If a decade ago they told us that Tesla is going to have the evolution it has hadWe probably wouldn’t believe it. In 2014 they barely exceeded 30,000 units sold and their commitment to electrification seemed like a utopia. However, in 2024 they sold 1.79 million cars, surpassing historical manufacturers such as Audi. And much of the credit for achieving these figures goes to Tesla Model Ythe brand’s most successful model that has just received an update.
We meet for the first time face to face with the Model Y Juniper, which is how this specimen has been named. Let’s go reveal all the details and the main differences with its predecessor, who is also present here. Of course, we can now confirm that the first units will arrive in the month of March and that the launch edition will be available for 60,990 euros in our country. Later, an access version will arrive that will be closer to 40,000 euros.
Abroad
We start with a evolved exterior design within what was expected. It has some details inherited from other models such as the Cybertruck or the future Cybercab, especially on the front. In this area we see integrated lighting, with very narrow headlights that go united by an LED strip in the center. It manages to highlight the horizontality of the model and represents a substantial change compared to its predecessor. Minimalism continues to be its main premise, with clean lines and few edges.
We look at the bottom detailsince in the only opening that appears there is a new front camera with a greater field of vision. If we move to the side we see mirrors with a fine line that we assume is focused on improving its aerodynamics. The door handles remain flush with the bodywork, while the tires have been renewed. They are 19 inches as standard, although 20-inch ones also appear, which are more attractive.
At the rear you can see the same roof drop, characteristic of the Tesla Model Y. However, the spoiler has been modified and now has a more sporty cut. The rear lights are also a leap image compared to its predecessor, since they are an illuminated bar similar to the one on the front and indirectly illuminate the company name. Mention that they are one of the largest in the sector at 1.6 meters long. The lower part is reserved for a diffuser that is more prominent and that rounds off the aerodynamic improvement to remain at a coefficient of 0.22 Cx.
The Tesla Model Y maintains the same platform, but its dimensions change slightly. It grows about 4 cm to reach a length of 4.80 meterswhile the width is 1.98 meters and the height is 1.62 meters. Another fact that never hurts in an SUV is that it has a ground clearance of 16.7 centimeters.
Inside
Minimalism is one of the hallmarks of Tesla interiors. In the new Model Y that premise is maintained and make the right changes to maintain attractiveness. The answer to the main question is no, it does not lose the turn signal rod. Unlike the Model 3, which has them on the steering wheel, in this model they are have listened to public criticism who preferred a more traditional drive. We also do not see the Yolk-type steering wheel that is optional on the Model S. A new ambient lighting does appear with a line that runs along the top of the dashboard.
In the central part we find a 15.4 inch touch screenslightly larger than the previous one, which controls most of the functions. The menus are very similar to what we already knew and has the advantage that the operating system is significantly faster and has been expanded its connectivity via Wi-Fi.
That, of course, means that OTA updates may arrive to improve it. Other improvements in the Tesla Model Y include redesigned front seats, which may have ventilation, or a more capable audio system. Unfortunately, there is still no compatibility with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
In terms of quality, the truth is that the appearance is good and the construction seems solid. New aluminum trim and textile finishes stand out, while there are not too many hard plastics in sight. It maintains wireless charging for two mobile phones and there is also a cup holder and generous additional storage space.
When we go to the rear seats We see that a more than correct space is maintained. The side passengers will have plenty of room for their legs and their heads do not suffer despite the drop in the roof. The central square is somewhat fairer, although there is no transmission tunnel to bother.
Furthermore, one of the main novelties of this specimen is that it has a second 8 inch rear touch screen which can be used from here. It includes controls for the climate control, the multimedia system and also different games and entertainment options such as watching videos.
Trunk
You already know that the trunk figures of Tesla differ from the rest of the manufacturers. We still cannot give reliable data, but we believe that it is above average considering its size and how well used its shapes are. The floor can be placed at two heights and there are gaps on the sides.
As a novelty, the rear seats can now be folded down electrically thanks to buttons in this area and thus unlocking a maximum capacity of 2,138 literswhich is about 100 liters more than before. Of course, the front frunk with automatic opening and around 100 liters of capacity is maintained.
Engine
The Tesla Model Y Juniper has just been presented and still we don’t know all the versions available. We imagine that over time we will see a range with an access Rear-Wheel Drive with a smaller battery that could start with 460 kilometers of autonomy. There will also be a Long Range RWD and even a Performance that stands out for its performance.
However, at the moment only the Long Range All-Wheel Drive. It will have a little more power than the current 351 HP, as it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. It also boasts a range of 568 kilometers, which is 35 more than what was approved.
Apparently the charging speeds are maintained, with 170 kW for the access version and 250 kW in the highest ones. We still can’t give too many details about how it will go on a dynamic level. The brand does state that the ride quality will be superior to that of the outgoing model thanks to improved soundproofing in the cabin. Noise is reduced by around 20%while improving rigidity and modifying the suspension; so we can expect a slightly more precise Tesla Model Y.
cars.com opinion
The Tesla Model Y has accumulated 3.5 million units worldwide since its launch. There are very few cars that have achieved these sales in such a short time and they make it clear that it is a reference among electric cars. It seems impossible that we will see it outside the top-3 worldwide and even more so now that it has presented its long-awaited update. Evolves in some aspects such as aesthetics or technology, while slightly improving other sections such as dynamics with extra autonomy.
In short, small tweaks that make it a more complete product if possible. It is still early to evaluate some aspects, so we are waiting for the rest of the versions to come out. The launch price of 60,990 euros leaves us with doubtssince currently that same version is 9,000 euros cheaper.
