For the first time, I saw that Musk's electric cars aren't all hype. There are a number of reasons to buy from the company instead of one of its competitors.

The Model Y SUV I borrowed from a friend was an attractive combination of cutting-edge tech and minimalist design. The popular Y is a great choice if you can get past its flaws.

Sporty driving

The Tesla Model Y.
The Tesla Model Y.
Tim Levin/Insider

The Model Y Long Range was sporty even though it wasn't the higher priced Performance version. It leaped forward with the power of the electric car. You get an all-wheel-drive SUV that's more fun to drive than most, if you combine that with precise steering and a stiff suspension.

Range fit for road trips

The Tesla Model Y.
The Tesla Model Y.
Tim Levin/Insider

One of the range leaders isTesla. The EPA estimates the Model Y to travel 330 miles. The EPA range of the model I drove is more than any other EV on the market.

Packed with tech

The Tesla Model Y.
The Tesla Model Y.
Tim Levin/Insider

It's a tech-lover's paradise due to its crisp and feature-packed touchscreen.

There are games, a digital whoopee cushion, and a web browser in the vehicle. If it senses something strange, it will record the area around your car.

It's similar to how you'd get on a phone on a software update.

The Tesla Model Y electric SUV.
The Tesla Model Y.
Tim Levin/Insider

Some people might be repelled by the idea of relying on a digital interface for basic functions. It's understandable. If you're interested in a car that's kind of like an Apple phone on wheels, aTesla is a good choice.

Room to stretch out

The Tesla Model Y.
The Tesla Model Y.
Tim Levin/Insider

It is possible to maximize interior space and make things comfortable with the help of the compactness of electric powertrains. Doing away with a transmission, engine, and gas tank will allow for more room for people.

There is a flat floor in the Model Y. The tall glass roof adds to the feeling of openness.

Tons of cargo space

The Tesla Model Y.
The Tesla Model Y.
Tim Levin/Insider

The Model Y has a lot of storage space before you even get to the cargo area.

The Tesla Model Y.
The Tesla Model Y.
Tim Levin/Insider

The Y has more usable storage space with the back seats folded than most competitors.

Unique, minimalist design

The Tesla Model Y.
The Tesla Model Y.
Tim Levin/Insider

The Model Y's interior is remarkably minimalist and unlike that of any other car on the road. The cabin doesn't come off as sterile.

I felt like I was driving something special because of the environment.

Effortless Supercharging

The Tesla Model Y electric SUV.
The Tesla Model Y.
Tim Levin/Insider

It's incredibly easy to charge up when you're on the go. When I showed up the vehicle had already warmed the battery to the ideal temperature for quick charging, after finding a plug in the Y's screen.

The Model Y started slurping up those sweet, sweet electrons after I hopped out. Charging with other models can involve fumbling with credit cards, phone apps, or customer service.