- New “Standard” trims return as Tesla’s most affordable Model 3 and Model Y options.
- Prices drop by up to $5,500, but key comfort and tech features are removed.
- Autopilot now costs extra, as Tesla shifts to a simpler lineup with “Premium” and “Performance” tiers.
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Tesla Brings Back Base Models for the Model 3 and Model Y
Tesla has effectively brought back the base trims for both its Model 3 and Model Y EVs. They’re both cheaper than the previous entry point to each car’s respective lineup, but to accomplish this, there are fewer standard features than other models in the trim structure. They also introduce some new nomenclature to the Tesla hierarchy. Standard models are the new entry point, and the old Long Range models are now called “Premium” models. However, the top-of-the-line model for both the Model 3 and Y remains the Performance trim.
The Tesla Model Y Standard Is $5,000 Cheaper
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Exterior Simplifications Keep Costs Down
Tesla made quite a few adjustments to each in order to bring pricing down. The new Model Y Standard starts at $41,630, some $5,000 cheaper than the Model Y Premium. For starters, Tesla removed the crossover’s front light bar, as well as smaller 18-inch wheels and new, more cost-friendly all-in-one headlights. Tesla offers only three colors, again in a bid to cut costs: white, black, or gray—and gray is the only one you won’t pay extra for.
Interior Changes: Cloth Seats and Fewer Features
Inside, you’ll find more cost-cutting. Seats now feature cloth upholstery instead of the usual plastic leatherette upholstery, and a new center console is fitted. This could be an upgrade in storage space, however, and it doesn’t feel much like a cost-cutting move. Regardless, Tesla also nixed its power-adjustable steering column and seat heating (for the rear seats), and ventilation (for the front seats) is gone now, too. Unsurprisingly, Tesla also removed the rear infotainment screen, installing vents in its place. Speaking of tech, the car’s central 15.4-inch screen remains, but Tesla also culled Autopilot from both models – instead, you’ll have to live with standard adaptive cruise control, or fork over $99 a month for renewed access to Tesla’s more involved drive assistance software.
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Powertrain and Battery Updates
Powertrain changes also help to bring the final MSRP down. Model Y Standard trims get the brand’s single-motor setup on the rear axle with 300 horsepower (Tesla quotes a 6.8-second 0-60 time). A smaller battery is also fitted, coming in at 70 kWh and a claimed range of 321 miles on the car’s standard 18-inch wheels. Optional 19-inch wheels see range fall to 303 miles. Max charge speed also falls to 225kW from 250. Interestingly, Tesla retains the crossover’s glass roof, but has covered it with a sound-deadening headliner.
The Tesla Model 3 Standard Is Cheaper By $5,500
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Aesthetic changes to the Model 3 Standard are far more limited. It too will ride on 18-inch wheels with optional 19s available. Gray is again the only free paint option, as white and black will command a premium. Inside, many of the changes Tesla made to the Model Y Standard are present, which makes sense given the close relationship between the two. However, the Model 3, for whatever reason, keeps its glass roof.
The Model 3 Standard also ends up with the same drivetrain as the Model Y Standard. Range shifts a bit, with a claimed 321 or 303 miles of range depending on whether you opt for the 18- or 19-inch wheels, respectively. Power falls a bit in the Model 3, with a claimed 286 horsepower going to the rear wheels, and claims a 5.9-second run to 60 mph.
Pricing is similar to the Model Y lineup. The Model 3 Standard will start at $38,630, which comes in $5,500 cheaper than the Model 3 Premium.
