Model Y

Name: Tesla Model Y
Brand: Tesla

Compact crossover SUV, best-selling EV globally

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Configure Model Y on Tesla.com →

Key Facts at a Glance

Seating 5 adults (optional 7-seat, Long Range AWD)
Real-World Range 250-300 mi typical (EPA 277-320 mi)
Towing 3,500 lb rated
FSD Hardware HW4 (AI5 Computer)
Max Charging Rate 250 kW DC (Supercharger V3)
Safety 5-star NHTSA overall, IIHS Top Safety Pick+.

VERSION COMPARISON

	RWD $44,990	Long Range AWD $48,990	Performance $57,490
Tagline	Juniper refresh entry point.	Best value. Now with 7-seat option.	Track-ready crossover.
0-60 mph	5.9s 0-60 mph	4.1s 0-60 mph	3.5s 0-60 mph
Range	277 mi	320 mi	303 mi
Drivetrain	Rear-Wheel Drive	Dual Motor AWD	Dual Motor AWD
Power	271 hp	384 hp	456 hp
Top Speed	135 mph	135 mph	155 mph
Highlights	Rear touchscreen, Ambient lighting, Matte black badging	16" screen, Black headliner, 7-seat option ($2.5k)	16" screen, Black headliner, 21" Helix 2.0 wheels
Verdict	Entry Juniper. Gets most of the upgrades.	Best value. Sweet spot for most buyers.	Real performance SUV. Worth it for driving enthusiasts.

TL;DR

Cheapest Model Y RWD — Entry Juniper at $44,990. Gets rear screen + new interior.

Value Long Range AWD — 16" screen + 7-seat option + black headliner. Best config.

YOLO Performance — 3.5s 0-60 with 21" Helix 2.0 wheels. Track-ready daily.

The mistake? Skipping 7-seat option if you have kids. Only $2,500 more.

RELEASE HISTORY & WHAT CHANGED

Mar 2020

Initial Release

First production units delivered.

Jul 2023

Suspension Update

Suspension tuning revisions for smoother ride
updated interior trim materials

Jan 2025

Juniper Refresh

Full redesign with 50% new parts
full-width rear light bar
front bumper camera
8" rear touchscreen
ventilated front seats
15-speaker audio
4% more aerodynamic
22% noise reduction
Gen 2 suspension

Jan 2026

Jan 2026 Update

7-seat option ($2.5k) on Long Range AWD
16" center screen on Premium/Performance
black headliner standard
matte black badging
20" Helix 2.0 wheels option ($2k)

FEATURE DEEP-DIVE

Full Self-Driving (FSD)

Hardware: HW4 (AI5 Computer)
Capabilities: Supervised FSD on city streets & highways, Auto Lane Change, Navigate on Autopilot, Smart Summon, Autopark
Option: $8,000 add-on or $99/month subscription
Subscription: $99/month FSD subscription available

Charging

Max Rate: 250 kW DC (Supercharger V3)
Range per 15 min: ~162 miles in 15 min
Home Charging: Wall Connector (48A, 11.5 kW) — full charge overnight
Port: NACS (CCS adapter included)

Interior

16" center touchscreen (Premium/Performance, Juniper upgrade)
8" rear touchscreen for passengers
Ventilated front seats (Juniper update)
15-speaker audio system
Black headliner standard (Jan 2026+)
7-seat option on Long Range AWD ($2,500)
Ambient lighting, powered liftgate

Safety

5-star NHTSA overall, IIHS Top Safety Pick+. 8 cameras, AEB, Collision Avoidance, Blind Spot Monitoring, Sentry Mode.

5-YEAR OWNERSHIP ESTIMATE

Fuel Savings (5 yr): $5,000-7,000 vs comparable gas SUV
Maintenance (5 yr): ~$2,500 (tires, wipers, cabin filter)
Insurance: Moderate; expect $1,800-2,800/yr
Depreciation: Strong resale — best-selling EV globally, Juniper refresh boosts value
Federal Credit: Expired — federal EV credit ended Sept 30, 2025
Bottom Line: Excellent TCO thanks to low maintenance and fuel savings. Best overall value in the Tesla lineup.

PRICING & SAVINGS

Federal EV Tax Credit (Expired)

The federal EV tax credit expired September 30, 2025. The up-to-$7,500 credit for new EVs (Section 30D) and up-to-$4,000 credit for used EVs (Section 25E) are no longer available for vehicles acquired after that date.

The federal tax credit for EV charging equipment (Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit) remains available — up to 30% of installation costs — through June 30, 2026.

STATE INCENTIVE EXAMPLES

California

Up to $7,500 CVRP

Clean Vehicle Rebate Project for qualifying buyers + HOV lane access stickers

Colorado

$5,000

State tax credit for new EVs

New Jersey

~7% sales tax exemption

No sales tax on zero-emission vehicles

New York

Up to $2,000

Drive Clean rebate at point of sale

Texas

No state rebate

No state income tax offsets total cost; check local utility rebates

OTHER SAVINGS

▸Federal charger tax credit: 30% of EV charger installation costs (through June 30, 2026)
▸Many employers offer pre-tax commuter benefits for EV charging
▸Some utilities offer time-of-use rates — charge overnight at $0.04-0.08/kWh
▸Tesla Supercharger network: ~$0.35-0.50/kWh, still 40-60% cheaper than gas
▸No oil changes, no transmission service, brake pads last 100k+ miles (regen braking)

The federal EV purchase credit expired Sept 30, 2025. State and local incentives vary and change frequently. Always verify current eligibility with your state's energy office and a tax professional before purchasing.