Tesla has quietly upgraded the 2026 Model Y, Australia’s best-selling electric vehicle, with minor refinements while maintaining current pricing. The changes focus on interior features, enhancing the experience without impacting cost for buyers.
Key Updates for 2026
The base Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and mid-range Long Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD) versions of the Model Y now feature a larger 16.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, previously exclusive to the high-performance variant. This upgrade provides a more immersive and modern interface. Additionally, these trims receive a black headliner as standard, replacing the previous light grey option, regardless of upholstery choice.
The top-spec Performance Model Y retains its light headliner. No other mechanical or structural changes have been made to the vehicle.
Pricing Remains Consistent
Despite the updates, Tesla has kept pricing unchanged:
- RWD: $58,900 AUD (before on-road costs)
- Long Range AWD: $68,900 AUD (before on-road costs)
- Performance: $89,400 AUD (before on-road costs)
This stability in pricing is notable, as it suggests Tesla aims to maintain accessibility despite feature enhancements.
Context: Market Position and Recent Changes
The Model Y’s success in Australia is significant; it outsold competitors by a wide margin in 2023, with 22,239 units delivered. The next-closest EV, the BYD Seal, managed 13,410 deliveries. The Model Y received a major overhaul in early 2025 with the “Juniper” update, followed by the Performance variant later that year.
Tesla has also introduced additional features, including Full Self-Driving (Supervised) and a new five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, further strengthening its market position. These moves – the upgrade to the screen, the headliner, and the warranty – reinforce Tesla’s commitment to improving the ownership experience.
Tesla’s latest adjustments to the Model Y demonstrate a strategy of continuous refinement without sacrificing affordability, which is crucial in a competitive EV market.
The Model Y remains a dominant force in the Australian EV sector, and these updates ensure it stays at the forefront of innovation.
