After getting a sneak peek at its launch in France, it was time for us to try out the new version of the Tesla Model Y. The world's best-selling electric car has decided to change its look, slightly modify its interior, and add a series of thoughtful options: is that enough to put a coin back in the machine? Answer in our test of the Model Y (2025).
A facelift that lives up to expectations
We will be fairly brief regarding the design of this new Model Y, the essentials having already been known for months and the details having been analyzed during our video presentation of the SUV. Let's just say, to summarize, that the new Model Y succeeds in its stylistic update exercise by borrowing a more assertive and sportier design that suits it very well. The work on the optics and the nods to the Cybertruck and other Cybercabs underline a certain aesthetic coherence. As for the small subtleties such as the illuminated rear logo or its disappearance from the grille, at the front.
These changes in lines also have an impact on the car's drag coefficient (Cx) and, by extension, on its range. We'll come back to this.
Upgrade inside
It's when you climb aboard this new Model Y that the most obvious differences become apparent. The summary of the new features could be summed up as follows: all the new features of the new Model 3 have been integrated into the Model Y. There are still a few nuances. Tesla hasn't changed the overall design of its interior; it's still as refined and is centered around the central screen in landscape format. But, in detail, the quality of materials and plastics has gone up a notch, the composition of the windows has changed, the audio system has improved... And it is the overall comfort on board that has progressed.
The most obvious aspect, as on the Model 3, concerns soundproofing. Wind and road noise are much better filtered than before, and driving is much quieter and more pleasant.
Comfort is also a factor with the ventilated and heated seats which, when used properly, also help reduce fuel consumption if they are used instead of air conditioning.
Finally, passengers in the back, in addition to having a decent amount of space, can now have fun with a small 8-inch screen, which has the same connected services than the main screen, to which two Bluetooth headphones can be connected. Under this screen, two USB-C ports also allow you to charge your smartphone or tablet at 65W, which is very useful.
Consommation et autonome: une même qualité
It's not in terms of autonomy that the Model Y will make its predecessor forgotten, since the progress on this point is quite marginal (from 3% to 5% depending on the version). It is essentially the design change that allows the different versions of the Model Y to offer between 500 and 586 km of autonomy.
During our test, we were only able to get a fairly basic overview of the SUV's consumption, since our test route kept us away from highways most of the time. Also, it will be worth testing this Model Y on a longer highway trip to get a better idea of its potential. In the meantime, it is safe to say that Tesla's announced fuel consumption figures do not seem exaggerated to us. On our Long Range version with all-wheel drive, the official figure is 14.9 kWh/100 km, which is roughly what we observed while driving mainly in the city or on the secondary network. Of course, this figure can only increase as speed increases, but, like the version it replaces, the new Model Y should well exceed 300 km without stopping for charging on the highway.
The new Model Y, what is it worth on the road?
There it is, the big surprise of this Model Y test! Tesla had given some indications of changes in the design process or on the tuning of the suspensions for the new version of the Model Y, but had not really indicated that these modifications would have an impact on the driving sensations. And this is the case. Of course, the SUV hasn't transformed into a supercar by adopting a more rigid chassis structure, but there is a noticeable difference in the steering of this new version that makes it slightly more pleasant to drive.
The same goes for comfort, with suspensions that filter out road bumps much better, especially at the rear, and which have more response in tight curves. So of course, the Model Y remains a family vehicle, but this improved road handling is welcome news.
Still the queen of its category
Certainly, the Tesla Model Y (2025) hasn't revolutionized Tesla's electric SUV formula. Its new design, more premium interior, and electric rear seats help improve the car's overall perceived quality. Tesla has made a smart and well-measured update that even allows it to make marginal improvements, such as in terms of range. But above all, these advances are made without changing the Model Y's price positioning. While the price tag has increased by €1,000 and now starts at €44,990, the performance-to-price ratio is still in the Model Y's favor. Even though the competition has expanded its range and some manufacturers, such as Renault with its 100% electric Mégane E-Tech, or Hyundai with the Ioniq 5, are managing to hold their own, the Californian brand seems to have maintained its lead.
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