The First In-Depth Refreshed Tesla Model Y Review Videos Drop – Carwow & Out of Spec Reviews Show All the Changes in the New Model Y

Two prominent automotive YouTube channels, Carwow & Out of Spec Reviews, have released the first in-depth look at the refreshed Model Y.

The Carwow video was relatively short and was taken inside a Tesla showroom. In contrast, Kyle Conner from Out of Spec Reviews traveled to Shanghai, China, and gave us an hour-long review that covered every little change to the new Model Y.

If you want a short overview of all the major changes, watch Mat Watson's video on Carwow. This will still give you a good look at the refreshed aesthetics of the new Model Y.

So far, all the pictures we’ve seen of the new Model Y have been either overly glamorized shots from Tesla’s marketing department or spy shots from awkward angles, which are either too up-close or too zoomed-out pictures taken as the new Model Y is loaded onto transport trucks.

However, in both videos, you can see all the significant changes from all angles in a continuous video. This is the best way to tell how you feel about the new design changes, short of looking at the vehicle in person.

The two veteran automotive reviewers said that they really liked the refreshed front end of the new Model Y with the more aggressive squared-off look and the front lightbar.

Mat said the old Model Y looked like a fish, and Kyle noted that the previous model had a bulbous look. However, both were impressed by the refreshed front end of the new Model Y.

Mat even went so far as to claim that the Model Y’s facelift was one of the most successful design updates of all time.

Personally, I couldn’t agree more. The old Model Y has always been the right compromise for anyone looking for a well-rounded, reasonable vehicle.

However, the Model Y's one glaring weakness has been its awkward front end. Tesla has addressed this issue, and while not everyone is sold on the new look, both Mat and Kyle say the design looks much better in person than in pictures. 

Another new feature is the Model Y’s rear light bar. Kyle was especially impressed with this change. Tesla describes it as “the first indirectly reflected lighting system.”

Kyle shows that the rear red LEDs don’t shine directly backward but rather illuminate from top to bottom, reflecting on a special surface to create a unique glowing effect.

The EV reviewer was very impressed with this feature. This is all good; however, both YouTubers were let down by the lack of noticeable technical improvements or any spec bump.

The lithium iron phosphate battery Model Y Standard Range uses the same battery pack with a peak charging speed of 170 kW.

The refreshed Model Y has a 4 to 5 miles of range improvement, but that primarily comes from aerodynamic improvements in the body.

The Long Range battery also has the same peak 250 kW charging speed that only lasts at that high speed below 10% state of charge.

Besides that, there is no notable battery pack improvement. Kyle particularly pointed out the Zeekr EV he recently drove in China, which continued to charge at over 200kW all the way from 10% state of charge to 80%. Kyle says he was able to charge the Zeekr from 10% to 80% in 10 minutes.

Tesla has also kept the same motors but with a slight change in gearing and lubrication to gain a minor efficiency and acceleration boost.

Outside the powertrain and the exterior changes, one thing both YouTubers could confirm is the addition of a turn signal stalk.

Tesla has removed the turn signal stalk from its entire vehicle lineup; however, the EV maker has chosen to keep this feature on the Model Y because “it’s a family-focused vehicle.”

This is the exact reasoning Tesla China gave Kyle, but as he notes in the video, this explanation does not make much sense.

Another important change in the refreshed Model Y is that it now has a powered rear seat and ventilated front seats.

The electric motor-powered seats, especially the rear seats, are easy to fold and raise, making the car better equipped for the eventual launch of the 7-seat refreshed Model Y.

On the interior, another change is the addition of an 8-inch screen for the rear passengers; this also appears to be similar to all other Tesla vehicles, including the Model S, X, 3, & Cybertruck.

By going through service mode, Kyle also confirmed that the Model Y’s low-voltage system had been upgraded to 16 volts. Although this is not the same 48-volt system as the one found inside the Cybertruck, it’s still better than the previous 12-volt system.

Another improvement that the Model Y refresh did not get compared to the Cybertruck is the truck’s revolutionary steer-by-wire system.

However, Tesla says the refreshed Model Y gets a new silver glass roof coating that rejects heat seven times more than the previous version.

This should improve the vehicle’s HVAC efficiency. Tesla says there is no longer any need to install third-party sunshades.

Tesla has also made minor changes to improve the vehicle's interior, including new ambient lighting, three 65-watt type C chargers, longer rear seats for better thigh support, better suspension, and adaptive dampers for a smoother ride.

Overall, the refreshed Model Y appears to be more of a cosmetic change than a radical overhaul. However, please let me know what you think in the comments. Share your ideas by clicking the “Add new comment” button below. Also, visit our site, torquenews.com/Tesla, regularly for the latest updates.

Image: Screenshot from Carwow YouTube channel

For more information, check out: Ready to Buy a Tesla Cybertruck? – Long-Time Owners Say These Are The Unusual Things to Watch Out For – “Don’t Unbuckle Your Seatbelt During a Car Wash, & Watch Out for the Motors Magnetizing Your Watch”

Tinsae Aregay has been following Tesla and the evolution of the EV space daily for several years. He covers everything about Tesla, from the cars to Elon Musk, the energy business, and autonomy. Follow Tinsae on Twitter at @TinsaeAregay for daily Tesla news.