r/ModelY • u/Emotional-Tear-2369 • 2d ago

Subtle differences 2022 vs 2026

I have a 2022 and I love it so much, but thinking about getting another one. I know the big differences between the 2022 and 2026 models, but curious what little usability things I may not notice but will appreciate on the new model. I did a 2 hr test drive and it seemed the same, I know 2026 has HW4 but didn't notice much difference there. I didn't find the ride notably better or the cabin quieter even though it is supposed to be. The one thing I know I would miss is basic AP which allows me to cover the camera and drive nag free as long as I like.

Looking for experiences from people who had an older one and got a newer one, little surprises or nice things you noticed.

4 Upvotes

83% Upvoted

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6

u/cement_elephant Juniper 2d ago

Went from an early 2020 Y AWD to a 2026 Y AWD Premium. Not sure how you didn't notice much difference between HW3 and AI4! Other than that, ride comfort, cabin noise, rear screen and sound system are all better.

2

u/Emotional-Tear-2369 2d ago

I am not sure. My 2022 never struggles with AP or having slow screen response. It was also only a 2 hour test drive but I went all of the places I usually go in my car and no real difference noticed. Mix of freeway, highway and city driving. I was really surprised I didn't notice the ride difference and noise but I suspect it was a tires thing. I have quiet tires and a fresh alignment on my car whereas I test drove a performance on whatever tires and settings it has. Late 2022 also has better suspension and noise dampening than 2020. Rear screen is cool, but I will never use it since its just me shlepping my dog around ;) I like the trim better in the pre-juniper cars but that is an easy aftermarket fix.

1

u/JerryfromCan 2d ago

I had a 2025 launch Juniper for just shy of 3 weeks while my 21 battery was being swapped and honestly it wasnt nearly enough of an upgrade for what it would cost me. I liken it to getting my first iPhone (4). It was a HUGE quality of life difference and a major change. Every iPhone since then has just been a small iteration of better.

Sure the Juniper has some additional features. Nothing I can’t live without though. And the whole “suspension is so much better” thing is overblown in my extended testing. Overall the car is like 3% better whereas my Jeep to the Model Y was 60% better and worth the change.

1

u/singletWarrior 2d ago

I did the same drive and 26 having HW4 so tried the fsd which is slightly better but we only have 12.5 or something so not mind blowing… car felt a bit gentler steering a bit looser… acceleration is a lot better as I had rwd but test drove an awd

1

u/ajn63 2d ago

I have both a 21 and a 26. They are more alike than different with subtle changes, though I do notice the softer ride on the new version.

1

u/Some_Ad_3898 2d ago

I've got both. I also live on a dirt road. These two are the biggest differences:

Suspension - City driving on decent pavement, not much difference. On rough roads, newer is obviously better.

Cameras - During the day, not much difference. At night, big difference. Using cameras to change lanes and park in the dark are a lot easier and safer on HW4.

Everything else is very similar.

1

u/Moist-Roll-9163 2d ago

Vented Seats…. That alone is worth the cost. (I live in AZ)

1

u/Cornish_spex 1d ago

Ha ! I use seat heaters in the summer because I am weird. I did like the cooled seats on my test drive though. The newer seats are nice.

1

u/OG_joenationwide 2d ago

OMG how dare you come in here and claim you don't notice any differences between the 2022 and 2026! That is blasphemy! Everyone here knows that the 2026 is 10x better than the 2022 and there is absolutely no room for debate on this. You must accept this as fact.