The 2025 Tesla Model Y, codenamed "Juniper," is a refreshed version of the world's best-selling electric vehicle, offering a blend of cutting-edge technology, enhanced design, and impressive performance. This fully electric mid-size SUV builds on its predecessor's success with significant updates to its exterior, interior, and efficiency, maintaining its position as a leader in the competitive electric SUV market.
Key Specifications
- Powertrain: Single rear-wheel-drive electric motor, delivering 295 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- Range: EPA-estimated 337 miles per charge, making it one of the longest-range electric SUVs in its class.
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds, offering brisk performance for daily driving.
- Top Speed: 135 mph.
- Battery: 75 kWh battery pack with a peak charging rate of 250 kW, allowing a 10-80% charge in under 30 minutes at Tesla Superchargers.
- Efficiency: 125 MPGe combined city/highway, ensuring cost-effective operation.
Exterior
The 2025 Model Y Base retains its sleek, aerodynamic profile with a refreshed “Juniper” facelift. Notable updates include:
- A minimalist front fascia with a streamlined nose and optional full-width light bar inspired by the Tesla Cybertruck.
- New 19-inch aerodynamic wheels for improved efficiency (20-inch wheels optional).
- A rear design featuring a reflective full-width taillight strip and a cleaner tailgate with a hands-free power liftgate.
- Available in standard colors like Pearl White Multi-Coat, with premium options like Glacier Blue.
Interior
The Model Y Base offers a spacious, minimalist cabin with premium materials and enhanced noise insulation for a quieter ride. Key features include:
- Seating: 5-seat configuration with vegan leather upholstery and heated front seats. Optional third-row seats are not available on the Base trim.
- Infotainment: 15.4-inch central touchscreen with smaller bezels, controlling navigation, media (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music), and vehicle functions like Drive/Reverse selection.
- Storage: 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 76 cubic feet with seats folded, plus a front trunk (“frunk”).
- Comfort: Acoustic glass, ambient lighting, and a panoramic glass roof enhance the airy cabin feel.
- Rear Display: Not included in the Base trim (available on higher trims).
Technology and Safety
The Model Y Base comes equipped with Tesla’s advanced driver-assistance and connectivity features:
- Autopilot: Standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.
- Full Self-Driving (Supervised): Optional, adding navigation-based hands-free steering, traffic light/stop sign response, and pedestrian avoidance.
- Safety Features: Front bumper camera, active hood for pedestrian safety, and excellent crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.
- Connectivity: Standard Connectivity for maps, navigation, and voice commands; premium streaming services require a subscription.
Driving Experience
The 2025 Model Y Base offers a refined driving experience with updates over its predecessor:
- Suspension: Revised for a smoother, more compliant ride, addressing previous criticism of stiffness.
- Handling: Responsive steering with a sporty feel, though less engaging than rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E on twisty roads.
- Quietness: Improved sound insulation and aerodynamic tweaks reduce wind and road noise.
