Update: ‘Price & Release Date’ updated, and ‘New Model Y in China’ section added.
The 2025 Tesla Model Y has been announced for the U.S. market, with deliveries beginning in March 2025. The facelifted model, which is referred to as ‘Project Juniper’ by the internet, packs comprehensive updates across areas, making the most popular nameplate in the EV world even more appealing.
Here’s what we know about the new Tesla Model Y so far:
Design & Exterior
Similar to the new Tesla Model 3, the new Tesla Model Y features an updated exterior, sporting new lights, bumpers, and wheels. In addition to a bigger body and fender flares, a more striking design better differentiates it from the sedan.
New headlamps
The new Tesla Model Y has a bolder front-end borrowing cues from the Tesla Cybertruck and Tesla Cybercab. It features split headlamps, the separately mounted daytime running lights of which are connected via a light strip. The hood is longer, the nose section is more upright, and the bumper is sharper. All in all, the facelifted Model Y is visibly different from the outgoing model.
In European markets, Tesla should offer adaptive headlights on the new Model Y for enhanced safety. When making a turn, adaptive headlights automatically adjust based on the steering angle, yaw, and driving speed. Tesla calls this feature ‘Adaptive Main Beam’ and has 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 taillight & logo
The rear-end of the 2025 Tesla Model Y features a through-type diffuse taillight, giving it a sci-fi appearance. According to Tesla, this “cross-car lamp” is a unique interpretation of indirect reflective body panel taillight. Also new is a block-lettered brand inscription instead of the “T” logo, discreetly integrated into this light panel. The license plate area is now located on the bumper, unlike the outgoing model. The redesigned tailgate looks smoother and cleaner, and has a hands-free power open function.
New color and wheels
Tesla offers the facelifted Model Y in a new ‘Glacier Blue’ color, which we expect to cost USD 1,500 extra in the U.S. There are two new wheel options as well – 19-inch Crossflow and 20-inch Helix 2.0.
Interior & Features
The interior of the new Tesla Model Y features a refreshed design that looks identical to the new Tesla Model 3. A redesigned dashboard neatly merges with the door panels, giving the interior a more cohesive look. Subtle ambient lighting highlights the seamless connection of these panels, which is complete with aluminum detailing. A revised center console with an edgier and cleaner design integrates a lid to cover the cupholders when not in use.
The 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system is retained, but now runs the second generation connectivity hardware. It is the control center of most of the interior and vehicle functions. The front seats integrate a new ventilation function, improving comfort for the driver and passenger in hot weather.
Unlike in the outgoing model, the 60:40-split rear seat electrically reclines and folds. Another upgrade in the back is an 8-inch touchscreen, which passengers can use to watch movies, play games, stream music, and adjust their comfort functions. The new Model Y features an upgraded 16-speaker sound system for a more immersive listening experience. Noise cancelation has also improved, thanks to a double-layer acoustic glass.
Specifications
Tesla is yet to reveal the complete specifications of the U.S.-spec new Model Y. It has confirmed the Launch Series Long Range AWD version, which it says travels an estimated 320 miles on a single charge. This is a small increment from today’s equivalent model which does 311 miles.
The outgoing Model Y is available in the U.S. in Long Range RWD, Long Range AWD, and Performance AWD variants. The base variant is powered by a single motor that drives the rear wheels. It takes 6.5 seconds for a 0-60 mph sprint and can achieve a top speed of 135 mph. Its EPA-est. range is 337 miles.
The Long Range AWD variant has an additional motor that powers the front wheels and changes the drivetrain layout. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds, but it has the same top speed as the base variant – 135 mph. On a full charge, EPA estimates it can travel up to 311 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 – 277 miles.
In the new U.S.-spec 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 around 350 miles.
Price & Release Date
Deliveries of the new Tesla Model Y begin in the U.S. in March 2025. The Launch Series Long Range AWD is priced at $59,990 (before tax credits, taxes and fees). Prices for the other variants should be updated in the coming weeks.
Tesla has started showcasing the new Model Y in the U.S., ahead of the launch. Instagram handle The Kilowatts has posted a walkaround of the new Model Y from what looks like the Tesla store in Santana Row, San Jose, California.
New Model Y in China
In China, Tesla offers the new Model Y in a Launch Series special edition, priced at CNY 263,500 (USD 35,940) in the Standard Range RWD variant and CNY 303,500 (41,396) in the Long Range AWD variant.
The company plans to commence deliveries in March 2025, and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s regulatory filing revealed that it has obtained the government’s approval to begin sales. Local publication Yicai has reported that the new Model Y has exceeded 70,000 orders in the first 5 days after the launch.
As per a report by China’s Sina, filed on December 19, 2024, Tesla is also developing a longer version of the new Model Y which will have seats for 6 passengers. The report adds that Tesla will deliver the first units of the lengthened variant in the last quarter of 2025.
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 this update has made it significantly more appealing!
Also See: 2025 Tesla Model Y: 17 Confirmed Changes/Improvements that you should know about
2025 Tesla Model Y FAQs
What is the 2025 Tesla Model Y’s release date?
The new Model Y will reach customers in the U.S. from March 2025.
What will be the 2025 Tesla Model Y price?
Expect the Model Y refresh to start at around USD 45,000.
Which cars will be the new Tesla Model Y’s rivals?
Featured Image Source: Tesla
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
