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

Update: ‘Price’ and ‘Release Date’ sections revised.

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 is expected to on sale in the U.S. as the 2025 Tesla Model Y.

Since the Reuters report, plenty of information and spy shots have emerged, revealing other details. Besides what’s been reported, here’s our general expectation from the new Tesla SUV. 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 lights, bumpers, and wheels. Like today, in addition to a bigger body, fender flares will 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.

Front-facing camera

A spy shot shared by Tesla Newswire on X in July 2024 showed a 2025 Model Y prototype featuring a camera on the front bumper. Tesla is testing the feature which will make parking easier and safer.

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 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 rear lights and rear logo

A spy shot Reddit user Abomb1997 posted in July 2024 (via The Verge) revealed the 2025 Model Y featuring a full-width LED light bar. Instead of the “T” logo, the upcoming EV would have a block-lettered brand inscription in the center of the light bar. The changes would give the EV a more high-tech and polished appearance.

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 will 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. A spy image Reddit user Abomb1997 posted in July 2024 indicated that the interior would indeed look similar to the new Model 3, featuring a revised dashboard that appears to blend seamlessly with the shape of the cabin and subtly transitions into the doors. This picture also showed a similar ambient lighting system. Tesla is expected to 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 is also expected with new, ventilated seats, 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 are expected to 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 will want to 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 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 Tesla-est. range is 320 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 308 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.

Release Date

Tesla does not plan to introduce the refreshed Model Y this year, co-founder and CEO Elon Musk stated on X in June 2024. Reuters’ source sharing developments around the new Model Y project said that Tesla has scheduled the production start of the refresh in October 2024. That was a projected timeline, though, which could change due to various external factors.

Recent reports suggest Tesla will launch the facelifted Model Y in China in early 2025, which is when we’re also expecting the U.S. release. In China, Tesla plans to offer both 5- and 7-seat versions of the updated electric crossover, expanding beyond the current model’s 5-seat configuration. According to LatePost, which reported on August 29, 2024, Tesla could begin deliveries of the new 5-seat version in China in Q1 2025 (January-March), with the 7-seat version following in Q4 2025 (October-December).

Tesla operates a fully-owned factory in Shanghai, where it produces the Model 3 and Model Y. This plant became the world’s first production site for the facelifted Model 3 in 2023, so it’s likely the same will happen with the new Model Y.

Price

As of August 20, 2024, the Model Y retails at USD 44,990 (Long Range RWD)/USD 47,990 (Long Range AWD)/USD 51,490 (Performance AWD). Tesla levies a USD 1,390 destination fee and a USD 250 order fee over the vehicle price. We do not anticipate Tesla rolling out a major price revision with the facelift.

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

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.