Man surprised with an early invitation for a test drive of the new Tesla Model Y Juniper reveals its next-level features
- A Tesla enthusiast test-drove the new Tesla Model Y Juniper
- Deliveries will begin in March
- There are notable ‘next level’ upgrades
Published on Mar 01, 2025 at 10:00 PM (UTC+4)
by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Last updated on May 15, 2025 at 8:04 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
A Tesla enthusiast got a surprise early invitation to test drive the new Tesla Model Y Juniper.
Deliveries of the launch edition should start in March 2025.
The reviewer previously owned a Tesla Model 3.
However, there are some notable upgrades, leaving him labeling the EV as ‘next-level’.
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Test drive of the Tesla Model Y Juniper
As Tesla content creator, Jeremiah Jones, takes a seat behind the steering wheel, he’s struck by how much higher the seat is in the new Tesla Model Y Juniper than in the Tesla Model 3.
Inside the cabin, the headline hasn’t changed from its usual gray. But there’s also a new silver trim, seat adjustment buttons, and a revised emergency release marking.
Despite a small rear windshield, he is surprised by how good visibility is due to a front-bumper camera as part of the new camera system.
The trunk design is similar to the old Model Y, but the power-folding rear seats can now adjust automatically if obstructed.
From the outside, the front looks ‘miles better’ in person, and the rear design appears more aggressive.
The ‘light bar’ on the back of the car doesn’t actually light up, but effectively reflects the light above it. And you can customize the color.
The driving experience
Performance and acceleration of the EV feel strong, with an estimated 0-60mph time of 3.6-3.7 seconds with the acceleration boost.
As he puts the driving dynamics through their paces he notes that the regenerative braking feels different with softer non-air suspension than the old Model Y.
Tire pressure was slightly underinflated, however, likely for comfort during demo drives.
Road noise is similar to the new Model 3 due to noise isolation.
“You really can sit here and whisper to other occupants – as long as you’re not going over like 70-75MPH,” Jones said.
Notable changes include a redesigned turn signal, acceleration boost, and quieter cabin however, it’s a trifecta of ‘Handling, suspension, noise’ that really impresses him.
Looks like the Juniper could be the best Model Y yet…
All Supercar Blondie contributors undergo editorial review and fact-checking to ensure accuracy and authority in automotive journalism. After gaining her BA Hons in French and English at the University of Nottingham, Amelia embarked on a vocational diploma from the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ). This led to numerous opportunities, from interning at Vogue to being on the small team that launched Women’s Health magazine in the UK, which was named the PPA Consumer magazine of the year for three years running. As Health, Beauty and Fitness editor, Amelia personally received a Johnson & Johnson Award and was shortlisted for both PPA and BSME titles. Since then, Amelia has created content for numerous titles and brands, including the Telegraph, 111 Skin, Waitrose, Red magazine, Stylist, and Elle, as well as being Head of Content at Vitality and Editor in Chief at INLondon magazine. “My superpower is translating technical jargon about the mechanical workings of a supercar into a relatable story you’ll want to share with your friends after you’ve read it.” After joining the SB Media family as a senior journalist in September of 2023, Amelia’s role has evolved to see her heading up the SEO output of the editorial team. From researching the most ‘Google-able’ key terms to producing evergreen content - it’s been a time of hard work, growth, and success for the editorial team and the Supercar Blondie website. “I like to think of myself as a ‘method journalist’. In other words: I live and breathe whatever I am writing about. When writing about fitness, I trained as a personal trainer, and as a beauty editor, I completed an ‘expert’ in scent diploma with the Fragrance Foundation. “During my tenure at Supercar Blondie, however, I did something I never thought possible: I passed my driving test at the age of 36. One day I’d love to train as a mechanic to better understand what happens under the hood, too. “My sweet spot is providing readers with a ‘takeaway’ (read: something new they didn’t know before) after reading every one of my stories. While I don’t claim to be an expert in the automotive world, I know the experts and bodies in the field to rely on to provide our readers with an informative and thought-provoking story every time they visit the site.”
