New Tesla Model Y spied testing ahead of ‘Juniper’ facelift reveal

• Facelift for the Tesla Model Y SUV
• Styling inspired by Tesla Model 3
• Expected to arrive later this year

The Tesla Model Y is set to receive a comprehensive update in 2025, and these latest spy shots give us our first look at the new model in the metal. While still heavily camouflaged, we can see enough to confirm some of our suspicions about the updated electric SUV, including its slick new look inspired by the Tesla Model 3.

This year has already seen a couple of updates for Tesla’s popular electric SUV – including a new long-range model and a seven-seater version – but the 2025 model will represent its biggest overhaul yet. Along with the updated styling, the Model Y could be in store for a revamped interior and longer range, if the latest Model 3 is anything to go by.

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Tesla doesn’t tend to update its cars very often, so when rumours began circling of a new Tesla Model Y, EV fans were quick to speculate about the upcoming changes and when the new model would reach showrooms. Elon Musk himself dampened the hype by confirming that the new Model Y wouldn’t launch in 2024, but these latest spy images suggest that an official reveal could be just around the corner.

What do we know about the new Tesla Model Y?

Codenamed ‘Juniper’, the updated Tesla Model Y is due to arrive with its first cosmetic revamp since it went on sale in 2020. In those four years, the electric SUV market has expanded rapidly, so Tesla has deemed now the right time to give its best-seller a nip and tuck to keep it competitive against the likes of the Renault Scenic and Skoda Enyaq.

Thanks to a pair of leaked images, we know that the rear-end styling of the new Model Y will reflect that of the updated Tesla Model 3 saloon. There’s a new pair of claw-shaped tail-lights like the Model 3, but here they’ll sit either side of a horizontal light bar. The Tesla script will sit proudly at the centre, while a reversing camera will be hidden within a piece of horizontal black trim.

While there are no leaked images of the front of the new Model Y, it’s rumoured to be getting the same front-end treatment as the updated Model 3. The camouflaged car in our spy shots does well to hide this, but we can see that the headlight arrangement beneath has certainly been updated. It looks to feature slimmer LED units, potentially connected by a full-width light-bar inspired by the polarising Cybertruck.

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Our exclusive images show how the facelifted Model Y could look, incorporating elements from both the leaked images and the updated Model 3 saloon.

The leaked image of the new Model Y’s cabin doesn’t give away much, but we expect the Model 3’s interior to largely be carried over unchanged. That would include the large central infotainment touchscreen and steering-wheel mounted indicator buttons. We know from the image that the button-operated doors will be carried over to the new Model Y, and there will be more extensive use of ambient lighting. The recently-introduced seven-seater Model Y should be continued to be offered alongside the regular five-seater model.

Under the skin, we expect Tesla to keep the same Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive and Performance models, with the current model’s maximum 373-mile range getting a possible increase, thanks to the more aerodynamic bodywork. The current car’s 250kW maximum charging speed should be retained, allowing it to get the most juice from Tesla’s latest Superchargers.

When will the new Tesla Model Y arrive?

Tesla hasn’t provided a timeline for the new Model Y yet, other than Elon Musk confirming that it wouldn’t be arriving in 2024. Now that 2025 is here, our first official look at the new Model Y could happen any week now, with on-road testing suggesting that it’s nearly production-ready.

There’s still no word on how much the new Model Y will cost either, but if it’s to follow the trend set by the updated Model 3, we could actually see a price reduction. That could translate to a starting price of around £42,000.

Find out more about one of the Model Y’s newest rivals – the BYD Sealion 7…