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The Tesla Model holds the field there as one of the best -selling vehicles in the world in all motorcycle groups, the 2026 update has naturally become one of the most anticipated launches of the year. The Y Factory model introduces a range of outdoor upgrades, interior and chassis, promising to refine the best -selling EV in the world. With deliveries of the refreshed model, we recently visited a Tesla dealer in Greece for a more in -depth examination of changes.
The so -called “juniper” update of the Y model which follows the “Highlander” revisions for model 3 was revealed last month. As expected, the first cars have already struck dealers around the world, and some have even started to offer demonstration readers to potential buyers. Although our own road test is still in a few weeks, we managed to park the model updated next to its predecessor for a comparison side by side.
Front front and subtle adjustments
Let’s be honest: even the hardcore fans of Tesla must admit that the original Y model was a bit clumsy for model 3. Of course, the rear design worked for a crossover, but this roof line was questionable, and the front end Wow was more “need for improvement”. It took time to warm up – if you’ve never done it.
Plus: Tesla deploys the range of standard Y models 2026 in Europe, reduces prices up to $ 2,100
Now Hot Take Alert: despite the endless online complaints concerning the front light bar inspired by Cybertruck, in person, it really works.
The juniper update abandons the clumsy bumper and replaces it with a new pair of divided headlights which are significantly different from the configuration of the model 3. The full LED bar at the front brings vibrations of cybercab and cybertruck , but, fortunately, without the shredded edges of the latter or these comic gaps.
The main headlights are now mounted below, flank the front bumper revised with higher side intake. These adjustments contribute to the improvement of aerodynamics (0.22 coefficient of drag against 0.23 in the previous model), which should, in theory, a boost range – although the battery options remain unchanged.
Although the profile remains largely the same, you will notice new mirror caps and the more striking design of the 19-inch cross flow wheels (these are standard on the double engine of the photo launch series). They seem much more attractive than the old Helix 2.0 wheels of 20 inch, at least in the eyes.
As for the color palette, the model is now available in stealth gray, in multi-coco-coat button, fast, ultra red and glacier blue. But if you are on the market outside Europe, your options may differ.
More: should Tesla give model 3 an update of the juniper?
Back-End changes: LED post-brings
By moving to the back, the out -of -competition function is the “indirect rear lights of reflective body”. It is elegant and much less generic than the previous design, with a shiny LED band under the dark tinted cluster which creates a “after burner” effect during driving in the dark.
Tesla’s lettering continues the science fiction theme, replacing the traditional “T” emblem, which is now on the wheels. Interestingly, on most markets outside of China, the model updated does not wear a badge on its nose, Tesla confident that its distinctive style will be enough for people to recognize it.
Finally, the tailgate offers a cleaner design, recalling the Tesla Cybercab, and extends to the more prominent rear bumper, reducing the panel gaps. Consequently, the length of the crossing increased by 41 mm (1.6 inches), which brought it to 4,792 mm (188.7 inches). However, the size difference is so subtle that it is practically undetectable with the naked eye.
You will also notice that the tailgate is now divided into two pieces. Although this can slightly disturb the visual flow, it is a practical change – despite the fact that the divided design makes it cheaper and easier to replace.
Interior: Best materials, more screens, even Tesla
At first glance, the interior of the model updated there always looks a lot like the old one, but look more closely, and you will notice that the details have been improved. The materials are slightly more refined, although you need a lively eye (or an obsessive Tesla fan) to make the difference.
The biggest updates are raised directly from the Highlands Model 3, including the redrawn steering wheel, a new ambient lighting strip around the cockpit, new dashboard inserts and, finally, ventilated front seats. Tesla has also reworked the central console and (larger) door cards, however, in the typical manner of Tesla, the global functionality remains largely unchanged.
Plus: Tesla pursuing customers and journalists to silence critical criticism, and it’s winning, the report finds
Tesla also made the curious (but not completely surprising) choice to move the training controls to the touch screen, abandoning the gear selector mounted on the steering wheel. On the right side, they kept the shift of the turn signal, an obvious victory compared to the touch alternatives of model 3. That said, the rod itself has a shorter launch than before.
In the old and the new Y model, all the functions are always controlled via the central display of 15.4 inch, and yes, Tesla continues to obstinately avoid physical buttons, a group of instruments or a head -up display . These features are standard in most other cars, but Tesla sticks to her guns here.
The Y 2026 model also obtains a blind spot indicator, but from the real Tesla mode to the reduction of costs, it is just a small light to a single pixel in the corner of the window, rather than the indicator mounted on Mirror more conventional than most other car manufacturers use.
People sitting at the rear will notice the addition of a new 8 -inch screen giving them access to temperature control and the media, although its position is far from ideal for watching movies. More importantly, the rear seats are significantly more comfortable, now offering additional inclinable positions.
Rear visibility remains extremely poor, although the sensors and live vision of the environment on touch screens compensate it.
The boot seems to be unchanged, but the juniper of the model now includes a button which folds and electronically deploys the rear seat, which facilitates the transport of larger items. These settings are controlled electronically and even move the front seats forward if they are unoccupied. In addition, the fruit is now delivered with a drain plug, an absent feature in the previous model, clearly inspired by its rival Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Reworked chassis and powertrain
Tesla has not made any modification to electric motors or batteries in standard models (we are still waiting for the performance filling, which should bring more power, among other upgrades). The Y model (depending on the market) is always available in RWD, long -range RWD, long -range AWD and the next performance version.
Plus: Jay Leno Drives 2026 Tesla Model Y, Trim performance to come soon
2026 Tesla Model Y
Thanks to improvements in aerodynamics, tires and brakes, the model juniper sees it as a modest increase in the beach (EPA-Estimated up to 320 miles / 515 km) and also seems to be slightly faster than its predecessor in Equivalent fillings – At least on paper.
The real news here is the reworked suspension, which would improve the quality of the driving and reduce NVH (noise, vibration, hardness), in particular in combination with the new acoustic glass and quieter tires. We could not remove it for a tour when we visited the exhibition hall, but given the previous Rough Ride du Model y on poorly maintained roads, there is certainly room for improvement here.
Verdict
After spending a little time with the Y 2026 model, it is clear that the designers and engineers of Tesla addressed this update in the middle of the cycle with caution. They addressed some of the weak points of the previous model while keeping the central character of the car largely intact. And with fierce competition from China, it is not surprising that they did not want to rock the boat too much.
The Juniper Model has a clearer style and a more refined cabin, with a range of small upgrades that collectively improve the global experience. It is also more efficient and slightly faster than its predecessor, which are key factors that should resonate with general public buyers. The only remaining part of the puzzle is the reworked chassis, which could approach the most important defect in the outgoing model: its quality of driving. We can’t wait to see how it works on the road, and we will share our full verdict in a more detailed exam soon.
Until then, see the visual comparison in the video and let us know what generation of the Y model you prefer according to the looks. It will be interesting to see how the launch of the updated electric crossing affects Tesla sales this year, and if its popularity will be influenced by increasing controversies surrounding the CEO of the brand.
