Shock different look for Model 3 sibling? 2025 Tesla Model Y 'Juniper' update gets closer as leaked photos show more of the upcoming Polestar 2 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric car rival

It appears the upcoming facelift to the Tesla Model Y could arrive with some of its own unique flair compared to the Model 3 that arrived here in late 2023.

A post to X (Twitter) by account Teslaconomics features two apparently leaked photos of what could well be the updated Model Y, showing a glimpse of the new electric car’s rear and the interior door card.

While the photo inside the car appears to show it to be a pre-production car, with wiring still unfinished, it does look very similar to the inside of the current Model 3 which was facelifted last year. But the rear shows an unexpected design element — a tail-light bar instead of two distinct housings.

“Whoever leaked these photos of the new design of the Tesla Model Y refresh (Juniper) should be immediately fired,” the account said with the photos, apparently hoping to rouse a level of agitation that’s become the norm for the ‘Elon’ corner of the internet.

The photos themselves aren’t incredibly useful alone, with not much of either the interior or exterior of the Model Y shown, but alongside the updated Model 3 it’s easier to see what will be shared between the two.

2025 Tesla Model Y (Image: X/Teslaconomics)

While it’s expected the Model Y will follow the Model 3 in terms of an overall style shift, likely including narrower headlights, the inclusion of a body-width bar for the tail-light departs from the Model 3’s individual units.

It makes sense when considering the trend of SUVs being given light bars lately, especially among popular and premium models inlcuding the Polestar 2

2025 Tesla Model Y (reddit/JacklJack)

What appeared to be a camouflaged Model Y on test was spotted by a reddit user almost a month ago, though the body coverings made it even harder to determine how similar to the updated Model 3 the refreshed electric SUV would look.

The updated Model Y isn’t expected to be revealed until 2025, with Tesla CEO Elon Musk saying in a post to X (Twitter) “No Model Y refresh is coming out this year”.

2025 Tesla Model Y (Image: X/Teslaconomics)

Musk, seeming to entice Tesla buyers not to wait around for a new car, added: “I should note that Tesla continuously improves its cars, so even a car that is 6 months newer will be a little better”.