Which Family EV Comes Out on Top: Tesla Model Y or Skoda Enyaq Coupé?
What’s Really Going On With Tesla’s Recent Struggles?
If you’ve been following the electric car market, you’ve probably noticed that Tesla’s once-unassailable position in Europe is looking a bit shaky. Sales have dipped, profits have taken a hit, and headlines keep swirling about recalls—most recently, the Cybertruck’s stainless steel panels making a bid for freedom on the highway. It’s tempting to pin all this on Elon Musk’s headline-grabbing antics, but the story goes deeper.
Tesla’s challenges aren’t just about PR. The company operates more like a tech firm than a traditional automaker, focusing on software and battery innovation rather than the classic car industry playbook. That means fewer flashy mid-life facelifts and more under-the-hood upgrades. While this approach has kept Tesla ahead in tech, it’s also left some buyers wondering if the cars are really evolving.
How Do the Latest Model Y and Enyaq Coupé Stack Up Visually?
Let’s be honest—looks matter, especially when you’re spending upwards of £50,000 on a family EV. Tesla’s Model Y has finally had a facelift, and the changes are hard to miss. The new Cybertruck-inspired front end, complete with a sleek LED light bar, gives it a sharper, more modern vibe. Around the back, a full-width tail-light adds a bit of drama.
Skoda’s Enyaq Coupé, on the other hand, plays it safe. The bold new ‘Tech-Deck’ nose is the headline, but the rest of the car sticks closely to the original formula. Inside, the Enyaq gets a larger, faster infotainment screen, but otherwise, it’s business as usual—right down to the handy physical shortcut keys and a separate driver display.
Tesla’s interior remains minimalist, dominated by a central touchscreen that controls just about everything. There’s now a proper indicator stalk (finally), and the system is as responsive and intuitive as ever. While the Skoda’s cabin feels a touch more upmarket thanks to richer materials and more intricate design, the Model Y has closed the gap with improved build quality and a more solid feel.
Which Offers More Space and Practicality for Families?
Space is where these two really go toe-to-toe. The Model Y shines with its cavernous load area, clever underfloor storage, and the famous 117-litre frunk. Rear passengers get generous head and legroom, a flat floor, and even a rear touchscreen for climate and seat controls—no more shouting at the driver to turn up the heat.
The Enyaq matches the Model Y for passenger space and adds those thoughtful Skoda touches: umbrellas stashed in the doors, loads of boot dividers, hooks, and nets for organizing your stuff. While it lacks a frunk, its 570-litre boot is more than enough for most families.
Both cars excel at swallowing all the gear a busy family can throw at them, but the Model Y’s versatility and smart storage solutions give it a slight edge.
How Do They Drive? Performance and Comfort Compared
If you’re after a family EV that can still put a smile on your face, both contenders deliver—but in slightly different ways. The Model Y, with its 375bhp and lighter kerb weight, is the clear winner for straight-line speed. It’s genuinely quick, especially in Sport mode, and feels agile thanks to its rear-biased power delivery and sharp throttle response.
The Enyaq’s 282bhp is nothing to sneeze at, but it can’t quite keep up with the Tesla off the line. Where the Skoda fights back is in ride comfort and composure. Its suspension soaks up bumps better, and it’s quieter at motorway speeds, making it a more relaxing long-distance cruiser.
Steering feel is another point of difference. The Tesla’s is quick but a bit numb, while the Skoda’s is slower but better weighted. Both offer plenty of grip and confidence, but the Enyaq feels a touch more settled on rough roads.
What About Tech, Efficiency, and Real-World Range?
Tesla’s reputation for cutting-edge tech is well earned. The Model Y’s software is slick, updates are frequent, and the user experience is second to none. Skoda’s latest infotainment system is a big step forward—responsive and easy to use—but Tesla still leads the pack.
When it comes to range and efficiency, the numbers tell an interesting story. The Model Y claims up to 364 miles (353 with larger wheels), while the Enyaq is rated at 334 miles. Real-world testing backs up Tesla’s advantage: the Model Y returned an impressive 3.8 miles per kWh, compared to the Enyaq’s 3.4. That’s not just a win on paper—it means fewer charging stops on a family road trip.
Both cars are loaded with driver aids, from adaptive cruise to lane-keeping. Tesla relies more on cameras, which can get fussy when dirty, while Skoda sticks with radar. Either way, the systems are easy to manage and mostly unobtrusive.
Is the Tesla Model Y or Skoda Enyaq Better Value for Money?
Here’s where things get interesting. The Model Y Long Range AWD starts at £51,990, just £1,330 more than the Enyaq. But most buyers finance their cars, and on a typical four-year PCP deal, the Tesla actually works out cheaper per month (£499 vs. £527 for the Skoda).
Given Skoda’s reputation for value, it’s a bit of a surprise to see Tesla undercutting them on running costs. Factor in the Model Y’s better efficiency and stronger real-world range, and the numbers start to tip in Tesla’s favor.
What’s the Final Word for Families Choosing Between These Two?
Both the Tesla Model Y and Skoda Enyaq Coupé are outstanding family EVs. They’re practical, comfortable, and packed with the latest tech. The Enyaq remains a refined, thoughtfully designed choice that’s easy to live with and a pleasure to drive.
But by the slimmest of margins, the revised Model Y edges ahead. It fixes most of its predecessor’s flaws, delivers class-leading efficiency and performance, and now offers a more appealing design and improved build quality. For families who want a spacious, innovative, and surprisingly cost-effective electric SUV, the Model Y is hard to beat.
Of course, personal taste and brand loyalty still matter. But if you’re weighing up the numbers and looking for the most complete family EV package right now, Tesla’s latest update just might tip the scales.