Tesla has pulled the covers off a major update to the Model Y, its best-selling electric SUV — and it’s more than just a facelift. Codenamed “Juniper,” the new model is expected to launch early 2025, starting with a five-seat version.
A seven-seater with three rows will follow later in the year.
After staying largely unchanged since its debut in 2019, the Model Y is finally getting the design and tech overhaul many customers have been waiting for.
Sleeker Styling, Smarter Tech
While the new Model Y won't look dramatically different from the outside, Tesla is making subtle design tweaks and improvements to its overall dimensions.
One new standout feature is a LED-illuminated Tesla logo on the tailgate, giving the rear a cleaner, more futuristic feel.
Inside, the refresh is more noticeable.
The cabin gets updated materials, redesigned elements, and most importantly — new hardware to support more advanced autonomous driving features. Tesla is also said to be boosting battery capacity, which could mean better real-world range.
A Long-Overdue Upgrade
Tesla has been under increasing pressure to update its models, particularly as competition in the EV market intensifies — especially from fast-growing Chinese automakers that are pushing out affordable, feature-rich electric vehicles at a rapid pace.
The Model Y update was initially expected earlier in 2024 but was delayed, giving rivals time to gain ground. According to supply chain sources cited by T3, the new Juniper model is now back on track and should hit showrooms in the first quarter of 2025.
Tesla’s reluctance to refresh its existing lineup more frequently has been a point of criticism.
But the Juniper update shows the company is listening — and adjusting.
The Model Y is just one piece of Tesla’s evolving product roadmap. The company is also expected to unveil its long-rumored Robotaxi later this year — a vehicle that will operate without a steering wheel or pedals, fully embracing autonomous transport.
Meanwhile, the upcoming Tesla Model 2, aimed at being a smaller, cheaper alternative, is in development to compete directly with budget EVs already dominating in markets like China and Europe.
