Battery size: 75kWh
Miles per kWh: 4.6
E-Rating™: A
Max charge rate: 250 kW
Max range: 387 miles 
Introduction - 2025 Tesla Model Y
This new 2025 Tesla Model Y isn't an all-new car; it's a facelift, so we’re talking about the same platform as the 'old' Model Y, but with a sleek new look inspired by the Cybertruck and Cybercab. It’s also more aerodynamic, has a stiffer body shell to improve handling and comfort, and it’s said to be quieter and more comfortable on the move.
The Model Y remains much the same size, and at 4.79-metres long it’s still a rival for a huge array of other electric SUVs, ranging from premium stuff like the Porsche Macan and Audi Q6 e-tron through to more affordable alternatives like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, BYD Sealion 7, Peugeot E-3008, Skoda Enyaq, Kia EV6, Renault Scenic E-Tech and Toyota bZ4X.
For this 2025 Model Y, Tesla has given it a new fascia with a lower front splitter and a sleek, full-width headlight that’s a bit reminiscent of the Cybertruck or Robotaxi. Or of Cyclops from X-Men, if you ask me. You get the gist – it’s all very futuristic and minimalist, and I actually rather like it. It’s also key to the improved aerodynamics that have allowed Tesla to squeeze an extra 20 miles or so out of the official range figures, making this one of the longest range electric SUVs you can buy.
The back of the Model Y looks cool, too. I really love the way the new light strip is hidden, and reflects onto the bodywork so that you get a sort of ‘ambient’ look to it. It's a bit different to the straightforward LED lightstrips that have become a bit ubiquitous on a lot of modern cars.
Range, Battery and Charging
The Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive has an official WLTP range of 311 miles, and a 0-60mph time of 5.6 seconds. The Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive has up to 387 miles of WLTP range and a 0-60mph of 5.4 seconds, with the Long Range All-Wheel Drive offering 364 miles of range (WLTP) and a 0-60mph time of 4.6 seconds. The Performance model is almost inevitable, but details haven't yet been confirmed.
“Tesla doesn’t state battery capacities.” So said the nice man from Tesla when I asked him about the Model Y, and I can’t say I was surprised. I’ve been asking Tesla representatives about battery specifics for a decade now, and have always had the same response. Never mind. It’s annoying, especially as the details inevitably find their way onto the internet via the ever-enthusiastic Tesla owners clubs, anyway, but it’s safe to say that the Tesla Model Y has retained its 75kWh lithium-ion NMC battery and has made range gains through aerodynamic improvements.
Rapid charging speeds peak at 250kW, which is nothing new for the Model Y, but still makes this one of the fastest-charging electric family cars. It’s up there with the Porsche Macan, Audi Q6 e-tron and Kia EV6 for that, and will manage a 10-80% top-up in well under 30 minutes.
Obviously, being a Tesla, you have access to the Tesla Supercharger network. Let’s face it - this remains a benchmark for cost and reliability when it comes to public rapid charging, and is still a big incentive for high mileage drivers.
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Practicality and Boot Space
You do lose 20-litres of space in the 2025 Tesla Model Y’s boot, as a result of the new, electrically-folding rear seats, but the boot space is still pretty huge with a total load capacity of 2,138 litres including the frunk. More than that, the rear seats now fold flat electrically and the bootlid is powered, too. There’s also a funky, magnetic loadbay cover that you can fold up and back, and that can also be stowed away in a dedicated cubby under the boot floor. Speaking as a dog owner, this sort of stuff is a lifesaver when you want to get the dog in the boot, but don’t want to leave the loadbay cover behind.
Up front in the cabin, there’s some big news… And it comes in the form of the indicator stalk. This is controversial, because the ‘Highlander’ 2024 Model 3 became infamous for the indicator buttons on the steering wheel, which replaced its indicator stalk, and which many of us really didn’t get along with. Not least, our illustrious leader, Ginny (you can check out her opinion, here).
Tesla won’t confirm that it’s chosen to keep an indicator stalk on the Model Y because, well, there was a lot of hate for the indicator buttons on the 3. But it seems logical that that’s why the Y has a ‘precision engineered’ stalk. Anyway, regardless of why it’s there, we’re very pleased that it is.
The rest of the interior is improved with better material finish and ambient lighting, while the glass also reflects 26% more of the sunlight to keep the interior cool in the summer and reduce glare.
As ever with the Y, space isn’t a problem and even a tall adult will be alright in the back despite that swoopy roofline.
One last thing to know: the seven-seat Tesla Model Y that only arrived last year (after a very, very long wait)? That's not confirmed for this facelift, yet. And they've sold out of the ones that did get brought into the UK. So if you want a seven-seat Model Y, you're out of luck unless you want to buy used. And even then, there aren't many out there.
Interior, Design/Styling and Technology
The 15.4-inch touchscreen stays much the same, and is still your portal to all of the car’s inner workings and functions, but obviously with Tesla’s over-the-air software updates it’ll always have the latest software. Still no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but it’s a good system regardless.
Tech upgrades include improved wi-fi hotspot that’s now got greater range and faster download speeds. The phone key performance has also improved thanks to the addition of ‘ultra wideband’. Nope, I don’t know what that is, either, but it means that - if you set your phone up so that it functions as your car key for keyless entry and drive – the car will now sense your phone more reliably and from a bit further away.
Other improvements include redesigned seats, which are usefully comfier than the seats you got in the pre-facelift Model Y. There's more side support in the front seats, and longer seat squabs in the back, and they feel a bit softer to me. Just nicer all round, really.
The trademark huge panoramic glass roof is still standard, too, which makes the whole thing feel nice and airy. You also get an 8.0-inch colour screen in the back, now, which controls the climate control in the back, or you can do some gaming on it.
Overall, the improved materials and new ambient lighting have lifted the feel of the Model Y’s interior so that it now feels noticeably classier, even if Porsche, BMW and Audi don’t need to worry about Tesla bettering their cabin quality any time soon.
Motors, Performance and Handling
I spent a few days running around in the Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD (the Launch Edition, to be specific), and it is a noticeable improvement on the older Model Y. It’s still not the comfiest in terms of ride comfort; there’s noticeable thumps and jarring over patched up town roads, although it settles much better at higher speeds than the pre-facelift Model Y.
A new steering wheel is another improvement; it’s a bit slimmer and looks nicer, which only helps you to enjoy the fairly quick but well-weighted steering. It really does feel quite sporty, the Model Y. Not in quite the engaging, sports-SUV way that the Macan does, but it turns nicely into corners and generally feels keyed in. Just a bit sharper and more assertive than the Skoda Enyaq, really, although the Skoda’s the better bet if you want a soft, cushy ride.
Refinement is okay in the Tesla; again, it’s improved but it’s still not the best in class. There’s a bit of wind noise, albeit nothing that’s going to really bother you, and tyre noise is quite noticeable off the 20-inch Michelin tyres that were fitted to our test car.
Performance? I mean, yeah, it’s got that. The AWD Long Range manages 0-60mph in 4.6 seconds, so it’s not short of acceleration when you want it, and you can really shock your kids if you want to.
As with the Model 3, the Model Y only has one, heavy brake regen’ setting that means you drive around almost all of the time just using the accelerator pedal – you barely need to use the brake pedal at all, although it’s got perfectly decent feel and response when you do.
Generally, it’s a slick and impressive drive, the Model Y. A Kia EV6 is a bit sharper and more fun to drive (if a lot smaller inside), and the Enyaq is comfier yet misses out on the convenience and lower costs of the Tesla Supercharger network.
Running Costs and Pricing
Orders are open now and deliveries begin in May this year for the 'Juniper' Tesla Model Y AWD Long Range Launch Edition, but at £60,995 it's surprisingly expensive and we'd say you're better off waiting a few weeks longer to get hold of one of the standard models.
The Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive starts from £48,990, while the Long Range All-Wheel Drive starting from £51,990, which is actually some £1,000 cheaper than previously! Either of these are great value, as is the-entry level Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive that starts at £44,990. Deliveries of these rather better value models are due to start in early summer 2025, so there's not too long to wait.
All new Model Y vehicles include front and rear lightbars, acoustic glass, an 8-inch rear touchscreen, powered boot opening, customisable ambient lighting, and an additional front facing camera. The Launch Edition does get some upgraded features including ventilated front seats, some exclusive badging and kick-plate design, but it's really not worth the extra money, if you ask me.
Enhanced Autopilot, which includes semi-autonomous lane-changes and motorway slip-road control (on top of the standard adaptive cruise control) is a £3,800 option on every Model Y.
'Full Self-Driving Capability' includes traffic light- and stop-sign recognition, and will also be updated automatically as Tesla introduces more upgrades in future. Mind you, it costs £6,800 and we can't stress enough that it is not - I repeat, NOT - an actual self-driving mode. It is probably the best and most advanced semi-autonomous driving system on sale. But even with it fitted, a Tesla will not drive itself. And it's not going to drive itself any time soon. So don't be fooled by the very misleading 'full self-driving' name. Rant over...
Obviously, the final decision for most potential Model Y buyers will come down to monthly finance costs, which start from £399 for the entry level car, £449 per month for the Long Range RWD and £499 for the Long Range AWD, assuming a deposit of £6,000 and a contract of 48 months.
Those are some very competitive monthly deals, but if you want to grab a real bargain then you can always check out our weekly deals page, which is updated every week with the very best electric car deals every week.
Verdict
Overall, the new 2025 Tesla Model Y feels like more of the same – but better. We like all of the updates, including the style stuff, and the comfier seats and prospect of better ride comfort and refinement definitely sound good to us. It’s great to drive, and now more comfortable as well – which was always our main issue previously.
The price of the Launch Edition is, frankly, a bit too much. But the more affordable models are good value and promise impressive range, tech and practicality for the money – not to mention the ever-tempting convenience of the Supercharger network.
We still prefer the Skoda Enyaq’s comfier approach to life, but the Model Y remains one of the best electric family cars out there.
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