Introduction

The Tesla Model Y is a battery electric compact crossover SUV produced by Tesla, Inc. since 2020. It is based on the Model 3 sedan platform, sharing approximately 76% of its parts, and is designed to offer a larger, more versatile option with similar styling. The Model Y has become a global bestseller, achieving the title of the world’s best-selling vehicle in 2023 with 1.2 million units delivered, surpassing the Toyota Corolla. It retained this status in 2024, solidifying its position as the most popular electric vehicle of all time with over 2.16 million units delivered by December 2023.

Production and Availability

Production of the Model Y began in January 2020 at Tesla’s Fremont Factory in California, with additional manufacturing at Giga Shanghai (December 2020), Gigafactory Texas (late 2021), and Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg (March 2022). The vehicle is available in multiple markets, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, China, and, as of July 2025, India, where it debuted at a starting price of approximately $70,000, positioning it in the premium segment.

Design and Features

The Model Y is a midsize SUV with seating for up to seven passengers (with an optional third row in some markets). It features a minimalist interior dominated by a 15.4-inch central touchscreen, with a refreshed 2025 model (codenamed “Juniper”) introducing an 8-inch rear touchscreen for climate control and entertainment, ventilated front seats, and improved interior materials. Exterior updates include a full-width light bar for daytime running lights and taillights, a more aerodynamic front bumper, and new wheel designs. The drag coefficient improved from 0.23 to 0.22, enhancing efficiency.

The 2025 refresh retains a traditional turn signal stalk, unlike the Model 3’s button-based system, addressing customer feedback. The vehicle also features a retuned suspension for a smoother ride, enhanced sound-deadening, and a panoramic glass roof. A new Model Y L variant, with an extended wheelbase for six passengers, was introduced in China in July 2025, boasting 456 horsepower and a 3,040 mm wheelbase for increased interior space.

Performance and Range

The Model Y offers multiple powertrain options:

• Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): 295 hp, 310 lb-ft torque, 0-60 mph in ~6.5 seconds, up to 357 miles of range (EPA) with 19-inch wheels.
• Long Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD): 384 hp, 375 lb-ft torque, 0-60 mph in ~4.4 seconds, up to 327 miles (EPA) with 19-inch wheels.
• Performance AWD: Expected to offer ~510 hp, 0-60 mph in ~3.0 seconds, with a range of ~270 miles (EPA).
  The 2025 Juniper refresh boosts the Long Range AWD range to 447 miles (Chinese tests) and supports fast charging at up to 250 kW, adding 182 miles in 15 minutes for the RWD model.

Safety and Technology

The Model Y is equipped with Tesla’s Autopilot suite, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The 2025 model relies solely on Tesla Vision (camera-based) for driver assistance, as ultrasonic sensors and radar were removed starting in 2022 and 2021, respectively. It earned a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2022, achieving the highest overall score under the updated testing protocol. The vehicle also includes a HEPA filter and a “bioweapon defense mode” since July 2021.

Market Performance and Challenges

Despite its success, Tesla faced sales declines in 2025, with global deliveries dropping 13.5% in Q2 and U.S. Model Y sales falling 15% year-over-year to ~86,000 units. Increased competition from vehicles like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Volkswagen ID.4, combined with economic uncertainties and Elon Musk’s controversial public image, have impacted demand. In Germany, new registrations dropped 64% in the first half of 2025 compared to 2024. The Model Y L and Juniper refresh aim to counter these challenges, particularly in China, where sales fell 17.5% in the first half of 2025.

Pricing

The 2025 Model Y starts at ~$60,000 in the U.S. for the Launch Series (Long Range AWD with Full Self-Driving), up from the previous base price of $44,990. In the UK, pricing begins at £44,990 for the RWD variant, with the Long Range AWD at £60,990. In India, the high import tariffs result in a starting price of $69,770, targeting premium buyers.

Conclusion

The Tesla Model Y remains a benchmark in the electric SUV market, blending impressive range, performance, and advanced technology. The 2025 Juniper refresh and Model Y L variant address criticisms of ride quality and interior refinement while enhancing efficiency and aesthetics. However, growing competition and market challenges highlight the need for Tesla to continue innovating to maintain its lead.