Tesla Model Y vs CUPRA Tavascan

The Tesla Model Y starts from $65,900 before on-road costs, while the CUPRA Tavascan opens at $66,490. That makes the Tesla Model Y the more affordable entry point by $590.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $72,490 and $73,139 respectively.

Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.

The Tesla Model Y holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the CUPRA Tavascan. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the Tesla Model Y and 89% for the CUPRA Tavascan.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The CUPRA Tavascan packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 8 in the Tesla Model Y.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Tesla Model Y and 7 in the CUPRA Tavascan. The CUPRA Tavascan adds a 360-degree camera that the Tesla Model Y misses.

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The Tesla Model Y features a 16-inch touchscreen, while the CUPRA Tavascan gets a 15-inch display and 5.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Tesla Model Y stands out with Apple CarPlay and panoramic roof that you will not find on the CUPRA Tavascan. The CUPRA Tavascan counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Tesla Model Y gets vegan leather upholstery while the CUPRA Tavascan offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Tesla Model Y and 3-zone in the CUPRA Tavascan.

The Tesla Model Y uses a Electric Motor producing 255kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds.

The CUPRA Tavascan responds with a Electric Motor making 210kW and 545Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds.

The Tesla Model Y has the clear power advantage at 255kW vs 210kW. In the real-world sprint, the Tesla Model Y is 0.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 60kWh (Tesla Model Y) vs 77kWh (CUPRA Tavascan). DC fast charging peaks at 175kW (Tesla Model Y) vs 135kW (CUPRA Tavascan).

The Tesla Model Y measures 4,792mm long on a 2,890mm wheelbase, 148mm longer than the CUPRA Tavascan at 4,644mm (2,766mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Tesla Model Y generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 854L in the Tesla Model Y and 540L in the CUPRA Tavascan, giving the Tesla Model Y a 314L advantage.

For towing, the Tesla Model Y leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years (Tesla Model Y) vs 5 years / 999,999km (CUPRA Tavascan). Both match on warranty length.