The Tesla Model Y is, in many ways, identical to the older generation Model 3. We were left impressed by the automaker’s ability to combine range and performance into a competitively priced SUV, for which it received our Best Buy award.
When it comes to audio, all variants of the Model Y in the UK and Europe, share the same 14-speaker premium audio system as the Model 3 Long Range and Performance. However, in certain markets such as in the USA, the Model Y Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive only houses seven speakers. We haven’t tested the downgraded audio system, as it’s not available in the UK.
Click here to read the full Tesla Model Y review
Tesla Model Y audio setup
To tinker with the vehicle’s audio settings, you’ll have to navigate to the ‘Audio Settings’ tab on the 15″ infotainment system. Here, you’ll find a five-band equaliser, here re out optimal settings:
- Sub: +0
- Bass: -2
- Lower Mids: +0
- Mids: +0
- Upper Mids: +0
- Treble/Highs: -0.5
- Immersive Sound: Standard
We set the Immersive Sound to ‘Standard’, as we felt this yielded a good blend of accuracy and a widened soundstage, however, should you wish to sacrifice dynamism but better vocal accuracy, take one notch off the Standard setting.
To connect up to the vehicle’s audio system using your smartphone, you’ll be limited to using Bluetooth only – the USB Type-C ports are used for charging only. Tesla’s infotainment system doesn’t support Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, and as such this is the only way to playback media files from a phone. Here, the system supports the AAC and SBC codecs; it’s a shame that the aptX and LDAC codecs aren’t included.
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On the plus side, there is the option to plug in a USB drive – which must be formatted to FAT32 – which will allow you to playback MP3 and higher-resolution files, such as FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec File) and WAV formats – up to 24-bit 192 kHz is supported. This makes the Model Y among a finite number of vehicles that support higher resolution playback – ideal for budding audiophiles.
There is also higher resolution playback available via streaming platforms such as Spotify, Tidal, YouTube Music and video streaming platforms, such as Netflix, YouTube and Twitch. This is included as part of the Premium Connectivity subscription which comes with a 30-day free trial and thereafter costs £10 a month.
As for media controls, there are the onscreen touch controls and physical buttons on the steering wheel. When the latter is pressed it pauses or resumes playback, and when shifted to the left or right will go back or skip a track, respectively. If you roll the wheel upwards or downwards it’ll adjust the media volume.
Read next: BMW iX1 (BMW X1) audio review: Harman Kardon upgrade?
Tesla Model Y audio performance
For a demo of the Model Y’s audio system head on over to our YouTube channel.
When it comes to its audio configuration, the Model Y has nine speakers located at the front of the cabin, four at the rear and a subwoofer in the boot. There are also two amplifiers that help drive power to all the audio drivers.
We reached out to Tesla to get further details of the vehicle’s audio configuration, but the automaker couldn’t divulge this information. It’s worth noting that the Model Y and Model 3 both used to have a 15-speaker (or 14+1) setup. We suspect Tesla removed the centre 1″ 25W dashboard tweeter from its newer models, bringing the system down to 14 speakers including a subwoofer (13+1).
As such, at the front of the cabin, you have three 4″ 33W mid-range drivers that are located at the front cowl (the area between the dashboard and windscreen) – one on either side and a third at the centre of the cowl. There’s a 1″ 25W tweeter located by each of the front door triangles. Past that, there’s a 2.5″ 2W mid-range driver that can be found on both the A-pillars, and rounding off the front of the cabin, there’s an 8″ 80W woofer within each of the front doors.
At the rear of the cabin, there’s a 4″ 33W mid-range driver located on each of the rear doors, and an identical speaker found towards the rear boot lid (note, unlike the Model 3, this is further back, as the Model Y omits a rear parcel shelf). To complete the system, a 160W subwoofer resides in the boot.
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If these wattage and driver sizes are correct – as we’ve based this on unofficial information sourced from the Model 3 – it would yield a total peak output of 605 Watts. Despite all that power, the Model Y is a little shy of perfection in its sub-bass extension. While it’s not cut short nor lacks that low-end oomph, it can’t compete with the Harman Kardon subwoofer found within the BMW i4 and Volvo XC40 Recharge nor the large Naim Audio sub in the Bentley Betayga Hybrid.
The mid-bass quantity and quality, however, are faultless; with two decibels taken off the Bass EQ, we find listening to ArrDee & Aitch’s collaboration, titled ‘War’ both exciting and engaging. No matter where you’re sat, the mid-bass frequencies are exquisitely reproduced.
Now one might think that the mids take a massive hit, but that’s anything but the case. The Model Y, much like its sibling the Model 3, delivers phenomenal class-leading mid-range reproduction. Unlike the Volvo XC40 Recharge, Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Jaguar I-Pace, BMW iX3, Audi Q4 e-tron, Mercedes EQA and even the Bentley Betayga Hybrid to name just a few other SUVs, the Model Y stands ahead of all of its competitors. The forward-sounding mids accurately portray male and female vocals, and don’t sound pushed back either. Truly remarkable.
Moving onto the highs, they extend tremendously well, by providing plenty of excitement. We’d suggest reducing the treble EQ by 0.5 dB to tail off the harshness that one might hear at louder volumes. Of course, that’s dependent on your hearing sensitivity.
As for its soundstage, it’s very impressive. Leaving the ‘Immersive Sound’ on ‘Standard’ provides both a reference sound and one that’s more engaging than with the option fully disabled; dialling it to ‘High’ results in a loss of accuracy in the mid-range tones, as vocals are seemingly pushed back a slither.
In comparison to the Model 3, however, Tesla’s larger vehicle has its rear speakers within the boot itself rather than the rear parcel shelf. This means the sound has further to travel before it hits your eardrums, especially if you’re sat at the front of the cabin. As such, the Model Y is slightly less engaging than its saloon alternative or other SUVs that have more audio drivers at the rear of the cabin. To counteract this, Tesla could release a firmware update to include a dedicated ‘Rear Surround’ setting, a feature that’s found within a few rival systems.
Nonetheless, the Model Y’s overall soundstage reproduction is excellent. Combined with fantastic instrument separation, Santana’s live recording of ‘Africa Bamba’ comes to life within the SUV; it’s a real pleasure to hear the harmony between guitar strums, trumpets, vocals, and drums among other instruments within the Model Y’s cabin.
Our biggest complaint about the Model Y’s audio system isn’t actually of the speakers themselves nor the positioning but rather the cabin noise. Using a sound meter and with either the 19” ‘Gemini Wheels or 20″ ‘Induction Wheels’ fitted we recorded, 36 dBA at a standstill; 54-57 dBA, while driving at 20-30mph; 61-66 dBA, while driving at 40mph; and 71-74 dBA when at 70mph.
Furthermore, we could hear some unwanted low-end reverberations and rattle when traversing over bumpier terrain – it’s not as severe as the likes of the MG ZS EV, but is still present. Something we’ve not noted in any of the other Teslas that we’ve tested and the vast majority of its competitors.
Indeed, the cabin isn’t as serene as the BMW iX3 or its sibling the Model 3, especially at higher speeds. Just for comparison, the saloon is quieter with a tested 35-36 dBA at a standstill; 54-58 dBA at 20-30mph; 60-64 dBA at 40mph; and 69-72 dBA at 70mph.
Read next: New Tesla Model 3 audio review: Standard vs Long Range sound
TotallyEV’s verdict on the Tesla Model Y’s audio system
Granted the Model Y’s cabin isn’t as well insulated as the Model 3 nor does it produce a perfect sub-bass extension, but it is otherwise a faultless sound system and one that we’d classify as class-leading. Frankly, we can’t think of a better-sounding all-electric SUV. As such, the Model Y gets TotallyEV’s Audio Excellence award, and receives one of the highest ratings we’ve given to an in-car audio system.
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How would you rate the Model Y’s audio system? Let us know in the comments section below or via social media; we’re on: YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn.
What was the VIN number on the car you tested? And what month was it built?
That’s not info we’re willing to share.
Justine has a good question. I’ve had two Model Ys now and the build quality varies between them so much. My 2022 somehow is louder at speed than my 2021.
They added many changes in 2021 (in comparison to the first model Ys in 2020) to quiet the cabin.
Well, what we can say is that the model on review was a 2021 plate; so, pretty new!
I’m confused – you say there’s one speak in the boot, however in your photos, there are two visible.
Which is correct, one or two speakers?
Thanks
Indeed, think you’re getting confused! There are two speakers within the boot lid and a subwoofer within the boot itself. It might make more sense to re-read the segment and look at the pictures again. Hope that clears things up!
I felt noise becomes noticeable over 40 miles and unpleasant at like 70 mph. How do you feel the sound at speed?
Cabin noise measurements and our comments are in the review!
How can it be leading class, without aux jack or aptx? I get there is a pay wall for media package and you could use an apple product. However almost any wirelss audio device would not overlook aptx. It affects many and their ability hear any benefit from hardware.
Compatability is important in tech.
Challenge: Connect a nintendo switch to the car for audio.
Hi if you wanted to improve the sound in the Y what changes to the system do you think would make the biggest difference please – speakers, amp, sub , DSP and do you have any recommendations?
Thanks
Probably the subwoofer, presuming the stock amp can take the increased power output. But, frankly, not sure why you’d want to alter the sound as it’s phenomenal for a ‘stock’ system.
Thanks Christopher I agree it is good but I feel it’s lacking some of the depth my other car has which does have an upgraded system. However I’m struggling to understand if I can make a noticeable change without a huge over haul incurring significant cost for relatively little gain – somewhat of a first world problem I know.
There are some cool aftermarket sub packages for the Y like NVX and Orella