Sunday 06 April 2025 08:05 BST Comments Support Now From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference. Read more There’s no mistaking the new Tesla Model Y for the old one, such is the styling overhaul the latest car has had. The full-length light bars at the front and back give it a distinctive look, even if the profile of the car is pretty much unchanged – it’s slightly longer with improved aerodynamics helping the car’s efficiency. The seats are new and more comfortable – with a cooling function, too – the steering wheel feels nicer to hold, the material across the dashboard looks better, the rear seats have been revised and there’s a 9in screen for those in the back. The new tailgate – which can open automatically as you approach – means the boot is a slightly different shape and ever-so-slightly smaller. The interior doesn’t look a whole lot different, but there are subtle improvements to everything bar the touchscreen. Constant over-the-air updates mean an old Tesla Model Y will get much of the on-screen functionality as the new one. The car is much quieter thanks to lots of sound-deadening and double-glazed windows. But where Tesla still steals a march over rivals is on range and charging. The Long Range Rear-Drive car will go for a claimed maximum range of 387 miles, putting it in a class of its own. That’s before you consider the Tesla Supercharger network, which is worth its weight in gold. I’d rate the new Tesla Model Y slightly ahead of the cheaper Xpeng G6, and way ahead of the BYD Sealion 7, but I can’t help thinking Tesla could’ve pushed the Model Y a bit further ahead, particularly around quality and comfort. It might not be that long before another newcomer comes along that makes Tesla sweat. How we tested I grabbed one of the first new Tesla Model Ys off the boat and spent a couple of days driving on the motorways, country roads and around town in the south of England, even talking to a few existing Model Y owners to get their thoughts on the new car. Tesla Model Y (2025): From £44,990, Tesla.com open image in gallery Tesla doesn’t quote a battery size for its cars, but it’s understood that all Model Ys get a 75kWh battery (The Independent)