Even with a “completely redesigned exterior,” as Tesla says, the EV is instantly recognizable as a Model Y—and at speed, it can easily be confused with the previous-generation models.
The Model Y retains the short hood in front of the egglike design of the cabin. In many ways, it looks like a Model 3 sedan that had its roof inflated. The most noticeable changes come at the front and rear of the SUV. The hood—which covers the front trunk—is flatter and drops down to a narrow, Cybertruck-like light bar that runs the width of the Y’s nose. That bar connects to super-slim headlights that sit at the leading edge of the front fenders.
Below that is bodywork where the license plate would mount. Whereas the last Model Y had concave, oval-like bodywork in the space, the new version has a flat, rectangular panel. Restyled vents sit at the leading edge of the front wheel arches, while the low air vent at the bottom center of the nose looks similar to the last model.
From the side, the new Y is almost indistinguishable from the 2024 model, even at a longer glance. The side-marker light at the rear of the front fender is larger, with a styling detail that extends into the front doors. The SUV retains the flush door handles that aid the Model Y’s aerodynamics but require an awkward hand pivot to pull them out.
When compared with the 2024 Model Y, the panel changes are more evident, with deeply sculpted fenders, a number of sharp creases, and a large scallop that bridges the front and rear doors.
The biggest change at the tail is the large, single light bar that spans nearly the entire width of the SUV. It uses LED lights that face inward, with their light reflecting off of the bodywork to create a glow. A pronounced lip spoiler sits above the light and is integrated into the bodywork. This aerodynamic aid is larger than the standard one found on the previous Model Y.
