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The 2025 Tesla Model Y wears an update for the first time in the EV’s tenure. However, an update might not be enough to keep the best-selling EV in America on top. Tesla’s slumping sales might impact the Model Y’s market dominance.  

The Tesla Model Y is the best-selling EV in America and the fourth best-selling vehicle in 2024 

Based on sales estimates, the Tesla Model Y outsold every other electric vehicle (EV) on the market in 2023 and 2024. What’s more, the Model Y enjoyed a bit of a sales bump from one year to the next, jumping from an estimated 385,900 units in 2023 to 405,900 in 2024.

Further, the 2025 model year is the first iteration of the “Juniper” update, including a slick new look to keep the best-selling EV SUV’s fans interested. Gone are the familiar headlight assemblies in favor of a Cybertruck-ish light bar. On the inside, the Juniper Model Y gets finer materials, rear-seat displays, ventilated front seats, and upgraded sound mitigation.

The update follows the 2024 “Highland” refresh of the smaller Tesla Model 3. Like the new Juniper Model Y, the Highland Model 3 received a styling update with squinted features and interior upgrades. However, the Model Y’s styling update might not be enough to turn the tide of Tesla’s slipping global sales.   

Even with a refresh, the Model Y’s popularity might not survive market competition and Elon Musk’s antics

America’s best-selling EV is faltering compared to its sales performances in previous years. According to the CNCDA’s California Auto Outlook report, buyers in the Golden State took home 4,000 fewer Model Y SUVs in Q4 2024 than in the fourth quarter of the previous year.

In China, Tesla’s February sales dropped 49% over the same time last year. Granted, Lunar New Year typically slows vehicle sales, but the figures are dramatic. Worse yet, the automaker’s sales crashed 70% in its largest European market, Germany. It paints a bleak picture for the automaker and its perennially popular SUV.

In China and elsewhere, affordable market competition and production issues are driving the slumps. However, controversial CEO Elon Musk’s global antics are a driving factor among car buyers to shop elsewhere. Still, only time will tell if the updated Model Y can retain its American sales crown.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and Humvees. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with expertise covering everything from sports cars and electric motorcycles to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He also studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC). When he’s not working, you can find Erik on his motorcycle or out for a spirited drive.