The last few years have seen the floodgates open when it comes to new EV models, and drivers shopping for an electric SUV have more choices than ever before. However, one name still stands above all others: the Tesla Model Y. With approximately 400,000 units sold last year, not only was it the fourth best-selling vehicle in America in 2024, but it outsold the next 15 best-selling electric SUVs on the market combined. Not bad for a vehicle that had gone five years without a major exterior update! However, with the new styling changes and other updates for the refreshed 2025 model, the Model Y might just be on track to set some even more impressive records.
Continuous Evolution
Tesla has a radically different philosophy than other manufacturers when it comes to improving its vehicles. While most car brands only introduce major changes to their models every five years or so as part of a new generation, Tesla continuously evolves its designs, often making significant engineering improvements without fanfare. For instance, while the 2024 Model Y looks almost identical to the original 2020 Model Y from the exterior, it now uses a simplified body made through Gigacasting, sports a structural battery pack to reduce weight, and has new lithium iron phosphate battery options for reduced cost. The software in Tesla vehicles is also constantly updated, with the brand pushing well over 100 software updates a year, introducing everything from minor tweaks to all-new features like Sentry Mode and Pet Mode.
However, for 2025, Tesla has decided it’s time to give the Model Y some futuristic new looks based on the brand’s updated design language premiered by the Cybertruck and upcoming Cybercab. The most obvious differences are the new slim headlights, lightbar up front, and a unique “indirect reflective body panel taillight” in the rear. Even larger changes have been made to the interior, including enhanced seats that now include ventilation for the front row and power-folding for the second row. New ambient lighting and aluminum detailing make the refreshed Model Y feel more upscale without losing its trademark Tesla minimalism. And while you won’t see it, the cabin is now quieter, thanks to improved noise dampening.
Of course, Tesla wouldn’t be Tesla if the new Model Y didn’t include new tech features. Headlining these updates is an eight-inch second-row display, giving passengers a taste of the Tesla life, including adjusting the new power-operated rear air vents. The Launch Series trim is also upfitted with an improved 15-speaker sound system—two speakers more than were previously available in the Model Y. Finally, a new front-facing exterior camera takes the place of the old sonar parking assist, making another step forward for Tesla’s vision-only driver-assist technology. Behind the scenes, improved hardware means faster download speeds and better phone connectivity.
Still the King?
It’s no secret that Tesla is facing more competition. However, it’s difficult to argue that the Model Y doesn’t remain one of the best, if not the best, electric SUVs on the market. Even prior to the refresh, it offered the definitive EV experience, and the new features will help make that experience even better. While the $59,990 price tag of the fully-loaded Long Range All-Wheel Drive Launch Series version is on the higher side since it bundles Tesla’s Full Self-Driving software as a standard feature, the normal production versions of the refreshed Model Y will continue to offer incredible value to anyone searching for a comfortable and versatile vehicle. Plus, the styling changes will help it stand out from all the other Tesla’s on the streets.
