The next iteration of Tesla’s top-selling EV has officially debuted in China and Australia, teasing what American buyers should expect from the long-awaited vehicle update likely to launch in the months ahead.
After a long stream of leaks, Tesla has officially revealed the new edition of the Tesla Model Y, often referred to as its ‘Juniper’ codename, at least for the Chinese and Australian markets, though a U.S. release is surely eminent, too. The news confirms many rumors that have swirled around the first significant update to the vehicle since it initially launched in 2020.
The nonchalant reveal process marks a dramatically different tact for Tesla compared to the scene of last year’s “WeRobot” Cybercab unveiling or the now somewhat infamous shenanigans of the Cybertruck reveal five years earlier. And yet, the new Model Y is a much bigger deal for the brand and the automotive world, at least in the near term.
That’s because the Y is not only Tesla’s most popular model but has also long topped charts as the best-selling EV worldwide. Some automotive analytics groups have even crowned the Y as the best-selling car in the world, at least in 2023.
Here’s a rundown of the significant changes in the newly revealed Tesla Y for 2025 that we know about so far.
Its Updated Look Clearly Takes Cues from Tesla’s ‘Cyber’ Vehicles
The new hood and headlights of the new Tesla Model Y should look very familiar to anyone who has seen photos of Tesla’s Cybercab concept revealed back in 2024.Tesla
Tesla says the new Model Y is “completely redesigned,” though you’d be forgiven for thinking that at least some of the car remains the same, especially the sides.
Tesla’s Hong Kong site states that the Model Y’s redesigned body castings “reduce parts from 70 to 1 for fewer gaps,” which could go a long way toward resolving the brand’s perennial issue of large panel gaps and related body construction issues.
The front and rear of the redesigned Model Y are clearly different to the naked eye.
What is clearly different to the naked eye is the front and rear of the redesigned Model Y.
The reshaped nose -complete with split headlights and a full LED light bar running across the frunk lid- looks markedly similar to the facia of the company’s autonomous Cybercab concept while echoing the Cybertruck, too.
Given that, like Cybercab and the Cybertruck, the Tesla hood emblem has vanished, too, it’s clear that Tesla is banking on this aesthetic, acting as a design calling card for its brand, at least for the decade ahead.
The side panels of the new Tesla Model Y look very similar to the original Model Y, though Tesla says small tweaks have been made and considers new Model Y “completely redesigned.”Tesla
Including a new front bumper camera has also attracted plenty of attention from Tesla-focused communities. No other Tesla features a camera in this position, leading many to speculate that the change might help improve self-parking and semi-autonomous driving capabilities.
Tesla’s Chinese site only states that the camera “provides a wider field of view for automatic assisted driving and advanced smart summon.”
Tesla says the new Model Y’s taillight is the first “indirect reflective body panel taillight of its kind.” This means that the rear light is designed to face the car and reflect back. We’re not exactly sure what benefit this design decision provides to owners.Tesla
The back shares the same full-width light bar look across the hatchback. Tesla calls it the first “indirect reflective body panel taillight of its kind,” meaning that the rear light is aimed at the car instead of away from it.
The tailgate also looks reworked to extend closer to the rear bumper.
Tesla claims the front and rear changes not only give the vehicle a different look but also “improve the vehicle’s endurance, performance, and service life.”
It’s Also Gaining a Lot of Improvements From the New Model 3
The new Tesla Model Y gains a variety of interior updates first launched in the updated Tesla Model 3, including a rear climate control and entertainment display for backseat passengers.Tesla
Inside, the refreshed Model Y features the same ambient color-changing light bar, redesigned steering wheel, and rear-seat display that doubles as a climate control and entertainment screen for rear passengers introduced in the improved Model 3, which went on sale this January.
As Car and Driver notes, it wouldn’t be surprising if the new Y also included the same sound-deadening updates found in the Model 3.
One Key Detail Isn’t Changing That’ll Please Tons of Tesla Fans
One aspect of the new Tesla Model Y has had internet sleuths analyzing images of the car’s interior. While it’s not visible in left-hand drive versions of the vehicle, photos of the Model Y in a right-hand drive configuration have shown that the updated Tesla Model Y features a physical turn signal stalk, even though it does lose a right-hand stalk for controlling gear selection and cruise control.Tesla
While the Cybertruck has deservedly dominated headlines for its numerous and controversial design decisions, a smaller design choice introduced earlier to the Model X, Model S and Cybertruck has persistently generated derision among the Tesla community for years.
Those aforementioned models feature buttons instead of traditional column-mounted stalks to change gears and initiate turn signaling, and many Tesla drivers hate this decision.
It’s been so controversial that several aftermarket third-party parts are available for those who couldn’t stand it and are willing to modify their vehicle.
Tesla’s Hong-Kong site calls out that the new Model Y also features “an updated wheel and tire package offers a smoother driving experience with improved grip.”Tesla
Given the design choice’s prevalence in Tesla’s newer models, many assumed it was only a matter of time before the Tesla Model Y adopted the design pattern.
However, the early images suggest otherwise, which many Tesla fans would consider a massive and pleasant surprise.
Interior images of the right-hand drive version of the new Model Y made for the Australian market seem to show a stalk specifically to operate the turn signal, although the windshield washer functions strangely appear to be controlled by capacitive buttons in the steering wheel. The right-hand stalk for shifting gear and managing the cruise control setting does appear to be gone for good, though.
The new Tesla Model Y is also being sold in new color dubbed Glacier Blue.Tesla
It’s comical that the automotive community is keying in on such a seemingly minor feature. I’ve certainly never written about a turn signal stalk in my life.
It’s comical that the automotive community is keying in on such a seemingly minor feature. I’ve certainly never written about a turn signal stalk in my life.
But it’s understandable why many closely following Tesla are reading so much into the decision. It appears to be a rare admission by Tesla – and, by proxy, Musk – that one of its novel design decisions didn’t result in a better user experience.
Only time will tell if Tesla ultimately reverses course on its design choice for its other vehicles.
Key Details About the U.S. Version Remain a Mystery
The U.S. market will still have to wait for various key details to be confirmed concerning the new Model Y, such as what configurations will be offered and details on potential performance and price increases. Tesla
The Chinese version is offered in two trim levels for the Chinese market. There’s an RWD Launch Edition and an AWD Long-Range Launch Edition, priced between 263,500 – 303,500 yuan, or ~$35,950 – $41,400. If those prices hold for the U.S. market, the new Model Y will end up being 4-5% more expensive than the outgoing version.
The new AWD version for the Chinese market has apparently gained 39km or 24 miles of range, but it should be notedthat those estimates are based on a less stringent set of parameters mandated by the Chinese government.
It’s unclear when the new Model Y will be released in the U.S. We also don’t know what configurations will be available, what the official performance stats are, or what the confirmed U.S. pricing will be.
That said, as Jess Weatherbed of The Verge astutely points out, the new version of the Model 3 took roughly four months to reach the U.S. in 2024.
