The Tesla Model Y has been Australia’s top-selling electric vehicle (EV) – and mid-size electric SUV – since it arrived in local showrooms in mid-2022.
And the heavily facelifted ‘Juniper’ version of the Model Y, released Down Under in mid-2025, was good enough to be named Australia’s best mid-size electric SUV in the inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards.
Why? Because despite the arrival of fresh rivals like the BYD Sealion 7 and Volkswagen ID.4, which we named as finalists, the Model Y continues to offer the best mix of performance, technology, quality, refinement, charging and range capability, and value in its class.
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Far from a modest mid-cycle update, the ‘Juniper’ Model Y looks and feels substantially different to its predecessor, and stays ahead of its many rivals in almost all key areas to remain our pick in perhaps the most competitive part of Australia’s EV market.
It still has the flashy technology and minimalist styling for which Tesla is famous, but the Model Y’s cabin is now a more appealing place to be and, perhaps most importantly, it delivers a more comfortable ride.
Priced from a very competitive $58,900 before on-road costs for the entry-level rear-wheel drive single-motor variant, increasing to $68,900 plus on-roads for the all-wheel drive dual-motor Long Range grade, the Model Y lineup will be topped later this year by a new AWD Performance flagship priced at $89,400 before on-roads.
As our road testers have said, if rivals had finally caught up to the pre-update Model Y, Tesla has moved the goalposts again.
“The Tesla Model Y is a spectacular EV for someone who is after a practical and pragmatic electric SUV for their family,” said Matt Campbell.
“It’s clear this is one of most well-rounded and appealing EVs on the market.”
To see all the CarExpert Choice winners, click here.
