2026 Tesla Model Y Juniper refresh spied

The Tesla Model Y is about to receive its first solid refresh.

It was recently spied undergoing testing on public roads, and those photos show the updated Model Y should follow a similar path as the facelifted Model 3 that proceeded it in 2023. The updated 2026 Tesla Model Y is expected to go on sale in the spring of 2025.

The refreshed Model Y is said to be internally code-named Juniper, while the updated Model 3 was known as Highland.

Tesla’s Model Y Juniper update will be the first substantial update the model has seen since it went on sale in 2020.

Visual updates are expected to follow the path laid by the Model 3 Highland. Those would include updated front and rear ends including a new split headlight design that can be seen despite the camouflage. New wheel designs are also expected to come with the refresh.

Inside, the Model Y should feature upgraded materials, ambient lighting, cooled front seats, heated seats front and rear, and a new 8.0-inch rear display for climate and entertainment functions. The overall dashboard design is expected to carry over with a new, larger 15.4-inch touchscreen replacing today’s 15.0-inch unit and housing all vehicle controls. The stalks, including the gear selector and turn signal stalk, will likely be removed, bringing the Model Y in-line with the Model 3.

The Juniper Y refresh will likely bring acoustic glass, like the Model 3 Highland, for less road and wind noise, along with an available 17-speaker audio system with two subwoofers and two amplifiers.

Tesla updated the Model 3’s suspension with the Highland refresh, and the Juniper Model Y is expected to benefit from similar updates. Those revisions in suspension tuning and updated parts translated to a more comfortable and controlled ride.

Today’s Model Y is available with single-motor rear-wheel-drive Long Range, dual-motor all-wheel-drive Long Range, and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive Performance powertrains. Tesla doesn’t disclose power output, but 0-60 mph times fall between 6.5 and 3.5 seconds today.