2024 Tesla Model Y (Project Juniper): What we know/expect

Update: ‘Design‘ section updated.

Tesla plans to present a refresh to the Model Y, the SUV sibling of the Model 3, and begin production of the updated version in 2024, Reuters reported on March 1, 2023. Codenamed ‘Tesla Juniper,’ the electric SUV could go on sale in the U.S. as the 2024 Tesla Model Y.

Here’s our general expectation from the new Tesla SUV. Please note that some information and visuals presented in this article represent the current model year, and we will keep revising this page as new updates surface.

Design

Like the 2024 Tesla Model 3, we expect the 2024 Model Y to feature a mildly updated exterior, with newly designed bumpers and wheels. Like today, in addition to a bigger body, fender flares would immediately differentiate it from the sedan. Our rendering (pictured above), includes a curvy L-shaped cut-out on the sides of the front bumper as a visual cue for the SUV.

In European markets, Tesla may offer adaptive headlights on the new Model Y for enhanced safety. When making a turn, adaptive headlights automatically turn based on the steering angle, yaw, and driving speed to optimize the illumination of the road ahead. According to a report from autoevolution, Tesla calls this feature ‘Adaptive Main Beam’ and plans to enable it in the new Model 3 with a software update in Europe.

Another safety upgrade on the new Model Y will likely be ‘Active Hood,’ designed to offer improved pedestrian safety. At speeds of ~30-52 km/h (~19-32 mph), if a vehicle collides with a pedestrian, the rear part of the hood may automatically raise by approximately 80 mm (3.1 in.). The likelihood of pedestrian injuries would reduce as a result of the increased space between the hood and the components under it.

Tesla may offer the new Model Y in two fresh colors: Ultra Red and Stealth Gray. These paints would be in addition to a few carried-over options, possibly including Pearl White Multi-Coat, Solid Black, and Deep Blue Metallic.

As for the current Model Y, customers would be able to purchase wraps for the new Model Y. We expect Tesla to offer a clear wrap in gloss and satin versions for USD 5,000 and various colored wraps for USD 7,500 (white/gray/black)/USD 8,000 (blue/green/rose gold/red). Both wraps would protect the paint, and the latter would even allow customers to change the color of the vehicle’s exterior and give it a refresh whenever they want.

Interior & Features

Inside, the new Model Y should sport a redesigned dashboard and a swiveling function touchscreen infotainment system, which is unavailable in the current model. Tesla may improve the quality of materials and introduce new steering wheel options with the refresh.

Tesla may employ a new steering wheel inspired by the Semi and Cybertruck in the new Model Y and offer a steering yoke with a steer-by-wire system as an option. The facelifted crossover SUV may feature new, ventilated seats, new RGB ambient lights, a new, 17-speaker sound system with two subwoofers and two amplifiers, and maybe even an 8-inch rear screen. Improved microphones for enhanced phone calls and increased quietness achieved by 360º acoustic glazing could round out the important interior changes.

Tesla discontinued wood trim in the Model 3 with the facelift, and it may do the same in the Model Y. The Model Y’s interior comes in black and black-white color schemes and includes wood trim in the sportier-looking fully dark option. Wood trim may suit the two-tone color scheme, but it somewhat looks out of place in the all-black cabin, if you ask us. The company may introduce Alcantara or another premium artificial material as a replacement. ABS-bonded foam non-woven fabric is another possibility.

Interestingly, Tesla updated the Model Y in China in September 2023, including small features like RGB ambient lighting on the dashboard, and a new textile material in place of the wood trim.

The new Model Y could be available with Full Self Driving (FSD) optionally. Speaking at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai (July 6-8, 2023), Musk said (via Carscoops) that he thinks Tesla will achieve FSD later in 2023. He did caution that he was only speculating about this timeline, though. Ordering the new Model Y with the cameras, sensors, and other parts required to enable FSD could allow customers to enjoy the new autonomous driving functions whenever they become available through a software update.

Like the Model 3 Highland, Tesla could make efforts to make the Model Y’s cabin quieter. It has installed dual-pane glass on all windows and windshield to further isolate noise in the electric sedan.

Specifications

According to Tesla Tech Central which cites a reliable source within Tesla, the upcoming 2024 Model Y might bring significant changes to its specifications compared to the current model. The key highlight is a new battery architecture, enabling an impressive range of 400 miles. Notably, there are talks of a potential charging input of 350 kW, achievable with a higher voltage of 800 volts. Furthermore, improvements to the suspension system will enhance the vehicle’s ability to handle street imperfections, while an upgraded powertrain is also expected. These rumors suggest exciting advancements for the 2024 Model Y.

The Model Y is today available in Standard, Long Range, and Performance variants. The base variant has only one motor, which powers the rear wheels. It takes 6.6 seconds for a 0-60 mph sprint and can achieve a top speed of 135 mph. Its EPA-est. range is 260 miles.

The Long Range variant has an additional motor that powers the front wheels and changes the drivetrain layout to AWD. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds, but it has the same top speed – 135 mph. On a full charge, EPA estimates it can travel up to 330 miles.

Performance is also a dual-motor AWD variant but with a more powerful powertrain. It takes just 3.5 seconds for a 0-60 mph sprint and it has a much higher top speed of 155 mph. Its EPA-est. range is quite impressive, too – 303 miles.

In the new Model Y line-up, the Standard and Long Range variants may have a lower top speed of 125 mph. However, their EPA-est. range figures could be slightly higher, up to approximately 360 miles.

Price & Release date

Reuters’ source sharing developments around the new Model Y project, says that Tesla has scheduled the production start of the refresh in October 2024. That’s a projected timeline, though, which could change because of various external factors. If there are no delays, expect customer deliveries to begin in the final weeks of 2024.

As of December 27, 2023, the Model Y retails at USD 43,990 (Standard)/USD 48,990 (Long Range)/USD 52,490 (Performance). Tesla levies a USD 1,390 destination fee and a USD 250 order fee over the vehicle price. We don’t see Tesla rolling out a major price revision with the facelift. By October 2024, the base price of the Model Y may have crossed USD 45,000.

In its Q3 2023 financial report, Tesla highlighted the Model Y’s affordability, sharing some of its lowest base prices including national and state subsidies in various states. Colorado is the state where the Model’s effective MSRP is the lowest – USD 31,490. Illinois and New Jersey rank second, with the net MSRP coming in at USD 32,490. Massachusetts takes the third spot, with an MSRP of USD 32,990. These prices exclude the aforementioned USD 1,390 destination fee and USD 250 order fee, though.

TopElectricSUV says

As America’s top-selling EV, the Tesla Model Y is the driving force of the nation’s transition to electric cars. It’s an all-rounder with high energy efficiency, thrilling performance, great practicality, and innovative technologies, and we think an update can only make it more appealing!

2024 Tesla Model Y FAQs

Featured Image: TopElectricSUV’s rendering of the 2024 Tesla Model Y/Project Juniper

I got my Master’s in Business Management & Administration and have been an International Automotive News Editor since 2014. I’ve traveled to global motor shows and automotive events, driven various types of vehicles, and focused on hybrid and electric cars in the last 4 years.