Topping EV sales charts in many key markets globally, and proving to be the benchmark in its segment, the Tesla Model Y is at the heart of the electric car revolution. In early 2025, about five years following its world premiere, it is set to receive its first facelift with exterior, interior, and equipment changes.
Here are 8 big changes that we expect in the 2025 Tesla Model Y (codename: Tesla Juniper):
Sharper Styling
In line with Tesla’s new design language, seen on the Cybertruck and Cybercab, the Model Y would adopt an edgier look. Central to this facelift would be split headlights with a daytime running light band spanning the width at the leading edge of the hood, and a separate rectangular housing in the mid-outer part of the bumper integrating the low- and high-beam lights.
At the back, prototypes show auxiliary brake lights in the bumper. The taillights would also be sharper and are expected to be connected via a light band, as represented in our exclusive renderings found in this story.
New Colors
Tesla will likely offer at least two new paint options for the Model Y Juniper, possibly the Ultra Red and Stealth Gray shades, borrowed from the new Model 3‘s palette.
New Dashboard & Lighting
The refreshed Model Y is almost certain to feature a redesigned dashboard that transitions neatly into the door panels, as seen in the 2024 Model 3. New ambient lighting is also expected to improve the minimalistic cabin’s lounge-like vibe.
Improved Comfort
Softer, more refined materials should increase the sense of comfort and luxury. These new ventilated seats and reduced NVH from the new tires and 360º acoustic glass, are expected to further improve comfort.
New ‘Screens’
Tesla is likely to replace the Model Y’s 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a 15.4-inch unit in the upcoming refresh. A report Notebookcheck published on December 23, 2024, said that the new display could have a higher, 2.5K resolution, showing information in better detail. Moreover, the company should add an 8-inch touchscreen in the back, allowing rear-seat passengers to access climate controls and watch videos, as seen in the 2024 Model 3 (shown below).
New Motors
According to the Notebookcheck report, Tesla will employ its all-new, fourth-generation electric motors which are compact and more efficient than the current powertrain. If the report is accurate, the upgrade should reduce weight and energy consumption, leading to a notably improved range.
Upgraded Battery
The facelifted Tesla Model Y will have a bigger, 95 kWh battery pack in the Long Range and Performance variants, as per the same Notebookcheck report. The Long Range variant, which delivers an EPA-estimated range of up to 363 miles in the current model, could travel up to nearly 400 miles with this upgrade.
Long-wheelbase Variant
On August 29, 2024, Chinese publication LatePost reported that Tesla will offer the new Model Y in China in a three-row configuration, likely from Q4 2025 (October-December 2025). On September 3, 2024, Reuters had reported that the company will provide Chinese customers a more comfort-oriented 6-seat configuration as well, a first for any market worldwide.
Reuters’ sources indicated that the 6-seat configuration could have a longer wheelbase, saying Chinese customers would find the third row of the current 7-seat configuration cramped. While this version is being touted as a China-only affair, Tesla is expected to continue making the seven-seat option for the U.S. with the facelift.
Featured Image: TopElectricSUV’s illustration of the 2025 Tesla Model Y (Juniper).
I got my Master’s in Business Management & Administration and have been an International Automotive News Editor since 2014. I’ve traveled to global motor shows and automotive events, driven various types of vehicles, and focused on hybrid and electric cars in the last 4 years.
