Tesla Model Y vs. Tesla Model Y Juniper

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  2024 Tesla Model Y
  

  The Tesla Model Y is a compact electric crossover aimed at small families. It is the highest-selling EV in the global market, thanks to its impressive performance, relatively accessible price point, and impressive safety standards. It’s available in the USA as a base rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive Long Range and Performance derivative.

  Pros

  • Best-selling EV for a reason
  • Top-notch affordability
  • Blazing fast Performance trim
  • Up to 337 miles of range

  Cons

  • Less spirited to drive than other models
  • Minimalist interior doesn’t appeal to everyone
  • Outdated exterior styling

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  2025 Tesla Model Y Juniper
  

  The Tesla Model Y Juniper is a refreshed version of the popular all-electric compact SUV that was just launched in China and other Asian markets. The Juniper trim brings along updated exterior styling, improved performance, and new technology. No specific information about its U.S. release is yet known, but enthusiasts are ready for the updated version of the Model Y.

  Pros

  • Updated exterior styling
  • Improved performance
  • Updated technology inside
  • New air suspension for enhanced comfort

  Cons

  • Not yet available in the United States
  • Performance trim has not been released
  • Full specs are still unknown

The Tesla Model Y has become a defining vehicle in the electric vehicle (EV) segment, combining practicality, advanced technology, and impressive performance. It offers a range of configurations and features that appeal to a wide variety of buyers, making it one of Tesla’s most versatile models and offering a solid option for those looking to transition to all-electric transportation. This versatility and its relative affordability have led to the Model Y being the best-selling EV in the world and it’s even tracking to potentially being the overall best-selling car here in the States.

Now, Tesla has introduced the Model Y Juniper, an updated version that has been released in China and other Asian markets with refreshed design elements and added features. While this new model is currently exclusive to the Asian market, its updates offer a glimpse into the future of Tesla’s best-selling SUV, as it’s expected to hit the streets here in the U.S. sooner rather than later. Let’s take a look at how the Juniper differs from the current Model Y available in the U.S., in terms of performance, technology, pricing, and more.

In order to bring you the most up-to-date and accurate comparison possible, we’ve relied on information sourced from Tesla, Fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, IIHS, and hands-on experience. For information regarding our ranking and grading procedures, please refer to our methodology policy.

Please note that all the details of the Model Y Juniper are for the China-spec model, whereas the details of the current Model Y are for the U.S.-spec model. The U.S.-spec Model Y Juniper is not yet revealed.

Performance And Capability

Tesla’s Model Y lineup offers impressive performance across the board, with powertrain options that include single and dual-motor configurations to go along with its rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) drivetrains. The Long Range RWD, Long Range AWD, and Performance models currently available in the U.S. cater to a variety of buyers, from efficient daily driving to track-worthy acceleration. While precise details on horsepower and torque for the Juniper are not yet available, its 0 to 62 miles per hour (MPH) times suggest legitimate performance enhancements. The reason the Juniper model uses 62 MPH instead of the normal 60 MPH is because it’s based on 0 to 100 kilometers per hour (KPH).

Base Powertrain Comparison

• 	2024 Tesla Model Y	2025 Tesla Model Y Juniper
  Make	Tesla	Tesla
  Model	Model Y	Model Y Juniper
  Segment	crossover	Electric Car
  Engine	Single- or dual permanent-magnet motors	Single or dual electric motors
  Horsepower	295-456 HP	N/A
  Torque	310-487 LB-FT	N/A
  Driveline	Rear- or all-wheel drive	RWD or AWD
  Range	277-337 miles	368-447 miles (CLTC)
  Starting Price (MSRP)	$44,990	$35,935
  0-60 MPH	6.6-3.5 seconds	5.9-4.3 Seconds (0-62 MPH)

Comparing the base models, the Long Range RWD and Juniper First Edition RWD both use single electric motors, but the Juniper shows faster acceleration. The Long Range RWD reaches 60 MPH in 6.5 seconds, while the Juniper First Edition RWD completes 0 to 62 MPH in just 5.9 seconds. Though Tesla hasn’t disclosed horsepower or torque figures for the Juniper, this acceleration improvement indicates higher horsepower and torque numbers.

Beyond the base models, the Long Range AWD and Performance variants of the U.S. Model Y provide dual-motor setups for even faster acceleration. The former reaches 60 MPH in 4.8 seconds, while the latter trims that down to just 3.5 seconds. On the Juniper side, the Long Range AWD achieves 62 MPH in 4.3 seconds. This is a half-second faster than the current Long Range AWD trim, which hits 60 MPH, and that’s even with the Juniper going an extra 2 MPH faster. The top speed for the Juniper variants is capped at 124 MPH, slightly below the 135 MPH of the Long Range AWD and the 155 MPH of the Performance trim.

Full Performance Specifications

As of now, Tesla has not yet released the Juniper Performance trim or any details about it, but based on these impressive numbers from the two trims that have launched, it’s expected to be a rocket ship.

Fuel Economy And Range

While Tesla has revealed range estimates for the Model Y Juniper, these figures are based on the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC), which typically produces higher numbers than the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) more stringent testing. The Juniper claims a range of 368 to 447 miles depending on the configuration, compared to the U.S. Model Y’s EPA-rated range of 277 to 337 miles. However, exact EPA figures for the Juniper are not yet available, as the model has not been released stateside. Until those figures are confirmed, it’s difficult to directly compare the efficiency and range of the two vehicles in real-world conditions.

Interior Design And Technology

The standard Tesla Model Y offers a minimalist interior design that focuses on functionality and comfort. Its clean dashboard features a large infotainment center touchscreen that controls nearly all of the vehicle’s functions, while the absence of traditional buttons creates an uncluttered look. Seating is comfortable for up to five passengers, with high-quality materials throughout and options for heated seats and steering wheel. The panoramic glass roof adds an airy feel to the cabin, and a premium sound system enhances the driving experience.

The Model Y Juniper takes this interior to the next level, introducing subtle upgrades that make it a bit more appealing to those who don’t love the standard minimalism Tesla models have become known for. In the Juniper, Tesla has added more premium materials, including revised upholstery and a new interior color option, aimed at creating a more luxurious feel. The Juniper also benefits from an updated steering wheel design and ambient lighting, adding to its modern aesthetic.

Model Y vs. Model Y Juniper Technology Comparison

On the technology front, the Model Y comes equipped with Tesla’s signature features, including Autopilot and Full Self-Driving capability (with the appropriate package), wireless phone charging, and seamless smartphone integration. Over-the-air updates ensure the car stays up-to-date with the latest software improvements, enhancing everything from infotainment to safety features.

Tesla has reportedly enhanced the central touchscreen’s responsiveness and introduced a more intuitive interface for navigation and media controls. Additionally, the Juniper is expected to debut new driver assistance features and refinements to Tesla Vision, Tesla’s camera-based safety system. These updates align with Tesla’s push to improve user experience and safety in its vehicles, making the Juniper a forward-looking version of the already impressive Model Y.

Interior Room And Cargo Capacity

The Tesla Model Y and Model Y Juniper offer nearly identical cargo space, with the regular Model Y providing 76.0 cubic feet compared to the Juniper’s 75.2 cubic feet. While the difference is minimal, we are not exactly sure what accounts for the slight reduction in the Juniper’s capacity. Despite this minor discrepancy, both models maintain their reputation for spacious interiors and practical storage solutions, making them ideal for families and everyday use.

Cargo Space Comparison

Safety And Reliability

Tesla has established a strong reputation for reliability within the EV segment and consistently achieves top safety ratings. The U.S.-spec Model Y, for instance, earned a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), while also locking in perfect five-star safety ratings across from the board from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

While the Juniper variant has not yet been tested by either agency due to its limited release in Asia, it is expected to achieve similar safety scores, as it shares the same platform and general design as the standard Model Y.

Tesla Model Y Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

• Recalls (NHTSA): 0
• NHTSA Investigations: 0
• NHTSA Consumer Complaints: 0
• Awards: Top Safety Pick + (2024)

Tesla Model Y Juniper Safety

The Tesla Model Y Juniper has not been released in the U.S. yet and therefore has not undergone testing by the IIHS or NHTSA.

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

• Recalls (NHTSA): N/A
• NHTSA Investigations: N/A
• NHTSA Consumer Complaints: N/A
• Awards: N/A

Warranty

Though no specific Juniper warranty details have been provided, Tesla currently offers the exact same warranty on all Model Y variants.

Pricing And Availability

The Tesla Model Y Juniper comes in at competitive pricing based on its Chinese launch, with the First Edition RWD starting at $35,935 and the Long Range AWD priced at $41,390. However, these figures are direct conversions from the Chinese Yuan. By comparison, the U.S.-spec Model Y starts at $44,990 for the Long Range RWD, $47,990 for the Long Range AWD, and $51,490 for the Performance trim.

Tesla has yet to release a Performance version of the Juniper, and no details about its availability, specifications, or pricing have been provided. For now, the Juniper remains unavailable in the U.S., leaving buyers here in the States to wait and see how it will ultimately be positioned in Tesla’s lineup.

Trim Pricing Comparison

** Converted prices as per the exchange rates at the time of writing this.