2025 Tesla Model Y revealed: Juniper update due in Australia mid-year
Today at 09:01 PM
The Tesla Model Y electric SUV has received a long-awaited overhaul with refreshed styling, new interior and slightly longer range – but up to $7500 higher prices and no more gear selector column stalk.
The updated 2025 Tesla Model Y electric SUV – reportedly codenamed Juniper – has been revealed with new styling, an updated interior and longer driving range, ahead of Australian arrivals due in May.
The biggest update since the Model Y launched in the US five years ago adopts key upgrades introduced with its latest Model 3 sibling – including the relocation of the gear selector to the touchscreen.
But Tesla has given its top seller a unique look, with ‘split’ headlights and a rear light bar – making it easier to distinguish in traffic from the Model 3 sedan.
And in a surprise move, Tesla has retained the indicator stalk, following widespread backlash on its removal from the Model 3.
MORE: 2025 Tesla Model Y 'Juniper' update leaked – This is it
The Australian-spec 2025 Model Y is initially available in a ‘Launch Series’, with a choice of Rear-Wheel Drive and Long Range All-Wheel Drive model grades priced from $63,400 and $73,400 plus on-road costs respectively.
They amount to price hikes of $7500 and $3500 respectively – after a series of price cuts last year slashed nearly $10,000 off the outgoing model’s RRP in two months.
Metallic paint is initially included in the purchase price, as well as upgraded 20-inch wheels – features that are likely to become cost options once the “limited release” Launch Series has sold out.
Other unique features for the Launch Series include a badge on the tailgate, branded sill plates, puddle lights, badging on the centre console, and black suede trim on the dashboard.
Order a Model Y today and delivery is estimated to take place in May 2025, pending any delays. All models are five-seaters.
A new Performance variant with the higher-output electric motor and bespoke styling of the latest Model 3 Performance sedan may follow at a later date, but is yet to be confirmed.
Rated driving range has increased by 11km to 18km depending on model, thanks to improved aerodynamics.
As with the Model 3, there do not appear to be any changes to the Model Y’s battery packs – a 60kWh lithium iron phosphate pack in the RWD, and a circa-79kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt unit in the Long Range.
But performance has improved, with the two Launch Series capable of claimed 0-100km/h acceleration times of 5.9 and 4.3 seconds respectively in Australia.
The former is 1.0sec quicker than before – matching pre-update Chinese models – while the latter 0.7sec quicker, as Launch Series cars are fitted as standard with the previously-optional Acceleration Boost software upgrade.
Rated range has increased from 455km to 466km in the RWD, and from 533km to 551km in the Long Range AWD, based on European WLTP testing.
All models quote a top speed of 201km/h, matching the latest Model 3 – due to new low rolling-resistance tyres which trade a higher speed rating for efficiency.
The suspension has been reworked for the second time in three years following criticism of a firm feel, following a retune in early 2023, while “more responsive steering” is also claimed.
Helping to differentiate what would otherwise be two near-identical vehicles on the road, the design changes for the 2025 Model Y are not a facsimile of the latest Model 3.
The Model Y adopts unique split headlights – with the daytime-running lights placed up high, and the main LED beams down low – with a sportier Model 3 Performance-inspired bumper and lower, flatter bonnet to reduce air resistance.
As with the Model 3, there is a smoother path for the air to flow from the bonnet, plus new 19-inch ‘Crossflow’ and 20-inch ‘Helix 2.0’ alloy wheel designs, and restyled mirror caps across the range.
Changes at the rear include a full-width LED tail-light bar – with ‘TESLA’ lettering illuminated in its glow – which Tesla claims is the “first indirect reflective body panel taillight of its kind.”
There’s also a new tailgate and lower bumper, the latter now housing the licence plate. A new Glacier Blue colour has been added, replacing black.
Tesla promises “an updated wheel and tyre package offers a smoother driving experience with improved grip,” as well as “redesigned body castings [that] reduce parts from 70 to 1 for fewer gaps,” for a quieter drive.
A camera has been added to the front bumper, likely to assist both the driver-assistance features and low-speed parking moves.
Inside, the Model Y mirrors the Model 3 with a larger 15.4-inch touchscreen (up from 15-inch) with a brighter display and slimmer bezels.
As with all the Tesla vehicles, there is still no Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the company has not added an instrument screen or head-up display in front of the driver.
The key change is to the steering column stalks, which sees the gear selector move to a slider on the touchscreen for switching between Drive, Reverse and Park, with a backup control panel on the headlining should the touchscreen fail.
But unlike the Model 3, Tesla has retained the indicator stalk, rather than moving the controls to buttons on the steering wheel.
The Model Y has gained new front seats with ventilation functions joining carry-over heating, power adjustment and synthetic leather-look upholstery, plus restyled dashboard, centre console and door panels.
An 8.0-inch touchscreen has been added for rear passengers, mirroring the Model 3, while the Model Y uniquely gains power-folding rear seats.
Ambient interior lighting has been added to models sold globally, the sound system has been upgraded, and the faux wood dashboard trim has been replaced by fabric.
The 2025 Tesla Model Y is available to order now.
The post 2025 Tesla Model Y revealed: Juniper update due in Australia mid-year appeared first on Drive.
