Amid plenty of controversy, the new Tesla Model Y (‘Juniper’ as it is unofficially named) started reaching customers in global markets in February, and recently, I had a chance to experience the facelifted crossover in person. As it seemed from the images and videos on the web, my time with the new Model Y confirmed that Tesla made substantial changes with this refresh.
Design
The new Tesla Model Y I saw in person was finished in Ultra Red, which is a popular choice among customers who like bright, glossy finishes. The facelift makes a striking impression with the sharp and intense front, something I found lacking in the previous one, which was parked right beside it. That said, I don’t find the new face all that appealing either, as the edgy lighting and curvy silhouette doesn’t mix well.
What truly stands out on the new Model Y’s exterior is the new lighting setup at the rear. After seeing it in person, I doubt I have found any Tesla nearly as enthralling from the back. The hollowed section of the tailgate that reflects the tail lamp is undoubtedly a head-turner. The industry-first reflective tail lamp subtly draws attention to even the new brand logo, which is a wide-spaced “TESLA” inscription.
Interior
At five feet seven inches tall, I had no issue with ingress or egress in the new Tesla Model Y. Even in the rear, despite the sloping roofline, I didn’t have to duck. Outside visibility was great, and this is where I noticed that Tesla is prioritizing function over form. The company is not succumbing to the industry’s trend of sleek mirrors and is using sufficiently tall and wide mirrors instead to provide excellent rear visibility.
In the front, I had plenty of headroom and legroom, and I think someone even six feet tall would have no issue here. I felt the lumbar support was excellent, and the shoulder room was also good. In the back, I had decent legroom, and the under-thigh support was also good. I had ample legroom, enough to easily stretch my legs below the front seat that was adjusted according to my comfortable position. The headroom was also sufficient, and I found the headrest supportive.
The new Model Y’s interior felt like a calm and airy space, and I got a sense of premium quality throughout the cabin. I liked the generous use of soft-touch materials all around and noticed that Tesla isn’t compromising in this aspect in the back, giving rear occupants the same entry-lux vibe as those in the front.
I noticed that the front passenger seat’s backrest can be easily adjusted from the new, 8-inch rear touchscreen. I also found it convenient that I could fold the rear seat backrests down or up at just the press of a button in the cargo area. A slightly bigger, 15.4-inch front touchscreen, ambient lighting, and ventilated front seats are also among the interior upgrades in the new Model Y.
Specifications
Tesla offers the new Model Y in the U.S. exclusively in a Long Range AWD variant, with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.1 seconds and an EPA-estimated range of 327 miles. Standard Range RWD, Long Range AWD, and seven-seat variants will follow, and by the end of the year, the Performance AWD variant will be available as well.
Price
The new Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD, sold exclusively in ‘Launch Series’ limited edition grade currently, retails at USD 59,990 and is eligible for the maximum USD 7,500 federal tax credit. Tesla charges a USD 250 order fee and a USD 1,390 destination fee over the MSRP.
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.
