Tesla Model Y, the tamer and more compact brother to the falcon-winged Model X has gotten a refresh for its second generation. At first glance, the new Model Y Juniper looks exactly like the old one. This begs the question: is the new Model Y merely a facelift or is it the real deal? Before we dive in, what is a facelift?
In car lingo, a facelift refers to minor updates made to the exterior and interior design of an existing car model. Facelifts are usually made about 3-4 years after a vehicle’s initial release and the first generation Model Y has been around since 2020. So, we can agree that it is due for a refresh. A facelift is usually made in the same generation, because a model’s generation lasts for about 7 years before it is replaced by an all-new version. In this case however, Tesla is marketing the new Model Y as ‘new’, rather than ‘updated or refreshed’. So let’s put on our trench coats and get into Inspector Gadget mode to see if the new Model Y is truly new.
Exterior of The New Tesla Model Y

I want you to take a good look at the image above. Now try to compare and contrast between the two cars. You will see that both cars have basically the same overall shape and styling. The lines, edges, door handles, air vents and fenders are the same on both cars. The only difference I see is in the colour of both cars, which is negligible. Although, the tail lights have changed, with the new ones running from end to end like those on the Cybertruck. This new design of tail lights running end to end seems to be becoming synonymous with Tesla, as the Cybercab also features this type of tail light design.
Additionally, the headlights of the new Model Y have been changed, featuring a single line of lead lights also running end to end just like the Cybercab. The fog lights and the encasing front bumper have also gotten a refresh, now looking more sporty and modern. Aside from the lights and front bumper, the New Model Y is the same car on the exterior. Hence, in this category, the vote for the New Model Y Juniper being a facelift, wins.
Interior of The New Tesla Model Y

In the interior, it is about the same case with the exterior, with a few tweaks here and there. The new Model Y, for one, now features ambient lighting, which is becoming commonplace in many new cars. Most of the other changes are subtle and are simply additional features that people have asked for over the years. But as far as the eyes can see when looking at the center console of both cars, this seems to be yet again just a facelift.
Additionally, the infotainment system of the new Model Y comes embedded with Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube apps. It also comes with video games, all of which are perfect for killing time while waiting for your Tesla to get filled up at a charge station. These features are however locked out when the car is in motion, in order not to be a distraction to the driver.
More so, the new Model Y also comes with ventilated seats and a better audio system. A rear infotainment screen has also been added for passengers. Another noteworthy feature in the new Model Y is the presence of a turn signal stalk, despite all other models being launched without any. Removing the turn signal stalk on other refreshed models came with a bit of scrutiny. So I guess Tesla took a hint and kept them here.
Is the Performance any different?
The saying, ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ comes to play in the case of the new Model Y. At first glance, it screams facelift, but when it comes to performance, the difference is noticeable. First off, the new model Y Juniper is coming with an All Wheel Drive (AWD) system with a range of 320 miles, a bump from 311 miles in the previous Model Y. In addition, the new Model Y makes about 384 horsepower and has an acceleration time of 4.1 seconds from 0-60mph. The previous year did 4.6 seconds, so 5 seconds have been shaved away, which is pretty neat for an SUV.

As for pricing, the new Model Y Juniper has a price tag of 61,630 USD (approximately 93 million naira). This is quite pricey, but there are speculations that a cheaper rear-wheel drive (RWD) model may be available later on.
All things considered, the ‘New Tesla Model Y’ is not all that new. Rather, it is a refresh or updated model of the previous Model Y, but merely a facelift. Nonetheless, the Model Y Juniper is truly an upgrade from what it used to be. Tesla paid attention to improving the performance and for this, I say kudos. The Model Y Juniper is expected to roll out by March, so we wait. On the topic of facelifts, what is your favourite facelift? Mine is the 3rd generation Mercedes E-Class facelift. What about yours?
