2025 Tesla Model Y 'Juniper' update spied by Reddit user ahead of likely release early next year for Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV5 and Toyota bZ4X rival

The first spy pictures of the 2025 Tesla Model Y update have appeared, known internally as ‘Juniper’. 

Spotted in California over the weekend, Reddit user JackIJack posed an image of a black Model Y wearing heavy camouflage over its front and rear ends. 

Like the Tesla Model 3 sedan’s ‘Highland’ updates, it appears the sides and roof of the new Model Y are unchanged. We expect similar design updates, including slimmer headlights and T-E-S-L-A model script at the back. 

The bonnet’s camouflage has a thick panel which could be disguising a reprofiled, more aerodynamic item. It will be complemented by a new rear diffuser and lower rolling resistance tyres, in all likelihood. 

You can see our impression of the Model Y facelift in our exclusive render by Thanos Pappas below.

Inside, the Model 3 update did away with parts to cut costs, with the indicator stalks ditched for steering wheel buttons and gear selection via the screen. Expect more of the same in the mid-size Model Y, which is a rival for the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV5 and Toyota bZ4X.

It is likely that Tesla will not change the circa-60kWh and 80kWh packs in the new Model Y, instead relying on physical changes like bodywork and tyres for enhanced driving range. 

Using Model 3 as a guide, the Model Y Standard could increase from 455km to 470km and the Long range 533km to about 550km.

No power upgrades are expected. The current model develops around 220kW in rear-drive guise and all-wheel drive around 286kW with Tesla notoriously secretive around outputs. 

A more punchy Performance grade will headline the range with chassis and electronics changes.

A new model typically means a higher price but Tesla’s recent history suggests the Model Y Jupiter’s increase will be minimal, though potentially with no change at all or even a lower starting figure. 

The Tesla Model Y was revealed in March 2019 and started Australian sales in June 2022. It is currently the best-selling electric car in Australia and seventh overall, despite slipping 10.6 per cent from its position last year with 12,516 sales year-to-date.

​Boss Elon Musk recently confirmed that the new Tesla Model Y ‘Juniper’ would not go on sale this year. Instead, expect a release in early 2025 with Australian sales starting by the middle of next year.