2025 Tesla Model Y: new ‘Juniper’ model and pricing revealed, keeps indicator stalk

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The updated ‘Juniper’ version of the Tesla Model Y has been revealed with a fresh look that takes a different design direction to its sedan twin, the Model 3, while prices and battery ranges have both increased.

Tesla’s midsized SUV, the world’s best-selling electric vehicle, gets its first major make-over since its 2020 debut, and Australian introduction in 2022.

Design changes are primarily focused front and rear with dramatic lightbars at each end. Tesla says the singular ‘cross-car lamp’ is “the first indirect reflective body panel tail-light of its kind”.

A new, bigger ‘Helix’ 20-inch alloy wheel is introduced for both the RWD (rear-wheel drive) and Long Range (dual motor, all-wheel drive) Model Y variants, which are expected around mid 2025. As with last year’s Model 3 facelift, Tesla is holding back the Performance version of the Model Y for a later date.

The interior follows the Model 3’s materials and tech upgrade more closely, though images point to Tesla retaining an indicator stalk for the SUV where the sedan moved, somewhat controversially, to steering wheel indicator buttons.

As with the Model 3, the Y’s rear seat gains an 8.0-inch infotainment display, while there’s electric operation for the folding rear seats that expand the electric SUV’s already-generous boot space.

The 2025 ‘Juniper’ Model Y trades some acceleration performance for improved battery range. The RWD is nearly a second slower from 0-100km/h, with a revised claim of 5.9 seconds (previously 5.0sec), though its quoted maximum range extends from 455km to 466km.

The Long Range now sprints to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds rather than 3.7 but adds 18km to its battery range for a quoted maximum of 551km.

Both models share a top speed of 201km/h.

Tesla figures point to a 41mm incresase in the Model Y’s length – to 4792mm – though height and width remain largely identical.

Entry to the Tesla Model Y increases by a relatively hefty $7500, now starting from $63,400 for the RWD – or $68,770 drive-away (Sydney pricing).

The Tesla Model Y Long Range increases from $69,900 to $73,400 – or $79,270 (Sydney pricing).

Colour options remain disappointingly limited – with white, blue, black, silver and red again offered – though ‘Glacier Blue’ (pictured below) appears to be a lighter hue to the ‘Deep Blue’ previously available as an option.

Tesla Australia’s configurator also indicate all colours choices are inclusive where charges ranged from $1500 to $2600 with the exception of the standard Pearl White.

America’s prominent EV maker is also promising fixes for some of the refinement and ride quality issues that affect the outgoing Model Y. Tesla says the updated Model Y features “retuned suspension … more responsive steering … and a quieter ride”.