The new Tesla Model Y is getting a facelift that comes with less visible new features. We were able to discover it and take stock of the differences with its predecessor.
After the Model 3, Tesla is finally updating its best-seller, the Model Y. The difference is that the restyling goes much further on the world's best-selling electric SUV than on the sedan. Thus, the front of the Tesla Model Y adopts a new light signature that is reminiscent of the manufacturer's Cybertruck with its transverse LED bar that links the two headlights, also reduced to their simplest expression.
And as if to further underline the kinship with the imposing pick-up, the lines are now tauter, as evidenced by the cutout of the hood. By the way, we will note that the logo at the front disappears.
The bumper has also been revised to definitively distance itself from the previous Model Y and improve the aerodynamics of the car that the manufacturer promises to be even more efficient.
From the side, the new Model Y does not change, and only new 19-inch Crossflow rims, accompanied by new hubcaps, make their appearance. Smaller and thinner, you will have to be particularly careful when removing them.
At the rear, the electric SUV changes completely by also adopting a light strip across the entire width of the tailgate. While the previous-generation Model Y shown in the photo below also appears to be equipped, it is actually a third-party accessory.
More modern in its design, the tailgate is apparently more massive, notably by offsetting the license plate holder to the diffuser. A diffuser that is also larger than that of the previous version of the Model Y.
In the cabin of the Tesla Model Y 2025, an increase in quality
When you climb aboard the Tesla Model Y 2025, you immediately notice the new front seats that have been completely reworked. Now perforated, they benefit from a ventilation system that will be very practical in summer. They remain, of course, heated and electrically adjustable. A strong point of the SUV compared to the sedan, access on board is still as easy as ever.
The presentation of this new Tesla Model Y is even more refined than before. Ambient lighting is offered as standard, which runs across the entire upper part of the dashboard and continues on the doors. It also dresses part of the rear doors with colors that can be customized via the infotainment touchscreen.
The wooden inserts disappear in favor of an elegant fabric covering, as do the few hard plastics that remained on the lower parts of the old Model Y and which are replaced by foam elements practically everywhere. Finally, the storage spaces in the doors are covered with felt fabric.
In short, the finish improves regardless of the version of the Tesla Model Y. Appreciable at this price point, and one still wonders why premium brands don't do the same.
Tesla has still made some savings (bits of string) here and there in the Tesla Model Y. For example, by charging for the mobile connector for charging on a domestic socket (€200 when it came standard), or by removing the locking system for the storage under the armrest in favor of a magnet, as well as one of the two USB C ports at the front.
The remaining one has been moved from the storage space at the front of the center console to the one under the elbow rest, which isn't necessarily the most practical. On the other hand, the two USB Type-C ports remain current at the rear.
The center console has been slightly modified as is already the case on the latest Tesla Model 3. Thus, a two-part closing system now covers the front storage and the cup holders.
Still on the Tesla Model Y's center console, we find the inclined support that can accommodate two smartphones for wireless charging. The one on the left contains the car's keycard identification system (previously it was located between the cup holder and the central armrest), which is essential for starting it while waiting to pair a smartphone.
The glove box is also smaller, which makes it difficult to access the USB port that allows you to connect a USB stick or SSD for Sentry mode recordings. By the way, this port is always USB A type while the others are C.
The steering wheel of the new Tesla Model Y is more modern and even more refined. It retains the two characteristic dials that provide access to multiple functions depending on the context: adjusting the steering wheel and mirrors, controlling music or calls, or even activating autopilot. Indeed, the stalk that allowed activating this last function has disappeared. We'll come back to this later.
Finally, we notice that the door opening buttons have been redesigned and are now larger, both for the basic control and the emergency.
Passengers being pampered in the back of the Tesla Model Y 2025
In the second row, passengers of the new Tesla Model Y are not left out, with revised seats (also heated and standard, please). The seat is now longer and the cushions deeper, to offer greater comfort.
Better still, the backrest tilt is now electrically adjustable thanks to a control on the side of the seat. Moreover, it is also possible to fold the seats directly from the trunk thanks to a second dedicated button.
On the other hand, while the entire interior of the car is improving in terms of perceived quality, one wonders why Tesla swapped the seatback pocket for an element held in place by two elastic bands.
Like last year's Tesla Model 3, the new Tesla Model Y features an 8-inch rear touchscreen. And as always with the manufacturer, it boasts a very neat and truly intuitive interface. It offers many features such as climate control for the rear seats and seat adjustment (including the front passenger seat).
Passengers sitting in the back of the Tesla Model Y will also be able to play video games by connecting a controller via Bluetooth or watch videos on Netflix (if you already have an account), YouTube or Twitch. To do this, the car must have a Premium connection subscription, which costs €9.99 per month. This also includes real-time traffic information, satellite views on the navigation system's maps, and access to remote sentry mode to view images from the car's cameras. By the way, be aware that Tesla no longer offers Spotify Premium, which was also included in the Premium offer until last year.
Regarding the use of streaming services from the rear seats, passengers have the choice of using their Bluetooth headphones or the car's audio system. In this case, the driver must authorize the activation of the speakers from the main infotainment screen, which will display a notification to this effect. They can also lock the rear screen altogether.
Furthermore, the space on board the new Tesla Model Y is still generous, both in terms of knees and headroom. However, the backrest of the central seat is firm, due to the cup holder when it is open. This one therefore comes as a stopgap, especially since the space is a little tight in width for three adults.
On the other hand, the trunk of more than 850 l remains the strong point of the Tesla Model Y with its tailgate, especially compared to the Tesla Model 3 which has to make do with a much less practical trunk. The four-part shelf is practical if not refined, and there is still extra storage space under the floor.
Finally, the Tesla Model Y's frunk has a drain plug for cleaning it with water, or if you feel like filling it with ice to store cold drinks this summer. Another typically American feature is that we discover that an emergency opening button is integrated into the trunk. You never know if an Oompa Loompa accidentally gets stuck in it...
At the wheel of the Tesla Model Y
Tesla has entrusted us with a 2025 Model Y in its Grand Autonomie version with all-wheel drive. And the first major change on the electric SUV is that the gearbox control, formerly located on the right-hand stalk behind the steering wheel, has simply disappeared.
To switch to D mode, you now have to slide your finger upwards on the dedicated section at the top left of the screen. It's not exactly the most practical thing, but you get used to it pretty quickly.
So what should you do if the screen turns off for whatever reason, which has already happened to us in a 2021 Tesla Model 3 SR+ during a reboot on the highway? The manufacturer has thought of everything by integrating touch buttons in the ceiling light, right next to the hazard warning light control above the interior rearview mirror.
By the way, the disappearance of the right-hand stalk for the gearbox control also means that you now have to use the right-hand wheel on the steering wheel to activate Tesla's Autopilot. Moreover, for those who were hoping for an update to this level 2 autonomous driving mode, you'll have to wait a little longer. Too bad, because the manufacturer has been caught up and even overtaken in this area. The steering wheel is still not capacitive and you have to intervene on the steering after a few seconds, which sometimes results in shaking the occupants. Worse still, if you don't respond to the system's notifications, it will outright punish the driver, who will no longer be able to use this feature for a given time. It had to be daring.
Equipped with two motors (one on the front axle and the other on the rear axle), the Tesla Model Y develops around 350 hp. Relatively light, it offers acceleration and pick-up worthy of a sports car. Moreover, 0 to 100 km/h takes only 4.8 seconds, not bad for an electric SUV weighing almost two tonnes and priced at less than €53,000. And while the top speed has been lowered from 217 km/h to 201 km/h, this won't really change much in France.
Furthermore, after adding a flying saucer sound during maneuvers on the move, Tesla is once again falling into line and integrating the mandatory overspeed alert on board the Model Y. Rest assured, it can be deactivated very easily without even going through the infotainment system menu, by simply pressing the current speed limit icon. The latter also offers to indicate when traffic lights turn green for the most distracted.
Moreover, Tesla has fortunately abandoned the absurd and much-debated idea of controlling the indicators on the steering wheel. The Model Y therefore retains its left-hand stalk, and that's a good thing. It even adds a visual turn signal reminder with a small LED that is integrated into the speakers located in the car's A-pillars.
Tesla says it has improved the comfort of its “small” electric SUV while maintaining agility and handling. To achieve this, the new Model Y has a new chassis, including a more rigid body structure, redesigned suspension geometry and kinematics, and shock absorber technology borrowed from the latest-generation Model 3. In addition, the rear suspension geometry has been completely revised to better absorb shocks, while the overall suspension kinematics have been optimized. In concrete terms, this translates into much more effective damping than on the old Model Y. To convince ourselves, we drove the same bumpy route behind the wheel of both generations of the electric SUV. The 2025 Tesla Model Y is clearly more comfortable and even capable of passing over speed bumps more quickly without jostling the occupants. A real success.
Another even more impressive improvement is the soundproofing has improved enormously, establishing the Tesla Model Y as one of the best vehicles in this area. Including its entry-level version. The competition in the premium segment therefore has cause for concern. Exterior noise is perfectly filtered, thanks in particular to the acoustic windshield lamination, the double glazing at the front and rear, and the use of new soundproofing materials. To give you an idea of the effectiveness of the acoustic treatment, you can barely hear the horn from the passenger compartment, even though it is particularly powerful. A real success then.
It's a shame that the same cannot be said for Tesla Vision. Based solely on cameras, this system has replaced ultrasonic sensors, which have nevertheless proven themselves for years in the automotive industry. While Tesla Vision works relatively well when Autopilot is activated, this system is less precise and not as reliable as on a previous-generation Model 3 equipped with sensors, for example. It is impossible to see the distance to an object located near the car displayed on the screen, for example. And even the front camera doesn't change much at the moment by not always detecting obstacles.
Comfortable and efficient, the Tesla Model Y is not really the most suitable car for urban use. In addition to its substantial dimensions, it also has to deal with a poor turning radius. This means you have to try several times for certain maneuvers, which wouldn't really be a problem on board a competing SUV, even a larger one.
Furthermore, the screen still allows you to modify the driving dynamics by adjusting the engine power to two levels (Comfort or Normal) and the steering to three levels (Soft, Standard or Hard). A new feature is the adjustment of deceleration with Standard mode for one-pedal driving (the car brakes to a stop by releasing the accelerator pedal), or Reduced mode to limit braking power with a complete stop over a longer distance.
Furthermore, the Model Y has always been one of the most efficient electric SUVs on the market. This new version is no exception, as evidenced by our measurements during our short test. Thus, the on-board computer displayed an average consumption of 14.8 kWh/100 km in the city and just under 21 kWh/100 km at 130 km/h on the highway. Enough to cover more than 300 km on a single charge on long journeys, and almost 500 km in built-up areas.
Keep in mind that the size of the rims can affect the range: for example, on our Long Range model, Tesla announces 586 km WLTP with 19-inch wheels and 568 km with 20-inch wheels. Similarly, the outside temperature will have an impact, both in terms of autonomy and recharging, as electric cars do not like winter.
Regarding recharging, Tesla finally offers the option of entering a third-party fast charger into its scheduler and launching battery preconditioning. That said, the brand's Supercharger network retains several advantages with its coverage throughout Europe and very competitive rates. Expect to pay around 34 cents per kWh, and even 21 cents during off-peak hours.
On the other hand, if the peak charging power is 250 kW on a direct current terminal capable of delivering this power, Tesla still skips out of 800 V technology. It's a shame, as this has proven its effectiveness by offering high charging power, but above all, a very stable curve for reduced break times. Similarly, the onboard charger remains limited to 11 kW, while V2L (for connecting small electrical devices to the charging socket with an adapter) and V2G (for powering a home) remain absent.
What is the price of the Tesla Model Y 2025?
After a Launch Edition version that saw its price soar to more than €60,000, the Tesla Model Y 2025 has put things back in place to remain unbeatable in its segment. Indeed, despite all the improvements, prices have not increased. Thus, the entry-level model, represented by the Model Y rear-wheel drive, is displayed from €44,990. Count €46,990 for the Long Range rear-wheel drive version. These two versions of the Tesla Model Y are eligible for the ecological bonus, the electric SUV being assembled at the Tesla Gigafactory in Germany.
Finally, our Long Range Dual Motor all-wheel drive test model is offered from €52,990. Note that these prices include all the equipment and new features mentioned above. In addition, we note the notable absence of the Performance version. As with the latest Tesla Model 3, you'll have to wait a little longer.
Good point, only a few options are offered on the configurator. In addition to white, which is offered as standard, it is possible to opt for black or Stealth gray paint (a new color) for €1,300, or even Quicksilver gray or Ultra red (also new for this model) for €2,600. In addition, very elegant 20-inch Helix 2.0 rims can be fitted to the two Long Range versions for an additional €2,100. Finally, there is the white interior rather than black on all models (€1,190) and the tow bar for towing up to 1,600 kg (€1,350).
Tesla44990€
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