(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – The Model Y has proven to be a huge global success for Tesla as it became the world’s best-selling vehicle in 2023. This achievement is all the more impressive as it dethroned two petrol-powered Toyotas to take the lead after sales increased 64% compared to 2022.

Its success is a testament to the rising popularity of electric vehicles, crossovers and SUVs around the world, which accounted for nearly half of all vehicles sold last year. It was considerably more popular than Tesla’s cheapest car, the Model 3, which sold less than half as many vehicles last year.

For Tesla, the Model Y is a cash cow, which is why the manufacturer’s decision to postpone the mid-life cycle revision seems odd. The update for the Model Y “Juniper” has been known for months and was originally expected for this year, but apparently it will not appear in 2024.

Teslas get better over time, even without major upgrades, but all of those changes happen under the sheet metal or are tied to software updates that are pushed over the air. Major redesigns are rare at Tesla, though, because they require significant changes to production lines and supply chains.

We expect similar changes to the Model 3 “Highland” in the Model Y “Juniper”. This includes a revised exterior with a revised front end with new headlight clusters, slimmer taillights, redesigned mirrors, new wheel designs and new exterior colors. The interior is expected to get the new steering wheel from the Model 3, which has more buttons than before because it no longer has a stalk switch.

Let’s look at what we know about the Juniper update and whether it’s worth waiting for if you’re looking to buy a new Model Y.

Design changes

We expect Tesla to give the redesigned Model Y a similar exterior look to the refreshed Model 3. This means it will get a completely new face, with the raised nose disappearing and replaced by sleeker, more modern-looking headlights.

The taillights and bumper will also be updated to match the Model 3 Highland. The Juniper update will likely give it a more distinctive bumper, similar to the new Model 3 Performance.

Tesla has revised the design of the wheels with each model update, so we expect this to be the case with the Model Y Juniper as well. The wheel sizes will remain the same, but the look of the wheels (and possibly the aerodynamics) will be improved. The new Model 3 also has redesigned rear-view mirrors that are not as high and have a slightly different shape.

Changes in the interior

Tesla has already given the China-made Model Y the same interior lighting as the updated Model 3, but without changing anything else. In addition, the wood paneling on the dashboard has been abandoned in favor of the same textile material as on the sedan.

In the Juniper update, these changes are complemented by a redesigned center console with two wireless phone charging stations, a revised armrest and storage areas. The seats will also get a new design and will likely get cooling, just like the Model 3. Overall, the interior materials and build quality are also likely to be improved.

The updated Model Y Performance will get updated sport seats with more lateral support to keep you in control during fast cornering.

The biggest change will probably be the completely new steering wheel, which has been adopted from the Highland. Just like with the Model 3, Tesla will remove the levers behind the steering wheel and move more functions to the steering wheel, including indicators, lights, and the windshield wipers. The voice assistant will of course be retained.
More power, range and comfort

Tesla is constantly improving the performance, efficiency and range of its models, even without major updates. We don’t know anything for sure yet, but the Model Y Juniper update will most likely offer better acceleration and increased range. The latter could also be due to a lower drag coefficient achieved through changes to the front of the vehicle and the new wheels.

The biggest change we noticed in the updated Model 3 is how comfortable the ride is compared to before. It received a completely redesigned suspension that makes it a much more comfortable car. Given that the Model Y is quite firm and can sometimes be uncomfortable to drive on less than ideal roads, we expect it to also get a softer suspension that better envelops the occupants and isolates them from road imperfections.

Should you wait for Juniper?

We don’t know when Tesla will launch the Juniper update for the Model Y, but Elon Musk has ruled out that it will happen this year. Considering that Model Y sales are still going strong and Tesla is focused on its robotaxi project, which even seems to take priority over the launch of the much-discussed $25,000 model, the wait for Juniper could be long.

So if you’re looking to buy a Model Y today, you probably shouldn’t wait for the update, because we don’t know when it will come. The vehicle will be gradually improved anyway.

If you don’t need the Model Y’s more spacious trunk and easier access, the cheaper revised Model 3 probably the better choice because it feels more modern, its interior finally deserves to be called premium (unlike the Model Y, whose materials are similar to those of the old Model 3), and it is more pleasant to drive.