- The Tesla Model Y is receiving its first refresh since debuting six years ago
- The updated Model Y is expected to arrive in the U.S. this spring
- Tesla sales were down in 2024
Following its refresh of the Model 3, Tesla has released an updated version of the Model Y crossover, codenamed Juniper, though only for the Chinese market right now.
Deliveries in China and other Southeast Asian countries begin in March, but U.S. availability has not been announced yet. North American deliveries are anticipated to begin this spring, which would make the Model Y Juniper a late 2025 model.
This marks the first major update of the Model Y since it debuted in 2019. It’s noticeable thanks to exterior styling changes that seem to have been inspired by the Tesla Cybercab, including a chiseled front end, small, angular headlights, and a thin light bar running across the leading edge of the hood. At the back, a continuous light strip unites the third brake light with the taillights.
2025 Tesla Model Y (China spec)
Inside, Tesla is claiming similar changes to the recent Model 3 update, codenamed Highland, introduced in 2023. These include a quieter cabin, ambient lighting and purging of control stalks. Heated and ventilated seats are now available as well, along with a touchscreen for rear-seat passengers.
While not detailed here, the updated Model Y is expected to benefit from suspension changes similar to the Model 3 which we found produced a more refined ride. We also saw better fit and finish in the refreshed sedan, something that will hopefully apply to the Model Y update as well.
For the Chinese market, Tesla also increased range and made the Model Y quicker. The base single-motor rear-wheel drive version now delivers 295 hp and gets from 0-62 mph in 5.3 seconds, compared to 5.9 seconds before. A 62.5-kwh battery pack delivers an estimated range of 368 miles on the Chinese test cycle, up from 344 miles before.
2025 Tesla Model Y (China spec)
The dual-motor all-wheel drive version, with a 184-hp motor at the front and a 260-hp motor at the rear gets from 0-62 mph in 4.3 seconds (compared to 5.0 seconds previously) and returns 446 miles of range on the Chinese test cycle (up from 428 miles) with a 78.4-kwh pack.
For reference, the U.S. Model Y lineup currently consists of single-motor and dual-motor Long Range variants and a dual-motor Performance grade. The Model Y Performance does 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, while maximum EPA estimated range of 337 miles is achieved in single-motor Long Range form.
Tesla sales fell in 2024, and it likely continued to lose market share as more EV competitors arrived. The Model Y has generally been the automaker’s bestseller, so this update will be an important factor in arresting that decline.