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Deeply impressive real-world efficiency, and resulting usable range, makes the much-improved Tesla Model Y base model a solid SUV choice
When pre-orders opened for the updated Tesla Model Y earlier in 2025, most early-adopter Australians gravitated toward the Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) variant. However, the first shipments of the facelifted Tesla SUV to arrive locally were in Long Range All-Wheel Drive (LRAWD) form.
Chasing Cars was among the first to test the LRAWD and found much to like, even at its relatively premium $68,900 (plus on-road costs) price. Now, with the $10,000-cheaper RWD variant arriving for customer delivery, is the most affordable Model Y still the sweet spot?
Even at its list price of $58,900, the Model Y RWD is no longer especially affordable among midsize electric SUVs. In fact, Tesla’s offerings are increasingly positioned as semi-premium choices in Australia, competing with the likes of Volkswagen as cut-price newcomers continue to enter the market.
Tesla continues to primarily target Australian buyers who are considering an EV while trading in their existing petrol, diesel or hybrid SUV.
There’s even cautious optimism that Model Y pricing won’t fluctuate as wildly as it has in the past — there were more than ten price changes during the pre-facelift car’s run — with Tesla Australia country director Thom Drew confirming to Chasing Cars that the strategy of frequent price alterations has been abandoned.
A few rungs above Mr Drew sits Tesla chief executive Elon Musk. Readers will have their own views about Musk’s political interests — our focus remains on independent road testing of new cars on Australian roads. That’s what this review is all about.
Beneath the new Cybertruck-inspired front fascia and refreshed rear styling, the Model Y’s key updates include enhanced interior materials, a more supple ride, improved sound insulation, and noticeably better build quality.
The core motor and battery configurations of the Model Y remain unchanged. The RWD uses a 60kWh (usable) battery and what is understood to be a 220kW rear motor, while the LRAWD steps up to a 75kWh (usable) pack and dual motors for a combined output of around 378kW.
However, the RWD’s reduced weight and impressive efficiency bring its real-world performance and range surprisingly close to the more powerful dual-motor grade.
The previous iteration of the Model Y was sharply priced and easy to live with, but it suffered from poor ride comfort and middling interior quality. If the new version resolves those issues, it could be the best-value electric SUV on sale in Australia — even if it’s no longer the cheapest.
Until quite recently, the Model Y was one of the most affordable electric SUVs on sale in Australia. However, the last 12 months has seen the levy break on this segment of the market, and while Tesla still generally outsells rivals, the Model Y is no longer the ‘cheap’ option.
Here is a look at the lay of the land among midsize, single-motor EV crossovers, and the new Model Y RWD’s place in that segment:
No doubt, pricing of the above contenders will change over time. From the current set, it can be seen that the updated Model Y has moved into very slightly premium territory beyond the new-name entries from China. That is a positioning Tesla seems increasingly comfortable with as it becomes, ironically, a legacy manufacturer of sorts.
To be fair, the level of standard specification in the Model Y RWD is generous compared with many bargain-basement rivals. Even this base-grade Model Y includes the following equipment:
Further cost-optional extras for the Model Y RWD are:
Pearl White is the standard no-cost paint colour. Glacier Blue and Stealth Grey attract a $2300 premium, while the deeper Ultra Red and Quicksilver hues cost $2600. A black interior is included as standard.
While some Australians will appreciate the meaningful performance boost of the AWD variant, the Model Y RWD remains the sweet spot of the range. That could change in future — particularly if Tesla introduces a longer-range RWD version, as it has done previously in overseas markets.
If we were configuring a Model Y RWD, we’d skip the expensive autonomous options (EAP and FSD), as many of their headline features are not legally permitted for use in Australia, with no change visible on the horizon. Instead, we’d focus on selecting a colour and interior combination that suits.
We’d also recommend budgeting for the charging cables you’ll need. Unlike some rivals, the Model Y includes no cables at all. Buyers should consider purchasing either — or both — a portable charger for three-pin sockets, and a Type 2 cable, the latter often required for AC public charging stations such as those found at shopping centres.
These cables typically cost around $400 each from hardware stores.
While the price of the RWD variant has risen by $3000 compared to the pre-facelift version, the depth of improvements — cosmetic, functional and dynamic — is more than sufficient to justify the upcharge in our view.
The first time you drive a Model Y, you’ll likely notice how easy, perky and light it feels. That was also true of the previous version, only now, hitting a bump no longer shatters the illusion of refinement.
Our biggest complaint with the pre-facelift Model Y was its poor ride quality. A hasty suspension update that entered production shortly after launch barely improved matters, and the car retained a frenetic, overdamped character that could — among other things — wake sleeping babies.
The previous iteration of the Model Y was simply far too firm and sharp in a segment where families expect — and benefit from — a greater degree of compliance. Tesla has listened: not only have the old shock absorbers been discarded, but a comprehensive suspension retune has also taken place.
New frequency-selective dampers preserve the underlying sportiness and firmness that are core to the Model Y’s athletic character, but compliance over bumps — both low and high speed — has been substantially improved. Ride quality is now acceptable, if not plush.
Power delivery remains very smooth, aided by excellent motor tuning and refinement — even if the RWD variant feels artificially software-limited in its initial acceleration, which Tesla claims to be 5.9 seconds from 0–100km/h.
The AWD is quicker (4.8 seconds), but once you’re rolling, the RWD is far from slow — any buyer stepping out of a petrol, diesel or hybrid SUV will still find the single-motor Tesla impressively fleet of foot.
Strong one-pedal regenerative braking has long been central to the typical Tesla driving feel and it remains the default setting for the brakes. However, Tesla now offers a Reduced mode that mimics subtle engine braking before requiring use of the brake pedal — something traditionalists may prefer.
We gravitated toward driving the Model Y RWD using Reduced regen mode and found it very natural. Impressively, Tesla hasn’t neglected brake pedal tuning either—despite its clear preference for one-pedal driving — with the brake feeling positive and easy to modulate.
Compared to the LRAWD, which carries an additional front motor, the RWD offers marginally sharper turn-in and sweeter steering. Tyre grip from the Hankooks — fitted to sensible 19-inch wheels — is more than adequate for zealous cornering.
However, Tesla has retained the Model Y’s supercar-quick steering ratio without a variable ratio like some rivals. Such a system would enable rapid responses in dynamic driving while delivering a more relaxed feel on the highway. As it stands, the Model Y remains quite twitchy at the slightest input, even at 100km/h.
Enthusiastic drivers will appreciate the Model Y’s fluid and predictable dynamics through a set of corners — but there’s little outright fun to be found in its rigid, highly capable chassis. The RWD doesn’t even feel particularly rear-driven, thanks to strict stability and traction control systems and the absence of an ESC Sport mode.
Rival EVs such as the Volkswagen ID.4, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 offer even more compliant suspensions and more discernible rear-driven character in the corners.
Noise, vibration and harshness levels are substantially improved. The cabin is noticeably quieter in two ways: road noise has dropped — Tesla claims by 20 percent, though we suspect it may be even more — and interior tolerances appear vastly tighter, with no rubs, rattles or squeaks in either of our facelifted test cars.
At first glance, the cabin of the updated Tesla Model Y appears mostly unchanged but within a few minutes, a clear improvement in both quality and quietness becomes apparent. That impression begins with improved seals for the doors which emit a reassuring thunk when closed.
Thoughtful changes have been made to the materials used throughout the cabin. The basic surfacing remains a squidgy, leather-look trim, while black-interior cars swap their former wood veneer for a soft, if nondescript, grey fabric. Double stitching now lines the dashboard with consistent precision.
More significant for day-to-day comfort is an entirely new front seat shape, which ditches the overly soft, plush design of the pre-facelift Model Y in favour of a firmer, considerably more supportive seat that feels more Germanic in character.
While cloth seats may eventually arrive on a more affordable Model Y variant, vinyl upholstery remains standard across the range. It’s not especially luxurious in feel, and previously contributed to sweaty backs for some occupants, but that’s now less of an issue thanks to the addition of effective seat cooling across the board.
Part of the cabin heat issue stemmed from the fixed glass roof, which still lacks a sunshade. Tesla now claims a new coating significantly reduces heat transfer, though our test took place during cooler weather. We’ll reserve final judgment until we can assess it in summer.
A slightly enlarged 15.6-inch central touchscreen handles all infotainment functions up front. Tesla’s software continues to benefit from iterative interface improvements and an expanding library of apps.
In addition to traditional radio and Bluetooth streaming, the system supports Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, various podcasting platforms, and even Netflix. The Model Y is fully connected, with a $10/month “premium connectivity” subscription granting streaming access after a trial period.
Tesla’s companion smartphone app remains one of the best in the business, offering remote key access, climate control, live updates, and door unlocking.
This partially compensates for Tesla’s ongoing refusal to support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto — though many owners report that, once they adapt to Tesla’s ecosystem, the absence of phone mirroring is not a frustration.
Some drivers will continue to miss an instrument binnacle (or head-up display) as speed and warning lights are shown on the centre screen, requiring frequent sideways glances.
Cabin space in the Model Y is impressive. Tall and broad occupants have room to stretch out, and the car’s dedicated EV platform allows for generous front storage.
That sense of space carries through to the rear, where excellent legroom, headroom and toe room easily accommodate six-foot adults.
However, the rear seat base is still too flat, which may leave long-legged passengers uncomfortable on extended trips. Rear occupants can access climate controls and streaming apps via a new, low-set 8.0-inch touchscreen.
A new power-reclining function for the rear seats is now joined by a powered mechanism that folds and raises them electronically, controlled from the boot. It’s a welcome upgrade over the previous version’s spring-loaded setup.
Tesla quotes 854 litres of boot space in the Model Y, though the brand appears to measure to the roof rather than to the parcel shelf, as most rivals do. Regardless, it’s a genuinely capacious cargo area with a large underfloor compartment, plus a front trunk (or frunk) offering a further 117 litres of space, now with a drain hole.
Despite cosmetic changes (and some mechanical changes over the years) the Model Y has retained its five-star crash and safety rating from ANCAP that was first awarded in 2022. This will expire in December 2028.
When it was tested, the Model Y performed very strongly, scoring 97 percent for adult occupant protection, 89 percent for child occupant protection, 82 percent for vulnerable road user protection and 98 percent for safety assistance technologies.
Standard safety features fitted to the Model Y RWD include:
Notably, the Model Y is not fitted with lidar or radar sensors. All of its safety technologies rely on visual (and associated computational) feedback from the Model Y’s cameras, which numbered eight until the recent update added a ninth in the front bumper.
In our testing, we found the adaptive cruise control and blind spot camera feeds to work particularly well, though the lane keeping was hit-and-miss. In particular, we found the lane-keep system often generated false positives on country roads where ‘old’ lane markings had been painted over but were faintly visible.
We’d also like to see Tesla add a unified 360-degree camera view when parking so drivers can easily note objects around the perimeter of the car (and also judge whether they have parked straight, within the lines).
While Tesla doesn’t offer traditional capped-price servicing plans — and long-term service costs remain somewhat opaque — owners generally report decent reliability, particularly in the first few years of ownership.
Servicing is instead condition-based, with owners notified via the Tesla app when maintenance is required.
Confidence could be improved if Tesla extended its relatively weak four-year/80,000km vehicle warranty.
Australia is a market accustomed to longer warranties than most global regions, with rival brands typically offering five years and unlimited kilometres. The Model Y’s lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and drive unit are covered for eight years or 160,000km.
The Model Y RWD’s battery offers 60kWh of usable capacity, and in combination with Tesla’s efficient motor and thermal systems, delivered exceptional results in our real-world testing — exceeding its 466km WLTP claim.
Driven moderately around town, we recorded impressive efficiency of just 11.0kWh/100km, equating to 545km of range to flat. On the highway, consumption rose slightly to 12.3kWh/100km, or a full 487km of range.
Naturally, most people won’t drive their EV to zero, but we’d suggest the useful real-world range of the Model Y RWD is around 500km in town and about 450km on the highway.
The RWD’s LFP battery chemistry means it can be charged to 100 percent regularly, unlike the AWD model’s nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, which is best limited to 80 percent most of the time, with infrequent charges to 100 percent when needed.
Charging speeds are middling. The Model Y RWD takes 24 minutes to recharge from 10 to 80 percent at an ultra-rapid charger. While peak speeds hit 175kW, the average over that session sits closer to 120kW.
On longer trips, the Model Y’s seamless access to Tesla’s reliable Supercharger network remains a notable advantage in Australia, with other private networks not yet matching Tesla’s uptime.
At home, up to 11kW AC charging is supported, enabling a full overnight recharge with a compatible wallbox. For many, simply plugging into a three-pin socket will suffice, replenishing around 160km of range over a 12-hour period (such as while you sleep).
Tesla has applied the blowtorch to several key shortcomings of the pre-update Model Y. We particularly appreciate the effort that has gone into refining both ride and build quality, with drivers and passengers now benefitting from a noticeably more comfortable and quieter experience.
That doesn’t excuse the fact that the earlier Model Y should have driven and been built better — but these improvements deserve credit, even if they’ve only arrived with a mid-life update that admittedly goes well beyond the usual ‘facelift’ in the car industry.
In fact, the changes — which also include key areas like front seat comfort — are significant enough that even existing Model Y owners might consider upgrading, even if the shape and size remain largely unchanged.
While Tesla has shown some welcome flexibility on previously fixed settings — like regenerative braking — there remain several “take it or leave it” aspects to how the Model Y drives, including the lack of an instrument cluster and conservative handling tune.
Tesla’s current brand image may also deter some Australian buyers, particularly at a time when a wave of new electric rivals, from both established and emerging brands, is arriving in Australia and giving local buyers more choice than ever.
But for EV buyers more interested in the product than the political whims of chief executives, the Model Y remains a standout electric vehicle.
Advances in driving dynamics and cabin comfort join strong value for money, impressive efficiency and Supercharger access as compelling reasons to at least take this SUV for a test drive.
Key specs (as tested)
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