Tesla’s Model Y teaser from the weekend came out of the shadows too soon. The electric vehicle-maker launched the new Model Y ‘Standard’ in the United States on Wednesday (10/7).
Tesla also launched a feature-stripped ‘Standard’ version of the Model 3 compact electric sedan (details in a separate post later).
Because of the introduction of the more affordable Model Y electric SUV and Model 3, Tesla has renamed each vehicle’s trim lineup. The most basic variant is now called ‘Standard’, and the rest start with the word ‘Premium’.
Range and Price
Tesla Model Y Standard RWD comes with an impressive EPA estimated range of 321 miles (516 km). This is just 36 miles (58 km) below the range of Premium Model Y RWD (357 miles / ~575 km, see comparison table below).
The Tesla Model Y lineup now consists of the following four different variants (prices and range):
| Model Y Variant | Starting Price (US) | Range (EPA estd.) |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y Standard Rear-Wheel Drive | $39,990 | 321 miles |
| Tesla Model Y Standard All-Wheel Drive | $41,990 | 294 miles |
| Tesla Model Y Premium Rear-Wheel Drive | $44,990 | 357 miles |
| Tesla Model Y Premium All-Wheel Drive | $48,990 | 327 miles |
| Tesla Model Y Performance All-Wheel Drive | $57,450 | 306 miles |
Missing Features
Exterior, Front and Rear Lights
Tesla Model Y Standard is built on the same body frame; therefore, it has the same exterior dimensions and size as the Premium models.
So, how can you distinguish a Standard Model Y from the Premium variants? First of all, the front light bar is removed and converted into DRLs and conventional-looking headlights.
The matrix headlights installed under the top light bar in Model Y Premium models are also not available in the Standard version.
The rear light bar is also modified. Although the physical light strip continues across the trunk door, the road-glowing puddle light is not present in the Tesla Model Y Standard. Only the corner brake lights are illuminated (see pic below).
Obscured Glass Roof
Model Y Standard comes with a glass roof, but interestingly, from the inside of the vehicle, Tesla has completely covered it. This has become a point of debate, with some arguing that it is a good move by Tesla and others that it is a bad one.
In sunny and warm parts of the US and hot climate countries, the covered glass roof is going to improve cooling retention for occupants. However, the permanent roof cover also blocks the view of the sky, which is available in the Premium trims.
Wheels & Tires
The newly-launched Model Y Standard comes with 18″ Aperture Wheels (photo above). This is a new aerodynamic wheel design specifically created by Tesla for the Standard Model Y trim.
19″ Crossflow Wheels are optional for an additional cost of $1,500. These 19-inch wheels are standard on the Premium RWD and Premium AWD variants.
Model Y Standard comes with Hankook All-Season tires pre-installed from the factory.
Paint Options
To reduce production time and costs, Tesla has limited the number of color options for the new Model Y Standard to only three paint options.
The Stealth Grey color comes included on the new Model Y Standard RWD. Pearl White Multi-Coat and Diamond Black colors are optional for an additional $1,000 and $1,500, respectively.
Interior
Once again, to cut costs and streamline production, Tesla has limited the Model Y Standard interior option to just the All Black trim (see pic above). The White interior is not available even as a paid option.
The glass roof is covered from the inside to block sunlight and preserve HVAC performance. The screen is the same as the Premium variants. However, Model Y Performance has a larger, higher-resolution screen compared to all other variants.
Seat adjustment control buttons are also removed. Height and lumbar adjustment settings are now available only via the on-screen UI.
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It’s $41,630 all in. I just paid $41,411 (dealer invoice of $46,411 less $5,000 factory incentive) for the refreshed 2026 Toyota bZ Limited AWD.
Besides the fully-loaded “standard” features (as opposed to “Standard” stripped-down Model Y RWD), that net price included extra cost premium (“Heavy Metal”) paint with matching overfenders, premium JBL stereo with subwoofer, all-wheel mudguards and all-weather floor and cargo mats.
Its 338 hp delivers a 4.9 seconds 0-60 mph and has been tested as low as 4.4 seconds. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, as are power front and manually reclining rear heated seats and ventilated seats for driver and front passenger. It has front seat ceramic leg warmers.
It has a one-piece panoramic glass roof with a motorized sunshade. It has HomeLink. It has a slightly smaller center screen (14″), but with volume and dual zone climate knobs AND it has a 7″ instrument cluster just below the windshield that includes navigation from Apple Maps, A Better Route Planner and the native navigation with 3-year free trial (by that time, Google Maps should catch up to Apple).
It doesn’t have the frunk and its range is lower at 278 miles, but it comes with a dual-voltage NACS home charger, a J1772 to NACS adapter and a CCS to NACS adapter. The native NACS port has been moved to the right front to be compatible with legacy V2 Supercharger spaces. Add it up and for $219 less, there’s no comparison. And the punchline is that I traded my 2024 Tesla Model Y LR AWD to buy it!