The Tesla Model Y, the world’s best-selling electric vehicle, has undergone a dramatic facelift for 2025, codenamed “Project Juniper.” With a striking new exterior, a more premium interior, and refined engineering, this updated SUV aims to solidify its dominance in the fiercely competitive EV market. Here’s everything you need to know about the revamped Model Y, from its Cybertruck-inspired design to its enhanced ride quality, as reviewed by experts like Mat Watson from Carwow.
Exterior: A Sharper, Cybertruck-Inspired Look
The 2025 Tesla Model Y sheds its somewhat awkward predecessor’s aesthetic for a bold, futuristic design heavily influenced by the Tesla Cybertruck. The front end features sleek, split headlamps with a light band connecting the daytime running lights (DRLs), a longer hood, and redesigned bumpers with larger air intakes. These changes not only give the Model Y a more aggressive stance but also improve aerodynamics by 4%, boosting the Long Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD) model’s EPA-estimated range to 353 miles—up from 331 miles.
At the rear, a full-width light bar and a redesigned diffuser add a modern touch, with the tailgate now cleaner and sporting a subtle spoiler. New 19-inch Crossflow and 20-inch Helix 2.0 wheel options, along with creased door mirrors, complete the side profile. While some critics, like Jalopnik, argue the design resembles competitors like Toyota or Dodge, others praise its fresh, premium look, with Carwow’s Mat Watson calling it “one of the most effective facelifts I’ve ever seen.”
Interior: Premium Comfort Meets High-Tech
Step inside, and the Model Y’s cabin feels noticeably more upscale. Tesla has introduced higher-quality materials, including softer fabrics, Alcantara-like accents, and less plasticky vegan leather. The redesigned dashboard, borrowed from the updated Model 3, features a sleek ambient light strip that sweeps across the cabin, customizable to suit your mood. Ventilated front seats and heated rear seats add comfort, while a new 8-inch rear touchscreen lets back-seat passengers control climate settings, play games, or watch movies—a feature Watson highlights as making the car feel “more premium.”
Noise reduction is another win, with acoustic glazing and improved sound insulation cutting cabin noise by about 20%. The door release button is larger for easier access, and the center console now covers the cupholders for a cleaner look. However, one quirk remains: the drive selector is still on the touchscreen, which Watson and others find frustrating, though Tesla has mercifully retained a conventional indicator stalk, unlike the Model 3.
A minor embarrassment? The central 15.4-inch display initially showed the old Model Y’s graphic, but Tesla has promised an over-the-air software update to fix this.
Suspension and Handling: Smoother and More Refined
Under the skin, Tesla has addressed one of the Model Y’s biggest criticisms: its stiff ride. The 2025 model features a retuned suspension with updated geometry and damping borrowed from the Model 3, resulting in a more balanced and forgiving chassis. A stiffer body shell and a redesigned rear gigacasting (7kg lighter and 50% less machined) enhance structural integrity, potentially lowering repair costs. While the suspension is technically firmer, reviewers like Auto Express note it “irons out bumps with noticeably more confidence.”
The result is a quieter, smoother ride that makes the Model Y feel more refined, especially on long drives. Posts on X echo this sentiment, with
@teslaeurope praising the “better isolation and noise reduction” that makes the Model Y “night and day better than the old one.”
Battery and Motors: No Change, But Still Impressive
Surprisingly, Tesla hasn’t upgraded the battery or motors for the 2025 Model Y. The Long Range AWD model retains its 78.4kWh battery (unofficially confirmed) and dual-motor setup, delivering 384 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds. The base Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) model uses a single 275bhp motor, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds and a 337-mile range. A new software “Acceleration Boost” upgrade, available for $2,000, shaves the AWD’s 0-60 time to 4.2 seconds by adding roughly 100 horsepower.
While the lack of battery upgrades might disappoint some, Tesla’s focus on efficiency—through aerodynamic tweaks and lightweight components—has squeezed out extra range without increasing battery size. The Model Y supports up to 250kW fast charging, making it compatible with Tesla’s V3 Superchargers.
Pricing and Availability: A Premium Price Tag
The 2025 Model Y starts at $48,990 for the Long Range RWD model in the U.S., with the AWD version at $50,630. The Launch Edition, initially priced at $61,630, is sold out, but more trims, including a Performance variant with adaptive dampers and sport seats, are expected later in 2025. In the UK, prices begin at £44,990, though the Launch Series commands £60,990. This price hike—£9,000 more than the outgoing model in some markets—has drawn criticism, with Watson noting it’s “harder to swallow” given the modest range increase.
Carwow’s Verdict: A Step Forward, But Not Perfect
Mat Watson’s Carwow review applauds the Model Y’s transformation, praising its sharper looks, premium interior, and improved ride quality. However, he points out flaws: the unchanged motors and battery, the touchscreen drive selector, and the price increase. Despite these, Carwow’s updated comparison crowned the Model Y over the BYD Sealion, citing its superior refinement and efficiency.
Should You Buy It?
The 2025 Tesla Model Y is a significant upgrade, blending futuristic styling, a more luxurious interior, and a smoother ride. While the lack of powertrain updates and higher price may give some buyers pause, its enhanced range, premium features, and Tesla’s unmatched charging network make it a compelling choice. For those eyeing a used Model Y to save money, Carwow’s lease deals or second-hand listings are worth exploring.
As Tesla faces growing competition from rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, the refreshed Model Y proves it’s still a leader in the EV SUV segment. Deliveries begin in March 2025 in the U.S. and April in the UK. Will it keep its crown as the world’s best-selling EV? Only time—and buyers—will tell.
The 2025 Tesla Model Y seems like a significant upgrade, especially with its Cybertruck-inspired design and improved aerodynamics. I’m curious, though, how much of a difference does that 4% aerodynamic improvement really make in real-world driving conditions? The interior upgrades sound impressive, but do you think the higher-quality materials justify a potential price increase? Also, the new rear touchscreen is a nice touch, but is it really necessary, or is it just a gimmick? I’d love to hear from someone who’s already driven the updated model—does it feel as premium as it sounds? And finally, with all these changes, do you think Tesla can maintain its lead in the EV market, or are competitors catching up faster than expected? What’s your take on the overall value of this new Model Y?