2025 Tesla Model Y

The Model Y Juniper — the code name for the 2025 refresh, akin to last year's Model 3 Highland — gets a new continuous light-bar look for its headlights and another light bar for its taillights, but the bigger news is under the surface. Here's what we know about the more substantive changes that Model Y Juniper buyers can expect.

More Range, Better Acceleration

The Model Y Juniper Long Range AWD's specs are certainly intriguing: 327 miles of range, which is 16 more than last year's LR AWD, and 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds, down from last year's 4.8. But the belatedly unveiled Long Range RWD looks like the pick of the litter with its 357-mile range and 5.4-second dash to 60 for thousands less.

Thanks to suspension revisions, by the way, the ride quality should take a big step toward suppleness like it did with the Model 3 Highland update, but time will tell.

New Lights, Same Body

As noted, the fresh-looking headlights and taillights, both now consisting of horizontal light bars spanning the width of the vehicle, are the primary talking points for the Model Y Juniper's exterior revisions. Beyond the light show, this is the same bubbly shape that we've known and found dorky since its 2020 debut. That's no surprise coming from Tesla, which, unlike virtually every other automaker, rejects the convention of fully redesigning its models every 5-7 years or so. On that schedule, the Model Y would have been due for a new generation this year, but instead Tesla just changed the lights and presumably won't touch it again for another few years.

What We Think

If the Model Y had turned out to be a sales disappointment, we'd be pointing the finger at its awkward styling, but that aspect obviously hasn't held it back — it's been one of the best-selling vehicles in the world for a while now. So while we'd love to see the Model Y get more than just a superficial facelift and tail-lift, we can appreciate the business case for leaving well enough alone. Aesthetics aside, the Model Y Juniper's improved range and acceleration bode well, as do the quieter interior and presumptively better ride. The Model Y was already king of the hill among compact electric SUVs, and the updates for 2025 should only help the cause.

Is the 2025 Tesla Model Y a Good SUV?

"EVs continue to blur the line between mainstream and luxury, and the Model Y is perhaps the biggest offender. Image-conscious drivers in cities like Los Angeles (ask us how we know) have fully embraced this SUV, routinely buying Ys to replace their BMWs and Benzes and what have you. But if you look at the pricing, the Model Y actually undercuts most mainstream rivals, let alone luxury EVs. Anyway, it's no great secret why the Model Y is a bestseller around the globe: it gives you great range and acceleration at a great price, and its minimalist interior vibe hits the right notes for today's tech-forward culture. We prefer the Model 3 ourselves for its superior handling, range and performance, but if you're looking for that high-riding SUV experience with the extra cargo space that comes with it, it's hard to come up with an argument against the Model Y, unless you want to bring the CEO into the conversation."—Ranked #1 out of 13 Compact Luxury Electric SUVs

"Is Tesla a luxury brand? We'll let others debate that one, but there's no doubt that the Model Y's aggressive pricing qualifies it for this mainstream segment. Looks aside — we've been cringing at the Y's awkwardly tall jellybean profile since it debuted, and the 2025 'Juniper' refresh merely affixes some new lightbars to the same shape — we have to salute this machine for its all-around excellence. The market doesn't always pick winners, but in this case, the Model Y is both a worldwide best-seller and arguably the best compact electric SUV on the merits. For less than $50k, the Model Y Long Range AWD gives you 327 miles of range while hitting 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, while the Long Range RWD isn't much slower and tacks on 30 miles of range for less coin. There's even an unusually spacious cargo bay when you fold the rear seats down. The Y is a great product at a great price, which explains why so many EV shoppers have been willing to look past its arguably worst-in-class styling."—Ranked #1 out of 12 Compact Electric SUVs