Tesla has faced a challenging period, with falling sales, reduced profits and several high-profile recalls drawing negative attention.
Much of the commentary has focused on CEO Elon Musk, but the reasons are broader. Tesla operates more like a technology company than a traditional car manufacturer, prioritising software and battery development over frequent visual updates.
The Model Y, Tesla’s best-selling car in Europe until recently, has now received a facelift designed to distinguish it from earlier versions clearly.
At the same time, Skoda has updated the Enyaq and Enyaq Coupé, a car already well regarded in the family EV segment.
This comparison examines how these two refreshed electric SUVs compare to each other. Which will emerge victorious?
Design and Interior
Visually, the updated Model Y is the more striking of the two. While its side profile remains familiar, the front end adopts a cleaner, more modern look with a slim LED light bar, and the rear gains a full-width illuminated light strip. The changes make it clear this is a new version rather than a minor update.
The Enyaq receives Skoda’s new “Tech-Deck” front end, but otherwise looks much the same as before. Inside, the Skoda also feels familiar, though it benefits from a revised 13-inch infotainment screen that is faster and more responsive than before. Unlike the Tesla, it retains physical shortcut buttons and a dedicated driver display.
Tesla’s interior remains minimalist, with nearly all functions controlled through the central touchscreen. The system is intuitive and quick to respond, and the inclusion of a traditional indicator stalk is a welcome return.
While the Skoda’s cabin feels slightly more premium in design and materials, build quality and perceived solidity are now very similar in both cars.
Space and Practicality
Both vehicles perform strongly in terms of space and everyday usability.
The Model Y stands out for its versatility, offering a large trunk with underfloor storage as well as a sizeable front boot (frunk). Its trunk measures 854 litres, which expands to a huge 2000 litres with the seats folded flat. Rear passengers benefit from generous legroom, a flat floor and reclining rear seatbacks. A small rear touchscreen allows passengers to adjust climate settings and heated seats independently.
The Enyaq closely matches the Tesla for passenger room and boot capacity, but lacks a usable front trunk. It offers 585 litres at the back, which expands to 1710 litres with the rear seats folded flat. It shines thanks to its thoughtful storage solutions, such as umbrellas stored in the doors and a variety of boot hooks, nets and dividers.
Performance and Handling
In dual-motor form, the Model Y has a clear advantage in outright performance. Its higher power output and lower kerb weight make it feel notably quicker, especially in Sport mode, where throttle response is particularly sharp.
On winding roads, the gap narrows. The Tesla feels more agile thanks to quicker steering and a rear-biased power delivery that allows subtle throttle adjustments mid-corner. Its brake-by-wire system delivers a firm, confidence-inspiring pedal.
The Enyaq’s steering is slower but better weighted, and while it understeers earlier at the limit, it feels more composed over uneven surfaces. Despite being heavier, it controls body movement more effectively on rougher roads. Both cars offer strong traction from their all-wheel-drive systems.
Ride Comfort and Driver Assistance
At low speeds, both cars ride firmly, though the updated Model Y is more comfortable than before. At higher speeds, each settles into a more relaxed stride. The Enyaq has a slight edge in refinement, doing a better job of isolating occupants from road and wind noise.
Both vehicles are equipped with a wide range of driver assistance systems. These are generally unobtrusive, and key features such as lane-keeping assistance are easy to disable. Tesla’s reliance on cameras rather than radar means some alerts can become inconsistent when sensors are obscured by dirt.
Range, Efficiency and Running Costs
On paper, the Model Y offers a longer driving range than the Enyaq. Tesla advertises a range of 629km (391 miles) in long-range, rear-wheel drive versions, which is up near the top of the class. More importantly, it proves more efficient in real-world driving, staying closer to its official figures. This efficiency advantage reflects Tesla’s strengths in battery chemistry, motor efficiency and weight management.
The Skoda is still a good choice for long-distance driving, though. The long-range 85 model produces up to 579km (360 miles) of range, but we found it to be less efficient in real-world driving.
Pricing between the two is close, with the Tesla slightly more expensive to buy outright but marginally cheaper on typical finance deals.
Verdict
Both the Tesla Model Y and Skoda Enyaq are practical, spacious and capable electric family cars with more than enough performance for everyday use. The Enyaq impresses with its comfort, refinement and thoughtful details, while the Model Y counters with stronger performance, better efficiency and competitive running costs.
The margins are small, but taken as a whole, the updated Tesla Model Y just comes out on top. Despite ongoing public-relations challenges for the brand, it remains a highly compelling choice in the electric SUV market.
Final ranking
- Tesla Model Y
- Skoda Enyaq Coupé
