Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Just to set the record straight: I am not a Tesla fanboy.For me, these vehicles lack passion and take much of the fun out of driving. I have driven every model several times, and they seem almost hell-bent on removing driving excitement, as if some engineer in Palo Alto declared joy to be inefficient.Still, that is based on an enthusiast's perspective.AdvertisementAdvertisementFrom the viewpoint of a consumer looking for advanced transportation, it is a whole different story. In fact, my recent experience using the Tesla Model Y's Supervised Full Self-Driving mode proved just how remarkable this technology really is.Tesla's Full Self-Driving system is driver-assistance tech that allows the vehicle to navigate and drive with very little driver input. The catch is that the vehicle constantly monitors the driver for supervision. That is where the "supervised" part comes in. Otherwise, if something went wrong, Tesla, rather than the driver, could be liable. Without that caveat, we would likely be staring straight at Level 3 autonomy.For now, drivers are still required to keep their hands on the wheel and be ready to take control at any moment. Think of it as teaching a very bright robot teenager to drive. It is impressive, but you still keep one eye open.TeslaView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleKey Features of Tesla's Full Self-DrivingThe system uses eight external cameras to provide 360-degree visibility for detecting lanes, vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles.It also employs twelve ultrasonic sensors for short-range object detection.Older models add forward-facing radar for long-range detection.At the center of it all is Tesla's FSD Computer #2, which processes this flood of sensor data using AI and neural networks to make driving decisions in real time.AdvertisementAdvertisementRelated: Rivian's Affordable R2 Can Still Cost Around $65,000Here is the thing: this wizardry comes at a price.As of February 2026, Tesla offers FSD primarily as a subscription service priced at $99 per month, though buyers can still opt for a one-time $8,000 purchase.Ouch.That is not pocket change unless your pockets are lined with SpaceX stock certificates.Driving the New Tesla Model Y Using FSDThe idea of letting the car do some of the driving is nothing new. We have had cruise control since the late 1950s and adaptive cruise control since the late 1990s.But the idea that you can simply tell your car where you want to go and then let it figure things out? That still feels delightfully futuristic, like living in a science-fiction movie where the robots have decided not to revolt, at least not today.AdvertisementAdvertisementBefore getting underway, you need to have FSD installed and activated. Otherwise, you are simply using regular cruise control. There is a checklist and several acknowledgments to work through the first time, but once completed, the process is fairly simple.You set your destination, whether it is an address, a pinned location, or a landmark, through the touchscreen or Tesla app. Then you double-click the button on the gear lever, or press the FSD prompt on the screen. Depending on your settings, it may confirm with a prompt or require a tap of the brake pedal.Once engaged, there are several settings that allow you to tailor how the vehicle behaves. You can make it drive more conservatively or a bit more assertively. If it feels too fast or too slow, adjustments can be made on the fly.TeslaView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementAnd then the car simply… goes.It drives, changes lanes, signals, passes slower traffic, and even parks itself with almost eerie confidence. It is smooth, composed, and fairly drama-free.The spacing it keeps from surrounding vehicles feels natural, and stop-and-go traffic is handled effortlessly. Parking behind some random warehouse, a bank, or a fast-food joint? It handled all of it like a pro.It even backs itself into parking spaces, which is especially handy if you plan to plug in afterward, since that charging port is mounted at the rear.Overall, the driving experience was uneventful.And that is exactly the point.AdvertisementAdvertisementNo sudden surprises. No jerky corrections. No panicked interventions. It just quietly gets on with the task, like a well-trained but slightly smug valet.TeslaFinal ThoughtsI completely understand the hype surrounding Tesla's technology, because it is genuinely impressive.Tesla tends to dance to its own tune, usually with a laser light show and some cryptic tweets thrown in for good measure, yet it continues to provide compelling transportation alternatives for the masses.While I am still not a fan of vehicles that strip away driving excitement, I absolutely understand why so many people gravitate toward them. They are outstanding transportation appliances, and for many buyers, that is exactly what matters most.AdvertisementAdvertisementIt is no wonder so many automakers are studying Tesla and copying its tech.It may not be perfect, but it undeniably points toward the future.And clearly, people still want that hot tech.Related: 2026 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid vs. Honda Civic Hybrid: Which One Actually Fits Your Life?This story was originally published by Autoblog on Jun 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the Reviews section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.