The review
All EV Sales editorial review. Researched from official specifications, safety ratings and published expert reviews; not a first-hand owner review. Key facts Price from: US$39,990 (RWD, US) · A$58,900 (RWD, Australia, before on-roads) Official range: 283–357 miles (EPA) · 466–600 km (WLTP) 0–60 mph: 3.3–6.8 seconds depending on version Peak DC charging: 225–250 kW Safety: 5 stars Euro NCAP (2025) · 5 stars ANCAP (2025) Overview The Model Y was the world's best-selling electric car again in 2025, and the refreshed version explains why. It pairs long range and fast charging with the most extensive fast-charging network of any brand. The 2026 update doesn't reinvent it; it fixes the things owners complained about most. Design & Interior The new front and rear light bars give it a cleaner, more modern look. Inside, materials are a step up, with ambient lighting and ventilated front seats on most versions. Rear passengers now get their own 8-inch screen. The cabin is still extremely minimalist: almost every control lives on the central touchscreen. Reviewers consistently flag the screen-based gear selector and on-screen wipers as distracting at first. There's still no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Driving Even the entry version feels brisk, and the dual-motor versions are genuinely quick. The Performance model reaches 60 mph in about 3.3 seconds. The biggest change is the suspension. Earlier Model Ys rode firmly; the update is noticeably more forgiving over bumps, and road and wind noise are lower. Handling stays tidy and composed for a family SUV. Range & Charging This is where the Model Y is hard to beat. The Premium RWD reaches 357 miles on the EPA cycle, and Australian versions range from 466 km to 600 km (WLTP). Efficiency is excellent, at around 14 kWh per 100 km in real-world testing. Peak DC charging is 250 kW on Long Range versions, and access to Tesla's Supercharger network makes long trips simple. Practicality The Model Y is one of the most practical cars in its class. There's a front boot, a deep underfloor well at the back and up to about 2,100 litres with the rear seats folded. Rear legroom is generous. A longer six-seat Model Y L is now offered in some markets for larger families. Safety The 2025 Model Y earned five stars from Euro NCAP, named best in class, with 91% for adult occupants, 93% for children, 86% for vulnerable road users and 92% for safety assist. ANCAP also awarded five stars. Verdict The refreshed Model Y is still the default choice for a family electric SUV. It combines excellent range, efficiency and space with easy long-distance charging. The ride and noise improvements address its main weaknesses. The touchscreen-heavy controls and lack of CarPlay remain the main reasons to look elsewhere. How we rated it Range 4.5 (class-leading efficiency) · Performance 4.0 (quick, better-riding, not sporty) · Safety 5.0 (best-in-class Euro NCAP) · Comfort 4.0 (quieter and smoother, but touchscreen-reliant controls) · Overall 4.5. Sources Euro NCAP 2025 assessment: https://www.euroncap.com/assessments/tesla/model+y/1181/ Edmunds review: https://www.edmunds.com/tesla/model-y/ RACV review (Australian pricing and range): https://www.racv.com.au/royalauto/car-reviews/tesla/2026-tesla-model-y-review.html US lineup and specs: https://evchargingstations.com/chargingnews/2026-tesla-model-y-lineup/