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2026 Tesla Model Y review

You’re looking at Australia’s favourite electric vehicle (EV).

The Tesla Model Y isn’t just selling; it’s dominating. Globally, and even in Australia – a market known for its cautious embrace of EVs – the Model Y reigns supreme. Forget electric versus petrol; this SUV is battling it out at the very top of the mid-size category, period.

Why is it a hit? Credit the accessible price point, the cutting-edge EV tech setting industry standards, and the lingering Tesla mystique – years of pioneering have built serious brand power, even if the CEO’s star has dimmed a bit recently.

Even as the electric vehicle market cools, the Tesla Model Y continues to dominate. A staggering 13,310 new Model Ys hit the roads by the end of August alone, leaving every other EV contender in the dust.

The electric SUV arena is about to become a battleground. Tesla’s Model Y, long the reigning champ, faces a hungry pack nipping at its heels. Chinese automakers are sharpening their knives, eager to undercut Tesla’s price point, while Europe throws its hat in the ring with contenders like Skoda’s Elroq and Enyaq, promising premium features at budget-friendly prices. The fight for EV supremacy is on!

Watch: Paul’s video review of the Model Y RWD

The world’s best-selling car just got a shot of adrenaline. Dubbed "Juniper," this isn’t just a facelift; it’s a full-blown makeover responding directly to Aussie drivers’ desires. Think of it as the ultimate evolution, transforming a legend into an even more compelling ride.

Tesla’s about to unleash a scorching Performance version Down Under! Meanwhile, globally, the family-sized Model Y L, boasting six seats, has already hit Chinese roads, leaving Aussies in suspense – will it arrive on our shores?

Is the Tesla Model Y still theonlyEV you should consider?

How much does the Tesla Model Y cost?

The Model Y’s recent refresh brought a steeper price tag, but think of it as an investment. Beneath the surface gleam lies a revamped drivetrain, cutting-edge battery tech, and a cabin brimming with enhanced features. You’re not just buying a car; you’re upgrading to a whole new driving experience.

| Model | Price before on-road costs | | — | — | | 2026 Tesla Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive | $58,900 | | 2026 Tesla Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive | $68,900 | | 2026 Tesla Model Y Performance All-Wheel Drive | $89,400 |

Meet the Model Y RWD, Tesla’s gateway to electric SUV bliss, starting at $58,900. But, hold on, because the one we’ve got is dressed to impress with a few tempting extras.

Dressed to impress, this machine sports a Stealth Grey coat – a $1900 stroke of artistry. Rolling on $2400 worth of 20-inch alloys and showcasing the chic, contrasting Black and White interior, a $1500 upgrade, these enviable extras add $5800 to the sticker. The price for this head-turning presence? $64,700, excluding on-road costs.

Tesla’s Autopilot just got an upgrade – and a price tag. Full Self Driving (Supervised), the next level of autonomous driving, tacks on an extra $10,100. Miss the boat on Enhanced Autopilot? It’s officially gone – retired after September, leaving Full Self Driving as the sole option for advanced driver assistance.

To see how the Tesla Model Y lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

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What is the Tesla Model Y like on the inside?

Tesla’s pared back, screen-dependent interior strikes again.

Optional Black and White interior ($1500) transforms the Model Y cabin into a minimalist’s dream – a designer lounge on wheels. The stark contrast evokes a sense of clean simplicity, elevated by an undeniable elegance that whispers of meticulous craftsmanship.

Tesla’s come a long way, ditching the clunky builds of yesteryear’s Model S and X, and even the initial Model 3 hiccups. Forget misaligned panels and questionable finishes; now, sliding into a Tesla feels undeniably premium.

Forget the usual dials and gauges. Your eyes are instantly magnetized to the massive 15.4-inch touchscreen dominating the dashboard – imagine a giant iPad commandeering your car’s controls. Beneath this digital monolith, a duo of wireless charging pads await, cleverly disguised as storage trays, ready to juice up your devices while keeping clutter at bay.

Forget dials and gauges. Tesla throws you headfirst into a dazzling digital world. The touchscreen isn’t just bright; it’s a vibrant portal, bursting with crisp graphics and saturated colors. Sure, the interface is a rebellious departure from the norm, a learning curve that initially felt like navigating a spaceship’s controls, even for this tech-native millennial.

Imagine: fingertip access to everything that matters. A sleek, always-there virtual toolbar anchors to the bottom of your display, putting essential functions, your recently used apps, and even climate controls a single touch away. It’s streamlined control, redefined.

Fine-tuning your driving position shouldn’t feel like navigating a digital labyrinth. Yet, that’s precisely the experience when you attempt to adjust the steering wheel or mirrors. Instead of intuitive controls, you’re forced to plunge into a bewildering settings menu. It’s a design choice that leaves us scratching our heads.

Forget fiddly touchscreen controls; let’s talk about automotive interfaces from hell. Imagine needing to execute a quick three-point turn, only to fumble with a touchscreen, swiping frantically for "Drive" while traffic bears down on you. The ‘swipe up for Drive,’ ‘swipe down for Reverse’ selector isn’t just unintuitive, it’s a masterclass in how to ruin a simple parking maneuver. Give me a proper gear stick any day.

Beyond the wireless phone charging trays, the cabin boasts thoughtfully designed storage solutions. A cavernous center console swallows everyday essentials, while the generous cupholders feature grippy surfaces for secure beverage containment. And let’s not forget the expansive door bins, adding even more space to stash your belongings.

Even at 6’1", I found the rear seats surprisingly spacious. Typically, a panoramic sunroof steals precious headroom, but clever design prevails here. The tinted glass roof, free of a bulky shade, is subtly sculpted, carving out extra space that makes a real difference.

However, those blessed with longer legs, like myself, might find the subtly elevated floor creates a charming "knees-up" posture reminiscent of a bygone era. Yet, fear not! The completely flat floor, coupled with the panoramic glasshouse, conjures a breathtaking illusion of boundless airiness and roominess.

Forget backseat boredom! A vibrant 8.0-inch touchscreen now commands the rear console, putting climate control and seat warming at your passengers’ fingertips. But that’s just the beginning. This isn’t just a screen; it’s an entertainment hub, complete with a video player and built-in games to transform every journey into an adventure.

Wireless freedom abounds with dual Bluetooth headset support, while twin USB-C ports stand ready to refuel your devices. But don’t think technology reigns supreme; the driver remains the ultimate authority. They possess the power to monitor and even lock the rear-facing screen, ensuring control stays firmly in the front seat.

While the pristine white leatherette might spark joy, picture juice box explosions and rogue crayon attacks. Fear not, fellow parents! This car is secretly on your side. ISOFIX anchors stand guard in the outboard rear seats, ready to secure precious cargo. Plus, top-tether points for all three rear positions ensure maximum safety for every little passenger. And when peace reigns (however briefly), a fold-down armrest with twin cupholders awaits, perfect for stashing sippy cups or parental caffeination.

Tesla boasts a cavernous 938 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, measured all the way to the roof imagine fitting a small pony back there! Need more room? Fold the seats down and unleash a whopping 2022 litres of storage. Suddenly, that weekend camping trip just got a whole lot easier.

Even with the load cover snug, the tailgate reveals a surprisingly cavernous cargo hold. Think of it as a vertical vault for your gear. And flanking the main floor are two secret storage compartments, perfect for stashing smaller essentials. Best of all? A power tailgate comes standard, making access effortless.

Hidden beneath the boot floor lies a surprisingly cavernous compartment – perfect for swallowing smaller bags or wrangling unruly charging cables. Forget a spare tire, though. Like many EVs in its class, you’ll find a puncture repair kit, your trusty companion against the dreaded flat.

Instead of a cavernous abyss, the 88L under-bonnet storage offers a practical nook. Lined with robust, battle-ready plastic, it’s the perfect haven for stashing smaller essentials, keeping your adventure gear shipshape and ready for action.

| Dimensions | Tesla Model Y | | — | — | | Length | 4792mm | | Width | 1982mm | | Height | 1624mm | | Weight | 1921kg – RWD 1992kg – Long Range AWD | | Wheelbase | 2890mm | | Storage space | 938-2022L – boot 88L – frunk |

To see how the Tesla Model Y lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

Imagine the Tesla Model Y, a sleek silhouette cutting through the city. Now, picture this base model: a purist’s dream. Instead of all-wheel acrobatics, it’s propelled by a single, silent warrior – an electric motor commanding the rear wheels with focused precision. Powering this responsive dance? A robust 60kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, a powerhouse of efficiency ready to unleash instant torque. It’s rear-wheel drive redefined, a thrilling connection to the road with every electrifying surge.

| Specifications | Tesla Model Y RWD | | — | — | | Drivetrain | Single motor, rear-mounted | | Battery | 60kWh LFP | | Power | 255kW | | Torque | 450Nm | | Drive type | Rear-wheel drive | | Tare mass | 1921kg | | 0-100km/h (claimed) | 5.9s | | Energy consumption (claimed) | – | | Energy consumption (as tested) | 15.3kWh/100km | | Claimed range (WLTP) | 466km | | Max DC charge rate | 175kW |

We wrung out every last drop of data over 605 kilometers. From the relentless hum of the freeway to the stop-start pulse of Melbourne’s CBD, we pushed it. This efficiency figure isn’t lab-tested; it’s road-proven.

To see how the Tesla Model Y lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

How does the Tesla Model Y drive?

Finally, my hands gripped the wheel of a Model Y. The hype surrounding Tesla’s electric SUV had been deafening. I was ready to dissect it, to see if it lived up to the buzz, and more importantly, whether Tesla had listened to the critics and ironed out the wrinkles from earlier models.

Beneath its sleek, refreshed exterior, Tesla reveals a symphony of engineering enhancements, promising a smoother ride, sharper handling, and a luxuriously hushed cabin that transforms every journey.

Early Model Ys, and even the original Model 3, earned a reputation for a ride so stiff, it bordered on brutal. Remember that bouncy Uber ride in the back? Passenger comfort definitely took a backseat.

The new Model Y isn’t just talk; it walks the walk. Whether navigating city streets or cruising down the highway, the ride is noticeably more forgiving and comfortable. Sure, it still leans towards the firm side – especially with those optional 20-inch wheels – but overall, a welcome improvement.

"While it doesn’t quite reach the dizzying heights of the Model 3 I test-drove last month, this is a far cry from the bouncy, disconnected experience I’ve had as a passenger in previous Model Ys."

What truly jolted me was the Model Y’s almost playful agility. It carved through corners with an eagerness that belied its size, the responsive steering and quirky, game controller-esque wheel translating my every whim into immediate action.

Despite its considerable size, this car shrinks around you. The finely-tuned chassis keeps body roll in check, resulting in a surprisingly athletic feel that begs to be pushed.

While impeccably engineered for the mundane, the driving experience feels… antiseptic. It’s a reliable workhorse, not a spirited stallion; perfectly at home in the grocery store parking lot, but unlikely to inspire a thrilling ascent up a winding mountain road.

The Model Y doesn’t just whisper down the road it glides. Tesla claims a 22% reduction in road noise thanks to a suspension overhaul, and the difference is palpable. Sink into the driver’s seat, and the world outside fades away, leaving you in a cocoon of near-silent electric serenity. It’s a sensory deprivation chamber on wheels, in the best possible way.

"Max Davies, bless his youthful exuberance, griped about the rear visibility – a common casualty of the coupe-SUV craze. But honestly, peering out the back of this thing felt no more claustrophobic than staring through a letterbox in a dozen other ‘stylish’ SUVs."

Looking over your shoulder is a breeze thanks to the generous side and rear quarter windows. Backing up is handled by the camera system, which is adequate. However, I yearned for a traditional surround-view camera. Tesla’s unconventional rear and side views, which conjure a sonar-esque interpretation of the car’s environment, felt a little too abstract for my taste.

Tesla’s Autopilot: Hype or Helpful? After a week behind the wheel of the Model Y, I can say the driver assistance features, often mired in debate, surprised me with their intuitive design and practical application.

Before "Full Self-Driving (Supervised)" hit the streets, we got behind the wheel of the Model Y. While it wasn’t quite hands-off, our test vehicle sported Autopilot (Beta) with Auto Lane Change. Think of it as FSD’s slightly less ambitious sibling, offering near-identical capabilities but with a firm reminder that you’re still the pilot in command.

Forget hyperbole, the Model Y’s Autopilot isn’t just good; it’s eerily intuitive. Its adaptive cruise and lane centering dance circles around the competition, a symphony of sensors and software…until you dare to take the lead. Intervene at the wheel, and the system throws its hands up in mock surrender.

Imagine a system so intuitive, it anticipates your every move. It navigates tight corners and complex maneuvers with a grace that borders on the uncanny. The touchscreen isn’t just a display; it’s a crystal ball, offering a vivid, real-time glimpse of the world swirling around you.

My biggest frustration? The steering wheel controls. They’re a baffling labyrinth of unmarked buttons. Eventually, you adapt to the quirky, computer mouse-esque wheel that wrangles countless features, but the learning curve feels steeper than it should.

To see how the Tesla Model Y lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

What do you get?

2026 Tesla Model Y RWD equipment highlights:

  • 19-inch ‘Crossflow’ wheels
  • Full-width LED front and rear lights
  • Automatic high-beam
  • Acoustic glass with UV protection
  • Low and standard regenerative braking modes
  • Power-folding, auto-dimming and heated side mirrors
  • Black leather upholstery
  • Power-adjustable front seats
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Power-reclining rear seats
  • Heated rear seats
  • 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen
  • Wireless smartphone charger
  • Nine-speaker sound system
  • 8.0-inch rear touchscreen
  • incl. support for two Bluetooth headsets
  • Ambient interior lighting
  • Panoramic glass roof
  • Dog Mode (maintains cabin temperature)
  • Power tailgate

Model Y Long Range adds:

  • 15+1 speakers
  • Acceleration boost

Model Y Performance adds:

  • 21-inch ‘Arachnid’ alloy wheels
  • Unique front and rear bumpers
  • Black mirror caps and rear spoiler
  • Adaptive suspension
  • 16-inch touchscreen infotainment system
  • Carbon-fibre interior trim
  • Front sports seats
  • Thigh extenders
  • Heating
  • Ventilation

To see how the Tesla Model Y lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

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Find a deal

Enhanced Autopilot: $5100

  • “Driver-initiated assisted driving from highway on-ramp to off-ramp, lane changes and overtaking”
  • Autopark
  • Dumb Summon and Actually Smart Summon (available later, pending regulatory approval)

Full Self-Driving (Supervised): $10,100

  • Read about this here

Single-item options include:

  • Diamond Black or Glacier Blue paint: $1500 (RWD, Long Range)
  • Stealth Grey paint: $1900 (RWD, Long Range)
  • Quicksilver or Ultra Red paint: $2500 (RWD, Long Range)
  • Black and White interior: $1500
  • 20-inch Helix 2.0 wheels: $2400

To see how the Tesla Model Y lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

Is the Tesla Model Y safe?

The original Tesla Model Y, assessed in 2022, earned a coveted five-star safety badge from ANCAP, mirroring its Euro NCAP performance. A burning question remains: does this stellar rating extend to the refreshed Model Y, or is a new chapter yet to be written in safety standards?

| Category | Tesla Model Y | | — | — | | Adult occupant protection | 97 per cent | | Child occupant protection | 89 per cent | | Vulnerable road user protection | 82 per cent | | Safety assist | 98 per cent |

Standard safety equipment includes:

  • 7 airbags incl. front-centre airbag
  • Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
  • Forward, reverse
  • Car, pedestrian, cyclist detection
  • Junction assist
  • Tesla Autopilot
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Autosteer
  • Blind-spot assist
  • Lane-keep assist
  • Front, side and reverse parking cameras
  • Front, rear parking sensors
  • Tyre pressure monitoring
  • Intelligent speed limiter

To see how the Tesla Model Y lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

How much does the Tesla Model Y cost to run?

Worried about your Tesla Model Y’s battery life down under? Relax. Your new electric chariot is shielded by a four-year, 80,000km warranty. But here’s the electrifying part: Tesla Australia stands by their battery tech, guaranteeing it’ll hold at least 70% of its original pep throughout the warranty. Think of it as Tesla’s promise to keep you cruising, not crawling, for years to come.

| Servicing and Warranty | Tesla Model Y | | — | — | | Warranty | 4 years, 80,000km | | Battery warranty | 8 years, 160,000km – RWD 8 years, 192,000km – Long Range | | Roadside assistance | 4 years | | Service intervals | – | | Capped-price servicing | – | | Total capped-price service cost | – |

Tesla also offers a Parts, Body and Paint Repair warranty for one year or 20,000km, whichever comes first.

To see how the Tesla Model Y lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Tesla Model Y

Forget my Tesla skepticism. After recently getting behind the wheel of the latest Model Y and Model 3, the appeal is undeniable. These aren’t just EVs; they’re benchmarks of electric brilliance, and now I understand why they’ve become such a lasting success.

Even with a recent price bump, the Tesla Model Y remains a steal. Tesla didn’t just tweak their best-seller; they surgically enhanced it. The result? An already phenomenal EV, now even more irresistible.

Forget the hype, this EV delivers. Stacked with features, surprisingly efficient in the real world, and genuinely enjoyable to drive, it doesn’t just beat other electric cars. It leaves a long list of gas-guzzlers and wishy-washy hybrids eating its electric dust.

Objectively speaking, going electric is a genuinely brilliant experience if you’re ready. But, if I were personally in the market, would I drop my cash on one? Probably not yet. It’s missing that certainsomething, that visceral thrill. It needs a shot of adrenaline, that soulful spark that driving enthusiasts crave, and frankly, most EVs still leave you wanting.

"If you’re shopping for an electric SUV and prefer understated reliability over electrifying thrills, the Model Y continues to reign supreme."

childcareman.xyz can save you thousands on a new Tesla Model Y. Clickhereto get a great deal.

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