Compare the2023 BMW X2VS 2023 Tesla Model Y

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the X2’s standard Hill Descent Control allows you to creep down safely. The Model Y doesn’t offer Hill Descent Control.

The X2 has standard BMW Assist, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in, help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The Model Y doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the X2 and the Model Y have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, and available all wheel drive.

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the X2 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Tesla doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Model Y.

There are over 2 times as many BMW dealers as there are Tesla dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the X2’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the X2’s reliability 12 points higher than the Model Y.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the X2 third among small premium SUVs in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The Model Y isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Tesla vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in initial quality. With 61 more problems per 100 vehicles, Tesla is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Tesla vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW third in overall reliability. Tesla is ranked 19th.

The X2’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The Model Y doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the X2 M35i’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the Model Y:

The X2 stops shorter than the Model Y:

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the X2 can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The Model Y doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The X2 offers an optional space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Model Y; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

The X2 has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the X2 flat and controlled during cornering. The Model Y’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The X2 offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Model Y’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The X2 xDrive28i handles at .91 G’s, while the Model Y Long Range pulls only .88 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the X2’s turning circle is 2.6 feet tighter than the Model Y’s (37.2 feet vs. 39.8 feet).

For greater off-road capability the X2 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Model Y (7.2 vs. 6.6 inches), allowing the X2 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The BMW X2 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 650 to 850 pounds less than the Tesla Model Y.

The X2 is 1 foot, 2.8 inches shorter than the Model Y, making the X2 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

As tested by Car and Driver while under full throttle, the interior of the X2 xDrive28i is quieter than the Model Y Long Range (72 vs. 73 dB).

The X2 has a much larger cargo volume than the Model Y with its rear seat up (21.6 vs. 16.9 cubic feet).

A Condition-Based Service Display is standard on the X2 to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals for oil changes and spark plug replacement, vehicle inspection based on actual driving conditions. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Tesla doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the Model Y.

The X2 offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Model Y doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the X2 has a standard rear wiper. The Model Y doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

Consumer Reports rated the X2’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the Model Y’s headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the X2 has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Model Y doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The X2’s standard side window demisters help clear frost or condensation from the side windows in the winter. The Model Y doesn’t even offer side window demisters, so the driver may have to wipe the windows from the outside to gain side vision.

The X2 is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The Model Y doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Insurance will cost less for the X2 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the X2 will cost $70 to $2590 less than the Model Y over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the BMW X2 will be $3387 to $10638 less than for the Tesla Model Y.

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW X2, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Tesla Model Y isn't recommended.