2025 Tesla Model Y (Project Juniper): What we know/expect

Update: ‘Design’ and ‘Price & Release date’ sections updated.

Tesla plans to present a refresh to the Model Y, the SUV sibling of the Model 3, and begin production of the updated version in 2024, Reuters reported on March 1, 2023. Codenamed ‘Tesla Juniper,’ the electric SUV could go on sale in the U.S. as the 2025 Tesla Model Y.

Here’s our general expectation from the new Tesla SUV. Please note that some information and visuals presented in this article represent the current model year, and we will keep revising this page as new updates surface.

Design & Exterior

Similar to the 2024 Tesla Model 3, we expect the 2025 Model Y to feature a mildly updated exterior with new bumpers and wheels. Like today, in addition to a bigger body, fender flares would immediately differentiate it from the sedan. Our rendering (pictured above) includes a curvy L-shaped cut-out on the sides of the front bumper as a visual cue for the SUV.

Adaptive Headlamps

In European markets, Tesla should offer adaptive headlights on the new Model Y for enhanced safety. When making a turn, adaptive headlights automatically turn based on the steering angle, yaw, and driving speed to optimize the illumination of the road ahead. Tesla calls this feature ‘Adaptive Main Beam’ and has recently enabled it in the new Model 3 with a software update in Europe.

Active Hood

Another safety upgrade on the new Model Y will likely be ‘Active Hood,’ designed to offer improved pedestrian safety. At speeds of ~30-52 km/h (~19-32 mph), if a vehicle collides with a pedestrian, the rear part of the hood may automatically raise by approximately 80 mm (3.1 in.). The likelihood of pedestrian injuries would reduce as a result of the increased space between the hood and the components under it.

New colors & wrap option

Tesla may offer the new Model Y in two fresh colors: Ultra Red and Stealth Gray. These paints would be in addition to a few carried-over options, possibly including Pearl White Multi-Coat, Solid Black, and Deep Blue Metallic.

As for the current Model Y, customers would be able to purchase wraps for the new Model Y. We expect Tesla to offer a clear wrap in gloss and satin versions for USD 5,000 and various colored wraps for USD 7,500 (white/gray/black)/USD 8,000 (blue/green/rose gold/red). Both wraps would protect the paint, and the latter would even allow customers to change the color of the vehicle’s exterior and give it a refresh whenever they want.

Interior & Features

Inside, the new Model Y should sport a redesigned dashboard and a swiveling function touchscreen infotainment system, which is unavailable in the current model. Tesla may improve the quality of materials and introduce new steering wheel options with the refresh.

New interior appointments

Tesla may employ a new steering wheel inspired by the Semi and Cybertruck in the new Model Y and offer a steering yoke with a steer-by-wire system as an option. The facelifted crossover SUV may feature new, ventilated seats, new RGB ambient lights, a new, 17-speaker sound system with two subwoofers and two amplifiers, and maybe even an 8-inch rear screen. Improved microphones for enhanced phone calls and increased quietness achieved by 360º acoustic glazing could round out the important interior changes.

New materials

Tesla discontinued wood trim in the Model 3 with the facelift, and it may do the same in the Model Y. The Model Y’s interior comes in black and black-white color schemes and includes wood trim in the sportier-looking fully dark option. Wood trim may suit the two-tone color scheme, but it somewhat looks out of place in the all-black cabin if you ask us. The company may introduce Alcantara or another premium artificial material as a replacement. ABS-bonded foam non-woven fabric is another possibility.

Interestingly, Tesla updated the Model Y in China in September 2023, including small features like RGB ambient lighting on the dashboard and a new textile material in place of the wood trim.

NVH

Like the Model 3 Highland, Tesla could make efforts to make the Model Y’s cabin quieter. It has installed dual-pane glass on all windows and the windshield to isolate noise in the electric sedan further.

Specifications

According to Tesla Tech Central, which cites a reliable source within Tesla, the upcoming 2025 Model Y might bring significant changes to its specifications compared to the current model. The key highlight is a new battery architecture, enabling an impressive range of 400 miles. Notably, there are talks of a potential charging input of 350 kW, achievable with a higher voltage of 800 volts.

Furthermore, improvements to the suspension system will enhance the vehicle’s ability to handle street imperfections, while an upgraded powertrain is also expected. These rumors suggest exciting advancements for the Model Y refresh, but the developments remain unconfirmed.

Today, the Model Y is available in Standard, Long Range, and Performance variants. The base variant has only one motor, which powers the rear wheels. It takes 6.6 seconds for a 0-60 mph sprint and can achieve a top speed of 135 mph. Its EPA-est. range is 260 miles.

The Long Range variant has an additional motor that powers the front wheels and changes the drivetrain layout has the same top speed – 135 mph. On a full charge, EPA estimates it can travel up to 310 miles.

Performance is also a dual-motor AWD variant but with a more powerful powertrain. It takes just 3.5 seconds for a 0-60 mph sprint, and it has a much higher top speed of 155 mph. Its EPA-est. range is quite impressive, too – 279 miles.

In the new Model Y line-up, the Standard and Long Range variants may have a lower top speed of 125 mph. However, their EPA-est. range figures could be slightly higher, up to approximately 360 miles.

Price & Release date

Reuters’ source sharing developments around the new Model Y project says that Tesla has scheduled the production start of the refresh in October 2024. That’s a projected timeline, though, which can change because of various external factors. Regardless, a recent development has indicated that even if Tesla reveals the new Model Y in other markets in 2024, it will continue selling the current model throughout the year in the United States.

Tesla has confirmed to its sales staff (via X/teslascope) that it doesn’t plan to launch a refreshed Model Y in the U.S. in 2024. Perhaps, as seen in the Model 3 Highland’s case, the Model Y Juniper may go to other markets first and arrive in North America a few months later.

On December 27, 2023, Bloomberg reported that according to its sources, production of the new Model Y in China may begin as early as mid-2024 (May-August 2024). Tesla has a fully-owned factory in the country in Shanghai, where it manufactures both Model 3 and Model Y. This plant became the world’s first production site of the facelifted Model 3 in 2023, so we wouldn’t be surprised if the same happens in the case of the facelifted Model Y in 2024. The facelifted Model Y will feature clearly visible exterior and interior changes, as per Bloomberg’s sources.

As of March 12, 2024, the Model Y retails at USD 43,990 (Standard)/USD 48,990 (Long Range)/USD 52,490 (Performance). Tesla levies a USD 1,390 destination fee and a USD 250 order fee over the vehicle price.

We don’t see Tesla rolling out a major price revision with the facelift. By the end of 2024, the base price of the Model Y may have reached close to USD 45,000.

TopElectricSUV says

As America’s top-selling EV, the Tesla Model Y is the driving force of the nation’s transition to electric cars. It’s an all-rounder with high energy efficiency, thrilling performance, great practicality, and innovative technologies, and we think an update can only make it more appealing!

2025 Tesla Model Y FAQs

Featured Image: TopElectricSUV’s rendering of the 2025 Tesla Model Y/Project Juniper