Tesla (TSLA) fans, rejoice.
Elon Musk’s prolific automaker has unveiled the redesigned version of its runaway hit, the Model Y crossover.
According to new information on Tesla’s Chinese and Australian websites, the revamped electric vehicle packs many upgrades, such as an incremental range increase, new exterior styling, and an updated interior featuring a host of new technology.
The 2025 Tesla Model Y
Tesla
Beyond its looks and tech, Tesla claims that the new Model Y is quicker, quieter, smoother, and has more range than the model currently on sale.
On the front, the new Model Y shares styling cues similar to those of the updated Model 3 introduced in late 2023 — save for some very minute styling details.
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The most obvious change to the outside of the updated Model Y is its new front end, which features a revamped bumper, new headlights, and an LED lightbar that appears to be lifted from the Cybercab autonomous robotaxi and/or the Cybertruck.
However, things get different from the back. The latest model can be easily differentiated from the outgoing model, as it features Tesla’s first “indirect reflective body panel taillight,” essentially a large LED taillight that runs much of its width.
The interior of the 2025 Tesla Model Y
Tesla
Inside, Tesla kept the interior design of the latest Model Y within the confines of its signature minimalist design while also making some incremental improvements.
If you thought Tesla would make its redesigned interior with knobs and buttons for essential functions, think again.
Front and center is the Model Y’s massive touchscreen infotainment display. Instead of a 15-inch display on the dashboard, the new car gets a slightly larger 15.4-inch screen that houses many functions, including the gear shift.
Apart from the new screen, the Model Y is stuffed with new toys. Like the updated Model 3, rear-seat passengers can play with a center console-mounted 8-inch touchscreen, and all passengers are treated to a brand-new sound system with hidden speakers.
All passengers sit on a new seat design, which features upholstery material that Tesla claims provides more comfort and support. Additionally, Tesla packed in ventilated front seats and power reclining rear seats that can also fold flat for large Costco runs or IKEA furniture boxes.
The rear of the 2025 Tesla Model Y
Tesla
As for power, Tesla has not disclosed how much power its motors make, though it noted that the Model Y in both trims is slightly quicker.
According to Tesla, the standard rear-wheel drive model goes from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.9 seconds, a full second quicker than before. Meanwhile, the special Long Range AWD ‘Launch Edition’ comes equipped with an “Acceleration Boost” feature, which allows it to go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds—0.1 seconds quicker than the outgoing Model Y.
As for range, Tesla claims that the rear-wheel drive trim features an estimated range of up to 593 kilometers (roughly 368 miles) on the CLTC cycle, while the long-range version claims a range of 719 kilometers (~446 miles). It is important to note that China’s CLTC cycle for range varies differently from the U.S. EPA’s methods to calculate electric range.
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Right now, Tesla’s updated Model Y is only available in select markets within the Asia-Pacific region. Depending on the market, deliveries are slated to begin in April or May this year.
Prices vary across markets. In Australia, the RWD trim costs 63,400 Australian dollars (US$39,300), while the Long Range AWD costs AU$73,400 (US$45,500).
However in China, prices start at about 263,500 Chinese yuan (about $35,935) for the rear-wheel drive version, while the Long Range AWD version will set back Chinese customers 303,500 yuan (~$41,390).
Tesla fans, social media observers are divided over the new design
On social media, fans are mixed on the news of the anticipated redesign.
In the comments below a post about the refreshed Model Y on the r/TeslaLounge community on Reddit, self-reported Tesla owners and fans are divided over the Model Y’s new look.
“I don’t HATE it but the new model 3 looks 100x better than this,” Reddit user u/ScaleSurvivor said.
“That rear with Pontiac Aztec vibes. Don’t hate the front. But we’ll see. Might look better in person,” self-reported Tesla Model 3 owner and Reddit user u/cssxssc said.
Below a post on the r/teslamotors community, Reddit user u/mlon_eusk12 alleged that Tesla was attempting to “combine current Tesla with Cybercab/CT,” noting that the brand may be trying a new style identity revolving around said models.
However, the criticism is present.
“Looks like [an] Ai generated Porsche Macan,” Reddit user u/parental92 said.
“The inside looks really bare and cheap. Not sure if I like that at all,” user u/farfromelite said.
Over on the r/wallstreetbets community, one user expressed an extreme level of disgust.
“It’s the same f–king car with different lights, f–king hell don’t know why anyone would buy this sh–,” u/Thedude11117 said in a comment below a post about the new Model Y.
Remember when some people felt the original Model X was ugly and then it grew on them?
Remember when some people felt the original Model Y was an ugly bloated Model 3, but then it became the #1 best selling car in the world?
Remember when some people in the Tesla community… pic.twitter.com/thardKRxU3
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) January 10, 2025
In a post on X, prominent Tesla commentator and self-reported Tesla investor Sawyer Meritt noted that despite the criticism, he feels, like most other Tesla vehicles that others deemed ‘ugly,’ he feels the redesigned Model Y will grow on the general public’s conscience.
“Remember when some people felt the original Model X was ugly and then it grew on them?,” Meritt asked. “Remember when some people felt the original Model Y was an ugly bloated Model 3, but then it became the #1 best selling car in the world? Remember when some people in the Tesla community initially thought the Cybertruck was ugly, but now love it? Remember when pics of the new Model 3 leaked 2 years ago on the internet and a bunch of people thought it looked generic and ugly, but now people love the design?
“I have a strong feeling the people that don’t like the new Model Y design will like it more and more as time goes on, especially after they see it in person.”
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