New 2026 Tesla Model Y Facelift Review

Can Tesla still hold its ground against a tightening market?

Exterior – Front

So, starting with the design at the front and it is very different to the old Model Y but even very different to the Model 3 Refresh on which it is heavily based on. To start with we get this Cybertruck Robotaxi design to it. We have this big light bar with LED Daytime Running Lights in it making it unmistakable at night. Lower down we get these headlight units which look like the old fog light units but enlarged as too are the side vents. The central air vent is a decent size and not in your face like some other cars. We also get a new bonnet and side wings but what does feel a bit weird is that we get this sharp front end with a curvy body. It sort of doesn’t work but does work somehow. It is definitely unique, and I do like it.

Exterior – Side

Moving round to the side of the Tesla Model Y and not much has changed apart from the usual colour and wheel changes but we do get some slightly different door mirrors which are slightly more aerodynamic. We still get this aerodynamic and athletic design as well as flush door handles and a load of cameras for the self-driving systems.

Exterior – Rear

Moving round to the back and this is where I’m in too minds with it. I like it because it is minimalistic but I’m not sure it was the right option. So, to start with we get this new headlight design which looks very modern and sleek, almost like what the Model 3 has. What I do like though is this hidden light bar. It lights up this silver panel making it look futuristic and sci-fi like, and I am here for it. What I’m not sure though is the number plate placement. With it on the bumper the boot panel is just smooth panel which doesn’t suit this car at all. I think if the number plate was on the boot, it would suit the design much better just like what the model 3 has. The bumper design though does look decent with a decent lower splitter, but the plate does look like it’s just stuck on which is a shame. Anyway, let’s have a look and see what battery and motor options you can have with the new Tesla Model Y Facelift.

Car and engine specs and price

So, the Tesla Model Y can be had in 4 different versions. Let’s start with the base model and this is called Standard Range. This uses a 64-kWh battery pack and a rear mounted electric motor creating 279 bhp. This can do 0-62 in 5.6 seconds and has a 311-mile range which isn’t too bad. The next version is the long-range single motor, and this uses a 295 bhp electric motor with a bigger 82 kWh battery pack giving this car a 387-mile range and a 0-62 time of just 5.9 seconds which still isn’t too bad. The next version is the same version but this time it has a dual motor setup giving this car 4-wheel drive and 375 bhp. This reduces the 0-62 time down to 4.6 seconds, but the range is at 390 miles which is the same as the single motor which is interesting. The final version is the performance version, and this uses a dual motor setup giving it 4-wheel drive and 454 bhp. This can do 0-62 time in 3.3 seconds which is very quick. It uses the same 82 kWh battery pack, but the range is also reduced slightly to 360 miles, but it is still very useable. You also get some different looks to it too which actually suit the Model Y facelift better than the regular Model Y. The price of the Tesla Model Y facelift starts at £44,990 which isn’t too bad for what you are getting in this heated market. Right, lets have a look and see what the interior is like.

Interior – Design

So, climbing inside the Tesla Model Y Facelift and the main parts are the same as before but it has received the same round of updates the Model 3 did. Let’s start with the dashboard first. We get this new panel which looks sleeker and tidier, and, on this dashboard, we get the same infotainment system as before but strangely enough on the Performance model the screen is slightly bigger and has a better resolution. Now I don’t know if it will go to the rest of the lineup let alone the model 3 so we will have to wait and see. The centre console has a new design to it which feels more premium than before but has wireless charging still. The storage is the same too. In front of the driver, we get the new steering wheel like what we get in the Tesla Model 3, I do like the design as it looks simple but premium. What I didn’t like in the Model 3 though was that the indicator controls were on the steering wheel. Well on the Model Y and new Model 3’s going forward they now have the indicator stalk back which improves the experience in the car much better. It does have less functions than before as there are no button or flashers as that is still on the steering wheel along with the wiper functions, but it is a big improvement. The gear selector is on the screen though, but it is easy to use, and the car is clever enough to know when you want to reverse or go forward. I have tried this function and 90% of the time it does work well. The seats have also been improved and are more ergonomic than before and now also have a ventilated function which is great. Finally, we also get some ambient lighting too. Overall then it isn’t too bad in here. Right, lets have a look and see what the rear seats are like.

Practicality

So, climbing into the back of the Model Y and practicality is the same as before. We get a good amount of headroom because of the glass roof, and we also get a good amount of legroom too. The seats are high enough off the ground so you don’t sit in a squatted position, but I would of like some better thigh support. The materials are very high end though and we also get the new 8-inch infotainment system in the back as well as electrically adjustable reclining seats, heated seats, climate control, USB C ports and an arm rest and even ambient lighting. It does feel premium and a huge step up from the previous model. Right, lets have a look and see what the boot space is like.

Boot Size

So, opening the boot to the new Tesla Model Y Facelift and you are welcomed with a huge 822 litres of boot space. This is down slightly from the 854 litres, but this is because new features like the electrically adjustable rear seats. If you fold the rear seats down, then it does increase to 2,138 which is unchanged from before. You also get a flat boot floor and a low load lip so it’s easy-to-get heavy items in which is good. You also get a front boot still too, to store your charging cables in which is 116 litres in size which is a decent size and almost enough for your weekly shop.

Summary

So, in summary then, what do I think of the new Tesla Model Y Facelift. Well, it does look better than before, and the improvements do help it along a few more years. You also can’t deny how great it drives and is still the king for Electric SUVs, but I will say that there are now other options out there like the MG IM6 and Audi Q6 E-Tron Sportback or even the Mercedes GLC with EQ Technology or the BMW IX3. These cars are also worth considering. Tesla needs to up their game another step for me to really say that you should buy this over those established brand models.

Exterior 3/5

Interior 4/5

Practicality 4/5

Total 11/15

Model	Tesla Model Y Long Range Dual Motor
Engine	82 kWh Battery Pack, Dual Motor, 375bhp, 0-62 = 4.6 Seconds, 390 Mile Range, Four Wheel Drive
Transmission	Single Speed Electric Motor
Price	£51,990
On Sale	Now