Tesla Model Y Juniper Update: Everything We Know
Tesla’s best-selling model got a much-needed update this year. The Launch Edition starts at $59,900 before the $7,500 EV tax credit.
The Model Y has proven to be a huge global success for Tesla since it became the world’s best-selling vehicle in 2023 and 2024, although it may likely not achieve the same feat for a third year running. Still, this is very impressive because it dethroned two gas-powered Toyotas to take the lead after seeing sales soar in 2023 by 64% compared to 2022.
Update: 3-26-2025: We've driven the Model Y in Europe.
New Cybercab-inspired front end with a full-width light bar.
The rear also gets a light bar, the first of its kind in the industry, according to Tesla.
Inside, it feels nicely assembled out of higher-quality materials.
Its success is a testament to the global rise in popularity of electric vehicles, crossovers and SUVs, which accounted for almost half of all vehicles sold last year. It was much more popular than Tesla’s most affordable car, the Model 3, which sold less than half as many vehicles last year.
It’s a cash cow for Tesla, so the manufacturer’s decision to reportedly postpone its mid-lifecycle refresh seemed strange. The Juniper was unexpectedly unveiled in 2025, shortly after leaked photos revealed its big design changes.
Teslas get better over time, even without major upgrades, but all these changes are under the skin or related to over-the-air software updates. However, major redesigns are rare at Tesla because they require significant changes to production lines and supply chains.
Design Changes
2025 Tesla Model Y Launch Series (Euro-spec)
We were right to anticipate similar changes to the Model 3 "Highland" in the Model Y “Juniper,” but this applies more to the interior than the exterior. It gets a Cybercab-inspired front end with a full-width light bar, a new pointier nose and active air slats on the sides of the bumper. In the rear, Tesla has given the refreshed Y a full-width light bar that is hidden and you see its diffused light shining on a panel below—this looks great but we're not sure it matches the rest of the design.
It features new 19- and 20-inch wheels, which are more focused on aero efficiency than looking sporty, especially the smaller set that features an almost completely covered face.
Recently, an image (see above) of the alleged Juniper Model Y surfaced. Though camouflaged, we suspect that much of what we described above is hidden under the covers. After the image surfaced, Elon Musk took to X to comment on the status of the updated Model Y:
Interior Changes
Tesla has already given Model Ys manufactured in China the same interior mood lighting as the updated Model 3 but without changing anything else. It also ditched the wood trim on the dashboard in favor of the same textile material as in the sedan.
In the Juniper update, these changes will be completed by a redesigned center console with two wireless phone chargers, a revised armrest, and storage spaces. The seats are also a new design and gain a cooling function, just like in the Model 3. Overall, interior materials and assembly quality see improvements.
The updated Model Y Performance will get upgraded sports seats with more side support to keep you in place while cornering spiritedly. The new Model 3 Performance has unique seats with very large side bolsters, and they will likely be shared with the hot Model Y, too.
The biggest change will probably be the completely new steering wheel, which is borrowed from the Highland but not quite identical. Unlike in the Model 3, where Tesla has eliminated the stalks behind the wheel and relocated more functions to the wheel to retain physical controls for turn signals, lights, wipers, and the voice assistant, the Model Y Juniper has a turn signal stalk, but it's not as good as it could have been.
It also features a standard power-folding rear seat, that makes expanding the cargo area easier and more luxurious than before since the seats go up or down at the press of a button. Tesla has added buttons both inside the trunk and on the sides of the rear seat squab to make putting down the seats as easy as possible.
More Power, Range And Comfort
2025 Tesla Model Y Launch Series (Euro-spec)
Tesla constantly improves its models' performance, efficiency and range, even without major updates. The Model Y Juniper update brings a 10% increase in operating efficiency, which translates into a comparable range gain. The dual-motor long-range Model Y now has an EPA range of 327 miles, up from 311 miles before the update. In Europe, the WLTP range has increased from 372 miles (600 km) to 386 miles (622 km), so a gain of 14 miles (24 km).
The biggest change we saw with the updated Model 3 was how nice its ride was compared to before. It got a completely revised suspension system that transformed it into a much more comfortable car. Given that the Model Y is quite stiff and sometimes unpleasant over less-than-ideal roads, the fact that it gained a softened suspension setup with more emphasis on comfort and isolating occupants from road imperfections is welcome.
How Important Is This Update?
Gallery: 2025 Tesla Model Y Launch Series (Euro-spec)
The Model Y Juniper improves an already great electric crossover. It rides better, its interior feels better, and it is assembled better and from higher-quality materials. It also goes slightly longer on one charge. There's ambient lighting in the front and back, and a second screen gives rear passengers the ability to control climate settings or watch a movie.
Thanks to the use of frequency-selective dampers like the ones in the Model 3, probably the biggest change is how much better the Juniper rides compared to the older model. The difference is significant and it transforms Model Y into a serene and swift electric cruiser that does a great job of whisking you to where you need to go.
The fully-loaded Launch Series model costs from $59,900 before applying the federal tax credit.
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