Model Y Juniper vs. Model Y

By Craig Hale

Last updated: 13 June 2025

The Tesla Model Y has been one of the most popular electric SUVs globally, and we Brits love it. In fact, this model has spent many months as Britain's best-selling new car, outpacing even the Model 3 saloon on which it's loosely based.

Now, with the introduction of the updated Tesla Model Y Juniper, many drivers might be wondering whether it's worth the upgrade. And if you're looking at your first Model Y, should you buy the old Model Y or the refreshed Juniper model?

Read our guide to find out what sets each model apart and to work out which Model Y you should get.

Our guide will answer:

• The main differences between the Model Y Juniper and the old Model Y

• Is the Tesla Model Y Juniper or old Model Y better to drive?

• Does the Tesla Model Y Juniper or old Model Y have better tech?

• Which car has the better styling?

• Is the Tesla Model Y Juniper or old Model Y more reliable?

• What are the Tesla Model Y Juniper vs old Model Y dimensions?

Tesla Model Y Juniper vs. Old Model Y: Styling

Chances are you've seen hundreds of Model 3 and Model Y cars on the roads over the years, so the old model will already feel very familiar.

Although the old Tesla Model Y still feels extremely modern compared to many other electric SUVs, it's starting to show its age in the Tesla lineup as the high-tech company pushes forward with futuristic designs.

In comparison, the updated Juniper model features an even more minimalist design in a similar way to the updated Model 3, codenamed Highland.

We would argue it's even slicker, with full-width light bars at the front and rear similar to the bonkers Cybertruck (which we don't get in the UK).

Tesla Model Y Juniper vs. Old Model Y: What are they like to drive?

Driving any Tesla is a blissful experience, with even the old Model Y featuring some double glazing to minimise road noise.

Expect instant throttle response and varying levels of power, but no Tesla Model Y is slow. Even the entry-level version should do 0-60mph in the six-second mark.

Changing gear in the earlier version is done via a steering column-mounted stalk, but the Juniper model carried over the touchscreen slider from the new Model 3. If anything, we feel it complicates quick shifts, but the Auto Shift feature is an extremely useful perk – it'll automatically put you back into 'drive' after you reverse during a three-point turn.

Thankfully, the indicator stalk made a comeback in the Model Y – it didn't get the clunky steering wheel buttons from the updated Model 3, which is great news.

Tesla Model Y Juniper vs. Old Model Y: Interior and Technology

Surprisingly, even in the mid- to late-2020s, this is where the old Model Y stands out. Both cabins feature a huge landscape touchscreen in the front which acts as a control for virtually everything in the car, so you won't feel like you're pulling the short straw in any iteration of this popular electric SUV.

The system gets free over-the-air (OTA) updates for its lifetime, which not only brings stability improvements but also new features (such as that Auto Shift feature mentioned above). It's the best infotainment system in the business.

The main differentiator between the old and new Model Y is that the Juniper gets a smaller touchscreen in the rear for climate controls and even gaming.

Tesla Model Y Juniper vs. Old Model Y: Bootspace and Practicality

Because Tesla didn't drastically change the Model Y's form factor, boot space remains relatively unchanged, but that's not a bad thing – the amount of space on offer is colossal, trumping the Model 3 by a significant margin.

It really helps that the Model Y has a hatchback-style boot – a wide-opening door that makes loading large and bulky items easier.

Tesla claims 2,100 litres of luggage space for the old Model Y, and 2,130 litres of space in the Juniper, but that factors in the froot (front boot), under-floor boot storage and having the rear seats folded.

The Juniper has a 116-litre froot and an 822-litre boot with all seats in place. It's 117 litres and 854 litres for the old Model Y, which makes it the slightly better option, but in reality that difference is negligible.

Tesla Model Y Juniper vs. Old Model Y: Safety and Reliability

Tesla has a strong focus on safety, with plenty of active and passive systems and driver aids designed to minimise the likelihood and impact of a collision. If you want the best in terms of self-driving tech, the Tesla Model Y Juniper has updated hardware, including sensors, but both systems are extremely capable.

The old Model Y has a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, and while the updated Juniper edition is yet to be independently crash tested, the similarly updated Model 3 got five stars, too. In fact, all Teslas to date have five-star ratings.

Tesla Model Y Juniper vs. Old Model Y: Dimensions

Tesla Model Y Juniper

Length: 4,790mm

Width: 2,129mm (including mirrors)

Height: 1,624mm

Bootspace: 822 litres

Old Model Y

Length: 4,751mm

Width: 2,129mm (including mirrors)

Height: 1,624mm

Bootspace: 854 litres

Verdict: Tesla Model Y Juniper vs. Old Model Y, which should you buy?

If you're after the latest styling, an improved ride quality with slightly sharper performance and the latest in self-driving tech, the Tesla Model Y Juniper is the better pick.

However, for the average driver who just wants an efficient, spacious electric SUV, the old Tesla Model Y is a great choice, and thanks to the introduction of a newer model, you might be able to pick up a used bargain.

Learn more about the Model Y:

• Tesla Model 3 vs. Model Y

• Tesla Model Y vs. Model X