2025 Tesla Model Y Review, Pricing, and Specs (2025)

7.5/10

C/D RATING

MSRP

Specs

Overview

The Tesla Model Y appears enticing because its estimated driving range is the highest among its electric-SUV peers. However, Tesla's shine begins to dull the closer you look, and its attractive price tag loses its appeal as you notice the SUV's cheap-feeling interior and build-quality issues. It's closely related to the Model 3 sedan, which recently received a comprehensive facelift that addressed these issues, and the Model Y is set to get the same upgrades for the 2026 model year. In the meantime, this version of the Model Y is offered in three configurations—Long Range RWD, Long Range AWD, and Performance—each with varying levels of driving-range estimates and acceleration performance.

What's New for 2025?

This year, the previously available Standard Range battery pack has been discontinued. Tesla hasn't made any other major changes to the Model Y for 2025, but a significantly revised version launches as a 2026 model.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Buying an electric car is all about driving range, and the Long Range RWD and Long Range AWD models offer up to 337 and 311 miles of range, respectively. We'd go with the Long Range with the single-motor rear-wheel-drive powertrain, which maximizes driving range. There are few ways to customize your Model Y and only a handful of exterior colors to choose from—most of which cost extra.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

The Model Y lineup starts with the Long Range RWD trim that comes with a single electric motor making 295 horsepower. The Model Y's Long Range AWD and Performance models are more compelling for enthusiast drivers thanks to dual motors that provide a higher combined horsepower rating and all-wheel drive. While the Model Y offers impressive acceleration, it doesn't deliver the same level of driving satisfaction as the Model 3. The SUV body creates a higher center of gravity, which dulls the sharp edge of the Model 3's handling, and the Y's ride is considerably rougher over road imperfections as well.

0–60-MPH Times

Thanks to a generous Car and Driver reader, we were able to test a 384-hp Long Range AWD, which zipped to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, a mere 0.4 second behind our long-term Model 3 sedan. The Performance model delivered an even quicker 3.6-second blast to 60 mph in our testing.

Towing and Payload Capacity

The Model Y is rated to tow up to 3500 pounds, but a towing hitch does not come standard on any of the SUV's trims.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The EPA estimates that Long Range RWD models offer driving range estimates as high as 337 miles per charge. The Long Range AWD offers up to 311 miles of range; the Performance model's estimated range drops to 277 miles. In our real-world 75-mph highway range test, the Long Range AWD achieved 220 miles, and the Performance model achieved 230 miles. But the latter comes with 20-inch wheels, a lowered suspension, a higher top speed (155 mph), quicker claimed acceleration, and a dedicated Track mode.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

The EPA estimates that the Long Range RWD model is good for 125 MPGe in the city and 117 MPGe on the highway, while the Performance model's fuel economy estimates are 104 MPGe city and 97 MPGe highway. The Long Range AWD model that we tested over our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test route recorded just 94 MPGe, while the Performance model delivered a result of 98 MPGe. MPGe stands for miles per gallon of gas equivalent, an EPA metric that estimates PHEV and EV vehicle fuel efficiency. For more information about the Model Y's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Model Y doesn't come with the larger Model X crossover's complicated Falcon Wing doors; its interior is largely free of buttons and relies mostly on a large infotainment display positioned at the center of an uncluttered dashboard. A heavily tinted, all-glass roof lends an airy ambiance to the cabin. The optional third row of seats adds a steep $2500 to the Model Y's price. This cramped two-passenger setup is of limited use as the two seats cannot comfortably fit adult-size passengers.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Accessing almost every function of the Model Y—from the climate controls to the speedometer—requires users to interact with the large, slim infotainment display in the middle of the dashboard. The Model Y offers the same entertainment functions as the Model 3, including embedded Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube apps, as well as video games, all perfect for killing time while waiting for the battery to charge at the public charging station. Don't worry, Tesla locks drivers out of using these distractions while the vehicle is moving.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Tesla's Autopilot driving-assist system comes standard on the Model Y. Despite its name, Autopilot is not exactly the self-driving feature the company claims. The same goes for the Model Y's optional Full Self-Driving Capability. All Model Ys still require the driver's attention and possible intervention. Still, these systems are useful for reducing fatigue on long highway drives. For more information about the Model Y's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Warranty coverage for the Model Y mirrors that of the Model 3, Model S, and Model X models, which means four years or 50,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and eight years or 100,000 miles of coverage for the battery and electric motors.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 8 years or 100,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

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