Old vs. New: Here’s how the 2025 Tesla Model Y stacks up against its predecessor

Earlier this year, Tesla unveiled the latest Model Y here in Singapore. The Model Y wasn’t just Tesla’s best-selling model, it was one of the best-selling cars in the world. Anticipation is high for this new model, especially given the increased competition in this space—mostly from Chinese EV makers. So how does this new version compare to its predecessor?

A sleeker, more contemporary exterior

There are significant styling changes to the Model Y. The entire front fascia has been updated. It features a front light bar that’s inspired by the Cybertruck, as well as slimmer and more angular headlights. This helps it look sharper and sleeker. Below the new lighting arrangement sits a new front camera which should aid in parking and navigating tight spaces. The front camera even has its own cleaning system to ensure clear visibility.

At the rear, Tesla has replaced the separate taillights with another full-width light bar. The Tesla name is also now spelt out on the tailgate, similar to the Model 3. Additionally, Tesla has made the rear profile more slab-sided. This, along with the rear diffuser, is claimed to improve aerodynamics by reducing air resistance and correcting the balance between the front and rear wheels. Overall, the exterior changes have allowed Tesla to lower the Model Y’s coefficient of drag from 0.23 to 0.22. Though it sounds insignificant, every bit counts when you are trying to eke out as much range as possible. Finally, new wheel designs have also been introduced, and buyers can choose between 19-inch and 20-inch designs.

Meaningful internal improvements

Inside the car, Tesla has made several upgrades to enhance comfort and convenience. Like its predecessor, the centrepiece remains the giant 15.4-inch touchscreen, which controls nearly all car functions. What is new to this model is the addition of an 8-inch rear screen for the back passengers, allowing them to adjust climate settings, media, and seating functions. Tesla has also brought back the column stalk for the indicators.

For those sitting at the front, the front seats now come with ventilation as compared to the previous model which only offered heated seats. This should improve comfort when driving in sunny Singapore. For those at the back, the second-row seats have also been upgraded. They are now angled more gently and feature dedicated air vents and a power-folding functionality which can be activated with the press of a button. With the seats folded down, the Model Y offers a whopping 2,138 litres of storage space. To give this figure some context, it’s more voluminous than even a Mercedes-Benz GLE or BMW X5—cars that are significantly larger than the Model Y.

To cap off the interior updates, Tesla has introduced double-layer glass windows, a large silver-coated panoramic roof, and expanded ambient lighting that extends further into the rear doors. The double-layer glass should help with noise insulation, while the coated panoramic roof should prevent the interior from getting too hot when parked outside.

Performance, range, and charging

Without changing the core powertrain, Tesla has introduced several key improvements to the 2025 Model Y variants, improving both acceleration and driving range. For the Singapore market, there are three variants: Rear-Wheel Drive 110, Rear-Wheel Drive, and Long Range All-Wheel Drive.

The Rear-Wheel Drive 110 is a variant that’s specific to the Singapore market. It’s also the second Tesla after the Cat A-specific Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive 110, to be created specially for our market. It has a lower power output of 110kW (~147hp), which means it qualifies for the considerably cheaper Cat A COE. This makes it the most affordable model in the lineup. 0-100km/h takes 9.6 seconds—which is still pretty brisk, but 3.7 seconds slower than the regular Rear-Wheel Drive version. The claimed WLTP range is unchanged at 466km.

Here’s how the three models stack up against each other.

It’s easy to get caught up with power and range, but another thing to take note of is the maximum charging speed. The long range model can charge at up to 250kW, which can add up to 266km in 15 minutes. The rear-wheel drive models can only charge at up to 175kW, which, according to Tesla, adds around 229km in 15 minutes. For readers who travel further, the choice is clear—but take note of the significantly higher road tax.

Pricing and Availability 

Finally, the price. Prices start at S$76,090 for the Rear-Wheel Drive 110 version. This seems a bit high considering the RWD variant is only S$500. But consider also that the RWD requires the pricier Cat B COE and pays much more road tax. The table below shows the pricing considerations for the various models.

All in all, the 2025 Model Y brings significant updates in design, comfort, and performance to one of the best-selling car models in the world. The sleeker styling, improved aerodynamics, revised interior, and increased efficiency, all come together to make it an attractive option for anyone looking to get into an electric SUV. If you’re curious about how it drives, check out our first-hand experience here.

That said, the older Model Y remains a solid choice, and with significant discounts currently being offered, it could be the more financially astute option. Read our original review of the Tesla Model Y here.