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Tesla's top-selling model, the Model Y SUV, has needed a styling refresh and feature update to keep it competitive with a raft of new electric competitors and it's finally broken cover. We've been patiently waiting for the update—code-named Juniper—ever since its sibling, the Model 3 sedan, received its own freshening for the 2024 model year.
Launched quietly and without much fanfare on Tesla's China consumer site, the updated Model Y features a far more fetching look than the outgoing model. The SUV's front bumper has been smoothed out and new, squintier headlamps flow into a new light bar that runs the width of the front trunk lid.
The rear end receives a similar lighting treatment, with a full-width red taillamp across the Model Y's hatchback. The rest of the design updates are subtle, and the Model Y's awkward tall and swoopy proportions remain.
Interior upgrades were much needed as well, and we can tell from photos that many of the improvements made to the Model 3 have made their way into the Model Y. Those upgrades include available ventilated front seats, a redesigned steering wheel with push-button turn signals, and a rear-seat display for the back seat passengers. The rear screen doubles as a panel for the climate controls and as an entertainment display for games and video content.
Tesla's Chinese website doesn't say specifically, but we suspect the new Model Y also received material quality upgrades and additional sound-deadening measures to match the Model 3. Having driven the updated Model 3, we can confirm these updates make a big difference in the in-cabin experience. So much so, in fact, that we named the Model 3 to our 2025 10 Best Cars list.
U.S. specs have not been announced, and the powertrain and battery offered in the China variant may be different from what the company will offer here. For example, no Performance trim appears to be sold in China, but that model is popular in North America, and we suspect Tesla will want to keep that trim around.
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