- New Model Y launches with 320 miles of range, 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds
- New look mimics the light bars on the Cybercab concept
- Starting price jumps to $61,630, but it includes “Full Self-Driving (Supervised)”
The bestselling EV in the world gets a glow up and a price blow up of $12,000 more than last year’s Model Y. Tesla debuted the 2025 Tesla Model Y in China on Jan. 10, then updated its U.S. configurator with pricing on Wednesday. When it arrives in March, the 2025 Model Y Launch Series will cost $61,630, including a $1,390 destination fee and a $250 “order fee” due upon ordering.
The first refresh of the electric crossover that launched new for the 2020 model year features a sharper design, improved noise and vibration reduction, and a retuned suspension. Similar changes to the refreshed 2024 Model 3 Highland made for a quieter, less jarring ride. The Model 3 also had an improved fit and finish more in line with Tesla’s premium pricing strategy of the Model Y.
If those carry over to the 2025 Model Y Launch Series, also known as Juniper, it would address our biggest criticisms of the wildly popular EV.
Other changes include a sharper nose that features narrow headlight slits flanking a light bar that seems to lower the nose for a sportier look. At the back, another light bar bridges the tailgate, unifying the design with a ring of light filled in by the body lines down the side. It seems to have borrowed from the futuristic Tesla Cybercab concept that debuted last October, and also embraces more aerodynamic properties such as 19-inch Crossflow wheels.
2025 Tesla Model Y
To start the new Model Y will only be sold in the Long Range All-Wheel Drive configuration. The battery pack likely remains the same at 75 kwh (Tesla doesn’t disclose battery specs), but the range increases from 311 miles on the current Model Y Long Range AWD to 320 miles on Launch Series; opting for the 20-inch wheels drops the range to 303 miles. The 0-60 mph time drops from 4.8 to 4.1 seconds on the new model. Top speed lowers from 135 mph to 125 mph.
Tesla loads the pricier Launch Series with good standard features, including power front seats that are heated and cooled, as well as power-folding rear seats that are heated. Seating five passengers total, the second-row riders also get an 8.0-inch touchscreen, which might be good for all the ride share Model Ys. Tesla upgrades the sound system to 15 speakers, and the new Model Y also has ambient lighting, and a hands-free power tailgate.
One of the big reasons for the $12,000 price jump is because the Launch Series includes a new front-facing camera and the brand’s maligned driver-assist system dubbed “Full Self-Driving.” That limited hands-free driving system currently is an $8,000 option on the Long Range All-Wheel Drive. The misnomer of “Full Self-Driving” was changed to “Full Self-Driving (Supervised)” last year, likely due to the NHTSA’s scrutiny of 2.4 million Teslas equipped with FSD. Subsequent probes have launched for Tesla’s Smart Summon feature.
It’s unclear if “(Supervised)” means anything. There is still no camera monitoring the driver.
The $2,000 third-row option is not offered on the Launch Series model.
Deliveries of the 2025 Model Y Launch Series begin in China and Asia in March, then will commence in North America. Tesla has not disclosed if a single-motor rear-wheel-drive model or Performance model will be offered. The Launch Series can be ordered now, as well as the current models.
