Australia is rapidly embracing electric vehicles, and at the heart of this movement is the Tesla Model Y. Since its arrival, it has consistently topped EV sales charts, becoming a popular choice for families, tech enthusiasts, and eco-conscious drivers alike.
In 2025, the Model Y is no longer just a novelty. It represents the benchmark for EV SUVs in Australia, combining Tesla’s industry-leading technology, impressive range, minimalist interior, and strong safety credentials. This review dives deep into the Model Y’s features, performance, pricing, and ownership experience, giving Australian buyers the insights they need before committing to this electric SUV.
Design and Exterior Appeal
The Tesla Model Y’s design philosophy aligns closely with the Tesla Model 3 sedan but stretched into an SUV form factor. Its sleek, aerodynamic lines are more about efficiency than bold aesthetics.
- Streamlined Profile: Every curve serves a purpose, helping to reduce drag and increase efficiency.
- Glass Roof: A full panoramic glass roof offers a spacious and airy feel, setting it apart from many competitors.
- Minimalist Aesthetic: Unlike traditional SUVs with bulky grilles and rugged lines, the Model Y embraces a futuristic, clean appearance.
Tesla buyers in Australia often cite the design’s subtlety as a major appeal—modern without being flashy.
Interior and Comfort
Step inside the Tesla Model Y and you’re greeted with Tesla’s signature minimalist interior.
- 15-inch Touchscreen: Controls nearly all functions, from climate to navigation, eliminating the need for traditional buttons.
- Premium Seating: Synthetic leather upholstery feels luxurious while being eco-friendly. Heated seats come standard.
- Spacious Cabin: Thanks to the flat floor and large glass roof, the Model Y offers a sense of openness unusual in SUVs this size.
- Cargo Space: With both a rear trunk and a “frunk” (front trunk), the Model Y provides more storage versatility than most petrol SUVs in its class.
Australian families particularly value its practicality, as the rear seats fold flat to create a highly usable load area for road trips and daily errands.
Technology & Features
Technology is where Tesla has always led the pack, and the Model Y continues to set the standard in 2025.
- Autopilot: Advanced driver assistance system with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, and automated lane changes.
- Full Self-Driving (Optional): Expensive, but Tesla regularly updates the software over-the-air, improving capabilities.
- OTA Updates: Owners enjoy new features without visiting a dealership—Tesla pushes updates just like your smartphone.
- Infotainment: The central screen doubles as an entertainment hub, offering streaming apps, video games, and premium audio.
Unlike many competitors, Tesla’s infotainment system feels truly integrated rather than retrofitted.
Performance and Driving Experience
The Tesla Model Y proves that electric SUVs can be fun.
- Instant Torque: Even the entry-level Rear-Wheel Drive variant accelerates quickly thanks to EV power delivery.
- Dual-Motor AWD (Long Range/Performance): Offers more grip and quicker acceleration, with 0–100 km/h times rivaling performance sedans.
- Handling: The low centre of gravity (thanks to the under-floor battery pack) gives the Model Y excellent stability around corners.
- Ride Comfort: While firm, it’s well-suited to Australian roads, with enough compliance for daily driving.
Drivers coming from petrol SUVs are often surprised at how quiet and smooth the Model Y feels, redefining their expectations of family motoring.
Range and Charging in Australia
Range anxiety is one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption, and Tesla addresses this well.
- Model Y RWD: ~455 km WLTP
- Model Y Long Range: ~533 km WLTP
- Model Y Performance: ~514 km WLTP
These figures are among the best in the EV SUV segment.
Tesla’s Supercharger Network in Australia is another major advantage:
- Located strategically along highways and in metro areas.
- Enables long-distance travel between cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
- Compatible with CCS2 charging, meaning the Model Y can use third-party chargers too.
For city commuters, overnight home charging with a wall connector makes the Model Y practical for daily use.
Safety Ratings
The Tesla Model Y has been awarded 5-star ANCAP safety ratings, making it one of the safest SUVs on Australian roads.
- Crash Protection: Strong structural integrity thanks to the battery pack acting as reinforcement.
- Active Safety: Automatic emergency braking, collision warning, and pedestrian detection are standard.
- Driver Assistance: Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist enhance safety on highways.
Parents looking for a family SUV will appreciate Tesla’s reputation for prioritising safety.
Price and Variants in Australia (2025)
Tesla has streamlined its lineup to make ordering simple. Australian buyers can choose between:
- Model Y RWD: ~$64,900 before on-road costs
- Model Y Long Range AWD: ~$78,900 before on-road costs
- Model Y Performance AWD: ~$94,900 before on-road costs
While not the cheapest SUV in Australia, government EV incentives and low running costs make ownership surprisingly competitive compared to petrol rivals.
Maintenance and Ownership Costs
Unlike petrol cars, the Tesla Model Y has fewer moving parts, which translates to lower maintenance.
- No oil changes
- Regenerative braking reduces brake wear
- Battery warranty (8 years or 160,000 km) ensures long-term peace of mind
Insurance can be higher than average due to Tesla’s repair costs, but fuel savings often balance the equation. Owners report saving thousands annually on petrol and servicing.
Tesla Model Y vs Competitors in Australia
In 2025, the EV SUV market is heating up, with strong rivals from Hyundai, Kia, and Volvo.
- Hyundai Ioniq 5: More futuristic styling, similar range, but less charging infrastructure.
- Kia EV6: Sportier handling and design, slightly pricier.
- Volvo XC40 Recharge: Premium interior, shorter range.
- BYD Seal U (upcoming): Value-focused with competitive specs, but untested long-term reliability.
Despite rising competition, Tesla’s software ecosystem, charging network, and brand recognition give the Model Y a decisive advantage.
Future Outlook: Tesla in Australia
With the Australian government pushing for EV adoption by 2030, Tesla is well-positioned to remain a leader. Expansion of the Supercharger network, potential local assembly, and continuous software upgrades make the Model Y future-proof.
For buyers in 2025, the Model Y offers not just a car, but a gateway into the EV lifestyle—complete with lower running costs, cutting-edge tech, and a reduced carbon footprint.
Final Verdict
The Tesla Model Y is more than just a best-selling EV—it’s a redefining force in Australia’s automotive landscape. For families seeking space, tech enthusiasts chasing innovation, and eco-conscious drivers looking to make the switch, the Model Y remains the benchmark.
- Strengths: Range, technology, safety, charging network, resale value
- Weaknesses: Firm ride, premium price, reliance on touchscreen controls
Overall, the Tesla Model Y is one of the smartest buys for Australians ready to embrace electric mobility in 2025.
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