Comparing the 2025 Tesla Model Y and the 2025 Tesla Model S Plaid reveals two distinct approaches to electric vehicle design, each catering to different priorities.
Tesla Model Y (2025)
Tesla Model S Plaid (2025)

Model Y:
Model S Plaid:
Model Y:
Model S Plaid:
Model Y:
Model S Plaid:
Model Y:
Model S Plaid:
Model Y:
Model S Plaid:
The 2025 Tesla Model Y offers a balance of performance, practicality, and advanced features at a more accessible price point, making it suitable for families and daily commuters. In contrast, the 2025 Tesla Model S Plaid delivers unparalleled acceleration and high-end features for those seeking top-tier performance. Your choice between the two will depend on your priorities: practicality and value versus performance and luxury.
Performance & Range
Tesla Model Y (2025)
- Variants & Power:
- Long Range RWD: 220 kW motor, 0–100 km/h in 5.9 seconds.
- Long Range AWD: 331 kW dual-motor setup, 0–100 km/h in 4.3 seconds.
- Range:
- RWD: 466 km (WLTP).
- AWD: 551 km (WLTP).
- Charging: Supports DC fast charging up to 250 kW.
Tesla Model S Plaid (2025)
- Powertrain: Three electric motors producing 1,020 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque.
- Performance: 0–60 mph in 2.0 seconds.
- Range: Up to 348 miles (EPA estimate).
- Charging: Peak charge rate of 250 kW.

Safety & Driver Assistance
Model Y:
- Standard Features: Autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot assist, lane-keep assist, reverse and side-view cameras, tyre pressure monitoring, and intelligent speed limiter.
- Advanced Options: Full Self-Driving suite offering supervised autonomous capabilities.
Model S Plaid:
- Standard Features: Includes Tesla's Autopilot system with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more.
- Advanced Options: Full Self-Driving capability available as an upgrade.
Interior & Technology
Model Y:
- Displays: 15.4-inch central touchscreen and an 8-inch rear passenger screen.
- Comfort: Ventilated front seats, power-reclining rear seats, panoramic glass roof.
- Materials: Black vegan leather upholstery standard; white available for an additional cost.
Model S Plaid:
- Displays: Central touchscreen and a driver's instrument panel.
- Comfort: Spacious seating with a minimalist interior design.
- Materials: High-quality materials with a focus on performance-oriented aesthetics.
Space & Practicality
Model Y:
- Seating: Standard five-seat layout; optional third-row increases capacity to seven.
- Cargo Space: Up to 2,158 liters with rear seats folded.
Model S Plaid:
- Seating: Five-seat configuration.
- Cargo Space: 25.0 cubic feet standard; up to 61.4 cubic feet with seats folded.
Sustainability & Efficiency
Model Y:
- Battery: Utilizes lithium iron phosphate (LFP) or nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) batteries, depending on the variant.
- Efficiency: Designed for durability and regular charging up to 100% without significant degradation.
Model S Plaid:
- Battery: High-performance battery system supporting rapid acceleration and extended range.
- Efficiency: Balances performance with a substantial driving range.
Pricing & Availability
Model Y:
- Starting Prices:
- RWD Launch Series: $63,400.
- Long Range AWD Launch Series: $73,400.
Model S Plaid:
- Price: Starts at $94,990.
Conclusion
The 2025 Tesla Model Y offers a balance of performance, practicality, and advanced features at a more accessible price point, making it suitable for families and daily commuters. In contrast, the 2025 Tesla Model S Plaid delivers unparalleled acceleration and high-end features for those seeking top-tier performance. Your choice between the two will depend on your priorities: practicality and value versus performance and luxury.