley that come built-in; there’s also a Mario Kart-esque racing game in which you control a miniature Tesla via the car’s steering wheel and pedals! That, alongside things like built-in whoopee cushions on the seats truly makes the Model Y a good choice for the young at heart.

It’s worth mentioning, though, that many of these features, as well as handy things like additional traffic information and satellite-view maps, are only available if you subscribe to Tesla’s £10 per month ‘Premium Connectivity’ service. This comes free for the first 30 days and while it may seem like an annoying additional cost to consider, it’s not a huge amount extra – especially if you’re already forking out for finance or lease payments.

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In This Review
  • 1VerdictFast, efficient and full of fun features, the Tesla Model Y almost does it all
  • Model Y
  • Cars
  • Electric
  • SUV

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Tesla Model Y: interior, dashboard & infotainment | DrivingElectric (3)

Tesla Model Y: interior, dashboard & infotainment | DrivingElectric (4)

Shane Wilkinson

Hello, I’m Shane and I’m the senior content editor both here at DrivingElectric and at our sister title Auto Express. Although I can trace my professional roots back to the radio and podcasting world, my passion (or borderline obsession) with cars saw me switch over to motoring journalism in 2021. From the very start I have been fortunate enough to try out the latest and greatest electric cars on the market, and I’m proud to help people like you make the right EV buying decisions.

Tesla Model Y: interior, dashboard & infotainment | DrivingElectric (2024)

FAQs

Why is my Tesla Model Y screen not working? ›

Shift into Park. Hold down both scroll buttons on the steering wheel until the touchscreen turns black. Wait approximately 30 seconds for the touchscreen to restart. If the touchscreen is still unresponsive or demonstrating unusual behavior after a few minutes, try power cycling the vehicle (if possible).

How do you unlock the inside of a Tesla Model Y? ›

Opening Doors from the Interior

Model Y doors are electrically powered. To open a door while sitting inside, press the button located at the top of the interior door handle while pushing the door open.

How to reboot Tesla Infotainment? ›

Restarting the Touchscreen or Instrument Panel
  1. Shift into Park.
  2. Hold down both scroll buttons on the steering yoke (or steering wheel) until the touchscreen turns black.
  3. Wait approximately 30 seconds for the touchscreen to restart.

Can a Tesla be locked with the key inside? ›

From inside Model S, you can use the touchscreen to lock or unlock doors and trunks, provided a valid key is inside the vehicle. Touch the lock icon on the touchscreen's status bar. When you stop Model S and engage Park, you can choose whether you want doors to unlock or remain locked.

How do I know if my Model Y is locked? ›

While sitting inside Model Y, you can lock and unlock all doors and trunks by touching the lock icon on the touchscreen. The icon changes to indicate whether doors are locked or unlocked. You can also unlock the doors by pressing the Park button on the end of the drive stalk a second time.

How to make your Tesla Y dance? ›

How to make the Tesla Model Y dance?
  1. Preparation. Music selection: First, choose a piece of music with a strong rhythm. ...
  2. Connect devices. Bluetooth pairing: Make sure your Model Y is paired with your smartphone via Bluetooth. ...
  3. Start dance mode. ...
  4. Synchronize movements. ...
  5. Safety First. ...
  6. Share your creations.
Jun 24, 2024

Why has my Tesla screen gone blank? ›

If the touchscreen is unresponsive or demonstrates unusual behavior, reboot it before you power cycle the vehicle (see Restarting the Touchscreen). Shift into Park. On the touchscreen, touch Controls > Safety > Power Off. Wait for at least two minutes without interacting with the vehicle.

How do I turn my Model Y screen back on? ›

If you have a Model Y, press and hold the brake pedal and both scroll wheels. Keep all pressed until the screen comes back on.

How long does a Tesla screen last? ›

He said Tesla's screen, given its reasonable average daily use, would be expected to last between five and six years. “NHTSA has not presented any evidence to suggest that this expected life is outside industry norms or that the ... device itself does not comport with that average lifetime estimate,” Prescott said.

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