The comprehensive Model Y ‘Juniper’ facelift improves every single aspect of Tesla’s best-selling model

Tesla has unveiled the most significant update of the Model Y since its debut in 2019.
The Tesla Model Y “Juniper” adopts futuristic styling cues and a more refined interior.
The best-selling EV also benefits from a revised chassis setup and a longer range.

The wait is finally over as Tesla has officially unveiled the redesigned Model Y “Juniper”. The world’s best-selling EV benefits from a host of upgrades, including refreshed styling and a more refined interior packed with technology. The improvements go beyond aesthetics, as the 2025 Model Y is quicker, quieter, and smoother, while boasting an extended range compared to its predecessor.

On the styling front, the Model Y gets a noticeable makeover. Up front, the redesigned nose features split headlights and a full-width LED light bar, clearly taking cues from the Cybertruck and Cybercab. The bumper design echoes the Model 3 Highland but adds slim side intakes for a bit of extra flair.

Interestingly, Tesla’s global design language shows some regional quirks—while some markets, including Australia, have ditched the hood-mounted Tesla badge in favor of the minimalist Cybertruck approach, the Chinese version keeps the emblem.

Around the back, the updates continue with a full-width darkened light strip, which Tesla calls its first “indirect reflective body panel taillight.” It’s a fancy way of saying it looks futuristic while giving off a Tron-like glow. The tailgate design is cleaner, and a larger rear diffuser adds some subtle aggression. Meanwhile, while Tesla says the exterior is “completely redesigned,” most of the side profile looks unchanged aside from tweaks to the front fenders and sensor placement.

The overall length has been increased by 41 mm (1.6 inches) to 4,792 mm (188.7 inches). Furthermore, the EV rides on a new set of 20-inch Helix 2.0 wheels, while some markets also get the aero-friendly 19-inch Crossflow wheels finished in black.

There’s also a new lighter shade of blue called ‘Glacier Blue’ that replaces the darker ‘Deep Blue’ metallic, at least in the launch markets.

Moving inside, Tesla has retained the familiar minimalist design of the cabin, while introducing numerous improvements. The infotainment display is slightly larger at 15.4 inches (up from 15 inches), while there is an extra 8-inch touchscreen for the rear passengers. The new seat design and upholstery is said to provide greater comfort and support, adding a ventilated function at the front and a power reclining rear bench that can fold flat.

The dashboard, center console, and door cards have also been redesigned, with a new strip of ambient lighting, soft-touch finishes, and vegan suede inserts for the Launch Series. Unlike the Model 3 Highland, the steering wheel of the Model Y Juniper retains a traditional indicator stalk, although the gear selection has been integrated into the central display. Finally, there is a new audio system with hidden speakers which are said to provide better sound quality.

A Smoother Ride With Smarter Tech

Tesla claims the new Model Y is quieter and more refined than ever thanks to the aerodynamic tweaks, new acoustic glass, retuned suspension, and noise-optimized tires. The revised chassis setup also includes a more responsive steering. Of course, the EV benefits from the latest version of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving capability, which remains available as an option.

Quicker And More Efficient

The 2025 Model Y will be initially available in two trims – the entry-level RWD and the Long Range AWD. Tesla hasn’t announced their battery capacity, but the WLTP range is estimated at 466 km (290 miles) and 551 km (342 miles) respectively. These figures are 11 km (7 miles) and 18 km (11 miles) more compared to the equivalent versions of the outgoing model, an increase that could be attributed to the improved aerodynamics. The maximum charging speed remains unchanged at 250 kW, adding up to 266 km (165 miles) in 15 minutes when plugged into a fast charger.

While we don’t have information on the output of the electric motors, both trims are slightly quicker than before. The RWD trim now sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.9 seconds, shaving a full second off its predecessor’s time. Meanwhile, the special Long Range AWD ‘Launch Edition’ comes equipped with the “Acceleration Boost” as standard, achieving the same sprint in just 4.3 seconds—a slight improvement of 0.1 seconds.

For context, the previous Model Y AWD managed 0 to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds without the boost and 4.4 seconds with it. In both cases, the top speed is electronically limited at 201 km/h (125 miles), which is slower than before.

A more powerful and faster Model Y Performance trim is anticipated to debut in the coming months, featuring the same 510 hp (North American spec) dual-motor setup as the revised Model 3 Performance. This version is expected to include highlights such as Adaptive Damping, Track Mode V3, and a more aggressive body kit, mirroring the upgrades seen on its sedan counterpart.

The refreshed Model Y is already live on Tesla websites in several Asia-Pacific regions, with deliveries starting in April or May 2025 depending on the market. In Australia, pricing for the RWD trim starts at AU$63,400 (equal to US$39,300 at current exchange rates), while the ‘Launch Edition’ Long Range AWD will cost AU$73,400 (US$ 45,500).

Both trims are pricier than before, with increases of AU$7,500 (US$ 4,600) and AU$3,500 (US$ 2,200) respectively. However, pricing for the regular Long Range AWD trim is expected to reflect a similar increase to that of the RWD model when it becomes available.

Pricing and availability for the U.S. market should be announced soon, so stay tuned.