Tesla Model Y Review | Electric SUV | Range | Price in Australia

The Tesla Model Y is redefining the Australian SUV landscape. As electric mobility surges across the nation, this all-electric SUV has captured the attention of families, tech lovers, and eco-conscious drivers alike. Combining a sleek design, impressive range, and Tesla’s trademark performance, the Model Y sets a new standard for what Australians can expect from a modern vehicle.

This review explores every aspect of the Tesla Model Y — from its design and performance to interior comfort, tech features, and ownership costs. If you’re considering joining the EV revolution, this is your essential guide.

Overview: The Tesla Model Y’s Rise in Australia

The Model Y arrived in Australia with high anticipation — and it delivered. Built on the same platform as the Model 3 sedan, it offers more space, versatility, and practicality, making it an ideal choice for Aussie families. It quickly became Australia’s top-selling EV, with demand consistently outpacing supply in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

The appeal lies in Tesla’s reputation for cutting-edge technology, over-the-air software updates, and a growing Supercharger network that makes electric driving easier than ever.

Design and Exterior Styling

Tesla’s design language has always been minimal yet striking, and the Model Y is no exception. Its aerodynamic silhouette reduces drag and improves efficiency, while clean lines and flush door handles emphasize modernity.

Key Exterior Highlights:

• Minimalist Front End: No traditional grille, giving it a futuristic face.
• LED Lighting: Sleek LED headlights and taillights enhance visibility and aesthetics.
• Glass Roof: A panoramic glass roof gives passengers a spacious, airy feel.
• 19" or 20" Alloy Wheels: Depending on the variant, the wheel design complements both comfort and sportiness.

The overall stance of the Model Y is confident, muscular, and distinctly Tesla — understated yet instantly recognisable.

Interior and Comfort

Step inside, and the cabin reflects Tesla’s signature minimalist design ethos. There’s no clutter, no excessive buttons — just a large 15-inch touchscreen that controls nearly everything.

Interior Layout and Materials:

• Seating: Premium vegan leather seats provide excellent support for long drives.
• Space: The Model Y offers generous headroom and legroom, easily accommodating five adults.
• Cargo Capacity: With up to 854L in the rear and additional space in the front “frunk,” practicality is one of its strengths.
• Ambient Feel: The all-glass roof allows natural light to fill the cabin, creating an open, luxurious atmosphere.

Tesla’s air filtration system, similar to HEPA-grade, ensures clean air quality — ideal for Australia’s varied climates and bushfire-prone regions.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The centrepiece of the Model Y’s interior is its 15-inch infotainment screen. This single interface controls everything from navigation and climate to media, performance data, and even the glovebox.

Technology Highlights:

• Tesla OS: Fast, intuitive, and frequently updated via over-the-air software.
• Navigation: Real-time traffic updates and automatic Supercharger routing.
• Streaming Services: Integrated Spotify, Netflix, YouTube, and more (available when parked).
• Phone Integration: While it lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the native system is powerful enough that most users won’t miss them.
• Driver Profiles: Automatically adjusts seat, mirror, and climate settings to individual users.

Tesla’s voice command system is another highlight, allowing drivers to control numerous features without taking their hands off the wheel.

Performance and Driving Experience

One of Tesla’s key selling points has always been performance — and the Model Y doesn’t disappoint. Even in its standard form, it offers instant torque and smooth acceleration that rivals many performance petrol SUVs.

Model Y Variants in Australia:

1. Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD):
   • 0–100 km/h: ~6.9 seconds
   • Range: Up to 455 km (WLTP)
   • Ideal for urban commuters
2. Long Range (AWD):
   • 0–100 km/h: ~5.0 seconds
   • Range: Up to 533 km
   • Balanced performance and efficiency
3. Performance (AWD):
   • 0–100 km/h: ~3.7 seconds
   • Range: Up to 514 km
   • Sport-tuned suspension, 21” wheels, and performance brakes

Tesla’s electric drivetrain provides instant torque delivery, giving a feeling of effortless power. Its low centre of gravity — thanks to the battery placement — makes handling sharp, stable, and confidence-inspiring, even on twisty Australian roads.

Range and Charging Options

Range anxiety is fading fast in Australia, and Tesla leads that transition. The Model Y offers impressive driving ranges that make long-distance travel practical.

Charging Options:

• Home Charging: Using a Tesla Wall Connector, owners can fully charge overnight from a standard home power supply.
• Supercharger Network: Australia’s expanding network enables fast charging — adding around 275 km of range in just 15 minutes.
• Public Charging: Compatibility with Type 2 and CCS connectors ensures flexibility at third-party charging stations.

Tesla’s navigation system even plans charging stops for road trips, ensuring convenience across Australia’s highways.

Ride Comfort and Handling

Despite its performance credentials, the Model Y remains remarkably comfortable. The suspension absorbs most road imperfections, and the cabin is well-insulated from wind and road noise.

Key Ride Characteristics:

• Smooth Power Delivery: Seamless acceleration without gear shifts.
• One-Pedal Driving: Regenerative braking allows deceleration simply by lifting the accelerator.
• Responsive Steering: Lightweight yet precise, offering excellent control in city or highway driving.

The Performance variant rides firmer due to its sport-tuned suspension, but the overall comfort level remains high.

Safety Ratings and Features

Safety has always been a Tesla stronghold, and the Model Y continues this tradition. It’s among the safest SUVs on Australian roads, earning top ratings in crash tests.

Standard Safety Features:

• Autopilot with adaptive cruise control and lane keeping
• Collision avoidance and emergency braking
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Side collision warning
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Advanced camera-based vision system

Tesla’s rigid structure, low centre of gravity, and crumple zones contribute to its outstanding safety performance.

Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD)

Tesla’s Autopilot system remains one of the most advanced driver assistance suites on the market. In Australia, Autopilot is standard, while Full Self-Driving capability is available as an optional upgrade.

What Autopilot Offers:

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane Centering
• Automatic Lane Changes (with FSD)
• Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control (beta)

While FSD is still under regulatory review in Australia, Tesla continues to roll out software improvements through over-the-air updates, bringing owners closer to true self-driving capabilities.

Ownership Costs and Maintenance

Owning a Tesla Model Y is surprisingly cost-effective compared to traditional SUVs. Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts, meaning lower maintenance requirements and reduced running costs.

Cost Breakdown:

• Electricity vs Fuel: Charging costs can be 70% cheaper than petrol.
• Maintenance: No oil changes, timing belts, or exhaust systems.
• Software Updates: Continuous improvements without dealership visits.

Tesla also offers a four-year/80,000 km warranty on the vehicle and an eight-year/160,000 km battery warranty (depending on the variant).

Price in Australia

Tesla’s pricing in Australia remains competitive given its performance and features. As of 2025:

• Model Y RWD: from approx. $65,000
• Model Y Long Range: from approx. $78,000
• Model Y Performance: from approx. $92,000

These prices include Tesla’s standard warranty but exclude optional extras such as Full Self-Driving or premium paint finishes.

State-based EV incentives and rebates may also apply, making ownership even more affordable.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional performance and acceleration
• Long driving range and fast charging
• Minimalist, tech-forward interior
• Outstanding safety and driver-assist tech
• Low running and maintenance costs

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost than some rivals
• Stiff ride in Performance model
• No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
• Build quality inconsistencies reported by some owners

Rivals and Comparisons

While the Tesla Model Y dominates the Australian EV SUV segment, it faces increasing competition.

Key Competitors:

• Hyundai Ioniq 5: Striking design and refined interior.
• Kia EV6: Sporty handling with comparable range.
• Polestar 2 SUV (upcoming): Scandinavian luxury meets EV power.
• BYD Seal U and Atto 3: Budget-friendly alternatives with growing support.

Even with rising competition, Tesla’s superior software, charging ecosystem, and performance keep the Model Y ahead for now.

Verdict: Should You Buy the Tesla Model Y in Australia?

If you’re looking for a blend of innovation, performance, and practicality, the Tesla Model Y is hard to beat. It offers a seamless driving experience, cutting-edge technology, and a growing infrastructure that makes electric ownership viable nationwide.

For Australian drivers ready to embrace the future of mobility, the Model Y isn’t just an SUV — it’s a statement of progress.

Final Thoughts

The Tesla Model Y captures everything Australians want in a modern SUV — range, comfort, technology, and sustainability. With government incentives, expanding charging options, and Tesla’s relentless innovation, it represents the pinnacle of electric driving today.

Whether you’re upgrading from a petrol SUV or stepping into your first EV, the Model Y offers an exceptional balance of performance and practicality for Australian roads.