Contents:
- Why Is the Updated Model Y a Big Deal?
- What's New?
- Battery, Motors, and Range – What Has Changed?
- When Can We Expect Model Y Juniper?
Tesla clearly has a thing for random internal codenames for its models. For example, last year’s updated Tesla Model 3 sedan was internally called "Highland." Meanwhile, its crossover sibling, the compact Model Y, got the codename "Juniper" (though calling it "Juniper" in English feels oddly fitting). No matter what you call it, the refreshed Model Y marks a major step forward for Tesla’s global best-seller. And it's selling like crazy: in 2023 alone, over 1.2 million units found new homes!
Now, we finally get our first glimpse of the new version thanks to its debut in China (hence the Chinese text visible in the images). Shortly after, Tesla also listed a special Launch Edition of the Model Y on its U.S. website. So, let's dive in and see what's new.
Why Is the Updated Model Y a Big Deal?
The Model Y is a perfectly sized electric SUV with excellent range, full support for Tesla's Supercharger network, and eligibility for U.S. EV tax credits, keeping its starting price in the mid-$40,000 range. No wonder it's the best-selling EV in the world.
But here’s the question: if the Y sells so well, why did Tesla update the Model 3 first? Maybe because the 3’s sales needed a boost, while the Y could afford to wait a bit longer.
What's New?
The list of upgrades for the Model Y Juniper closely mirrors those of the Model 3. It has only been officially revealed on Tesla's Chinese website so far, but after translating the page (and closely inspecting the photos), we can confirm that plenty of changes are coming.
For one, rear passengers now get a dedicated touchscreen with Netflix and gaming apps—something gamers will love. It also handles climate controls and heated seats. Speaking of which, the front seats are heated too, and so is the steering wheel, which now incorporates updated control buttons.
Battery, Motors, and Range – What Has Changed?
Technical specs haven't been fully revealed yet, but we do know some details. The only confirmed version so far, the Launch Edition, is based on the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive Model Y Long Range. It boasts a range of 320 miles (about 515 km), which is 9 miles more than the current Long Range Model Y. Plus, it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.1 seconds, down from the previous 4.8 seconds—thanks to a standard Acceleration Boost.
Lower-cost rear-wheel-drive versions and a high-performance Performance model are expected to follow later.
When Can We Expect Model Y Juniper?
For the first time in years, Tesla’s sales took a slight dip in 2024, so the company seems eager to reinvigorate interest in its best-selling model. Enter the Juniper refresh.
The updated version appeared on Tesla's U.S. website in late January 2025, but only in the special Launch Series edition. First deliveries are expected in March.
