Codenamed Juniper, the Tesla Model Y has been refreshed, with the new offering launched to Australian media earlier this week. Positioned as a strong contender in the increasingly competitive electric vehicle market, it now sports clean lines and a new front end.
The previous model’s bulge has been eliminated, replaced by a smoother and more sophisticated silhouette. A flattened bonnet with no badge and a sleek, slim light bar contribute to the futuristic and streamlined aesthetic.
Beneath the hood is a frunk, which boasts a generously sized storage compartment, complete with a drain plug. Perfect for stowing gear, or on a warm summer day, it could even serve as an impromptu ice chest for a barbecue.
A quirky and enjoyable addition to an already well-thought-out vehicle, it’s a nice touch. The compact rear lights and full width hidden red band complete a very balanced package.
The interior remains largely familiar, with subtle refinements that contribute to an enhanced driving experience. One of the most notable alterations is the removal of the gear selector stalk, with that function ow integrated into the central touchscreen.
It’s a shift that may take some getting used to, and feels more like an innovation for the sake of modernity rather than necessity. You can however use the gear selector in the roof if it all gets a bit much. The 15.4-inch screen is joined by an 8.0-inch rear screen.
Tesla has retained the indicator stalk, preserving a traditional and intuitive control element. There’s no head-up display though, which is a genuine mystery. The materials used throughout the cabin feel thoughtfully curated.
A new stretch of grey fabric spanning across the dashboard, adding a tactile and contemporary touch. A particularly eye-catching feature is the ambient lighting strip that runs across its length.
It subtly envelops the spacious cabin, creating an immersive atmosphere. Our test vehicle was equipped with an optional black and white interior, which significantly brightens the space, adding an air of sophistication.
Tesla representatives reassured us that even with children piling in after soccer practice, cleaning the pristine upholstery wouldn’t be an issue. Additionally, the inclusion of sound-reducing glass enhances cabin tranquility. There’s 2138-litres of storage space.
The expansive panoramic sunroof provides an open and airy feel. Exhaust Notes Australia jumped behind the wheel of the updated rear-wheel drive variant, heading for the Royal National Park and Macquarie Pass.
The round trip included stops at places like Audley Weir, Stanwell Tops, driving across the Seacliff Bridge and a visit to a private property at Moss Vale for lunch. On the road, the newly updated Model Y delivers impressive performance.
The revised suspension setup is well-balanced, offering both comfort and control. It absorbs imperfections seamlessly, providing a planted and confident ride through tight corners.
The damping is precisely calibrated, ensuring undulations are nearly imperceptible. Steering is sharp and responsive too. That’s particularly so with the “heavy” steering setting engaged, which is feels more connected and confidence inspiring.
The journey back to Sydney along the M1 allowed some testing of the beta version of Autopilot. It worked well, allowing lane changing using only the indicator stalk. That aside, performance-wise, the Model Y continues to impress.
Acceleration in Standard mode feels remarkably strong, responsive, and seemingly endless. It skips its way to 100km/h in just 5.9 seconds, and offers a range of 466km in the RWD specification. Up to 238km can be added to the battery in 15 minutes on a 175kW charger.
Tesla has successfully refined the Model Y while maintaining its essence – offering a blend of advanced technology, thoughtful design, and exhilarating performance. With these updates, it remains a formidable choice in the EV segment.
The 2025 Tesla Model Y (Juniper) is priced at $58,900 plus on-roads in RWD trim. The optional extras on our test vehicle included metallic paint, a two-tone interior and 20-inch Helix 2.0 wheels, lifting the price by a further $6,000.
It’s backed by a 4-year or 80,000km warranty, with 8-years or 160,000km coverage for the battery. You can find out more by visiting the Tesla Australia website or talking to your local experience centre.
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Our test vehicle was provided by Tesla Australia as part of the Australian media launch event.
