Spied: Our Best Look Yet at Tesla’s New Sub-$40k Model Y

The price, rather than the design, may be this Tesla’s biggest hurdle

Tesla’s promised cheaper Model Y is nearing a full reveal. Although it’s rumored to be only $5,000 cheaper than the current base model, it’ll still be the only new Tesla to start at under $40,000.

Up until now, we’ve only seen a few fuzzy spy videos and leaked images of the Model Y—expected to be called the Model Y Standard—which has simplified styling compared to other trims. But the clearest spy shots yet have just popped up on X, showing a model with no camouflage at all near Giga Texas. Here are all the changes we can see.

Unique Front Fascia And Lighting

The Model Y Standard gets a simplified front fascia—below, you can see it alongside a more expensive Model Y. Lower down, the vertical cut-outs on the other Model Ys have been removed, but some may argue that it’s a cleaner look. The center light bar that links the slim headlight clusters has been removed, giving the Model Y Standard a less futuristic, more conventional face. We also know that there’s a front bumper camera.

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Along the side, not too much has changed, but the wheels are smaller 18-inch Aperture items. These don’t look as stylish as the 19- and 20-inch wheels on other trims, but the smaller wheels could have range benefits.

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At the back, there’s a much slimmer black bar running from side to side. It lacks the full light bar of the normal model, along with the bar’s integrated TESLA wording. This slimmer bar does mean that there’s a particularly vast expanse of sheetmetal at the back, and the trunk lid doesn’t align as neatly with the black section at the bottom.

Overall, though, the Model Y Standard doesn’t look bad, and it should be more attractive in a shade other than the white seen here.

@SawyerMerritt spotted an uncovered cheaper Model Y variant driving near Giga Texas pic.twitter.com/Fy6devXree

— Ryan Mable (@RyanMable) October 2, 2025

Downgraded Interior, More Basic Suspension

Based on previous reports, the Model Y Standard will forgo quite a few interior features—note that the more expensive Model Y is pictured above. It won’t have a glass roof or a rear touchscreen display, and the steering wheel will be manually adjustable. Materials will also be less deluxe than on upper trims, and there may be greater limitations in terms of colors and lighting. A basic audio package is another change.

Under the skin, it remains to be seen if the motors and battery will be significantly changed. The suspension is expected to be downgraded, so it may not ride or handle up to the standards of other Model Ys—it definitely won’t be as sharp as the top Model Y Performance.

Some safety features will also fall away, such as the tire pressure monitoring system and the backup camera heater.

Of course, we’ll only be able to say for sure whether the Model Y Standard is worth the $5k saving once we drive the production model. An official reveal is expected before the end of the year.