Tesla is quiet made public an updated Model Y with new styling to help it keep up with rivals like Kia and Volvo. While the updated Juniper model is currently only available in the Asia-Pacific region, it will likely arrive in the US in the coming months. This was the case with the updated Model 3, which first appeared in Asia in September 2023 and went on sale in the USA in January next year.
The new Model Y retains the awkward proportions of its predecessor, but looks sleeker with a sleeker front and rear end. Smaller headlights are combined with a thin light bar up front, with similar treatment for the taillights. As for the headlights, the new design language is more in line with the Cybertruck than the Model 3.
Many of the Model Y's interior trims are similar to those of the Model 3, with one notable exception. Like the Model 3, it has new ventilated seats, a rear-seat display and a light bar that spans most of the car. However, the new steering wheel lacks the turn signal buttons found on the Model 3—instead, the Juniper Model Y uses a steering wheel-mounted shift paddle like its predecessor. Tesla may have done this to remain competitive with its rivals, especially in China, where it faces powerful rival BYD.
Tesla offers rear-wheel drive and range-extended all-wheel drive versions in Australia, but there's no performance option at the moment. It promises a range of up to 342 miles (551 km) on the WLTP cycle for the long-range model, or about 307 miles by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards. However, US models may have different battery specifications and therefore different range numbers.
The new model arrived on time for Tesla. In 2024, the company saw its first drop in car supplies since 2012, although the situation has improved in the key market of China. The updated Model Y will begin shipping there in March 2025 and will likely appear elsewhere a few months later, although the company has not yet set a U.S. delivery date.