The updated 2025 Model Y is more expensive than its predecessor, but Tesla has made some options standard on the initial batch of Launch Series cars to offset the hike.
Electric Cars
The 2025 Tesla Model Y will cost $3500 to $7500 more than the vehicle it replaces when the updated model commences Australian deliveries in May.
As revealed on Friday, the facelifted Model Y – reportedly codenamed 'Juniper' – gains refreshed styling, an updated interior, slightly longer driving range, and new features to help Tesla's top seller keep up with newer rivals.
It will initially be offered in Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and Long Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD) grades, in "limited release" Launch Series forms with unique features, and a handful of cost options included as standard equipment.
Plans for a new Performance model are yet to be confirmed, though it may follow later, as per the latest version of the related Model 3 sedan.
Prices for the Launch Series RWD start from $63,400 plus on-road costs – up $7500 on the previous RWD ($55,900) – while Launch Series Long Range AWD starts from $73,400 plus on-roads, up $3500 from $69,900 previously.
They represent the first price rises for the Tesla Model Y in close to two years – since May 2023 – and follow price cuts of up to $9500 over the course of 2024.
Once the Launch Series models are sold, it is expected prices will drop as the limited editions include premium paint and larger 20-inch wheels as standard, which cost up to $2600 and $2400 respectively on the outgoing Model Y.
A full breakdown of everything new with the 2025 Model Y is available in our reveal story published Friday, but the headline changes include an updated exterior with front and rear light bars, new bumpers, and fresh wheel designs.
Inside, there's a larger 15.4-inch touchscreen (up from 15-inch), an 8.0-inch screen for rear passengers, softer materials, and new seat designs with ventilation for front occupants.
The gear selector has moved to a slider on the touchscreen, but the indicator stalk has been retained – liberating space on the steering wheel for customisable shortcuts that can be linked to key functions.
The design changes make the Model Y more aerodynamic – boosting driving range ratings between 11km and 18km – while performance has improved for the updated version.
Retuned suspension promises a more supple ride, as well as more precise steering and better cornering grip.
Powering the RWD is a single rear electric motor and a circa-60kWh battery pack, good for 466km of rated driving range in European WLTP testing. The 0-100km/h acceleration time has dropped from 6.9 to 5.9 seconds in Australia, matching pre-update versions in China.
Long Range AWD models use two motors and a circa-79kWh battery for a 551km driving range rating, up from 533km previously.
Standard on the Launch Series is an Acceleration Boost software upgrade that cuts the 0-100km/h time to 4.3 seconds, unchanged from the previous model with the upgrade. Without it, the 0-100km/h time would likely be 5.0sec.
Included in the Launch Series package – alongside the performance boost, premium paint and 20-inch wheels – is a badge on the tailgate, branding on the centre console and sill plates, and puddle light projection.
Variants with the black interior – rather than the $1500 black and white option – also gain black suede trim on the dashboard, rather than light grey fabric.
Standard features in every new Model Y include a 15.4-inch touchscreen, matrix LED headlights, synthetic leather-look upholstery, power-folding and reclining rear seats, heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and ambient interior lighting.
Tesla's Basic Autopilot safety suite is standard, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keep and lane centring assist, blind-spot monitoring – now with lights, in addition to warnings on the screen – and rear cross-traffic alert.
The updated Model Y has added a front-view camera for use when parking – and to assist the safety systems – joining rear and side parking cameras already offered, and camera-based parking distance warnings.
Exclusive to the Long Range is an upgraded sound system with 16 speakers, including a subwoofer.
The 2025 Tesla Model Y is available to order now, ahead of first deliveries in May
2025 Tesla Model Y price in Australia
Note: All prices above exclude on-road costs.
2025 Tesla Model Y Launch Series RWD standard features:
2025 Tesla Model Y Launch Series Long Range AWD adds (over RWD):
Electric Cars Guide
Alex Misoyannis has been writing about cars since 2017, when he started his own website, Redline. He contributed for Drive in 2018, before joining CarAdvice in 2019, becoming a regular contributing journalist within the news team in 2020. Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines at a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family. Highly Commended - Young Writer of the Year 2024 (Under 30) Rising Star Journalist, 2024 Winner Scoop of The Year - 2024 Winner