<div id="readability-page-1"><p>The Tesla Model Y has been named 2026 <em>Drive</em> Car of the Year overall winner, taking the top honor after being judged as the vehicle that “moves the game forward the most for Australian new car buyers.”</p>    <p>The Model Y is already Australia’s best-selling EV in 2025 and the tenth best-selling vehicle overall, but the vehicle’s Juniper update strengthened its case with new ownership benefits and expanded software capability.</p>    <p><em>Drive’</em>s overall award compares category winners and looks at which model most significantly advances the local new car market. In 2026, judges pointed to the Model Y’s five-year warranty and the availability of Full Self-Driving (Supervised) as a monthly subscription as key differentiators.</p>    <figure><div> <blockquote><div lang="en" dir="ltr"><p>Congratulations to the Tesla Model Y, the 2026 Drive Car of the Year! </p><p>Well packaged, impressively equipped, and outstanding value for money, it proved impossible for the judges to overlook.#DriveCarOfTheYear #TeslaModelY pic.twitter.com/RgfzW95gki</p></div>— Drive (@drivecomau) February 23, 2026</blockquote> </div></figure>    <p>Priced from AU$58,900 before on-road costs, the all-electric crossover SUV offers a lot of value compared to similarly sized petrol and hybrid rivals. The ability to access Tesla’s Supercharger network across Australia also reduces friction for buyers moving to EV ownership.</p>    <p>Owners can add FSD (Supervised) for AU$149 per month. While it still requires driver oversight, the system expands the vehicle’s advanced driver-assistance capabilities and reflects Tesla’s software-first approach.</p>    <p>“The default choice for a reason. The Tesla Model Y makes the transition to electric both effortless and rewarding,” Drive wrote.</p>    <p>The 2025 Model Y facelift also sharpened the vehicle’s exterior, highlighted by a distinctive rear light bar that gives the crossover SUV a more modern road presence.</p>    <p><em>Drive</em> described the Model Y as a benchmark for combining practicality, efficiency and technology at an accessible price point. With eligibility for federal Fringe Benefit Tax exemptions through novated leasing, its value proposition has improved for numerous buyers.</p>    <p>For 2026, the Model Y’s combination of range efficiency, charging access and software capability proved decisive. Ultimately, the award all but cements the Model Y’s position as one of the most influential vehicles in Australia’s evolving new-car market today.</p>                  
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               <p>The post Tesla Model Y wins 2026 Drive Car of the Year award in Australia appeared first on TESLARATI.</p></div>

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<p>The Tesla Model Y has been awarded the 2026 Drive Car of the Year in Australia, recognized for significantly advancing the local new car market. Already the best-selling EV in 2025, the Model Y's appeal is enhanced by its five-year warranty, Full Self-Driving subscription option, and access to Tesla's Supercharger network. Priced from AU$58,900, it combines practicality, efficiency, and technology, making the transition to electric vehicles seamless for buyers. The award solidifies the Model Y's influence in Australia's evolving automotive landscape.</p>

- The Tesla Model Y has been awarded the 2026 Drive Car of the Year for significantly advancing the Australian new car market.  
- Judges highlighted features such as a five-year warranty, the option for Full Self-Driving as a subscription, and the vehicle's standout value compared to petrol and hybrid rivals.  
- Its modern design and efficient features, along with access to the Supercharger network, establish the Model Y as a key player in the transition to electric vehicles in Australia.