2025 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD Review

This is the heavily updated 2025 Tesla Model Y — codenamed "Juniper" — and it needed to be good. 

With sharply rising competition from all-new entrants like the BYD Sealion 7 and XPeng G6, Tesla had to address critical shortcomings in its global bestseller. Not to mention the ‘Elon-phant’ in the room. And in many areas, it has. 

Ride quality is no longer teeth-chatteringly harsh thanks to new suspension tuning, and cabin materials now feel more premium and refined.

There are big tech additions too, like a sharper infotainment experience and rear passenger screen, as well as better noise insulation. 

But while these upgrades are meaningful, Tesla's ongoing quirks — like no Apple CarPlay, inconsistent Autopilot behaviour, and a cumbersome over-reliance on the touchscreen — remind us this isn't a complete transformation. It’s improved, yes. But at a cost that still leaves room for competitors to gain ground.

How much does the Tesla Model Y cost?

The updated Model Y comes in two Launch Series trims: Rear-Wheel Drive and Long Range All-Wheel Drive. While pricing has increased from the pre-facelift model, added standard features like 20-inch wheels, premium paint, and acceleration upgrades soften the blow.

2025 Tesla Model Y Pricing:

Launch Series RWD – $63,400

Launch Series Long Range AWD – $73,400

Note: Prices exclude on-road costs.

Tesla Doing Tesla Stuff

Tesla has redesigned nearly every exterior panel for the Juniper update, resulting in a sleeker, more aerodynamic silhouette. From the front, the badge has been removed entirely — a bold choice, but one that demonstrates Tesla's confidence in their brand recognition. 

Flanking the now-lower bonnet are new matrix LED headlights, paired with a distinctive light bar that runs across the rear. The look is undeniably more aggressive and futuristic.

Down low, active aero elements work in tandem with air curtains near the wheel arches to reduce drag. Combined with the re-profiled bumpers and flush surfaces, the visual and functional changes have yielded an improvement to efficiency and performance. 

The bonnet has also been reshaped, now sitting lower and giving the Model Y a sportier profile overall.

The Launch Series models also benefit from premium paint finishes and unique 20-inch alloy wheels, both included as standard. Meanwhile, a redesigned rear bumper now integrates separate panels and plastic cladding that are cheaper to replace than previous iterations of the Model Y.

Altogether, the Juniper refresh doesn't just tweak styling; it introduces real aerodynamic benefits and usability improvements, proving Tesla's design updates go beyond aesthetics.

Do You Want Touchscreen With Your Touchscreen?

Climb into the new Model Y and it becomes instantly clear Tesla has prioritised refinement without compromising its signature minimalism. 

The new dash design is punctuated by a thin, ambient lighting strip running across its length — a simple touch, elevating the cabin’s visual sophistication. The suede dashboard trim in the Launch Series is a nice step up, with a soft-touch surface that is befitting of the price tag.

Front seats have been completely reengineered, and they are great. Not only do they now offer perforation and cooling — an essential in hot Australian summers — they also provide better lateral support and, hence, long-distance comfort. Materials feel far more premium than before, addressing prior criticisms about synthetic leather feeling overly cheap and plastic-y.

Front and centre is a new 15.4-inch touchscreen running on a powerful AMD Ryzen chip. This screen controls everything from climate to drive modes, and while it still lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Tesla's software suite remains unmatched in responsiveness and functionality. Google Maps integration is flawless and accurate, with real-time range predictions based on elevation and temperature.

While the display and software are undeniably brilliant, the new Model Y has all the hallmarks of Tesla’s overreliance on touchscreen controls. While this may be an absolute positive for some — albeit misguided — techno-optimists out there, for basic functions it feels like overkill. Tesla is no stranger to making an egregious ergonomic faux pas, cough — indicator buttons on steering wheels — I am still unconvinced that driving controls and digital speed read-outs belong on a touch screen.

There are plenty of clever touches, too; a new thin-rimmed steering wheel feels sporty in hand and is paired with redesigned indicator stalks — physical, tactile, hallelujah. 

Storage space is cavernous, with a cleverly designed centre console, and dual-wireless chargers are appreciated, too. 

The panoramic glass sunroof is now, apparently, seven-times more repellant to the harsh UV of the sun. In fact, the windshield and double-paned window glass have received new acoustic treatment, reducing noise levels noticeably while driving.

In all-wheel drive guise, the Model Y comes with a phenomenal 16-speaker sound system that is rich in detail, and strong on bass.

Describing the improvements Tesla has made to the latest Model Y, the word that comes to mind is: signficant. They have applied focus to just the right areas to elevate it, once again, to the gold standard for EVs in the segment.

You Get a Screen, YOU Get a Screen!

The rear of the Model Y carries over its previously acclaimed space and comfort, but the update introduces a few thoughtful upgrades. 

Most prominent is the new 8.0-inch touchscreen mounted behind the centre console. It enables rear passengers to independently control air conditioning and heated seat settings for the outboard seats, adding a layer of luxury to the backseat experience.

Once again, I don't love the rear vent adjustment through the screen, though it is par for the course.

Seat quality is also improved. The rear seats mirror the front in terms of design and material upgrades, with perforation and better padding making a difference. 

The reclining function adds to long-distance comfort, and spacious legroom, headroom, and toe room remain strong suits for the Model Y.

All the Trunk for your Junk

Tesla has nailed the brief when it comes to space. The Model Y’s boot offers 854 litres of storage, including the underfloor compartment, making it one of the most generous in its class. 

Fold the rear seats flat and you’re met with a cavernous, near-flat load space ideal for IKEA runs or recreational bank heists. 

Plus, they fold at record speed — literally, Tesla claims they hold a world record — though we are yet to see this officiated by Guiness.

A further 117 litres of storage can be found in the front trunk, or 'frunk', which now includes a drain plug — handy for washing out dirt or even using it as a portable icebox on trips. 

The low liftover height and powered tailgate make loading and unloading a breeze. This is an EV that would give most SUVs a run for their money in day-to-day usability, without compromising on style or performance.

Dual-motor Grunt

The 2025 Model Y Long Range AWD Launch Series gets a dual-motor setup producing 378kW and 493Nm, boosted by Tesla’s standard-fit Acceleration Boost software. This brings its 0–100km/h sprint time down to a blistering 4.3 seconds claim — though during our own testing, we recorded a still-very-quick 4.74 seconds. Regardless, it’s faster than many hot hatches and more than enough for any family duty.

This performance places the Model Y ahead of several competitors in its class. For instance, the BYD Sealion 7 Premium RWD, with its single rear-mounted motor producing 230 kW and 380 Nm of torque, achieves a 0–100 km/h time of 6.7 seconds, while the AWD Performance — which will align closer to the coming Model Y Performance — offers 390kW and 690Nm. 

Similarly, the XPeng G6 AWD Performance delivers 350kW and 660Nm from its dual motor setup.

Among the Most Efficient EVs

The 79kWh lithium NMC battery in the Long Range model supports up to 220kW DC fast charging, which means ultra-rapid top-ups are possible on Tesla’s Supercharger network — another standout advantage over rivals. Importantly, Tesla’s route planning integrates charger availability and expected battery state at arrival, making long trips genuinely stress-free.

It's wild that we are saying this already in 2025, but 220kW charging speeds are already relatively 'slow' when you consider that one MEGA watt — 1000kW — chargers already exist, and are being used by BYD electric models in China.

Down under, however, our measly infrastructure only allows for so much and therefore it is still competitive.

Observed consumption during our review sat around 14.4kWh/100km, confirming that even with dual motors, the Model Y remains one of the most efficient EVs you can buy. In real-world terms, drivers can expect close to 520–540km of range depending on terrain, load, and climate.

For those prioritising affordability and battery longevity over outright range, the Rear-Wheel Drive variant uses a smaller 60kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. While this offers a shorter WLTP range of 455–466km, the LFP chemistry allows for regular 100% charging without the same degradation concerns of NMC battery chemistry.

Far More Refined Than Before

The pre-update Model Y’s ride was often criticised for being uncomfortably firm — particularly in the rear. With the Juniper update, Tesla has implemented frequency-selective dampers that vastly improve primary ride comfort. Low-speed bumps and road imperfections are still felt but are now far less intrusive, making the car much more pleasant to drive daily.

At highway speeds, the suspension settles nicely, maintaining a stable feel even on undulating country roads. It doesn’t float or wallow, and maintains good body control through sweeping bends. You still get a connected, if slightly firm ride, but it’s an enormous improvement from before.

Handling, too, benefits from this update. Despite being heavy, the Model Y’s centre of gravity is low, allowing it to rotate through corners better than expected. Steering remains on the heavier side, especially at low speeds, but is accurate and well-weighted once underway.

Where the improvements really shine is in cabin noise levels. The acoustic glass and stronger chassis deliver a quieter, more insulated experience. Wind and tyre noise are significantly reduced, and even over coarse chip surfaces, noise transfer into the cabin is minimal.

It’s not perfect — occasional chassis jitters remain, and the steering still feels overly artificial at times — but as an overall driving package, the 2025 Model Y is now leagues ahead of the outgoing car and arguably the new benchmark in the segment.

More Cameras, Still Camera-Only

Tesla’s Basic Autopilot suite, Hardware 4, continues to rely solely on camera-based vision, now enhanced with a front-facing camera to improve low-speed visibility and obstacle detection. Standard safety features include autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with visual indicators, lane-keep assist, lane centring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

While these features generally perform well, the camera-only system can be overzealous — misidentifying objects and applying unnecessary braking. Additionally, Tesla’s strict in-cabin monitoring will disable Autopilot for the remainder of a trip if it detects inattentive driving, and repeated instances can lead to temporary bans. It’s protective, but arguably overbearing.

The Tesla Model Y achieved a five-star ANCAP safety rating, tested in 2022 and valid through to the end of 2028. It scored:

• Adult Occupant Protection: 97% (36.87 out of 38)
• Child Occupant Protection: 89% (43.62 out of 49)
• Vulnerable Road User Protection: 82% (44.81 out of 54)
• Safety Assist: 98% (15.75 out of 16)

Standard Safety Features (all variants):

• Seven airbags, including front-centre airbag to reduce side-impact head clash
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction support, including night-time operation
• Blind-spot monitoring via cameras, pillar lights, and audible chimes
• Rear cross-traffic alert with visual/audio warnings and reverse AEB
• Lane-keep assist, emergency lane keeping, lane departure warning, and lane centring
• Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (adaptive cruise)
• Speed sign recognition and speed assist system
• Driver attention monitoring via cabin camera with Autopilot lockout for inattention
• Front, side, and rear camera views (no 360° bird’s-eye view)
• Front and rear distance visualisation using camera-based sensors
• Front blind-spot camera in the lower bumper (MY25 update)
• Central front camera with self-cleaning (MY25 update)
• Adaptive pixel headlights with automatic high-beam control
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Over-the-air software updates to enable new or improved safety features

Optional Safety Features (Extra Cost):

• Enhanced Autopilot ($5100) adds auto lane changes, Navigate on Autopilot, and automatic parking
• Full Self-Driving Capability ($10,100), not yet active in Australia

Free Software But Costly FSD

Tesla includes its Basic Autopilot suite free of charge, but Full Self-Driving capability remains a steep $10,000 option—and still lacks a concrete Australian launch timeline. For many, it simply won’t justify the cost, especially given how rarely software progress translates into real-world autonomy improvements.

Maintenance is relatively low, with Tesla’s EV architecture requiring fewer routine checks. The Model Y is covered by a 4-year/80,000km vehicle warranty, which is quite low, especially as many brands now adopt a 7-year unlimited km warranty.

Servicing is not handled on a timed or distance-travelled basis, as is standard for the industry — with Tesla instead relying on a 'condition-based' servicing scheme — wherein the car will be so kind as to inform you when it requires a service. As long as it says please, I guess.

An 8-year/160,000km warranty covers the battery and drive unit. With no dealership network, all service requests are handled online or via mobile technicians, which works well — most of the time.

What do you get with the Tesla Model Y?

2025 Tesla Model Y Launch Series RWD

• Premium exterior paint finish
• 20-inch ‘Helix 2.0’ alloy wheels
• Tailgate features a bespoke badge for the Launch Series
• Branded door sills and centre console unique to this variant
• Puddle lamps
• Vegan-friendly suede dashboard
• Matrix LED headlights
• Updated rear LED light bar
• 15.4-inch central touchscreen
• 8.0-inch display screen for rear occupants
• Electrically adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation
• Upholstery in synthetic leather-style trim, available in black or white
• Rear seatbacks with power folding and recline functions
• Panoramic glass roof with enhanced UV protection layer
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Ambient lighting
• Powered tailgate

Additional Features in Launch Series Long Range AWD

• Premium 16-speaker audio system
• Dual-motor setup delivering all-wheel drive and quicker acceleration via Boost mode

Final thoughts on the Tesla Model Y

This facelift was more than a mild refresh — it was a much-needed course correction. Tesla has responded to customer complaints and competitor pressure with meaningful upgrades to comfort, quality, and usability. The result is a Model Y that feels closer to luxury territory without losing its utilitarian roots.

It’s not without faults. The omission of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto continues to frustrate, despite the refinement of the existing software. Autopilot, while functional, still feels less polished than some competing systems, and the Full Self-Driving package remains a big investment with unclear returns.

That said, when it comes to the fundamentals; ride comfort, performance, range, charging, and space — this is still the benchmark. It’s more polished, more practical, and more convincing than ever before. If you're looking for an electric SUV that simply works across all metrics, the 2025 Model Y remains an obvious, safe option.

Ultimately, this is a vehicle that now feels more complete. It’s not perfect, but it’s close — and in this fast-changing segment, that still counts for a lot.