After what seems like an eternity, Tesla has finally taken the cover off its Model Y Juniper update in a true-to-its-nature discrete and under-the-cover nature. The heavily revised EV makes its inaugural appearance via an overnight addition to the brand’s Chinese configurator, which is a region where the model performs incredibly well despite aggressive competition from the likes of BYD and the Geely Group.

This may look like an all-new model, but there are very few mechanical changes under all of those cosmetic revisions. Tesla has continually stated that it only applies functional updates as it sees fit , which is a strategy that clearly plays in its favor just based on the brand’s quarterly sales figure results alone. Official information is yet to be released to the public, but this unofficial launch has taught us some things regarding what we can expect when this product arrives in the U.S.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Tesla’s websites and other authoritative sources, including Consumer Reports and the EPA.

10Tesla’s Cyberpunk Design Direction

The Model Y’s More Futuristic Face

To no one’s surprise, the Tesla Model Y Juniper adopts some of the Cybertruck and Robotaxi ‘s design cues in a bid to elevate the midsize crossover’s aesthetic to the brand’s updated design language. Initially, many believed that it would adopt some of the Model 3 Highland’s refreshed design cues, but this more visually striking approach makes more sense.

Fundamental aspects of the redesign include sleek LED lightbars at both the front and rear, with some revisions made to the bumpers. Beyond this, it maintains pretty much the same liftback crossover silhouette, making it almost indistinguishable from the now previous design when looking at the profile. A heightened level of aggression comes in the shape of a more prominent rear diffuser and ducktail spoiler.

9Functional Improvements To The Minimalist Interior

New Displays And Old Controls

Another surprising introduction to the Model Y Juniper is the retention of some physical controls in the minimalist interior design , namely a turn signal stork located behind the steering wheel. The Highland introduces turn signal buttons on the wheel, which has generated quite a bit of criticism from existing users. Additional alterations include an ambient light strip that stretches across the cabin’s circumference and an entertainment screen for the rear passengers.

Tesla also notes that substantial quality improvements were made to its upholstery and trimmings, meaning the new Juniper should hold up a lot better when subjected to extended use. Beyond this, there are not many alterations to note. Black vegan leather remains the standard upholstery option, with the choice to upgrade to the more aesthetically aspirational black and white color scheme . China’s configurator only displays a five-seat layout, but we expect the seven-seater option to be available when it arrives in the U.S.

8Performance Improvements Across The Range

The Juniper Is Faster And More Efficient

We don’t have official performance specifications, but the Chinese configurator highlights a 5.9-second 0-62 MPH time for the rear-wheel drive and 4.3-second 0-60 MPH time for the dual-motor configuration, which is noticeably faster than what the existing range achieves. It also quotes a 347-mile range claim for the rear-wheel drive model and 411-mile range for the dual-motor, which gives reason to suggest that the base derivative reintroduces Tesla’s smaller 62 kWh LFP battery . For reference, the EPA estimates the current generation model covers between 277 and 337 miles on a single charge, depending on your configuration.

2024 Tesla Model Y Specifications

Model Y
Long Range
Performance

Price
$44,990
$47,990
$51,490

Powertrain
Single Permanent-Magnet Motor
Dual Permanent-Magnet Motors
Dual Permanent-Magnet Motors

Transmission
Single-Speed Automatic
Single-Speed Automatic
Single-Speed Automatic

Horsepower
295 HP
384 HP
456 HP

Torque
310 LB-FT
376 LB-FT
497 LB-FT

Driveline
Rear-Wheel Drive
All-Wheel Drive
All-Wheel Drive

Battery
82 kWh Net
82 kWh Net
82 kWh Net

Range
337 Miles
311 Miles
277 Miles

Fast Charging Time
25 Minutes
27 Minutes
27 Minutes

Energy Consumption
27 kWh/100 Miles
29 kWh/100 Miles
32 kWh/100 Miles

0-60 MPH
6.5 Seconds
4.8 Seconds
3.5 Seconds

Top Speed
135 MPH
135 MPH
155 MPH

There’s no information regarding what we can expect from the flagship Performance derivative, as Tesla usually introduces this a few months after the rest of the range. Based on the Highland’s strategy and performance improvements for the rest of the range, it’s likely that we’ll see some improved performance figures. The website highlights that efficiency improvements are one of the most noteworthy changes made to the Juniper range.

Discussion

Model Y Juniper Refresh: A Needed Upgrade or Just Tesla Hype?

Tesla’s Model Y “Juniper” refresh is rumored to bring subtle design updates, new tech features, and possibly even interior upgrades. While some fans are excited for the potential changes, others feel it might not be enough to compete with newer EV rivals that are stepping up in style and features, like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Rivian R1S, Kia EV6, Audi Q4 e-tron, and others. What do you think? Is the Juniper refresh enough to keep the popular Model Y at the top, or is it time for Tesla to bring something more groundbreaking to the table?

7Pricing Is Expected To Remain Competitive

Tesla Will Extend Its Domination In The EV Market

The Tesla Model Y has been subject to some noteworthy price increases over the last few months, but it remains a highly competitively priced product , which is one of the main reasons why it continues to outsell its rivals by a monumental margin. Tesla will want to maintain this reputation, so we can expect pricing to remain highly competitive. For reference, the existing range starts at $44,990 for the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive derivative, followed by the $47,990 Dual-Motor and $51,490 Performance configuration.

Some of these models benefit from the $7,500 Inflation Reduction Act tax credit , depending on how you specify it. The Chinese configurator reveals that the Standard Range Rear-Wheel Drive configuration starts at just under $36,000, while the Long-Range Dual-Motor costs a little bit more than $41,300. Optional paints cost a little more than $1,000, which is also what you’ll pay for the larger 20-inch wheel option and the aforementioned black-and-white interior upholstery.

6China And A Few Other Asian Countries Get The New Model Y First

U.S. Introduction Is Yet To Be Confirmed

As we’ve mentioned, the Chinese market benefits from the new Tesla Model Y Juniper range before anyone else sometime in March. Tesla confirms that it will roll out this product to Australia, Thailand, Philippines, and Hong Kong shortly after. There’s no information regarding American and European introductions whatsoever, but we’re certain that it will take place very shortly after this.

Standard Range RWD
Long Range AWD

Price
PHP 2,369,000 ($40,610)
PHP 2,689,000 ($46,095)

Powertrain
(Rear) Single permanent magnet synchronous motor
(Rear) Single permanent magnet synchronous motor (Front) Single permanent magnet synchronous motor

Transmission
Single-Speed Automatic

Horsepower
TBA
TBA

Torque
TBA
TBA

Drivetrain Layout
RWD
AWD

Battery
TBA

Range (WLTP)
466 km (289 miles)
551 km (342 miles)

Fast Charging Time
TBA
TBA

0-100 KM/H (62 MPH)
5.9 sec.
4.3 sec.

Top Speed
124 mph

The U.S. in particular has a very strict homologation process, which could explain why it’s being introduced to its domestic market at a late date. We’re sure that a lot of American Tesla fans are frustrated by the fact that they don’t get access to the revised model first.

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5An Updated Suspension For A Smoother Ride

Vital Revisions Throughout The Chassis

The current Tesla Model Y gets a lot of criticism for its overly firm ride. Tesla’s Chinese site clarifies that it has resolved this issue by softening up the front double wishbone and rear multilink suspension without any compromise to the overall handling characteristics. Tesla’s new tire and wheel package is certain to improve comfort and handling levels even more.

There’s no word on any other changes to the Tesla Model Y’s suspension configuration. Again, the aforementioned changes are inline with what we saw with the Model 3 Highland option, which resulted in highly preferable comments from both reviewers and owners . These changes are certain to improve the Model Y’s quality and reliability ratings. For reference, the 2025 model year currently features a 41/100 predicted reliability and 4/5 predicted owner satisfaction rating from Consumer Reports.

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4Tesla Takes The Fight To The Chinese Manufacturers

BYD And Geely Remain A Threat

Tesla faces challenges in outselling EVs from BYD and Geely due to the competitive pricing, diverse product offerings, and strong local market dominance of Chinese automakers. BYD and Geely leverage extensive supply chain control, government support, and cost-efficient manufacturing to produce high-quality EVs at lower prices. They also cater to a broader customer base with varied models, from affordable compact cars to premium sedans, providing options Tesla’s limited lineup lacks. These factors allow BYD to consistently outsell Tesla in key markets, including China, which remains the largest EV market globally.

Geely’s rapid advancements in EV technology and partnerships, such as Polestar and Zeekr, further solidify its competitive edge. Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, recently expressed concern over the growing dominance of Chinese EV makers and their ability to disrupt the global market with highly competitive pricing and innovation. Farley highlighted that Chinese manufacturers, led by BYD, have a significant cost advantage,

potentially undercutting Western automakers in international markets . This sentiment reflects broader concerns about how the rise of China’s EV industry could reshape the global automotive landscape, challenging established players like Tesla, Ford, and other traditional automakers to adapt or risk losing market share to increasingly aggressive Chinese competitors.

3Five Exterior Color Options To Choose From

China Gets Access To Some Unique Colors

The Chinese market gets access to the new Model Y in a choice of five different colors, four of which are $1,000 to $1,600 options. Black is the standard color, but you’ll have to pay extra for Pearl White, Glacier Blue, Flame Red, and Quicksilver. Interestingly, Deep Blue and Solid Black are nowhere to be found.

Additionally, Tesla introduces a brand new 19-inch black Interactive Storm wheel option as standard with the choice to upgrade to the 20-inch dual-tone Spiral Storm set for $1,000. We’re not certain about whether this will replace the existing Gemini and Induction wheel designs applied to the existing model here in the U.S.

2Autopilot And FSD Remains Unchanged

Tesla’s Full-Self Driving technology offers advanced driver-assistance features aimed at enabling autonomous driving, though it remains classified as Level Two autonomy. The system uses Tesla’s in-house neural network and relies on a suite of cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and radar to navigate roads, detect hazards, and manage tasks like lane changes, traffic light recognition, and parking.

Despite its promise, FSD has faced criticism for inconsistent performance, requiring constant driver supervision and raising safety concerns. Tesla regularly updates its software via over-the-air updates, but these improvements often focus on incremental changes rather than transformative leaps in capability.

Autopilot And FSD Key Features

Adaptive cruise control
Lane-keep assist and intervention
Collision detection and brake intervention
Blind-spot detection
Automatic lane-change assist (Enhanced Autopilot)

The upcoming Model Y Juniper update is expected to bring design and interior refreshes, yet it’s unlikely to significantly alter FSD functionality. Tesla’s hardware and software limitations, coupled with regulatory hurdles, constrain the system’s progress toward full autonomy. The reliance on vision-based technology without LiDAR , a staple in competitors’ systems, further narrows its scope. The Juniper refresh may introduce Hardware 4.0 with enhanced cameras and sensors, but even these updates are unlikely to fundamentally shift FSD’s performance.

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1The Juniper Will Increase The Model Y’s Global Appeal

Get Ready For Even Bigger Sales Numbers

The Juniper update will increase the Tesla Model Y’s global appeal by addressing design, interior, and technological elements that align with consumer expectations in key markets. The exterior refresh is expected to modernize the SUV’s appearance, potentially introducing sleeker headlights, a refined grille, and new aerodynamic wheel designs. These updates can attract buyers in regions where styling plays a significant role in purchasing decisions. Enhanced interior features, such as upgraded materials, a redesigned dashboard, or improved infotainment systems, cater to markets that prioritize comfort and advanced technology.

Potential integration of Tesla’s Hardware 4.0, including improved cameras and sensors, could elevate safety and driver-assistance features, appealing to safety-conscious buyers globally. Improved manufacturing efficiency, hinted at in this update, could reduce production costs and allow Tesla to price the Model Y more competitively in regions like Europe and Asia, where affordability is a key factor. Expanding production in localized markets, such as the Berlin Gigafactory, will also reduce delivery times and import tariffs, making the Model Y more accessible.