The long-awaited Tesla Model Y ‘Juniper’ facelift is one step closer to being revealed, with yet another example of the new-look electric SUV spotted in the US.
In a video uploaded to social media platform X – formerly known as Twitter – user Colin W. shared a brief shot of the camouflaged and updated Model Y driving near San Jose.
As with other examples of the Juniper facelift, the camouflage largely hides the changes to the popular electric SUV.
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SPOTTED: NEW Model Y “Juniper” driving near San Jose, CA! pic.twitter.com/H84WViFGQh
— Colin W. (@Y2KColin) December 12, 2024
More detailed photos posted by Autospy in October showed split-level LED headlights and tail lights that appear to resemble those of the recent Highland facelift of the Model 3, however other spy shots have shown a light bar connecting the rear clusters.
We can expect to see new front and rear bumper designs in addition to the restyled lighting, as well as new-look wheels despite spied prototypes using carryover rims.
Only one interior photo has been leaked so far, showing what appears to be perforated leather or leatherette upholstery on the seats, suede-look trim on the door, and a thin strip of ambient lighting.
In October, reports emerged from China that Shanghai production of the updated Model Y had been pulled forward to start this month, if initially only in low volumes.
Two months have passed and none of these vehicles have surfaced.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has previously said the Juniper facelift won’t debut until 2025, despite earlier reports claiming it would debut before the end of this year.
It’s expected the Model Y will follow the Model 3 by ditching its traditional steering column stalks and adopting controversial steering wheel buttons.
In the Model 3, additional changes included its gear selector being relocated to its touchscreen, its front seats gaining ventilation, and the addition of a rear climate control screen.
Tesla’s updated Model 3 also received revised suspension upgrades including new springs, dampers, and subframe mounting points designed to deliver a more comfortable ride.
While the Model Y remains Australia’s best-selling electric vehicle (EV), Tesla is experiencing a sales drop in 2024, with deliveries declining in nine of the 11 months so far this year.
To the end of November, Tesla had delivered 19,932 Model Ys, down almost 30 per cent year-to-date on 2023.
Model 3 deliveries have also fallen by about seven per cent, despite Tesla heavily discounting both EVs by thousands of dollars earlier this year.
For context, the overall EV market has risen by just over three per cent, well down on the triple-figure growth of recent years.
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MORE: Tesla Model Y ‘Juniper’ facelift spy shots reveal different look to Model 3
