TESLA MODEL Y HATCHBACK Standard Range RWD 5dr Auto

Telsa's Model Y has been rejuvenated. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

Over the last few years, the Model Y has defined the way we think of Tesla in Europe, establishing a template for a business-minded electric mid-sized hatch that the mainstream brands are only just getting to grips with. Just as they have, Musk's men have introduced this considerably upgraded 'Project Juniper' design, with sleeker looks and a classier interior.

Background

The Model 3 may have been the car that brought Tesla mainstream in worldwide markets but it's hatch stablemate, the Model Y, is the car that's sold in greater numbers since its original launch in 2020. It's been produced in Europe for Europeans at the Tesla Berlin-Brandenburg Gigafactory since 2022 and was the world's best selling car in 2023. Even well into its initial production run, it still managed to be the U.K.'s fifth best seller in 2024. But competition is intensifying in the mid-sized EV segment and going forward, the Model Y will sit in a range also populated by the smaller Tesla Model 2. Time then for a much needed update package known during development as 'Project Juniper'. Many of the changes are similar to those made as part of the 'Project Highland' update visited upon the Model 3 in early 2024. But this updated Y gets much more distinct exterior styling. Let's take a closer look.

Engines and Tech Spec

This updated Y launched in the form most customers ideally want - the mid-level Long Range All-Wheel Drive variant. The entry-level Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive and flagship Performance All-Wheel Drive variants (which for the time being remain available in old-shape form) will shortly follow. In Long Range All-Wheel Drive form, the Dual Motor Model Y benefits from the sleeker body to offer 353 miles of range; performance stats have improved too, with 60mph just 4.1s away (it was 4.8s before) en route to 125mph. For reference, the original single motor Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive base version manages 351 miles of range and 60mph in 5.7s; while for the original top Performance All-Wheel Drive Dual Motor version, the figures are 319 miles and 3.5s. Expect the stats of those two variants to also improve when they come on stream. Tesla says it's improved the driving experience of the new 'Project Juniper' design, with added comfort, retuned suspension and more responsive steering. Model Y regulars should notice an improvement in refinement. With the introduction of acoustic glass on every surface, paired with new sound-dampening materials, a whisper quiet ride is promised. Tesla says that road noise has been reduced by 22%, impact noise by 20% and wind noise by 20%. There's now no gear selection stalk, that functionality having now been moved to the centre screen. And Tesla has added a new front camera, located in the front fascia, which offers drivers an expanded view of their surroundings and is equipped with a fluid washer and integrated heating to prevent fogging and defrost in cold weather conditions.  Otherwise, things are much as before. There are still no drive modes or brake regen settings - and no fake engine noise options either. Handling is sharper that you might expect it to be and, helped by the damping changes, ride quality should be significantly better than it was with earlier Model Ys.

Design and Build

This is a much more distinctive-looking Model Y with an exterior redesign apparently conceived to 'maximise efficiency, using every kilowatt hour more effectively'. To that end, the drag coefficient is more slippery, improved from 0.23 to 0.22Cd, keeping this as Tesla is one of the segment's sleekest cars. But the first thing you'll notice is the new-look nose, which references that on the company's avant-garde Cybertruck, hence the angular lines and the ultra-thin LED light set-up. The front bumper's been redesigned too, with more prominent side intakes and restyled surfacing. The rear is also different, now embellished with a full-width light bar. There are big 20-inch wheels and body length increases by 47mm to 4,797mm; width reduces by 1mm to 1,624mm. Inside, those familiar with the original car will notice the new steering wheel, now featuring customisable switches for quick access to frequently used vehicle functions. Just one (redesigned) stalk now protrudes from it, gear selection duties having been moved to the near end of the 15.4-inch centre screen (also improved, though it looks much the same). The Model 3 doesn't even have an indicator stalk, but this was retained for the Y because customers don't tend to like the wheel-mounted indicator buttons on the 3. The front seats have been redesigned and can now be ventilated; and, as before, there's a choice of black or white interior finishes. The new centre console now features sliding doors with precise, smooth movement, and is covered in genuine aluminium revealing both a cupholder and extra storage. In the rear, there's now an 8.4-inch touchscreen for climate functions and games. And the second-row seats also offer enhanced comfort and convenience with easier-to-access buckles, longer cushions, deeper bolsters, with powered recline and fold-flat operation. And out back? Well the previous seven-seat option (popular in the UK) isn't currently available on this new car. And there's a decently-sized 854-litre boot, extendable to 1,869-litres in size if you fold the rear seats. You also get a bit of extra space under the bonnet.

Market and Model

Tesla wants around £61,000 for this updated Model Y in Long Range All-Wheel Drive form. That's about £10,000 above the base Long Range Rear-Wheel Driver version; but only slightly below the sum you're likely to need for the top Performance All-Wheel Drive variant. To lease the new Long Range All-Wheel Drive 'Project Juniper' version, from launch the brand was quoting £916 a month over three years with a 12 month down payment and a 10,000 mile annual mileage. Standard equipment includes pretty much everything you'd want, including a new 8-inch rear touchscreen, heated front and rear seats and ventilated, power-operated front seats. As before, there's 20-inch wheels, vegan leather upholstery (in black or white), a 360-degree camera system, a tinted panoramic glass roof with ultra violet/infra-red protection and a 14-speaker premium audio system. The new low-E glass reflects 26% more solar energy, helping maintain an ideal temperature when combined with the quieter, more efficient air-conditioning system.  There's been a big step forward in media connectivity, with redesigned hardware delivering 50% faster download speeds. Wi-Fi connectivity has also been greatly improved, with download speeds up to 300% faster for smoother video streaming and software updates, and a range extension of up to 200%, ensuring sustained connectivity in areas like garages and driveways. There's a significant boost in cellular performance; plus phone key performance and reliability have seen a huge improvement, thanks to the addition of Ultra-Wideband and other enhancements, which also enable automatic tailgate opening when paired with the Tesla app.  Safety continues to be a strong point. Tesla says the Model Y is designed to be the safest vehicle in its class. The low centre of gravity, rigid body structure and large crumple zones provide strong protection. Like all new Teslas, this one comes as standard with emergency braking, collision warning, blind-spot monitoring and more. And in future, the brand promises that the Model Y will have Full Self-Driving capability, enabling automatic driving on city streets and highways pending regulatory approval, as well as the ability to come and find you anywhere in a car park: brilliant.

Cost of Ownership

We gave you the driving range figure for the new Long Range All-Wheel Drive Model Y in our 'Driving' section - 353 miles. That's better even than the base single motor version will be able to manage - and there'll be quite a drop in that figure if you choose the top Performance All-Wheel Drive version. As before, the Model Y DC charges at up to 250kW and, also as before, the biggest draw for ownership is Tela's Supercharger charging network, at which you can charge at reduced rates. At home, Tesla reckons that from empty to full, an 11kW wallbox would replenish a Model Y's 75kWh battery in about seven and a half hours, but the 7.4kW wallbox more owners are likely to have needs 11 hours and 45 minutes. Owning a Model Y will of course be very different from owning a conventionally powered compact-to-mid-sized SUV. There'll be no fuel bills of course and servicing costs will be much smaller. The annual service fee covers an annual inspection, replacement parts like brake pads and windscreen wipers, 24 hour roadside assistance, system monitoring, remote diagnostics, software updates and new features sent through the touchscreen.

Summary

Unlike Tesla, we don't think that fully-electrified technology is the only answer to the future of individual transportation. But it's the best answer we have right now and at present, Tesla is still delivering it in a way that makes the mid-sized EV efforts of some other manufacturers look dull and derivative. These days of course, the Model Y has a far tougher task than it had at its original launch back in 2021, but this welcome package of 'Project Juniper' updates has kept it fresh amongst more recently launched rivals. There's a more premium look inside and out and, if you haven't tried this car for some time, you'll be impressed at the more recent improvements in driving range and refinement. Not everyone likes the stripped-out cabin vibe though, emphasised even more here; try before you buy. As ever with the brand, the biggest ownership draw remains the brand's accessible Supercharger charging network, something that no other marque can match. In short, though the competition's getting closer, you might still feel that there's nothing in the segment quite like this Tesla.

Body Glass

Rain sensitive windscreen wipers

Tinted safety glass with metallic infrared reflective coating across the roof

Laminated safety glass on cabin windows and roof

Electric windows with one touch open

Automatic headlights and wipers

Rear window defroster

Heated windshield

Brakes

Anti lock brake system + traction control

Electronic parking brake

Electronic stability control

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution + Brake Assist

Automatic emergency braking system

Chassis/Suspension

Second-generation suspension noise reduction hardware

Communication

Bluetooth hands free phone with voice control system

Mobile App interface

Driver Aids

Blind spot Collision Warning (BCW)

Speed limit recognition

Lane departure avoidance

8 exterior cameras

Forward collision warning

New front-facing camera

Blind spot monitoring

Custom driver profiles

Reversing camera

Speed sensitive power steering

Driver Convenience

Electric assisted front and rear doors

Power lift tailgate

Driver Information

15.4" Touchscreen display

Emergency call service

Software updates over WiFi

Navigation system

Acoustic seat-belt warning

Driving Mirrors

Power folding, auto dimming and heated wing mirrors

Rear view mirror auto dimming

Embellishment Trims

Textile decor door trims

Power actuated first and second row air vents

Engine

Second-generation hardware

Entertainment

8" second row touchscreen

9 speakers with immersive sound

Tesla entertainment

Music and media via bluetooth

4 USB C ports

DAB Digital radio

Mobile App remote control

Exterior Body Features

Rear side wing doors

Hands-free power trunk opening on approach.

Exterior Lights

LED tail lights

Auto high beam

Auto headlights

3rd brake light

LED fog lights

LED Headlights

Daytime running lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Automatic dual-zone climate control system

Air filtration system

Interior Features

Power adjustable steering wheel

Heated steering wheel

Rear centre armrest with 2 cup holders

Aluminum detailing and premium textiles

Center console with storage, 2 cup holders and armrest

Type 2 cable

Glovebox, lockable with illumination

Tinted glass roof with ultraviolet and infrared protection

Interior Lights

Map and reading lights

Footwell and door pocket ambient lighting

Wrap around ambient lighting

Interior ambient lighting

Safety

Rear door child safety locks

3 point front seatbelts with pre-tensioners

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Driver/Front Passenger airbags

Side curtain airbags

Collision warning

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

12 way power adjustable front seats with driver lumbar support

Single front passenger seat

Electronic fold flat seat release 40/20/40

Front head restraints

First row: power recline, heated and ventilated seats

Second row: power two-way folding and heated seats

2 fixed rear headrests

Security

Anti theft alarm

Dashcam and sentry mode

Keyless driving and keyless entry

Wireless phone charging

Towing

Tow hitch

Transmission

Dual motor AWD wheel drive

Vanity Mirrors

Driver and front passenger sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Vehicle Charging

Type 2 connector

11 kW AC onboard charger

CCS charging connector (250Kw Max)

Auto charge planning

Wheels - Alloy

19" Crossflow alloy wheels

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 25

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 311

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 4.5

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 13.9

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 500

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 375

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 175

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 170

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-80

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 63

Battery Leased: 0

Charging Port Location: Left Side Rear

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: N

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Particles: N

HC+NOx: N

NOx: N

HC: N

CO: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Engine and Drive Train

Engine Code: N

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

CC: 1

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Combined (mpg): N

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

General

Special Order: 0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Badge Power: 279

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Service Interval Frequency - Months: N

Service Interval Mileage: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 37D

Based On ID: N

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Special Edition: 0

Generation Mark: 1

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 4

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Coin Series: Standard Range

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Coin Description: N

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 5.6

Top Speed: 125

0 to 60 mph (secs): No

Engine Power - KW: 205

Engine Power - BHP: 279

Engine Power - PS: No

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Alloys?: No

Wheel Style: CROSSFLOW

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Tyre Size Rear: 255/45 R19

Tyre Size Front: 255/45 R19

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4790

Height (including roof rails): N

Height: 1624

Width (including mirrors): 2129

Wheelbase: 2890

Width: 1982

Weight and Capacities

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 2138

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Loading Weight: 520

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1600

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2448

Minimum Kerbweight: 1928

Driver Aids

Full self-driving capability

Enhanced autopilot

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Special metallic paint

Special solid paint

Multi coat paint

Additional premium paint

Interior Features

Additional vegan leather and suede upholstery

Packs

Tow package - Model Y

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Deep blue

Paint - Solid

Solid - Black

Paint - Special

Multi coat - Pearl white

Additional premium - Stealth grey

Premium paint - Ultra red

Special metallic - Quicksilver

Premium paint - Stealth grey

Additional premium - Ultra red

Trim - Part Leather

Vegan leather and suede - Black

Additional vegan leather and suede - Black/White