Awesome, thanks! Yeah I have seen some of the reviews but thought it would be interesting to get the perspective of someone who previously owned for a while.
So less than a day into this and already have some stronger opinions of the car, our decision, etc.. We absolutely made the right choice, for us anyway! I was still unsure whether or not I made a mistake by selling the X. We LOVED that car. Sure, the X is not without its flaws and quirks, but ours was perfect and probably the most reliable car we’ve ever owned. Definitely the most maintenance-free car I have ever owned.
The Y is quite a bit smaller, and yet it’s not. Like 20% smaller overall. But it does not feel that way inside. The 2nd row passengers have more leg room in the Y and there are usable door and seat pockets. Better view and much more open feel for 2nd row vs. the X. The seats are very comfortable. I already knew that from sitting in a Model 3 a few times. I have not experienced these seats for long car trips and will reserve final judgement until then. While I liked the driver’s seat in the X and all the additional adjustments, I think I like the front seats in the Y better for initial comfort.
The front area is nice and open and we feel like we’re sitting more forward than in the X. The sound system compares favorably with the premium audio upgrade in the X (now standard in the X as of the past year or two).
Our X was a Performance model so was quicker off the line if we punched it. But the LR AWD Y is still plenty quick as a daily driver and surprisingly a lot more agile than the X. The Y is very fun to drive. It’s not a Performance Model 3 with Track Mode for that type of experience, but it’s very responsive and drives better than any other crossover/ XUV I’ve driven.
Looking it all over and driving it again this morning, still no issues to be found. The rear seat misalignment is actually not a misalignment at all. The pedantic engineer in me took it upon himself to do some measurements. It’s an upholstery issue where the vegan “leather” has a bit more slack in it on the top of the right rear seat. I love the black door handles and trim along with the black Induction wheels that match. They contrast amazingly well with the white exterior. I think Tesla should have made their logo emblems and the dual motor badge matching black for the Model Y. I’m going to black them out. Would have liked an option for a black headliner and dash trim in the cabin. Not a fan of the glossy piano black on the center console. It’s been less than a day and is already a fingerprint magnet and I’m worried I’m going to scratch it just by looking at it.
When we bought our X, the third row was a necessity. Now we don’t need it and the third row in the X was always kid-sized anyway. Yes, adults, even some pretty big guys, can fit in that third row for quick trips, but long car rides turn that third row into a torture chamber for most anyone of average to larger adult size. For those times we absolutely need a third row, or to seat 7, we have another large SUV. But like I said, that’s not really a thing anymore with our kids driving themselves.
All things considered, the only things I’m going to miss from the X are the doors and the HEPA filter system. The Falcon doors were both extremely functional and a giant pain in the ass at the same time. Loved how they opened up access to the 2nd row and allowed for a lot more room in tight parking spaces. But always paranoid when parking under trees, or in parking structures. More than the Falcon doors, I miss pressing on the brake and having my door close. And now we have to actually close doors with a bit of force (like our any other car) instead of gently getting them close and letting the car finish the job. Funny how one gets used to those aspects for a certain car and our brain knows we’re in a Tesla so that’s what we expect. We own several other cars and it’s not like we don’t have to open and close doors normally with them...
I’m sure I’ll have more thoughts and better direct comparisons as time goes on. The Y is a really good fit for our needs at this time. In a way, it’s almost like we outgrew the X, or at least our need for its extra features. In some ways, for me anyway, the interior of the X was always a bit disappointing. I always felt that the interior space was not used as well as it could have been. I like to compare with the Ford Explorer since it’s identical in length, width, height, etc.. as the Model X. Even with the engine, transmission, AWD components and drivetrain, it had way more usable space and leg room for all passengers inside than the Model X. I get the seats are all compressed forward a few inches in the X due to the sharper taper at the rear hatch, but like I said, no engine or other components. The Y does not seem to suffer in this way. Now, it will be interesting to see how they offer a Y with a third row. Without changing the existing seating configuration and without making the car longer, the only way is to put in two rear-facing jump seats for little kids.
