Key Takeaways
1. The new Model Y Juniper Performance trim will be released later this year, featuring a facelift and a 7-seat option for families and groups.
2. Tesla’s self-driving vehicle pilot program in Austin will begin in June, testing Full Self-Driving technology in a ride-sharing service.
3. The Model Y’s 7-seat layout includes an automated rear bench that folds for extra cargo space, although the automation of the smaller seats is still uncertain.
4. The 2026 Model Y Long Range AWD will have 455 horsepower and improved performance, potentially exceeding the current 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds.
5. A unique 6-seat variant of the Model Y may be introduced for the Chinese market, aligning with the U.S. 7-seater launch timeline.
The release of the Model Y Juniper Performance trim is expected later this year, according to Lars Moravy, Tesla’s chief engineer. The facelift for 2026 will also introduce a 7-seat option, making it perfect for large families or groups going on road trips.
Useful Family Features
The Model Y Juniper 7-seater will be especially beneficial when Tesla rolls out its fleet of self-driving vehicles in Austin in June. This pilot program for robotaxis aims to test the functionality of the Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology while operating a ride-sharing service without human drivers, setting the stage for the upcoming Cybercab launch in 2026. The initial phase will likely include the Model 3 and Model Y facelifts.
Enhanced Usability
This new Juniper refresh with a 7-seat layout is designed to help transport families with young kids or groups of friends, depending on how spacious the seats actually are. It features an automated rear bench that can fold forward to create more cargo room with just a button press. However, it’s still unclear how automated the additional two smaller seats will be.
Moreover, the updated Model Y can detect when the front seats are pushed too far back. It adjusts the seats while the rear bench folds to make space for the headrests and create a flat cargo area, then returns the front seats to their original positions.
Performance and Specifications
Another exciting update is the inclusion of a high-performance variant, similar to the previous model. The 2026 Model Y Long Range AWD is reported to have 455 horsepower and 430 pounds-feet of torque, placing it on par with the existing Performance trim, as noted by Moravy.
The acceleration for the 2026 Model Y Performance could surpass the current 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds due to the Juniper refresh being slightly lighter, more efficient by 10%, and having a better drag coefficient compared to its predecessor.
Recently, the Performance trim of the Model Y was observed undergoing tests in California, suggesting that a release date in Q2 is highly likely, following the Launch Series edition deliveries scheduled to start in March.
For the 7-seat version of the 2026 Model Y, there were early speculations it would debut in the holiday quarter. Additionally, Tesla may create a unique 6-seat variant specifically for the Chinese market, potentially launching around the same time as the US 7-seater configuration.
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