Tesla Model Y review

The next-generation of the world’s best-selling car of 2023 and 2024, if you translate the stats in a fairly specific way. And that’s best-selling car overall, not just electric.

But even if there’s a tiny bit of sleight-of-hand in the reporting structure to get the headline, the Tesla Model Y is still an absolute powerhouse when it comes to global sales. And it’s been heavily refreshed to keep it looking and feeling competitive with the avalanche of shiny new stuff from a growing army of competitors.

With the Y now being Tesla’s staple and best-selling model, it's had a shot in the metaphorical arm to keep up with the crowd. It can't fly though. You need the Roadster for that.

Stats. I need some actual stats. 

Well, the Model Y sold 1.2 million units globally in 2023 and 1.09 million a year later to retain its crown. In 2025 Tesla shifted 990,000 of 'em, beaten only the Toyota RAV4. Those are big numbers, and testament to Tesla knowing what people actually want. But to stay on that kind of sales wave you need a product that keeps improving – staying still is death – and the Y has been around since 2020.

That’s impressive. So what's actually changed?

Well, think of this latest version as halfway between a heavy refresh and an all-new car. You’ve got exterior changes like new treatments for front and rear bumpers, new wheels and lights (including a cute rear lightbar that’s actually viewed indirectly; it’s tucked up and reflects off a surface on the back of the car) as well as interior tweaks and several engineering changes related to suspension and efficiency, plus aerodynamics.

Most of the motors, batteries and basic bits are pretty much the same as the outgoing ‘legacy’ Model Y though, with a gamut of efficiency and aero improvements accruing into solid gains for the car as a whole. But that isn’t much of a problem anyway, as Tesla has always been at the better end of that side of things, and as a company it quietly improves bits 'n' bobs via over-the-air updates. A Tesla bought two years ago is usually not the same Tesla today.

The big news is really the slick new exterior look and the fact that the Model Y has addressed the criticisms of the old one, in that it was quite noisy and stiff-kneed. Part of that is a new die-cast rear floor, that culls the component count from 70 to… one. That’s a good thing when it comes to strength and complexity, and bodes well for structure.

What about the details?

Well, first thing to note is there’s no badge on the nose – which makes it look clean, but also might fox those who aren’t car-obsessive. Depending on which trim you go for, there are three new front bumpers. The camera on the front has migrated into the centre (there are the usual pair at the top of the windscreen) to help with forward autonomy sensing functions and things like remote-control Summon features. And that gets a washer jet for obvious reasons.

There are also new rear bumpers that stick out more, likely so that they can act more like a bumper. The previous Y had a flat-faced bottom that sacrificed more than it should in even relatively light rear impacts. And the new tailgate has squarer glass and a couple more shutlines – again probably so that it doesn’t all have to be replaced if knocked.

That’s important stuff to repairers and insurers and parts suppliers. And if it's insurance costs you're looking to save on then you're in luck, because there's now also a proper entry-level Model Y that slots into insurance group 34. That one has a less powerful motor and lowered top speed, and costs from £44,990. It also gets slightly different styling, new lights and a smaller 63kWh battery for 309 miles of WLTP range. Click these words to read our dedicated review.

Isn't there a hugely quick version too?

Well, all Model Ys are fairly sprightly off the line, but you're referring to the Performance. That gets two motors, around 460bhp and a 0-60mph time of just 3.3 seconds. At £61,990 it's the most expensive Model Y, but for that you also get sportier styling, a bigger touchscreen, carbon trim, more supportive seats and adaptive suspension. Click here for our thoughts on that one.

In between that and the entry Model Y lies the Long Range: it has an 83kWh battery and – if you hadn't already guessed from the name – goes the furthest of the lot, travelling 375 miles WLTP.

What are the normal Model Ys like to drive?

The new Model Y is night and day better than the old one, and genuinely feels like a different car. More attention has been lavished on general rigidity, damping and springs, better isolation and noise reduction. So the Model Y is quieter and more forgiving – exactly what you need from a family car.

It’s not the most precise thing to drive, but it feels more luxurious and expensive; all because it rides with greater sophistication and clonks through potholes less, if at all.

The steering is also better: not because it’s laser-precise, but because it’s progressive and calm, and the whole car brings no surprises. Again, reliable reactions and consistent grip is what owners will look for, rather than lairy oversteer or aggressive turn-in that makes a car feel ‘sporty’ but also puts your pets/children/jowls into compromising positions. But more of that in the Driving section.

Is it still best in class?

Despite the major improvements, no. The more expensive BMW iX3 is better to drive, goes further and has a more interesting interior, so that's the eSUV to have right now.

The Kia EV6 is cheaper but a tad smaller; the Audi Q6 e-tron refined but plain; the Mercedes GLC Electric is super comfortable but, like the Merc, also super pricey; the Volvo EX60 is multi-faceted but again, dearer.

Whichever way you cut it, the Model Y is great value for its size.

Want to know what the best electric cars are? Click here for the top 20

The Tesla Model Y has improved massively. It may have taken the company a while to react to the feedback, but it's got there in the end. This latest effort is quieter, more efficient, calmer to drive and nicer to be in.

The only issue is that where the Model Y was a good distance ahead of the competition, the chasing pack has now caught up. And the initial surprise and delight is gone.

It might look better, but there’s an element of placid androgyny to it now too; it looks like a lot of other electric SUVs – and there’s no badge on the front to tell you what it is.

But there’s still Tesla’s Supercharger network to back up the ownership prospect, and you won’t be disappointed with the hardware or the experience. The software might get on your nerves, though.