Tesla Model Y Juniper: Everything we know about 2025

Tesla’s Model Y is not just a hit product, it’s a phenomenon. According to data from JD Power, in 2023, it not only dominates the field of electric vehicles, but also leads global car sales, with sales reaching a staggering 1.23 million units. To put that into perspective, it outsold long-time overlords like the Toyota RAV4 (1.03 million units) and Corolla (1.01 million units).

Not bad for a five-year-old design that, to be honest, is starting to look a little tired. The Model Y project, codenamed “Juniper,” is here, a long-awaited update designed to keep Tesla’s golden boy at the forefront.

Unfamiliar faces, familiar silhouettes

Launched in 2019 as a slightly taller, longer, and more family-friendly sibling of the equally popular Model 3, the Model Y has undergone a number of incremental improvements over the years, but its appearance has remained unchanged. The Juniper update aims to give it a new look, with sharper styling inspired by last year’s updated Model 3 Highland. The Tesla hasn’t changed much, retaining the familiar glassy, ​​egg-like silhouette, but spy shots and leaks suggest significant tweaks to both the front and rear.

Illustration: Thanos Pappas of CarScoops

Camouflaged prototypes and leaked images have hinted at what’s to come. Some of the early test cars featured more outlandish design elements, such as split headlights, while others featured Cybertruck-style full-width LED light bars. However, recent leaks suggest Tesla is leaning toward a cleaner, more understated aesthetic.

In particular, our exclusive render is based on a leaked infotainment display image of a Chinese prototype. It shows off a redesigned front end with slimmer headlights, a sharper yet more ordinary-looking nose, and a sculpted bumper without side air intakes, all of which borrow heavily from the updated Model 3. If this is indeed the final design (and we strongly suspect it is), it’s a sleeker evolution. Still, it sticks to the old “Model 3 after helium party” aesthetic, complete with a blowfish-style greenhouse.

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Moving to the rear, more changes are expected. A full-width LED taillight bar with a matte finish will reportedly replace the existing design, and the Tesla badge will give way to “TESLA” text, a trend we’ve seen on other models. The panoramic roof, a signature feature of Model Y, will be retained to enhance its already light-filled cabin. Spy photos also suggest the rear license plate holder may be moved to the bumper, simplifying the tailgate for a cleaner overall look.

Actual efficiency improvement

In addition to cleaner, sharper styling, the updated design is expected to bring aerodynamic improvements and increase efficiency, just like the related Model 3, which saw its drag coefficient drop from 0.225 to 0.219. The improvements could also help Tesla reduce production costs, a crucial advantage amid growing competition from Chinese rivals.

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There’s also speculation about a larger 95 kWh battery pack, which could extend the Model Y’s range beyond the current 81 kWh version. However, even if this rumor turns out to be true – and that’s a big if – it may be limited to certain markets, such as China, while other regions may retain existing options.

Likewise, the electric motors are expected to be carried over from the current model, with output believed to be 295 hp for the standard RWD version, 384 hp for the AWD version, and 425 hp for the long-range dual-motor version (which, as always, is unpowered by Tesla). No official specifications are released). The long-range version is also expected to offer a paid acceleration option, and Tesla has begun rolling out this feature for the updated Model 3 in select markets.

2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance

The performance and rumors of plaid

The standard version and long-range version of Model Y will add a Performance model, echoing the Model 3 product lineup. In its current configuration, the Model Y Performance has an output of 456 horsepower, but it may adopt the newer Twin Motor 3 Performance found on the Model Y, which can increase the output to 510 horsepower.

The current Model Y Performance 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time is already 3.5 seconds, and potential upgrades could shave a few tenths off, bringing it closer to the 3.0-second mark. However, like many of Tesla’s statistics, these numbers come with an asterisk – that is, they include the rollout.

Visually, the performance version will likely differentiate itself with a slightly more aggressive body kit that features a ventilated front bumper, rear spoiler, red brake calipers, and unique wheels (hopefully equipped with all-season tires ), paired with a lower profile. An adaptive suspension system and a dedicated track mode may also be part of the package.

As for the rumors of a more powerful Model Y Plaid, we don’t care. While Tesla could theoretically make a ridiculously fast family-oriented crossover, that vehicle feels more suited to the Model 3 than the practical, family-oriented Model Y. To be honest, the 510-horsepower Performance version is more than enough for most of you.

Improved interior but divisive changes

The interior of the Model Y Juniper prototype captured in China (pictured on Weibo)

Updates to the Model Y’s interior will prioritize better materials and improved build quality, responding to criticism while aiming to compete with China’s increasingly feature-rich EV competition. Tesla is also expected to improve ride comfort, handling and NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) through targeted chassis and suspension adjustments. As always, the recently updated Model 3 provides a solid blueprint for what we can expect.

Recent spy shots show a new design for the steering wheel, an improved infotainment touchscreen display, thinner bezels, and carbon fiber trim on the center console – just like on the Model 3 Highland. However, some functional changes are sure to be divisive. Tesla plans to replace traditional wiper stalks with a fully autonomous system, move turn signal controls to steering wheel buttons, relocate gear selection to a touchscreen, and place additional touch buttons behind the roof mirror.

Other upgrades include multi-color ambient lighting, dual wireless charging pads, and improved front seats with heating and ventilation from the Model 3. Rear passengers will also benefit from heated bench seats and an 8-inch touchscreen for climate and media controls. While the changes aren’t groundbreaking, they bring the Model Y more in line with competitors that are increasingly offering premium cabin features as standard.

China’s six-seater Model Y?

A few months ago, there were reports that Tesla might be developing a six-seat Model Y specifically for the Chinese market. This version is said to have a longer wheelbase and a roomier cabin than the U.S.-spec three-row model to meet China’s growing demand for roomier family cars.

Finally, Tesla may enhance the Model Y’s autonomous driving capabilities through Juniper updates, possibly using new sensors and more advanced software.

when can we expect it

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Model Y A new discovery in juniper! ? pic.twitter.com/1EXPdLEKoD

— BensonTYC (@bensontsao0214) November 7, 2024

According to some sources in China, limited production of the Model Y Juniper at Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory has quietly begun and is expected to be fully operational soon. The same source said Tesla has restricted the use of smartphones inside the factory to minimize the risk of early leaks.

However, Elon Musk has repeatedly stated that Tesla will not launch a facelifted Model Y in 2024, suggesting that it will debut in early 2025. Tesla may prioritize the Chinese market first, before considering North America, Europe and other regions. Much of the timeline is also likely to depend on Tesla’s ability to clear existing inventory of current Model Ys before making room for updated versions.

We may also see delays between the launch in China and the start of sales in North America, Europe and the rest of the world. Regardless, launch in global markets is expected sometime in the first half of 2025.

The Tesla Model Y’s main competitors in the US market include the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Volkswagen ID.4, Nissan Ariya and, in the near future, the Rivian R2.

Should I buy the current Model Y or wait for Juniper?

This is a big question that appears every 2.3 minutes on Tesla forums and Reddit threads these days. If you ask us, this really comes down to three key considerations:

one) Are you willing to risk losing the $7,500 federal tax credit that may disappear when the new administration takes office in January, as well as current offers like 0% APR for 60 months (20% down for qualified buyers) ) and deep discounts on demo cars and existing inventory?

two) Can you wait a few months (or maybe more than six months) for the Model Y Juniper to arrive in the United States?

three) Are these updates, including controversial ones like the turn signal button and shifter position, important enough to be worth the wait?

If you answered “no” to at least two of these questions, you’d better buy now. Otherwise, it might make more sense to wait, as you can compare the two and see which one you like better, possibly getting a better discount on the remaining pre-facelift models.

Additional reporting by John Halas

2024 Tesla Model Y