I Bought a 2022 Tesla Model Y For My Wife, But She Doesn’t Like It, Says It’s Too Tall, and Too Fast, Guess I’ll Get Her a Step Stool and Put It In Chill Mode

You won't believe how a husband's surprise Tesla Model Y gift for his wife's birthday backfired because it was too big and too fast, yet now he's considering selling his trusty truck for one!

Keoni Ahlo shared this on the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Owners Club Facebook page. He says, 

"Aloha! My name is Keoni, I live on Oahu, Hawaii, and I just bought my first Tesla a few weeks ago: a used 2022 Model Y LR 7-seater. I actually bought it for my wife for her birthday as a surprise— unfortunately, she feels it's too big for her because she's too short to get in/out easily, and she also said it's too fast (?!?). I guess that means I need to buy her a step stool and put it in "Chill" mode when she drives." 

"I have personally fallen in love with the car—so much so, that I'm thinking of selling my truck and using it as my primary vehicle. Maybe buy her a matching Model 3. It stresses me out, thinking that I won't have a truck!"

The Great Tesla Trade-Off:

Keoni's recent purchase of a used 2022 Tesla Model Y Long Range 7-seater for his wife is an example of once you've tasted the forbidden fruit, it's hard to go back. That instantaneous, silent torque—and now he's hooked. But his wife isn't sold, yet: She says it's "too big" and "too fast." These are real barriers to EV adoption, and I'll address both issues. Neither is a dealbreaker; both are manageable with simple adjustments.

"It's Too Big"

His wife's feeling that the Model Y is "too big" primarily translates to the entry and exit height. The Model Y is a crossover, sitting higher than a sedan, but lower than most full-size trucks. Here's how we fix that and start making the Tesla Model Y comfortable for short drivers:

The Seat Profile: Use the driver profile to move the seat to its highest possible setting. Crucially, use the Easy Entry feature, which automatically moves the seat back and the steering wheel up when the car is put in Park and the door opens. This creates maximum space for getting in and out.

The Right Step Stool: Keoni was joking about a step stool, but it's a good solution —skip the bulky hardware store options. Look for a specific, low-profile folding step stool designed for car detailing or RV entry. These fold flat and can be easily stored in the sub-trunk (or even the side cubby in the main trunk) when not in use. They provide that extra 6–8 inches needed to swing legs over the seat bolster comfortably.

"It's Too Fast"

The "too fast" comment is common. Traditional internal combustion engines (ICEs) ramp up acceleration; EVs, especially performance-oriented dual-motor versions like the Model Y LR, deliver instant torque, which can feel overwhelming. The solution he already identified—"Chill" mode—is effective for managing instant torque anxiety in the Tesla Model Y.

"Chill" mode remaps the accelerator pedal's response curve, requiring a much deeper press to access the full power, resulting in smooth, linear acceleration akin to a standard gasoline SUV. It's ideal for daily driving, city traffic, and passenger comfort.

The Takeaway: Set Chill mode to the driver profile permanently. Tell her to drive it for two weeks exclusively in Chill mode; the smoothness will win her over before she even notices the lower acceleration.

What the Community is Saying

Across Reddit forums and private Facebook groups, two common refrains emerge regarding the Model Y:

• On Chill Mode: "I drive almost exclusively in Chill mode. I like the smoothness. It's still faster than 90% of the cars out there, and my passengers (and my wife!) are far more comfortable." — u/legendaryxtra (Reddit)
• On Truck Replacement: "I came from a lifted Tundra to a MYP, no regrets. You lose the 'throw it in the back' functionality, but the cost savings and the fun factor make up for it. For the three times a year I actually need a bed, I rent one for $20." — u/Raptor07 (Model Y Owners Group)
• On Comfort: "The easy-entry profile is a game-changer for short drivers. It's essentially a built-in step-out feature. Pair that with a rubber floor mat step-stool, and access anxiety disappears." — u/kevinjenkins27 (Reddit)

Going From a Truck To an EV

Selling a truck for an EV is a big leap. Trucks are about utility, preparedness, and identity. Keoni is worried about switching from a pickup truck to a Tesla Model Y utility because he feels he's giving up capability.

The Model Y's Hidden Utility

The Model Y is a utility vehicle in disguise. While it lacks a bed, it boasts four distinct storage zones:

• The Rear Cargo Area: Massive, especially when the 7-seat third row is folded flat.
• The Sub-Trunk: A cavernous storage well perfect for hiding cables, tools, or even two bags of groceries.
• The Frunk (Front Trunk): Perfect for insulating groceries or carrying dirty sports gear separate from the cabin.
• The Tow Hitch: This is your true truck replacement feature. Your 2022 MYLR can tow up to 3,500 lbs (with the proper tow package). If you need to haul lumber, mulch, or take a jet ski to the beach, a small utility trailer is far more practical than keeping a full-size truck for occasional use.

Keoni is Not Alone

I recently covered a story that resonates with Keoni's situation and the unexpected emotional shift that comes with EV ownership. The customization and involvement often replace the tinkering hobby lost with ICE cars:

The owner confessed, "I Had No Idea When I Bought This Tesla Model Y I'd Be a Car Guy Again, I Spent More Than My Payment in 2 Weeks on Accessories...". The Model Y becomes a canvas for enhancing comfort, tech, and efficiency. You might not be tuning an engine, but you'll be optimizing range, software, and storage.

How the Tesla Model Y can replace a truck boils down to the frequency of need. If you use the truck bed daily for construction, keep the truck. If you use it three times a month for Home Depot runs, a Model Y with a hitch and the option to rent a truck (or use Home Depot's rental service) is a financially superior and far more efficient choice, especially with Hawaii's fuel costs.

What About a Two EV Household?

Keoni's plan to buy his wife a Model 3 is excellent. It is a lower, more maneuverable, and slightly less overwhelming car than the Model Y.

Check out my recent story of Tim letting his wife drive his Tesla Model 3 Performance while he was away. Now she refuses to go back to her Kia Telluride. So now they're a two-Tesla family just three weeks later.

Tim Says, "I Made a Big Mistake Taking My Wife's Telluride To the Airport, and Letting Her Drive My M3P. Now She Won't Drive the Kia."

Conclusion

Keoni is on the cusp of an incredible shift that will revolutionize his family's transportation and save them significant money in the long run. Selling his truck and buying his wife a Model 3 is a good plan.

My Question For Tesla Owners

For those of you who made the switch from a truck/large utility vehicle to a Model Y or Model 3, how often do you truly miss having a truck, and what do you do now when you need to haul something bulky or dirty? Any tips for a former truck owner making the jump? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know what advice you have for potential buyers. 

I'm Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012, bringing over 30 years of automotive expertise to every story. My career began with a consulting role for every major car brand, followed by years as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles—equipping me with a wealth of insider knowledge. I specialize in delivering the latest auto news, sharing compelling owner stories, and providing expert, up-to-date analysis to keep you fully informed.

Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Keoni Ahlo