Early last year, the Tesla Model Y received a comprehensive exterior refresh nearly five years after initial deliveries began. Following this, we’ve also spent time with the Model Y Performance refresh, and the Model Y Standard that were released in the second half of the year.
A few weeks ago, we had the opportunity to see two Asian-spec Model Y ‘Juniper’ examples in person, finished in Diamond Black (USD 1,500 option) and Pearl White (USD 1,000 option). Read on for our impressions.
Design
Finished in white, the Model Y RWD takes on a clean, minimalist look that you’d associate with Silicon-Valley tech. The AWD Long Range black example, by contrast, feels more aggressive, with a stealth-inspired look that better highlights the sharper features introduced with the update.
Up front, the refreshed Model Y sits lower than before and features a full-width light bar paired with a horizontal layout that channels airflow through outer ducts. The hood is flatter and no longer carries the Tesla “T” badge, and we like this front-end design better.
From the side, the Model Y retains its familiar SUV-coupe silhouette. A slightly redesigned mirror cap improves aerodynamics without altering the overall profile.
At the rear, the Model Y adopts a new light bar that uses indirect reflected lighting to create a diffused, fogged appearance. The tailgate, rear fascia, spoiler, and diffuser have all been redesigned to improve airflow management and high-speed stability.
The rear diffuser now extends further to increase downforce, while a revised thermoplastic rear spoiler allows for a more aerodynamically optimized shape.
Wheel options range from 18-inch or 19-inch wheels on the base trim, to 19-inch or 20-inch wheels on mid-range trims. The Performance trim comes standard with 21-inch wheels. New designs include the 19-inch Crossflow and 20-inch Helix 2.0 wheels. The base trim offers three color options, while higher trims expand the palette to six choices.
Interior
With last year’s update, the cabin received extensive revisions, and Tesla reports a 22 percent reduction in road noise, aided by the use of acoustic glass throughout the cabin.
Ambient lighting now wraps around the interior and automatically adjusts brightness based on surroundings. The center console features sliding doors with aluminum trim, while aluminum accents also appear on the steering wheel, door panels, and instrument panel.
With the refresh, front seats add ventilation and revised cushioning. Second-row seats gain power recline and higher-output motors for faster fold-flat operation. Soft-touch materials extend from the headliner to the floor to further improve sound insulation.
Infotainment is handled by a 15.4-inch touchscreen on all trims except the Performance model, which receives a slightly bigger 16-inch QHD display. Rear passengers get an 8-inch touchscreen, standard on all trims except the base model.
The base trim features a black textile interior, while higher trims offer a choice of all-black or black-and-white interiors finished in microsuede.
The Performance trim adds special carbon fiber accents. All models come standard with seating for five, while the Premium trim offers an optional seven-seat configuration for an additional USD 2,500.
Specifications
In the U.S., the Model Y continues with its existing battery architecture and is offered in Rear-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive configurations. The Standard RWD trim delivers an EPA-estimated range of 321 miles. The Premium RWD is rated at 357 miles, the Premium AWD at 327 miles, and the Performance AWD at 306 miles.
Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes 6.8 seconds in the Standard trim, 5.4 seconds in the Premium RWD, 4.6 seconds in the Premium AWD, and 3.3 seconds in the Performance model.
Tesla claims that 15 minutes of Supercharging can add up to 160 miles of range in the Standard trim, 182 miles in the Premium RWD, 169 miles in the Premium AWD, and 144 miles in the Performance trim under optimal conditions.
Pricing
Also Read: Ultra Red color on the Tesla Model 3 looks flashy yet classy!
Deliveries of the refreshed Model Y in the U.S. began in the first half of 2025. Pricing currently starts at USD 39,900 for the Standard trim, USD 44,990 for the Premium RWD, USD 48,990 for the Premium AWD, and USD 57,490 for the Performance model.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
