After hearing disturbing news about my 2008 Toyota Sienna Limited minivan from my auto mechanic at Foreign Affair, I decided to research possible alternatives in case I needed to replace my van.
One possible alternative was to replace it with a 2021 Tesla Model Y SUV. Another alternative was to look at the 2021 Toyota Sienna AWD XSE option.
When I priced both autos, the prices were quite similar for the base models:
- 2021 Tesla Model Y SUV is $53k (base long-range 320-mile battery capacity)
- 2021 Toyota Sienna AWD XSE is $42k (hybrid)
I scheduled a Tesla test drive at Santana Row for 1:00pm on Saturday, July 17, 2021. When we arrived there, we checked in at Tesla on the first floor, and a Tesla representative showed us the main features of the Tesla and how to drive it.
The Model Y we test-drove had the built-in extra performance mode and autopilot. I could open the door after touching the card to the side of the door pillar. Connecting the card to the car activated it, too.
I drove the white Tesla Model Y back home to determine whether or not it could accommodate my windsurfing and mountain biking gear. With the rear seats folded, I could easily carry my Fanatic 105 FSW windsurfing board and Ezzy Wave sails, masts, and Chinook carbon booms. I was pleasantly surprised by its roominess!
However, my 2011 Specialized S-Works FSR mountain bike would not fit. To carry a mountain bike (without removing the front tire), I would need to purchase a Tesla with a tow hitch attachment to install a reliable bike rack.
The Tesla Model Y had excellent acceleration (especially in Sport mode). The autopilot also impressed me, as it kept the car in the center of the road, even during sharp turns! This car felt truly more advanced than other vehicles we have recently driven.
Tesla Model Y Test-drive Report Card
Positives
- Excellent acceleration in Sport mode
- Excellent autopilot performance (keeping the car in the center)
- It has a fantastic user interface that can be used to configure the vehicle, play Spotify, watch Netflix, and even play video games (when charging). The driving games use the steering wheel and pedals!
- The Tesla software has lots of cool features (auto-car lock, Sentry mode)
- Wireless Qi-compatible phone chargers built-in
- Long-range (310 miles) before recharging
Negatives
- The price is $53,000 without an autopilot or performance mode
- $10,000 for auto-pilot self-driving option (which cannot be fully used in self-driving mode yet)
- Road noise was not significantly lower than my older 2008 Toyota Sienna or 2011 Audi Q5
- Steering felt quite heavy
- The audio does not have much bass (it needs a subwoofer)
- 6 months waiting time for delivery
- Auto insurance is much higher (State Farm)
- 2021 Tesla Model Y: $748 per 6 months
- 2021 Toyota Sienna: $616 per 6 months
- 2008 Toyota Sienna: $452 per 6 month
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