Boasting significant exterior design modifications and an upgraded interior, the 2025 Tesla Model Y has just been unveiled, with China and Australia leading the global launch program and the UK and parts of Southeast Asia to start soon.
Given the enormous global popularity of the Model Y, the new facelifted model—which has been dubbed “Juniper” during development—will be crucial for Tesla. In 2023, the electric SUV sold over 1.2 million units, making it the best-selling car in the world. In 2024, it ranked fifth in the UK, surpassing popular models like the Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Golf.
Instead of adopting the Model 3’s aesthetic, the new vehicle will have a far more unique makeover. With its ultra-thin LED headlight setup and sharp, angular leading edge, the new front-end is reminiscent of the Cybertruck. For an even more dynamic look, the bumper has also been modified, with redesigned surfacing and more noticeable side air vents.
A second lightbar has been added to the back, joining two clusters of rear lights that resemble the departing Model Y. Additionally, the bumper’s fake diffuser has been modified. Although test cars have been observed using 20-inch “Induction” wheels, the new Model Y in other markets currently only comes with 20-inch “Helix” wheels.
The new Model Y’s interior, dubbed the “Launch Series” in some markets, features a new centre console design with slightly different trim, a slider mechanism to cover the cup holders, a new steering wheel that was lifted from the Model 3, and redesigned door trim with wraparound ambient lighting. The interior is available in black or black and white. Instead of having two stalks like the outgoing model, Tesla has removed one with gear selection moving to the central screen.
The new Model Y’s infotainment system is the most recent from Tesla, as one might expect, even though it uses the same 15.4-inch touchscreen display. Along with motorised rear seats to increase boot space, a new eight-inch touchscreen has been added for the rear passengers. Additionally, the front seats now have a ventilation feature. In addition to controlling climatic settings, the rear touchscreen allows passengers to play games.
Although numbers for the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive are still under wraps, the Rear-Wheel Drive and Long Range All-Wheel Drive are the two models that will go on sale. Tesla expects that the Rear-Wheel Drive will have a WLTP range of 289 miles, which is six miles more than its predecessor. Even while the Long Range All-Wheel Drive still uses the same battery, its range has increased from 331 to 342 miles.
The new Model Y should be quicker, too. The Long Range All-Wheel Drive version clocks 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds, as opposed to 4.8 seconds before. We’ll have to wait and see what changes Tesla has in store for the range-topping Performance model.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
The hugely popular Model Y did need a design tweak as it was starting to look a little dated. Just whether it should have had a Cybertruck clone injection is another story. Thankfully the exterior proportions are not too bad while the interior upgrades and powertrain mods are as we expected. The only thing we need to find out is the price.