Why The Tesla Model Y Juniper Is Worth Waiting For (2024)

The Tesla Model Y is long overdue for a generational update, especially now that the Model 3 Highland has been available in the new market for a good few months. The Model Y is currently the best-selling electric vehicle in the U.S. despite it being pretty much visually unchanged from the original 2020 model year. Over the last few months, we have gotten some updates and rumors regarding the inevitable Juniper update, which we expect to mirror a lot of the Highland features. If this is the case, it will only cement the Model Y's status as the unrivaled segment leader and widen the already massive gap between it and its main rivals from more experienced manufacturers.

The question is whether you should consider the current model year or wait a couple of months for the all-new derivative. Electric car demand in the U.S. is an increasingly growing market now that there are more affordable options from companies that benefit from strong consumer reputations. New electric car buyers typically prefer to have access to the latest and best technology, so the thought of a 2024 Tesla Model Y being relatively outdated within a couple of months may prompt potential buyers to defer their purchase until the new model arrives. Based on the drip-fed rumors that have surfaced thus far, this may be a worthwhile action that you should consider.

The Model Y Juniper's Increased Power Outputs

The Tesla Model Y typically sources its parts from the Model 3 range, so we can expect a moderate improvement in both performance and range from the upcoming Model Y Juniper update. For reference, Tesla splits the Model Y into three drivetrain configuration options, the entry-level option of which is a single-motor model with the brand's standard battery pack. This produces 295 horsepower, which gets you from 0-60 MPH in a claimed 6.6 seconds. The entry-level Model 3 equivalent features a similar configuration, but with a 271-horsepower output, which affords it a 5.8-second 0-60 MPH time, but you have to factor in that this model is also a bit lighter than its crossover counterpart.

2024 Tesla Model Y Specs

As for the top-of-the-range performance models, the current Model Y incorporates a pair of permanent-magnet motors that produce 456 horsepower , resulting in a 3.5-second 0-60 MPH time. Tesla appears to not change this output with the Model 3 Performance, so we may not see substantial performance gains at the higher end of the range.

One trim that does stand out is the recently introduced Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive option, which doesn't increase the EV's output, but does upgrade it to an 82 kWh battery pack, affording it an incredible 363-mile EPA-estimated range. Adding this configuration to the Model Y range will certainly increase its already substantial market demand.

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Incorporating The Highland's Visual Elements

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Tesla Model X vs. Tesla Model Y: What’s the difference?

The upcoming Juniper range is almost certain to adopt some of the Model 3 Highland's refreshed design cues, considering how much the current example is based on the previous-generation Model 3. Tesla has done a great job at tactfully disguising some of the few test units that have been circling about American roads, but based on what we've already seen, Tesla is sure to apply new lights and other minor revised trimmings to give the crossover a more modern and refreshed look. For the most part, the Model Y will retain its recognizable appearance, as the brand will build it on exactly the same platform. This architecture may be relatively old, but it still maintains a high level of technology, which partly contributes to the Model Y's immense success.

Based on this, it would only be worthwhile for you to wait for the Juniper if you want to enjoy a more refined and up-to-date exterior appearance. Other than that, it will offer a nearly identical level of safety and practicality compared to the current model. This isn't a big let-down, considering the 2024 model excels in these criteria, even against its younger rivals. Maintaining the same body style also sets Tesla to keep its optional seven-seater layout, which returns some very favorable tax credits and incentives.

The Model Y Juniper Will Go All Digital

If you're a fan of Tesla's minimalist and digital-focused approach to interior design, then we wouldrecommend waiting for the Juniper update , because we understand that this is one area that the brand's engineers and designers are paying close attention to. Again, we believe this to be the case by looking at the Highland update, which maintains a bulk of the previous-generation model's design elements, but incorporates some noteworthy upgrades to improve the overall user experience. Touchscreen interfaces will be much more predominant as Tesla moves to scrap its physical controls altogether, similar to the Model S and Model X range.

Another feature we could see introduced to the Model Y cabin is the very convenient 8.0-inch digital display for the rear bench, joined by a premium nine-speaker audio system, which you can upgrade to a 17-speaker configuration by opting for the long-range derivatives. These are just the features that are most likely to make their way into the Juniper update, as Tesla may take the opportunity to introduce all new tech, components, and design elements for the most successful model in its relatively short history. We're unlikely to see a display unit for the optional third row of seating, but we can't confidently rule it out. There are also unlikely to be any changes to Tesla's upholstery options, as these have become standardized across the brand's range.

Project Juniper's Arrival Date

As is the case with anything surrounding upcoming Tesla products, the brand has been very quiet about what we can expect from Project Juniper, including its official release date. The only bit of information that we got is from company founder and CEO Elon Musk, who confirmed that it wouldnot take place this year . Considering how successful the current generation model remains, even despite the Model 3 Highland's presence. Musk added that the brand constantly updates its models, so if you buy a Model Y today, there will be some noteworthy improvements compared to a unit assembled six months prior. Now that Cybertruck deliveries have commenced , the brand is likely to be focusing more on its next big seller, which will be the upcoming Model 2 . It already has a rumored 2026 launch date next to the top-of-the-line Roadster .

Looking at the current generation, the Model Y arrived a whole three years after the Model 3. There's some possibility that the brand could stick to this same schedule, meaning we could only see an updated example sometime after 2027. This would be a surprising instance, considering the brand has already applied the updates to the Model 3 , which would logically make it an easy transition into the crossover counterpart.

The Tesla Model Y Juniper Will Be A Popular EV Crossover

We don't know when the Juniper will arrive, but one thing we know for certain is that it will be an incredibly popular car when it arrives. Looking at 2024's results as of the first half of 2024, Tesla has sold an estimated 198,030 units of the Model Y, making it the most popular electric vehicle sold in the U.S. by a massive margin. For reference, Tesla sold 73,552 copies of the Model 3, some of which were the Highland examples.

Best Selling EVs Q2 2024

After this sits the Ford Mustang Mach-E with 22,234 copies sold over the same period, highlighting just how much of a dominance the Tesla brand holds over the market. This is the same case in international markets, where ICE cars like the Honda Civic are even struggling to keep up. If we isolate the results to just the second quarter, the Model Y clears 101,310 copies, while the Mach-E achieves 12,645 examples.