When the refreshed Tesla Model 3 sedan debuted in 2023, the mechanically similar Tesla Model Y crossover suddenly looked a bit dated. Now, five years after it began production, the Tesla Model Y has received a thorough update.
In an unusual move for Tesla, the new Model Y was immediately available to order upon its unveiling. Typically, the unveiling precedes the order window, sometimes with years-long delays. For example, the Tesla Roadster was unveiled in 2017 and is still unavailable. This time, interested EV shoppers can place an order – not just a reservation – right away for the new Model Y, with deliveries beginning in March.
The biggest change to the Tesla Model Y is the look. The oval-like design of the nose is replaced with straighter lines and a light signature similar to the Cybercab concept we saw last year. We can see some Cybertruck design inspiration but in a much subtler package. There’s also a rear light bar and new wheel designs. Tesla says the aerodynamics were improved for greater efficiency and range. Its max range estimate is 320 miles, which edges out the previous Long Range All-Wheel Drive model by nine miles.
The interior also gets a nice update with wraparound ambient lighting, a minimalist speaker design, and more soft-touch finishes throughout. Tesla says the infotainment system enables more range for the Phone Key and provides clearer calls and faster connectivity. As expected, the new Model Y has an 8-inch screen to entertain the second-row passengers. A retuned suspension and acoustic glass promise a quieter, more refined ride.
The Launch Edition is only available with a five-seat interior. It’s unclear whether the Tesla Model Y will continue offering a 3-row configuration with the redesign. The Chinese version of the new Model Y came out earlier this month, also exclusively with 2-row seating.
As of this writing, the old and the new Model Y are available to order on Tesla’s website. The old lineup is unchanged; there are the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive, Long Range All-Wheel Drive, and Performance All-Wheel Drive models. The new Model Y is currently available in one trim; the Launch Series, which is a Long Range All-Wheel Drive model. The Launch Series has special branding on the sill plates and by the wireless charging pad, plus Launch Series badging on the tailgate and in the puddle light. It also comes with the Full Self-Driving (Supervised) and Acceleration Boost features.
The closest GM rival to the new Tesla Model Y is the Chevy Blazer EV, especially now that the updated Model Y is 2-row-only for the time being. Compared to the Chevy Blazer EV, the Model Y is a little smaller on the outside, bigger in some interior dimensions, and in the same wheelhouse for pricing. The Tesla Model Y Launch Series starts at $59,990, but we expect its base price to dip into the mid-$40k range when the full lineup is fleshed out.
Comments
In China, model Y is Optiq rival
Another no-style vehicle from Tesla.
Utilitarian vehicles only sell well in the United States if they’re cheap in price.
Example, the old Volkswagen Beetle with the air-cooled rear engine. No Frills, no comfort, no performance, or handling. It did become one of the most popular vehicles in America, because it was inexpensive. I remember the TV. advertisements. It was the last car in America that could be purchased new for under $2,000.
Going to high school in the winter, in the early seventies in my buddies Volkswagen Beetle. He would drive and I would sit in the passenger seat and scrape the frost off the inside of the windshield so we could see out.
Surprisingly, traction wise it was good in the snow. Steering wise, not so good.
Endeavor to persevere,
John Z.
Yeah, those $50k utilitarian Tesla’s, not popular at all, never see them on the roads.
Just what’s needed, another turtle to fatten Musks wallet.
I suppose if you just want something to get you to and from, this will work. I don’t understand why Tesla would make such a plain looking vehicle. Could they make the interior any more boring, not a single gauge, just a straight dash with a tablet. Thank goodness GM makes their EV’s better looking.
I wouldn’t drive a Tesla if you gave it to me!