Tesla’s updated Model Y comes with a sleeker design, better interior tech, and improved range. Will it be enough to keep it on top?
Tesla has officially unveiled the long-awaited refresh of its best-selling Model Y, codenamed “Juniper,” and it’s already generating plenty of buzz. The updated electric SUV was revealed on Tesla’s Chinese consumer website, confirming months of speculation and leaked photos. This facelift comes roughly a year after the Model 3 received its own upgrade, known as the Highland, and brings many of the same improvements to the Model Y.
The Model Y refresh isn’t just about making the SUV look a little sleeker—it’s a much-needed update aimed at keeping the car competitive in a rapidly growing EV market. While the Model Y continues to lead global EV sales, with over 1.2 million units sold in 2023, Tesla’s sales took a dip in 2024, marking the first time the company reported lower year-over-year sales since 2011. With a wave of new electric SUVs hitting the market, this update couldn’t have come at a better time.
On the outside, the Juniper refresh brings a sharper, more futuristic look. The front end now features a full-width light bar and sleeker, narrower headlights. The rear gets a similar treatment, with a red light strip running across the width of the hatchback. There’s also a new front bumper camera, similar to what’s found on the Cybertruck, which should improve Autopilot and parking assistance. These subtle changes give the Model Y a more modern, refined appearance while keeping its familiar overall shape.
Inside, Tesla has made significant upgrades to improve the Model Y’s comfort and quality—two areas where it previously faced criticism. Just like in the updated Model 3, the Juniper refresh adds ventilated front seats, a rear-seat display for entertainment and climate control, and ambient lighting that can be customized through the car’s interface. Tesla has also included new acoustic glass, which should help reduce cabin noise and improve the overall driving experience. There’s even a button in the trunk to fold the rear seats electrically, making it easier to load cargo.
Perhaps one of the most talked-about changes is the removal of the PRND drive mode stalk, with those functions now moved to the touchscreen. While Tesla retained the circular steering wheel, right-hand drive models will still feature a small turn signal stalk, while left-hand drive versions appear to rely on push-button turn signals.
In terms of performance, Tesla has made some improvements as well. The Long Range AWD version can now sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 4.3 seconds, down from 4.9 seconds. Range has also seen a slight boost, with the Long Range AWD model now offering up to 719 km (446 miles) on the CLTC cycle—likely translating to around 350 miles on the U.S. EPA cycle. No Performance version has been announced yet, but it’s expected to follow later, just as it did with the updated Model 3.
Pricing for the refreshed Model Y in China starts at around $35,900, reflecting a small price increase over the previous model. Deliveries are expected to begin in March 2025 in China, with other Asia-Pacific markets, including Australia, receiving the vehicle by May. However, North American customers may have to wait a bit longer, likely until mid-2025, partly due to new tariffs on Chinese-built cars.
With its fresh looks and much-needed interior upgrades, the Model Y Juniper refresh seems well-positioned to reignite interest in Tesla’s most popular model. Whether it can help the company recover from its recent sales slump remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Tesla is making a strong effort to stay ahead in an increasingly crowded EV market.
Gallery: 2025 Tesla Model Y Juniper
