Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD 2025 review

Chasing Cars doesn’t do political commentary. We publish road tests we hope Australian car buyers find valuable.

So we’ll deal with the elephant in the room in the first paragraphs of this Tesla Model Y 2025 review: it’s a shame the mid-life upgrade of the world’s best-selling car (2023-2024) coincides with fraught politics in the United States because it distracts from the astounding extent of the improvements to this critical product.

Ahead of customer deliveries that are scheduled to commence in late May, Chasing Cars conducted thorough back-to-back testing of the outgoing Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive (LRAWD) and the updated LRAWD on our chosen roads and at our private facility in Sydney.

A word on terminology: while Tesla refers to the upgraded Model Y as “new” – a position that is nearly tenable given about half the parts used have changed – we refer to it as the updated Model Y, and to the previous vehicle as the outgoing Model Y.

We abbreviate the Rear-Wheel Drive trim to RWD, and the Long Range All-Wheel Drive to LRAWD.

The Australian range of updated Model Y variants will eventually echo that of the outgoing car, but the two ‘regular’ versions arrive first with carryover batteries and power outputs: the $58,900 RWD (with 255kW of power and 466km range WLTP), and the $68,900 LRAWD (with 378kW power and 511km range). An updated Performance is expected soon.

Both those sticker prices are before on-road costs, with driveaway prices landing at around $64,000 and $74,000 respectively depending on individual state incentives.

Pricing has shifted compared to the outgoing version, with the cost of the RWD model up $3000 while the LRAWD has seen its tag reduced by $1000.

Speaking of price, Tesla Australia’s local chief has told Chasing Cars that the marque intends to abandon its rapid pricing adjustment strategy that saw the outgoing Model Y’s positioning altered more than 10 times since launch. We intend to wait and see whether that newfound stability lasts.

When the outgoing Model Y launched locally in June 2022 with an impressive blend of value, specification and usability, it quickly became the ‘default’ midsize electric SUV accruing 8717 deliveries in the back half of its first year, a record 28,769 in 2023, and while the 2024 tally of 21,253 was more modest, the Model Y remained ahead of direct rivals in Australia.

Tesla’s early dominance in Australia can be attributed partially to its relatively early launch of vehicles with usable range, reasonable value for money and acceptable specification.

But market conditions are tougher for the start of the Model Y’s ‘second act’: not only is there the political distraction, but the Model Y now has more than 10 direct rivals.

As a result, it’s more important than ever that the Model Y be capable of standing on its own two feet (or four wheels, we suppose) in order to fend off those rivals and convince Australia’s EV buyers—who, for the time being, enjoy a considerable tax break via a novated lease structure—that the Tesla crossover is still the right choice.

What are the Model Y Long Range AWD’s features and options for the price?

First, let’s see where the Model Y sits in the contemporary midsize electric SUV space in Australia. We’ve based our comparison below on the cheapest available variant – in the Tesla’s case, the Model Y RWD:

• Leapmotor C10 Style: $45,888 before on-road costs (BOCS)
• Skyworth BE11 Comfort: $48,990 BOCS
• Deepal S07: $53,900 BOCS
• XPeng G6 Standard Range: $54,800 BOCS
• BYD Sealion 7 Premium: $54,990 BOCS
• Kia EV5 Air Standard Range: $56,770 BOCS
• Smart #3 Pro+: $57,900 BOCS
• Tesla Model Y RWD: $58,900 BOCS
• Volkswagen ID4 Pro: $59,990 BOCS
• Cupra Tavascan Endurance: $60,990 BOCS
• Ford Mustang Mach-E Select: $64,990 BOCS
• Toyota BZ4X: $66,000 BOCS
• Hyundai Ioniq 5 Standard Range: $69,800 BOCS
• Skoda Enyaq Sportline: $69,990 BOCS
• Subaru Solterra AWD: $69,990 BOCS
• Kia EV6 Air: $72,590 BOCS
• BMW iX1 eDrive20 xLine: $80,600 BOCS
• Audi Q4 e-tron 45: $84,900 BOCS
• Mercedes-Benz EQA250+: $85,800 BOCS
• BMW iX3 M Sport: $91,000 BOCS

We’ve included the full spread above, including models from luxury brands, to show you the full extent of rivals and where the Model Y’s revised pricing now commences. Priced at $58,900 before on-road costs, the updated Model Y RWD variant includes the following equipment as standard:

• 255kW/450Nm single-motor electric powertrain (rear-wheel drive)
• 60.0kWh (usable) lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery
• 19-inch ‘Crossflow’ alloy wheels with 255/45 R19 Hankook Ventus S1 Evo tyres
• Passive frequency-selective dampers
• Adjustable regenerative braking (standard or reduced modes)
• Black exterior trim and alloy wheel covers
• Pixel matrix LED headlights with light bar
• LED tail lights with reflective body panel light bar
• Silver layer heat and UV protected, acoustic laminated fixed glass panoramic roof
• Smartphone or keycard-based keyless access and start
• Artificial leather-look upholstery in All Black
• 12-way power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats (redesigned shape)
• Heated and ventilated (cooled) front seats
• Heated rear seats
• Heated leather steering wheel
• Textile interior trim pieces
• 15.4-inch central touchscreen
• 8.0-inch rear passenger touchscreen
• Nine-speaker stereo
• Twin wireless device chargers
• Dual-zone climate control air conditioning
• Smartphone app with remote unlocking, climate and other functions
• Over-the-air software updates
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Front, side and rear parking cameras

From the RWD variant, it is a simple $10,000 step up to the LRAWD variant, priced at $68,900 before on-road costs. The LRAWD adds the following specification as standard:

• 378kW/493Nm dual-motor electric powertrain (all-wheel drive)
• 75.0kWh (usable) nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery
• 16-speaker stereo

The following optional extras are available to specify:

• “Full Self-Driving Capability” (FSD) pending regulatory approval: +$10,100
• “Enhanced Autopilot”: +$5100
• 20-inch ‘Helix’ silver alloy wheels: +$2400
• Black and white (two-tone) interior colour: +$1500

We recommend the sharply-priced RWD variant to most buyers.

We haven’t tested the ride quality impediment imposed by the 20-inch wheels, but they certainly improve the appearance, while the welcome addition of front seat cooling means it’s no longer strictly necessary to option the white interior to reduce interior heat in Australia.

Is it worth the step up to the LRAWD? It could be, for those who want quicker acceleration and the surety of all-wheel drive – and especially if you genuinely need the additional range.

The LRAWD’s 25 percent larger (and more energy dense) battery adds a further 85km range, but you’d have to want it: each additional kilometre costs a further $117 to buy.

How does the Model Y Long Range AWD drive?

The outgoing Model Y was an acquired taste from behind the wheel. It had numerous upsides (rapid performance, disciplined body control, cornering zeal), but it was marred for its entire run in Australia by inappropriately stiff suspension, poor ride quality and a noisy cabin. A running change was rushed through in late 2022 but it didn’t change much…

…all of which makes the extent of the improvement to the updated Model Y even more stark.

Rigidity is up by a few percent, but it is a wholesale switch to new damper technology that has made the difference along with noticeably increased cabin noise insulation. These changes blend to make the updated Model Y feel considerably more mature.

Back-to-back testing revealed an improvement to ride quality in the order of 30 or 40 percent in our view. While the Model Y’s ride remains firmer and more disciplined than most – and suspension travel is still short – but new frequency-selective dampers radically improve the Model Y’s ability to absorb urban road imperfections.

Frequency selective dampers are not a new technology, but they can work well. Valving within the damper opens or closes based on the frequency of compression or extension. Quick, sharp bumps cause fluid to flow, effectively softening damping, while gentler motions like cornering restricts fluid, causing firmer damping.

It isn’t foolproof, and requires deft suspension tuning. But Tesla has sorted out that variable.

The Model Y now rides quite well, with the SUV’s overall comfort/compliance balance remaining true to the Model Y’s athletic bias while delivering a considerably less intrusive experience over poor urban roads, at least on standard 19-inch wheels.

We certainly wouldn’t call the ride perfect but it’s a huge improvement. Even the new dampers still struggle with stacatto-rapid urban bumps as the suspension doesn’t settle quite fast enough, and we noticed that, under braking, spring travel was so minimal that compliance fades.

A concern may have been that a big slackening in the Model Y’s stiff ride might have come at the expense of this car’s trademark poise, but it hasn’t.

The Tesla is fairly light for this segment (1992kg in LRAWD form), and the absence of mass over the front axle means it dives towards corner apices with zeal while grip from the Hankook rubber is strong.

Yet despite the capable chassis, keen drivers are still held at quite a distance by the Model Y. The steering ratio remains frenetically quick (unnecessarily so) but steering feel is synthetic and mostly absent, while the traction and stability control are extremely conservative, robbing momentum when cornering quickly.

Unproblematic in outgoing form was the Model Y’s accelerative and decelerative responses. Throttle response is excellent and linear (although accompanied by some whine).

The standard regenerative braking mode is possibly the best-tuned one-pedal system on the market but we appreciate the addition of a reduced regen setting, which mimics combustion-style engine braking and allows you to use the brake pedal as intended.

This is also a fast SUV, even in RWD form. Tesla claims the single-motor vehicle will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds, while the LRAWD’s extra beef slashes that to 4.8 seconds as standard – or 4.3 seconds if you pay to unlock an over-the-air Acceleration Boost, the price of which has not yet been confirmed.

Visibility is generally excellent out of the Model Y’s fishbowl glasshouse, though seeing out the narrowly apertured rear glass is tough. Lane changes are made easier thanks to blind spot cameras displayed in the touchscreen, though we wonder why the all-round parking cameras cannot generate a 360-degree visualisation when parking.

In totality, the driving dynamics of the updated Model Y presents as a superior balance between ride comfort, body control, refinement, and value.

What is the Model Y Long Range AWD’s interior and tech like?

While the dynamics of the Model Y will now appeal to a much broader range of drivers, the interior continues to polarise opinion – though it has benefitted from a considerable refinement upgrade.

Inside, the Tesla remains an exercise in stylistic minimalism – you are given only what you need with few thrills.

Even the old flourish of wood trim has been ripped out in favour of nondescript grey textile. Yet once first impressions are out of the way, you notice how the updated Model Y’s interior is richer, quieter, and more comfortable.

Core to the polarising effect of the Model Y cabin continues to be the use of a single, large, centrally mounted touchscreen for all readouts.

A cost-efficient measure that makes it cheaper for Tesla to build the Model Y (and Model 3 sedan) in both left- and right-hand drive, the enlarged screen won’t suit all, but it is easy enough to use.

It’s also larger and brighter now, with the 15.4-inch size up by 0.4 inches on the outgoing car thanks to smaller bezels. More than most, Tesla updates vehicle software often, including to the detail of relocating controls customers demand quicker access to for greater ease. The user interface is more logical than it once was.

A complete absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto sets the Model Y apart from nearly every other new vehicle on sale in Australia.

Tesla sees its own software as superior and, frankly, it does work very well with a wide range of in-built apps (including Apple Music, Spotify, Netflix, and more) but many people will miss Waze, which is unavailable.

Ultimately, while we give credit to software that has been improved over time, we would still prefer a discrete driver’s instrument cluster (or at least heads-up display), both of which most rivals have chosen to incorporate as a point of difference.

Customer feedback has also influenced the limited amount of hardware in here.

A one-press indicator stalk remains fitted to the steering column (the Model 3 deleted this, receiving negative feedback from some quarters) while the thinner-rimmed steering wheel now has quick access to wiper activation, high-beam flash, dash cam recording, and microphone off.

A step backward is the deletion of the physical direction selector stalk that made swapping directions (park, drive, reverse) finger-tip easy in the outgoing Model Y.

Like other Tesla models, direction selection is now done by swiping the touchscreen; occasionally we didn’t get this right. Physical validation from moving a stalk remains superior for this task.

The outgoing Model Y had overly plush, lazyboy-style chairs you would sink into – and, made from vinyl, their non-cooled nature meant heavy sweating in summer.

The updated car has Teutonic-style, firm and supportive sports seats that we found better over any distance. They’re still heated, but are now perforated and cooled up front. What a pleasant difference!

Effective air-conditioning cools the cabin quickly (and can be started from the smartphone app).

An issue in the outgoing Model Y was excessive warmth entering the glass roof on sunny days; additional solar attenuation has been added. As our test coincided with cloudy 20-degree temps, we must reserve our conclusion. Aftermarket companies have a trade in sun blinds.

Deserving of special mention is the quality of the stereo. While the RWD makes do with a (decent) nine-speaker unit, the LRAWD gains speakers over its predecessor with a sixteen speaker hi-fi demonstrating superb clarity and punch—albeit with a ‘front and centre’ stage sound feel that not all passengers loved.

The back seat hardware has also been altered though not to the same degree as the fronts.

The squab has been marginally lengthened (by 1.5cm) making it very moderately more comfortable for aft passengers with longer legs but the thigh angle still isn’t sufficient to feel properly supportive on long drives.

The power tailgate now detects (through fitment of ultra wideband Bluetooth) a person standing behind it with the phone key in their pocket—the door duly opens.

Tesla appears to measure cargo space differently to most brands; claimed space is 854 litres, plus there is a big and useful box beneath the boot floor. Row two now folds 60/40 (and restores itself) with powered motors.

Plus, there’s a frunk. Speaking to Tesla’s impressive motor miniaturisation is how large the front boot is for a dual-motor EV. At 117 litres, it will swallow a couple of soft bags with ease. Tesla has also added a drain hole to the frunk in this update, so it could be used to store ice at a picnic.

Is the Model Y Long Range AWD a safe car?

Like the outgoing Model Y, the updated version includes Tesla’s “Hardware 4.0” semi-autonomous safety suite. “HW4” is informed by eight cameras – but no radar or ultrasonic sensors. Even the parking sensing is measured by camera vision.

Despite the visual changes to the front end, as is typical, the updated Model Y will continue to benefit from the earlier car’s five-star ANCAP crash and safety rating that was issued in 2022 and will not expire until December 2028.

When tested in 2022 the Model Y received outstanding crash and safety test scores, as follows:

• 97 percent for adult occupant protection (36.87 out of 38 points)
• 89 percent for child occupant protection (43.62 out of 49 points)
• 82 percent for vulnerable road user (pedestrian and cyclist) protection (44.81 out of 54 points)
• 98 percent for safety assist (15.75 out of 16 points)

Standard safety features include autonomous emergency braking (that operates when driving forward and in reverse), ‘traffic aware’ adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot view cameras, blind spot monitoring, and speed sign recognition.

Optioning Enhanced Autopilot adds a navigate on autopilot function which will suggest and make lane changes if the driver confirms) as well as automated parking. Frankly, we don’t currently see a need to do so as the standard cruise control works well enough.

Spending more than $10,000 extra on the Model Y locks in, Tesla says, current pricing of the much-discussed “Full Self-Driving Capability” suite that promises fully autonomous driving with a substantial caveat—it’s subject to regulation and is not currently operational in Australia. 

In terms of tuning of safety systems, we found the updated Model Y to be superior to most rivals with sophisticated lane keeping that made gentle corrections rather than grabby alterations to cornering lines, while the adaptive cruise was near-perfect.

One exception was to be found on bright and sunny afternoons when the forward-facing camera can very occasionally get confused by deep shadows.

Additionally, an interior chime lets the driver know when traffic lights turn green (if they haven’t yet driven off) – but it’s oversensitive and prone to reading the wrong traffic light, such that you will receive a chime waiting at a ‘straight’ red light when the adjacent green arrow goes off. This system can be switched off. 

What are the Model Y Long Range AWD’s ownership costs?

Outstanding efficiency on our testing loop contributes to the Model Y receiving a rare “Affordable” running costs rating from Chasing Cars. Across a mixed commuting and touring loop, the Model Y LRAWD was incredibly power-efficient. On the highway, where most EVs use more electricity, the Model Y is still reasonably miserly.

Against the updated Model Y LRAWD’s WLTP efficiency and range claims of 13.6kWh/100km and 551km respectively, we managed a very impressive 13.8kWh/100km and 543km on our mixed driving loop. Our result was within two percent of the WLTP claim.

On the highway, our energy use increased markedly to 16.0kWh/100km (an expected 17 percent more than the WLTP claim) but even this highway testing result is still considerably more electricity-efficient than many rivals, particularly the Kia EV5 that uses more than 20.0kWh/100km in the same environment.

Tesla owners in Australia continue to enjoy the boon that is full access to the brand’s extensive and reliable Supercharger network (non-Teslas can charge at about 50 percent of the network).

But charging performance is increasingly mid-pack. AC speeds are limited to 11kW instead of 22kW; the headline DC peak charging figure of 250kW sounds impressive but a 10-80 percent charge (a 55km to 440km session) replenishes plenty of miles but takes 27 minutes as charging speeds average only a moderate 124kW.

When it comes to servicing, Tesla maintenance does not fall at set intervals but instead is condition-based. Speaking with owners reveals a common story of little to no maintenance requirements for the first few years. Frankly, we’d still feel more comfortable locking in a maintenance plan from the start so it isn’t even something you have to think about.

Something we do think about is the Model Y’s poor warranty. Aligning with global settings, Tesla provides Australian customers with a mediocre four year/80,000km limited vehicle warranty when most rivals give at least five years with unlimited mileage.

At least the battery and drive unit warranty is more generous: for the RWD model it is eight years/160,000km, while the AWD version enjoys eight years/192,000km of coverage. Battery capacity specifically is warranted to be at least 70 percent in that time (in other words, it is warranted to 326km WLTP and 385km WLTP respectively).

The honest verdict on the Model Y Long Range AWD

You cannot ask for much more from a mid-life update than what Tesla has delivered in the updated Model Y: this is a comprehensive and impressive upgrade to a strong-selling SUV.

It is pleasantly surprising that Tesla has gone to such lengths to even out the Model Y’s ride given the car was selling very strongly even with the outgoing version’s compromised comfort.

Beyond the suspension fixes, the superior seats (now with cooling), generally quieter cabin, and slightly improved efficiency and acceleration are cherries on top.

And then there is the styling – something we deliberately minimise our commentary on because judgments on aesthetics are so subjective. From our perspective, the Cybertruck-inspired front-end design looks decent in the metal.

While the Model Y is clearly no longer near the bottom of the midsize electric SUV in terms of pricing, Tesla is carving out a comfortable ‘semi-premium’ position that is backed up by the more mature balance found in this updated SUV.

However, it’s a fact that a considerable section of the market won’t want to be seen in a new Model Y – either for political reasons or simply because the ubiquitous Tesla SUV has become so common.

We now live in an experiment to determine whether a car manufacturer (by proxy) airing strong political opinions has a long-term impact on brand desirability and sales performance in Australia.

But as politics have no bearing whatsoever on Chasing Cars assessment or ratings, the updated Model Y earns a strong road-test score by getting the fundamentals of motoring more right than it did before.