Tesla Model Y Juniper: Everything We Know About the 2025 Facelift

Tesla’s Model Y isn’t just a hit, it’s a phenomenon. It not only dominates the EV segment in 2023, but also peaks at a staggering 1.23 million units in global auto sales, according to J.D. Power. To put that in perspective, Toyota has surpassed long-running juggernauts like the RAV4 (1.03 million) and Corolla (1.01 million).

Not bad for a five-year-old design that, let’s be honest, is starting to look a little tired. Enter the Model Y codenamed “Juniper” project, a long-awaited refresh aimed at keeping Tesla’s golden boy ahead of the pack.

Fresh Face, Familiar Silhouette

Released in 2019 as the slightly taller, taller and more family-friendly sibling of the equally popular Model 3, Model Y It has benefited from many incremental improvements over the years, but its exterior remains unchanged. The Juniper update aims to give it a new look, bringing sharper styling inspired by last year’s facelifted Model 3 Highland. Tesla isn’t rocking the boat too much, as it retains the familiar glassy, ​​egg-like silhouette, but spy photos and leaks suggest significant changes to both the front and rear.

Illustrations: Thanos Pappas for CarScoops

Camouflaged prototypes and the leaked images gave clues as to what was to come. Some of the first test cars featured quirkier design elements like split headlights, while others featured a Cybertruck-style full-width LED light bar. But more recent leaks suggest Tesla is moving towards a cleaner, simpler aesthetic.

Notably, our custom visualization is based on a leaked infotainment screen image from a prototype in China. It showcases a redesigned front end with slimmer headlights, a sharper but also more generic-looking nose, and a sculpted bumper without side air intakes; all of which are heavily borrowed from the updated Model 3. If this is indeed the final design (and we strongly suspect it is), this is a sleeker evolution. However, it still sticks to the same old “Model 3 after the helium party” aesthetic, complete with a pufferfish-style greenhouse.

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Looking backwards, more changes are expected. A full-width LED taillight bar with a frosted finish will reportedly replace the current design, and Tesla’s badge will replace the “”Tesla’s” text is a trend we see on other models as well. The panoramic roof, a signature feature of the Model Y, will be retained, further enhancing the already light-filled cabin. Spy shots also show that the rear license plate holder may move towards the bumper, streamlining the tailgate for a cleaner overall look.

Practical Productivity Gains

Apart from its cleaner and sharper styling, the updated design is expected to offer aerodynamic improvements by increasing efficiency, similar to the corresponding Model 3, where the drag coefficient has dropped from 0.225 to 0.219. These improvements could also help Tesla reduce production costs; This is a significant advantage in the face of increasing competition from Chinese rivals.

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

Similarly, electric motors are expected to carry over from the current model; outputs are believed to be 295 bhp for the Standard RWD variant, 384 bhp for the AWD and 425 bhp for the Long Range Dual Motor (Tesla, as usual, doesn’t do this). I don’t publish official specs). The Long Range variant is also expected to offer a paid Acceleration Boost option. Tesla has already started rolling out the updated Model 3 in select markets.

2024 TESLA MODEL 3 PERFORMANCE

Plaid Performance and Rumors

The Standard and Long Range versions of the Model Y will be joined by a Performance trim that mirrors the Model 3 series. In its current configuration, the Model Y Performance produces 456 hp but could adopt the newer dual engines in the Model. 3 Performance that will increase the performance to 510 hp.

While the current Model Y Performance already achieves a 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time of 3.5 seconds, the potential upgrade could shave a few tenths off, bringing it closer to 3.0 seconds. However, like many Tesla statistics, these numbers come with an asterisk: availability.

Visually, the Performance version looks set to differentiate itself with a slightly more aggressive body kit that includes a ventilated front bumper, rear spoiler, red brake calipers, and unique wheels (hopefully equipped with all-season tires) paired with a lowered stance. An adaptive suspension system and perhaps a special track mode could also be part of the package.

As for rumors of an even more powerful Model Y Plaid, we’re not biting on it. While Tesla could theoretically produce an extremely fast version of its family-oriented crossover, such a model would be better suited to the Model 3 than the practical, family-oriented Model Y. And let’s be completely honest; A Performance version with 510 hp is already available. More than enough for most of you.

Improved Interior But Dividing Changes

Interior of the Model Y Juniper prototype caught in China (Photo Weibo)

The Model Y’s interior updates are set to prioritize better materials and improved build quality, aiming to compete with the feature-rich model while responding to criticism. Chinese EV competition. Tesla is also expected to improve ride comfort, handling and NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) through targeted chassis and suspension tweaks. As always, the recently refreshed Model 3 offers a solid blueprint for what to expect.

The latest spy photos reveal a new design of the steering wheel, an improved infotainment touchscreen with thinner bezels, and carbon-style trim on the center console, just like the Model 3 Highland. But some functional changes will certainly be divisive. Tesla plans to replace the traditional wiper arm with a fully automatic system, move turn signal controls to steering wheel buttons, and move gear selection to the touchscreen with additional touch buttons located behind the rearview mirror on the roof.

Other upgrades include multi-color ambient lighting, dual wireless charging pads, and upgraded front seats with heating and ventilation provided through the system. model 3. Rear passengers will also benefit from a heated bench and an 8-inch touchscreen for climate and media controls. While these changes aren’t groundbreaking, they put the Model Y on par with rivals that increasingly offer premium cabin features as standard.

China’s Six-Seater Model Y?

A few months ago reports surfaced Tesla may be developing a six-passenger Model Y especially for the Chinese market. This version is said to have a longer wheelbase and a more spacious cabin compared to the three-row US model, meeting the growing demand for larger family-oriented vehicles in China.

Finally, Tesla could improve Model Y’s misleadingly named autonomous driving capabilities with the Juniper update, potentially adding new sensors and more advanced software.

When to Wait?

Model Yardiç’s new look!? pic.twitter.com/1EXPdLEKoD

— BensonTYC (@bensontsao0214) November 7, 2024

According to some sources ChineseLimited production of the Model Y Juniper has quietly begun at Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory, with full-scale production expected to ramp up soon. The same sources suggest that Tesla restricts smartphone use on-site to minimize the risk of early leaks.

However, Elon Musk has repeatedly stated that Tesla will not launch the updated Model Y in 2024, signaling that it will be released in early 2025. It is possible that Tesla will initially prioritize the Chinese market, then North America, Europe and other regions. Much of the timeline may also depend on Tesla’s ability to clear out its existing inventory of the current Model Y before making room for the updated version.

We may also see a delay between its launch in the Chinese market and the start of sales in North America, Europe and other parts of the world. In any case, it is expected to be available to a global market in the first half of 2025.

Tesla Model Y’s main competitors in the US market include: Ford Mustang Mach-EHyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6VW ID.4, Nissan Ariyaand Rivian R2 in the near future.

Should I Buy the Current Model Y or Wait for the Juniper?

That’s the big question popping up every 2.3 minutes in Tesla forums and Reddit threads these days. If you ask us, it really comes down to three basic issues:

A) Are you willing to risk losing the $7,500 federal tax credit that could disappear when the new administration takes over in January, 0% APR for 60 months (20% off for qualified buyers) and existing offers like hefty discounts on demo cars? and current inventory?

B) Can you wait a few months (or possibly more than six) for the Model Y Juniper to arrive in the US?

C) Are the updates, including controversial ones like turn signal buttons and shifter placement, significant enough to justify waiting?

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

Additional reporting: John Halas

2024 TESLA MODEL Y