Overview

Tesla has a difficult year ahead. The company’s CEO, Elon Musk, has taken centre stage in US politics, and has already come under fire for some pretty controversial actions. It’s safe to say he isn’t exactly focused on his electric cars – and this is a shame because it rather overshadows the efforts of the many thousands of engineers, management and workforce who work for the firm.

Despite this, Tesla is forging ahead with a raft of updates for its model range. The launch of the facelifted Model Y SUV is a very big deal. The pre-facelifted version was the world’s best-selling car in 2023. It also claimed second place in 2024, losing only to the perennially ubiquitous Toyota Corolla. So, how does this new car improve the formula?

Well, it sports some fresh styling for starters. It’s modelled on the Cybertruck at the front and, presumably, the Fridgemaster catalogue at the rear. Tesla insists these changes have boosted the car’s aerodynamic efficiency, helping to increase its maximum range from 373 to 387 miles.

The cabin has also received a few tweaks. There’s some new aluminium trim on the doors and dashboard, a redesigned (and more useful) centre console, a fresh ambient lighting strip beneath the windscreen and a new 8.0-inch screen for rear-seat passengers.

Tesla’s revisions are rounded off by some suspension tweaks that the company claims have made the car more comfortable but, as I’ll explain over the next few pages of this review, I’m not convinced they’ve improved it. In fact, I think they’ve made the car worse.

At least Tesla has its excellent technology to fall back on. The brand’s battery packs and electric motors are still at the pointy end of the class, while its Supercharger network remains the most convenient way of topping up an electric car on the move. But is that enough to rescue what’s ultimately a flawed product?

Over the next few pages, I’ll answer that question. I’ll delve into the new Model Y’s practicality, interior technology, comfort, driving experience and running costs before offering my final verdict on the car. If you’d like to learn more about how I reached my verdict, check out the Parkers how we test cars explainer page.