2024 Tesla Model Y facelift imagined, based on Model 3 spy photos

As night follows day, a facelift for the 2024 Tesla Model Y electric SUV is expected to arrive closely behind the upcoming update for the Tesla Model 3 sedan.

A leaked image of the facelifted Tesla Model 3 (known internally as the 'Highland') appeared online earlier this month – giving a preview of what the updated Tesla Model Y, reportedly codenamed 'Juniper', could look like when it arrives next year.

Illustrated by Drive's Photoshop guru Theottle, the updated Model Y adopts the new front end from the 'Highland' Model 3, with slimmer, Roadster sports car-like lights and a simpler front bumper.

Although the Model 3 and Model Y have unique bodywork, many external parts on the Model 3 and Model Y – headlights, tail-lights, mirror caps, door handles and camera modules – are largely shared between the two vehicles.

The design of the current Tesla Model Y's front bumper is very similar to the Model 3, suggested the facelifted sedan's new front bumper shape may spread across to its SUV sibling.

News agency Reuters was first to report on plans for the facelifted Model Y, which is due to go into production in October 2024 – about a year after the updated Model 3, due to roll off the Chinese production line from September 2023, according to news agencies Reuters and Bloomberg.

The Reuters report claimed upgrades would "involve the exterior and interior" of the Model Y, but it is unclear how extensive the revisions will be.

Updates to the Model 3 sedan are reportedly slated to include the front-end restyle seen in the leaked photo, plus changes to the rear bumper, door mirrors, and camera modules on the front wheel arches and front bumper.

While the Model 3 facelift is set to gain a restyled body line around the front wheel-arch cameras – which will extend into the front doors for the first time – the Model Y has had this design since it was unveiled in 2019.

Reports also claim Tesla is planning to switch from in-house-designed seats to an external supplier, while the faux woodgrain-look dashboard trim currently paired to black synthetic leather-look seats may be replaced by a fabric finish.

Reuters claims changes may also be planned to the Model 3 and Model Y's electric motors and battery packs, but specifics are yet to be revealed.

Keep an eye on Drive for more details of the 2024 Tesla Model Y as its reported launch nears next year.