1 day ago
14
Tesla has made a minor change to the Model Y line-up, bringing all models in line with the flagship Performance grade.
Electric Cars
Tesla has introduced a change to the 2026 Tesla Model Y medium SUV, which sees all grades match the flagship Performance grade when it comes to infotainment technology.
The running change to the Model Y now adds a bigger 16-inch infotainment screen to the Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and Long Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD) versions of Tesla's popular SUV, replacing the previous 15.4-inch display.
The infotainment change essentially brings the Model Y RWD and Model Y Long Range up to the same spec announced for the Model Y Performance.
The two lower-spec grades also see a black roof lining take the place of the light grey headlining used previously.
There is no change to the headlining in the Performance, which is built in Germany, rather than China, like more affordable versions.
Despite the infotainment upgrade, pricing holds firm at $58,900 plus on-road costs for the Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive and $68,900 for the Model Y Long Range AWD.
The Model Y is equipped with a nine-speaker audio system, with a 15-speaker system plus subwoofer on the Long Range and Performance.
Standard 19-inch 'Crossflow' alloy wheels are fitted to the RWD and Long Range, with optional 20-inch 'Helix 2.0' alloy wheels available. The Performance comes with 21-inch 'Arachnid' alloys.
The RWD and Long Range models also come with frequency-selective suspension, while continuously-variable adaptive dampers are fitted to the Model Y Performance.
Other specifications remain unchanged, with a 466km WLTP range and 5.9-second 0-100km/h acceleration claimed for the RWD, and 600km range with a 4.8-second 0-100km/h time claimed for the Long Range AWD.
The entry grades also come with heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats, while the Model Y Performance upgrades to sports seats with adjustable-length seat bases.
Tesla claims orders placed today for the two lower-spec models will be available for delivery in January to February 2026, with the flagship Performance following in February to April 2026.
Australian-delivered Model Ys follow a split supply arrangement, with the RWD and Long Range built in China, while the Performance is sourced from Germany.
The cheaper Model Y Standard model grade, recently introduced for the United States, remains off-limits for the Australian market.
2026 Tesla Model Y price in Australia
Note: All prices above exclude on-road costs.
2026 Tesla Model Y RWD standard features:
2026 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD adds (over RWD):
2026 Tesla Model Y Performance AWD adds (over Long Range AWD):
Electric Cars Guide
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
