The Tesla Model Y has been named the 21st winner of the Drive Car of the Year award, recognising the vehicle that “moves the game forward the most for Australian new-car buyers”. It’s the first time Tesla has taken the overall title, the first Chinese-built car to win, and only the second fully electric vehicle to claim the trophy.
After winning the Best Electric Vehicle Under $60K category in the 2026 awards, the Model Y went on to beat a field of other first-time category winners including the BMW 5 Series, BYD Atto 2 and Dolphin, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Tasman, Volvo XC90 and Zeekr 7X. Drive’s judges pointed to Tesla’s futuristic approach to technology as the key separator from the rest.
Priced from $58,900 before on-road costs, the 2026 Tesla Model Y Premium Rear-Wheel Drive is a fully electric SUV with a 62.5kWh battery, producing 255kW and offering up to 466km of WLTP range. Tesla’s Supercharger network—now widely open to non-Tesla drivers—continues to be the country’s largest and most reliable EV charging option.
For day-to-day practicality, the Model Y brings generous storage, with up to 822 litres in the rear cargo area to the roof, plus another 117 litres up front. There’s strong headroom and space for taller passengers, and rear occupants also get an 8.0-inch central media screen. The latest “Juniper” update has improved ride comfort, while a backlit LED tail-light adds a more polished look on the road.
Much of the attention remains on Tesla’s technology suite, which delivers what’s described as the most advanced driver assistance capability on the market, offering a glimpse at where semi-autonomous—and potentially fully autonomous—driving is heading.
Tesla has also extended its vehicle warranty coverage to five years, while continuing to offer an eight-year, 160,000km warranty on the battery and drive unit.
Tesla Australia and New Zealand Country Director Thom Drew said, “Tesla is incredibly proud to have Model Y named as the overall winner of the 2026 Drive Car of the Year.” He added, “Over the past 15 years that Tesla has been in Australia, the automotive landscape has evolved dramatically with new entrants reshaping the market. We acknowledge the judges’ rigorous testing, which underscores why Model Y is not only Australia’s best-selling EV, but also the world’s best-selling car. Achieving the top score under ANCAP’s 5-star rating, Model Y sets a new benchmark for safe, family-friendly vehicles.”
Drew said the result should help Australians feel more comfortable about making the switch: “This award empowers Aussie buyers with the confidence to embrace EVs, knowing they’re ready for a future of innovative, accessible, and reliable driving with low running costs. Thank you to Drive for this important recognition that benefits Tesla and Australian consumers alike.”
The Model Y was Australia’s top-selling EV in 2025, and the 2026 updates build on its role as a benchmark electric SUV.
