The world’s best-selling electric car has experienced a major redesign. The new Tesla Model Y is currently available only in China and Australia as the best-selling EV in the UK. Its updates are of particular interest. 

The new Model Y features a more refined design, including a near-single strip highlight and a single strip taillight. Both the front and rear bumpers have been subtly updated, and Tesla states it has been redesigned to maximize efficiency by die-casting the rear body flow. Tesla has reduced the number of parts from 70 to just 1. 

Tesla claims these improvements provide a smoother and quieter driving experience. The redesign may also allow for additional battery capacity. The range has increased from 331 miles in the long-range, all-wheel-drive to 341 miles in this all-wheel-drive, first edition codenamed Juniper. 

Initial figures indicate the powertrain enhancements enable the all-wheel drive long-range variant to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 4.3 seconds, and improvements have also been made to the suspension, wheels, and tires. 

We owned a 2021 Tesla Model Y for 2.5 years as a long-term test vehicle, evaluating its efficiency, range, battery aging, and daily usability. The redesigned 2026 Model Y, known as Model Y Juniper, is now available. As previous owners, we were invited to test drive the new model at a local Tesla showroom. We were keen to see if Tesla had addressed the issues we experienced with our 2021 Model Y.  

Does It Ride Better? 

The 2020 Model Y offers a clear improvement in ride quality due to its updated suspension. Previously, our team found the Model Y’s ride harsh, and it worsened over time. While the new model is not focused solely on comfort, it is more focused on giving and less uncomfortable on rough roads. It now better aligns with expectations of a luxury performance vehicle delivering an engaging drive without excessive harshness.  

Wind, hammer, and road noise have decreased in the 2026 Model Y thanks to acoustic glass and a more rigid suspension. However, the improvement is less dramatic than we observed in the updated 2024 Tesla Model 3, likely due to the Model Y’s open cargo area. Some road noise remains, but it is a reasonable compromise given the vehicle’s athletic performance. The steering is equally precise, and the SUV’s handling continues to stand out, making it easier to enjoy daily.  

Is The Interior Nicer? 

The interior update is less substantial than expected, despite new wraparound ambient lighting and a wider range of materials in the launch-series trim. In typical lighting, the cabin feels similar to the previous Model Y with only minor changes. While there is an ambient lighting strip and a standard front camera view, these features are more advanced in competing vehicles. A 360-degree top-down camera view is still absent, even though the new front camera could support it.  

Additional new features include:  

• Front ventilated seats  

• Redesigned dashboard and steering wheel  

• New door speaker  

The launch series also features wagon-suede style interior trim. Notably, the 2026 Model Y reintroduces a traditional turn signal stalk, which was removed from the updated Model 3 in favor of steering wheel controls. The return of the stock is a welcome change as the steering wheel buttons in the Model 3 are less intuitive to use.  

The Model Y refresh now features a digital gear selector on the center touchscreen, which is disappointing. Gear selection requires using the screen or the redundant physical controls on the overhead console. Given the reliability issues we experienced with our extended Model Y’s touch screen, relying on it for such critical controls is concerning.  

Blind spot monitoring is most effective when indicators are located near the side mirrors. The previous Model Y used touchscreen-based warnings and sounds, requiring drivers to look away from their blind spots. The new Model Y now includes physical indicators near the side mirrors, which is a significant improvement, especially given the vehicle’s limited rearward visibility.  

Acceleration Boost Standard 

The Model Y launch series includes an acceleration boost, with a claimed 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds. We previously paid to unlock this feature in our Model Y, but the improvement was inconsistent. In contrast, the 2026 Model Y’s acceleration feels noticeably stronger and more consistent, delivering a higher performance experience.  

Full Self-Driving Improvement 

During our ownership, full self-driving felt more like a fad than a practical feature. While this was not a direct comparison, the 2026 Model Y’s FSD inspired greater confidence with less hesitation and more uniform performance, even in a limited trial. Further evaluation is required to assess its improvements fully.  

How Much Is a 2026 Tesla Model Y? 

The Model Y launch series is now available starting at $61,630, including destination charges. Qualified buyers may be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $7,500. The Launch Series comes standard with Full Self-Driving and Acceleration Boost.  

While we tested the launch series, most features that appeal to shoppers will be available across all Model Y versions, including the more affordable options. If you are interested but prefer a lower price point, consider waiting for the full lineup announcement.  

2026 Tesla Model Y Launch Series key features: 

• Price: $61,630  

• It is $699/month (36 months with a $2,999 down payment).  

• Maximum range: 327 miles  

• 0-60 mph: 4.1 seconds  

• Full Self-Driving Standard  

• Acceleration Boost Standard.  

• New front and rear light bars.  

• Wrap-around interior ambient lighting.  

• Updated suspension.  

• Acoustic glass  

Is The Model Y Fixed 

If we still owned our Model Y and considered upgrading, the trade-in value would be a concern. After 2.5 years and 22,000 miles, our Model Y was valued at $26,800, down from its original price of $64,443 used. Tesla’s values have declined substantially due to frequent price adjustments on new models. Prospective buyers should also note that many models align with the Model Y, making it more closely compete with competitors such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Honda Prologue, and Ford Mustang Mach-E.  

The previous Model Y had several shortcomings, but it remained a top seller. Many issues, including ride quality and interior noise, have been addressed in the new model. The full self-driving feature also showed promise during our test. Further evaluation will include updates to the sound system. In this video, we’ll discuss the rear control screen and the comfort and usability of the power-reclining rear seat.  

Source:https://www.cars.com/articles/2026-tesla-model-y-first-drive-how-much-better-is-it-than-ours-505956/