With the Tesla Mannequin Y holding its floor as one of many world’s top-selling automobiles throughout all powertrains, the 2026 replace has understandably turn out to be one of the crucial anticipated launches of the 12 months. The facelifted Mannequin Y introduces a variety of exterior, inside, and chassis upgrades, promising to refine the world’s best-selling EV. With deliveries of the refreshed mannequin simply starting, we lately visited a Tesla dealership in Greece for a more in-depth take a look at the adjustments.
The Mannequin Y’s so-called “Juniper” replace that follows the “Highlander” revisions for the Mannequin 3, was revealed final month. As anticipated, the primary automobiles have already hit dealerships worldwide, and a few have even began providing demo drives to potential consumers. Whereas our personal take a look at drive remains to be a number of weeks away, we managed to park the refreshed Mannequin Y subsequent to its predecessor for a side-by-side comparability.
Sharper Entrance and Delicate Tweaks
Let’s be sincere: even hardcore Tesla followers need to admit that the unique Mannequin Y was a little bit of an ungainly sibling to the Mannequin 3. Certain, the rear design labored for a crossover, however that roofline was questionable, and the entrance finish was extra “wants enchancment” than “wow.” It took time to heat as much as it—if you happen to ever did.
Extra: Tesla Rolls Out Customary 2026 Mannequin Y Vary In Europe, Cuts Costs By Up To $2,100
Now, sizzling take alert: regardless of the countless complaints on-line in regards to the Cybertruck-inspired entrance mild bar, in particular person, it really works.
The Juniper replace ditches the awkward duck-face bumper and replaces it with a recent pair of cut up headlights which can be noticeably completely different from the Mannequin 3 Highland’s setup. The total-width LED bar on the entrance brings some Cybercab and Cybertruck vibes however, fortunately, with out the latter’s jagged edges or these comically unhealthy panel gaps.
The primary headlights are actually mounted decrease, flanking the revised entrance bumper with taller aspect intakes. These tweaks contribute to improved aerodynamics (0.22 drag coefficient vs. 0.23 within the earlier mannequin), which ought to, in concept, increase vary—although the battery choices stay unchanged.
Whereas the profile largely stays the identical, you’ll discover new mirror caps and the extra placing design of the 19-inch Crossflow wheels (these are customary on the pictured Launch Collection Twin Motor). They appear much more interesting than the outdated 20-inch Helix 2.0 wheels, a minimum of to our eyes.
As for the colour palette, the Mannequin Y now is available in Stealth Grey, Pearl White Multi-Coat, Quicksilver, Extremely Purple, and Glacier Blue. However if you happen to’re available in the market exterior of Europe, your choices might differ.
Extra: Ought to Tesla Give The Mannequin 3 A Juniper Replace?
Again-Finish Adjustments: LED Afterburners
Shifting to the rear, the standout function is the “oblique reflective physique panel taillight.” It’s smooth and much much less generic than the earlier design, with a glowing LED strip underneath the dark-tinted cluster that creates a visual “afterburner” impact when driving at midnight.
The Tesla lettering continues the sci-fi theme, changing the standard “T” emblem, which is now solely discovered on the wheels. Curiously, in most markets exterior China, the up to date Mannequin Y doesn’t carry a badge on its nostril, with Tesla assured that its distinctive styling shall be sufficient for folks to acknowledge it.
Lastly, the tailgate encompasses a cleaner design, harking back to the Tesla Cybercab, and extends all the best way to the extra outstanding rear bumper, lowering panel gaps. Because of this, the size of the crossover has elevated by 41 mm (1.6 inches), bringing it to 4,792 mm (188.7 inches). Nevertheless, the dimensions distinction is so delicate that it’s virtually undetectable to the bare eye.
You’ll additionally discover that the tailgate is now cut up into two items. Whereas this may increasingly disrupt the visible stream barely, it’s a sensible change—if broken, the cut up design makes it cheaper and simpler to interchange.
Inside: Higher Supplies, Extra Screens, Identical Tesla
At first look, the inside of the up to date Mannequin Y nonetheless feels very very like the outdated one, however take a more in-depth look, and also you’ll discover the small print have been improved. The supplies are barely extra refined, although you’d want a eager eye (or an obsessive Tesla fan) to catch the distinction.
The most important updates are lifted straight from the Mannequin 3 Highland, together with the redesigned steering wheel, a brand new ambient lighting strip across the cockpit, new dashboard inserts, and—lastly—ventilated entrance seats. Tesla has additionally reworked the middle console and the (bigger) door playing cards, although, in typical Tesla vogue, the general performance stays largely unchanged.
Tesla additionally made the curious (although not fully stunning) alternative to maneuver the drive controls to the touchscreen, ditching the steering-wheel-mounted gear selector. On the intense aspect, they’ve saved the flip sign stalk, an apparent win in comparison with the Mannequin 3’s touch-button alternate options. That mentioned, the stalk itself now has a shorter throw than earlier than.
In each the outdated and the brand new Mannequin Y, all features are nonetheless managed by way of the 15.4-inch central show, and sure, Tesla continues to stubbornly keep away from including bodily buttons, an instrument cluster, or a head-up show. These options are customary in most different automobiles, however Tesla’s sticking to its weapons right here.
The 2026 Mannequin Y additionally will get a blind spot indicator, however in true Tesla cost-cutting vogue, it’s only a tiny single-pixel mild within the nook of the window, relatively than the extra standard mirror-mounted indicator most different automakers use.
These sitting on the again will discover the addition of a brand new 8-inch show giving them entry to temperature management and media, though its place is way from perfect for watching motion pictures. Extra importantly, the rear seats are noticeably extra comfy, now providing extra reclining positions.
Rear visibility stays extraordinarily poor, though the sensors and the live-view of the environment on the touchscreens supposedly make up for it.
The boot seems unchanged, however the Mannequin Y Juniper now features a button that electronically folds and unfolds the rear seat again, making it simpler to move bigger objects. These changes are managed electronically and even transfer the entrance seats ahead in the event that they’re unoccupied. Moreover, the frunk now comes with a drain plug, a function that was absent within the earlier Mannequin Y, clearly impressed by its Ford Mustang Mach-E rival.
Reworked Chassis And Carry-Over Powertrains
Tesla hasn’t made any adjustments to the electrical motors or battery packs in the usual fashions (we’re nonetheless ready for the Efficiency trim, which ought to convey extra energy, amongst different upgrades). The Mannequin Y (relying available on the market) remains to be accessible in RWD, Lengthy Vary RWD, Lengthy Vary AWD, and the upcoming Efficiency model.
Extra: Jay Leno Drives 2026 Tesla Mannequin Y, Efficiency Trim Coming Quickly
2026 Tesla Mannequin Y
Because of enhancements in aerodynamics, tires, and brakes, the Mannequin Y Juniper sees a modest improve in vary (EPA-estimated as much as 320 miles / 515 km) and likewise seems to be barely faster than its predecessor in equal trims—a minimum of on paper.
The actual information right here is the reworked suspension, which is alleged to enhance journey high quality and cut back NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness), particularly together with the brand new acoustic glass and quieter tires. We couldn’t take it out for a spin on the time we visited the showroom, however contemplating the earlier Mannequin Y’s tough journey on poorly maintained roads, there’s positively room for enchancment right here.
Verdict
After spending a while with the 2026 Mannequin Y, it’s clear Tesla’s designers and engineers approached this mid-cycle replace with warning. They’ve addressed a number of the weak spots within the earlier mannequin whereas preserving the core character of the automotive largely intact. And with fierce competitors coming from China, it’s no shock they didn’t need to rock the boat an excessive amount of.
The Mannequin Y Juniper options sharper styling and a extra refined cabin, with a variety of small upgrades that collectively improve the general expertise. It’s additionally extra environment friendly and marginally faster than its predecessor, that are key elements that ought to resonate with mainstream consumers. The one remaining piece of the puzzle is the reworked chassis, which might deal with probably the most vital flaw of the outgoing mannequin: its journey high quality. We’re wanting to see the way it performs on the highway, and we’ll share our full verdict in a extra detailed overview quickly.
Till then, take a look at the visible comparability within the video and tell us which technology of the Mannequin Y you like based mostly on seems to be. It’ll be fascinating to see how the launch of the up to date electrical crossover impacts Tesla’s gross sales this 12 months, and whether or not its reputation shall be influenced by the rising controversies surrounding the model’s CEO.
