By Ryan’s Model Y, Published: April 17, 2025

The electric SUV market is fiercely competitive, but the 2025 Tesla Model Y—freshly updated with the “Juniper” refresh—stands tall as a benchmark for innovation, style, and value. Priced at ~$59,000 AUD (~$38,500 USD) for the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) model in Australia, it builds on the success of its predecessor, which was the country’s bestselling SUV. As a contributor to Elite Vehicles—a platform with 55.2K subscribers exploring premium cars from Bentley to EVs—I’ve spent a week testing the new Model Y to bring you the top 10 reasons to buy this electric marvel. Drawing from real-world insights, including family feedback and driving impressions, this review highlights why the Model Y outpaces rivals like the Volkswagen ID.4 and Kia EV6. I’ll also cover drawbacks and a decision guide to help you choose. Ready to see why the Model Y is poised to dominate 2025? Let’s roll

1. Stunning Design: A Head-Turning Refresh

The 2025 Model Y’s Juniper redesign is a visual knockout, blending futuristic flair with bold presence. Measuring 4,751mm long, 1,921mm wide, and 1,624mm tall, it’s slightly larger than the Volkswagen ID.4 (4,584mm x 1,852mm).

• Exterior Highlights:
  • Rear light bar: A distinctive, full-width design that’s unlike anything on the road—sleeker than ID.4’s 3D blades.
  • Front fascia: Clean, with compact LED headlights—more integrated than the previous Model Y’s bulkier units, outshining ID.4’s Matrix LEDs in futuristic appeal.
  • Stealth Gray paint: A subtle, premium hue that blends into crowds—optional colors at $2,300 AUD are pricier than ID.4’s $1,000.
  • 19-inch Photon wheels: Blacked-out, blending with the rim for a cohesive look—more stylish than the prior Gemini wheels.

The Model Y’s bold yet stealthy aesthetic turns heads without shouting, making it ideal for urban professionals or families wanting a standout ride.

2. Quiet, Refined Ride: A Comfort Upgrade

The 2025 Model Y is notably quieter and smoother than its predecessor, thanks to reworked suspension, acoustics, and wheel design. Tested on highways at 100kph, it delivers a serene cabin, rivaling the ID.4’s low noise levels.

• Suspension: Multi-link setup with softer tuning—handles train tracks and potholes with “muted” ease, a step up from the 2022 model’s stiffer ride.
• Tires: 19-inch Photon wheels with optimized profiles reduce road noise, matching ID.4’s comfort-focused 19s.
• Acoustics: Enhanced insulation and laminated glass keep wind and tire hum at bay—perfect for family chats or music.

For parents or commuters—think Sydney’s M1 or Melbourne’s freeways—the Model Y’s plush ride ensures comfort, edging out the Kia EV6’s firmer dynamics.

3. Family-Friendly Interior: Space Meets Practicality

The Model Y’s minimalist cabin—with vegan leather and a 15-inch touchscreen—feels premium yet practical, offering 854L boot space (including frunk, 2,158L folded), trouncing ID.4’s 543L.

• Front Seats: Electrically adjustable with heating—driver-focused, though passenger seat is manual (ID.4 adjusts both).
• Second Row: 36 inches knee room, 38 inches headroom—spacious for adults, with perforated, softer seats for added comfort vs. 2022 model. Rear screen (8-inch) lets passengers control music, AC, and volume—unique vs. ID.4’s third-zone climate.
• Storage:
  • Deep center console and frunk (117L) hold groceries or gear—ID.4’s shallow console lags.
  • Door bins and wireless charging keep essentials handy.

The Model Y’s airy, versatile cabin—accented by a silver-lined glass roof—suits families or road-trippers, though a sunshade is needed for rear passengers.

4. Cutting-Edge Technology: Tesla’s Software Supremacy

The Model Y’s tech suite is unmatched, centered on its 15-inch touchscreen and Tesla OS—more seamless than ID.4’s 13-inch wired setup.

• Touchscreen: Crisp, with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Netflix, and OTA updates—controls everything from gears to AC. ID.4’s wired CarPlay feels dated.
• Driver Display: Integrated into the screen—clear but less traditional than ID.4’s 10-inch cluster.
• Rear Screen: 8-inch display for backseat control—music, climate, games—absent in ID.4 or EV6.
• App Connectivity: Remote unlock, climate, and charge scheduling—far superior to ID.4’s limited app.

The Model Y’s futuristic interface—with auto-dimming cabin LEDs—delights tech enthusiasts, making daily drives intuitive and engaging.

5. Punchy Performance: Quick and Efficient

The RWD Model Y’s single motor (201hp, ~450Nm, est.) hits 0-100kph in ~6.0s—slightly faster than ID.4’s 6.4s (282hp). Its 455km WLTP range (60kWh battery) trails ID.4’s 540km but suffices for most.

• Acceleration: Smooth, with one-pedal driving for city ease—responsive for overtaking on highways.
• Efficiency: ~14kWh/100km—competitive with ID.4’s 16kWh/100km, ideal for urban loops like Brisbane’s Gateway Motorway.
• Charging:
  • 210kW DC: 10-80% in ~25min—faster than ID.4’s 175kW.
  • 7.4kW AC: ~8-9hr full charge, slower than ID.4’s 11kW but practical.

The Model Y’s zippy yet efficient performance suits commuters or families, balancing thrill and economy.

6. Smart Features: Auto Shift and Hands-Free Boot

The Model Y’s innovative features enhance daily use, setting it apart from ID.4’s simpler setup.

• Auto Shift: Automatically switches between Drive/Reverse based on wheel angle and brake taps—e.g., seamless three-point turns. Not available in ID.4.
• Hands-Free Boot: Opens with three beeps via phone key—perfect for grocery runs, though toggleable to avoid accidental triggers (ID.4 lacks this).
• Motorized Seat Folding: 60:40 split folds via touchscreen—handy for cargo, unlike ID.4’s manual levers.

These game-changing conveniences—especially Auto Shift—make the Model Y a joy for busy parents or urbanites.

7. Advanced Safety: Top-Tier Protection

The Model Y’s 5-star ANCAP rating (97% adult, 89% child) ensures safety, with Tesla Vision cameras and a robust suite:

• Standard Features:
  • 8 airbags, ABS, ESC, 360° cameras, and front parking camera—pops up for curb parking, clearer than ID.4’s grainy view.
  • Autopilot: Lane-keeping, adaptive cruise—single-press activation (no separate cruise option) is slick but divisive vs. ID.4’s configurable radar cruise.
• Unique: Sentry Mode records surroundings—absent in ID.4.

The Model Y’s cutting-edge safety, with less intrusive headlights, offers peace of mind for families, matching ID.4’s 5-star credentials.

8. Improved Glass Roof: Cooler and Comfier

The 2025 Model Y’s silver-lined glass roof blocks heat and UV rays, unlike the 2022 model’s hotter design, creating a cooler cabin.

• Benefits: No heat transfer, ideal for Australia’s sun—rear passengers stay comfy, though sunshade recommended for direct sunlight (ID.4’s fixed roof is similar).
• Ambiance: Enhances the airy feel, paired with auto-dimming LEDs for night drives—more adjustable than ID.4’s static lighting.

The Model Y’s upgraded roof, with no UV sting, suits long trips, making it a family favorite.

9. Enhanced Air Conditioning: Smarter Climate Control

The Model Y’s upgraded HVAC outperforms the 2022 model, with new vents and passenger-side shutoff, not offered in ID.4.

• Performance: Cools faster, distributes air evenly—rear screen lets passengers tweak settings, perfect for kids like Willow.
• Efficiency: Zoned control saves energy—ID.4’s dual-zone is less flexible.
• Comfort: Quieter operation vs. 2022 model’s louder fans.

For hot Aussie summers—think Perth’s 40°C days—the Model Y’s superior AC keeps everyone cool, enhancing road-trip comfort.

10. Unmatched Value: Premium Features at a Stable Price

At $59,000 AUD, the RWD Model Y matches the 2022 model’s price, remarkable given upgrades—undercutting ID.4 ($60,000) and Kia EV6 (~$67,000).

• What’s Included:
  • Autopilot, rear screen, Photon wheels—ID.4 charges extra for similar tech (e.g., Harman Kardon).
  • Warranty: 4 years/80,000km (vehicle), 8 years/160,000km (battery)—shorter than ID.4’s 5 years/unlimited km but industry-standard.
• Ownership Costs: ~$1,000/year maintenance (est.), lower than ID.4 (~$1,200); Supercharger access saves time.
• Resale: ~65% after 3 years (est.), beating ID.4’s ~60% due to Tesla’s brand pull.

The Model Y’s feature-packed value, with no price hike, makes it a top pick for EV buyers seeking premium without premium cost.

Drawbacks: Where the Model Y Could Improve

The Model Y isn’t flawless—here are its key limitations:

• Autopilot Limitation: Single-press activation lacks separate adaptive cruise control—ID.4’s configurable cruise is more flexible.
• Sunshade Needed: Rear passengers face sunlight glare—ID.4’s roof has similar issues, but Tesla could include a built-in shade.
• Manual Frunk: No automation vs. ID.4’s simpler hatch—less convenient for frequent cargo access.
• Daytime Running Light: Always on, even in “off” mode—ID.4’s lights are fully controllable.
• Pricey Options: $2,300 for paints—double ID.4’s $1,000, stinging budget-conscious buyers.

These quirks don’t overshadow the Model Y’s brilliance but may irk tech purists or sun-sensitive families.

Model Y vs. ID.4 vs. Alternatives: Which Should You Choose?

The 2025 Tesla Model Y and Volkswagen ID.4 target similar buyers—here’s how to decide, with other options for context:

• Choose the Model Y If:
  • You want tech supremacy (rear screen, Auto Shift), Supercharger access, and brand buzz for ~$59,000 AUD.
  • You value quick acceleration (6.0s 0-100kph) and a spacious boot (854L) for family or cargo needs.
  • Example Buyer: A Melbourne techie craving Tesla’s ecosystem for city commutes and coastal trips.
  • Best For: Tech enthusiasts, Tesla fans, and storage-heavy users.
• Choose the ID.4 If:
  • You prioritize longer range (540km vs. 455km), comfier ride, and V2H charging for ~$60,000 AUD.
  • You prefer VW familiarity and dual adjustable seats for family comfort.
  • Example Buyer: A Sydney parent needing a quiet EV for school runs and Blue Mountains getaways.
  • Best For: Comfort seekers, range-focused drivers, and eco-tech fans.
• Other Options:
  • Kia EV6 (~$67,000 AUD): 225hp, 528km range—sportier, with wireless CarPlay, but pricier.
  • Hyundai Ioniq 5 (~$65,000 AUD): 217hp, 507km range—quirky, premium, but less cargo space.
  • Ford Mustang Mach-E (~$70,000 AUD): 294hp, 470km range—fun but harsher ride.
• Specs Snapshot:
  • Model Y RWD: 201hp, 455km, 854L boot, $59,000—tech and storage.
  • ID.4 Pro: 282hp, 540km, 543L boot, $60,000—range and comfort.
• My Take: As an EV enthusiast who’s tested dozens of models, I’d choose the Model Y for its Auto Shift magic and rear screen—perfect for my family’s Gold Coast drives. Its tech edge and Supercharger network seal the deal, though ID.4’s range tempts me. Test-drive both to feel the vibe—tech vs. tranquility.

Verdict: Is the 2025 Tesla Model Y Your Ideal EV?

The 2025 Tesla Model Y is a trailblazing electric SUV—201hp, 455km range, and a tech-packed cabin for ~ AUD 59,000. Its Juniper refresh—with Auto Shift, rear screen, and quieter ride—elevates it above the ID.4 and EV6. Minor niggles like single-press Autopilot and sunshade needs don’t dim its shine—I’d love one in Stealth Gray for urban adventures. ID.4 fan? Model Y believer? Comment below and subscribe to Elite Vehicles for more premium car insights!

Quick Specs

• Price: ~$59,000 AUD (~$38,500 USD)
• Power: 201hp, ~450Nm (est.)
• Battery/Range: 60kWh, 455km WLTP
• 0-100kph: ~6.0s
• Charging: 210kW DC, 7.4kW AC
• Key Features: 15-inch touchscreen, 8-inch rear screen, Auto Shift, 854L boot