A New Tesla Model Y Is Here. Social Media Is Ripping It A New One

It seems that CEO Elon Musk's actions are beginning to have consequences, somehow.

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Kevin Williams

By: Kevin Williams

Jan 24, 2025 at 5:02pm ET

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The Tesla Model Y "Juniper" facelift is here, but some aren't into it for several reasons.
Some think the facelift doesn't go far enough. Others are disgusted by Elon Musk's actions at the 2025 Presidential Inauguration.
Comments sections on many social media posts are full of people expressing their discontent with the Model Y refresh and Elon Musk.

I think Elon Musk’s totally-not-a-Sieg-Heil has crossed the metaphorical blood-brain barrier. What I mean is, for a very long time, Musk’s antics as of late have been somewhat insulated from Tesla itself. There has been evidence that his behavior has led to buyers turning to other brands or the company itself losing perceived value. But owning a Tesla—save for the Cybertruck, which had its own set of baggage—was still generally acceptable, and people were willing to overlook Musk’s words because the cars themselves were good.

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Well, that might be on the way out now. Tesla’s taken the wraps off the Model Y, allowing a few European journalists and content creators to get a closer look at the refreshed crossover. (Check out our brief video look here.) It’s also released pricing specifications and a release date for the U.S. version, too.

But the comments sections of nearly any new Model Y-related content are filled to the brim with people who are none-too-happy with Musk, especially after the so-called "arm gesture" seen this week.

Launch Model Y Screenshot

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The comments tend to go one of three ways. The first way is arguably the most banal, as it revolves around the Model Y itself; some don’t feel the facelift goes far enough to improve the car. The new Model Y’s launch edition is very expensive, about $12,000 from the old car, for add-ons that some Tesla owners don’t think are worth it. (Granted, this is the Launch Edition Model Y, and less expensive variants are sure to follow.) To some, the range is disappointing, and they’re not sold on the styling now that we’ve got more live photos and walkarounds of the car.

The second one directly acknowledges Musk's turn toward far-right and white supremacist rhetoric, particularly the “Roman salute” from Monday’s inauguration of President Donald Trump—especially after his subsequent double-down on X. It’s definitely pun-filled, a little satirical, but scathing all the same. The UK-based YouTube channel Carwow has some of the best gems, like “Do you have to use arm signals instead of indicators?” or “They’ve replaced “Ludicrous” mode with “Blitzkrieg” mode, or “Berlin to Warsaw in one charge.”

"Does the [satellite navigation] now direct you to Poland?", one user asks.

Launch Series 2

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The third one is arguably the most common, and the most serious. Gone are the attempts at humor or satire, and in its place is straight-laced indignation and fear that Musk has co-signed a return of Nazi ideals. It’s people who don’t want to support the propagation of fascist ideas and rhetoric.

Sometimes, it's even current Tesla owners who vow to never buy another because of what Musk has done. Even our own stories, videos and posts on InsideEVs are full of disgruntled EV folks who are repulsed at the actions of Tesla’s CEO.

Turns out a Seig Heil puts a real damper on technological innovation, huh?

launch tesla model y 2

Photo by: InsideEVs

Of course, this ain’t great for Tesla. Whatever improvements the new Model Y has are now largely overshadowed by how people feel about Musk and his worldview. Anecdotally speaking, several friends of mine, who both owned and liked their Model 3s, decided to ditch them in recent days. One has already sold his off to Carvana, and in its place is a gas-powered used Porsche Macan. Another reader recently begged InsideEVs to stop covering Tesla entirely.

I don’t know what happens next. Musk has yet to apologize or walk back any of his statements. In fact, it seems like he’s still put more fuel on the fire via tasteless jokes, attracting the ire of the ADL, who initially defended his “Roman Salute” as just an awkward gesture.

What do you think?

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If these commenters put their money where their mouth is, then Tesla’s going to be in for a bad time when the Model Y is ready to hit the road.

Contact the author: Kevin.Williams@InsideEVs.com

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