Tesla's Model Y has long been one of the best-selling vehicles in the world, but questions about its safety credentials have followed the brand since its inception. With the 2026-27 model year approaching, Cars.com takes a closer look at how the refreshed Model Y stacks up in crash testing, autonomous driving reliability, and overall risk assessment compared to its rivals. The piece likely weighs the vehicle's strong structural ratings against ongoing concerns about driver-assist systems and the absence of a traditional steering wheel in some configurations. For buyers weighing the Model Y against established competitors like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or the Ford Mustang Mach-E, understanding where Tesla's safety record truly stands is a critical part of the decision.