A significant update for the evergreen Y. The exterior has revised front and rear ends and new lighting. The structure has been enhanced, glass is thicker than before and more soundproofing has been added, leading to greater refinement. Cabin materials look less austere than before and some luxury features, such as ventilated seats, are new.

Tesla has finally updated the Model Y after five years on the market. Obvious external changes include a new front end with a full-width lightbar and new headlights, all mounted within a crisply faceted front fascia that is very different from the rounded form it replaces. The updated front end also visually distances the Y from the 3 it is derived from. The rear, with a full-width lightbar and squarer lines, follows the same themes as the front end. The lightbar is a single piece, full-width moulding, and the light you see is actually projected from above. The tailgate now features hands-free operation. Various aerodynamic tweaks on the updated Y have reduced the co-efficient of drag down to .22, an extraordinary figure for a mainstream production car.

The cabin has been comprehensively revised with a restyled dash, door panels and seats. New features include ambient lighting, ventilated seats, power-fold second row seats and a second-row infotainment console. Tesla notes the audio system has been updated as well. The large dash centre screen has been retained.

The structure of the Y has been enhanced, imparting a more solid feel, and acoustic glass has reduced wind noise. Revised suspension has improved ride quality, a failing of the previous version of the vehicle.

Currently, the updated Y is offered in a single “Launch” edition trim with a dual-motor all-wheel drive system delivering 458 horsepower and 526 kilometers of range.

Those keen on a new Y can get immediate delivery.

Like the 3, the Y is hard to buy for those seeking full disclosure as well as complete specifications as Tesla’s website is incredibly vague.

Only a single model, the long-range, dual-motor, all-wheel drive model, with 526 kilometers of range, sold as the “Launch” edition, is offered as of April 2025. At around $70,000, the Y is very expensive and leaves a lot of previous owners on the sidelines. High pricing combined with the controversy that Elon Musk has brought to the Tesla brand may mark an eclipse of the brand.

There are no available government rebates for electric cars.

Average reliability predicted. Unique and complex technology. Parts supply can be quite sketchy. Poor paint durability, a clear protective wrap for the lower portions of the car, is a good idea. The flip-out door handles are fragile and the front suspension wears prematurely. Rapid tire wear due to the immense weight and high performance of the Y. The disc brakes can seize because the regenerative braking system does not engage the actual brakes as often as they would be worked on a conventional car. Disassembling and lubricating the calipers once or twice annually will help extend their lives. Doors can freeze in cold weather; pre-heating the car prior to entering it can help prevent the freezing. Tesla offers a home visit service system. The first service isn’t due until the two year mark.