The long-rumored “cheaper” Tesla has finally been revealed, although in a form different from what many had previously expected.
Instead of introducing an all-new vehicle, Tesla has introduced less expensive versions of both its Model 3 and Model Y vehicles.
Both new Models will be built using a smaller 69 kWh battery pack, which is constructed with fewer modules than the battery packs featured in more expensive versions. Neither model will come with AutoPilot as standard; instead, they will make do with standard adaptive cruise control. Buyers will have the option to add Full Self-Driving (Supervised) for an additional $8,000 (or $99 per month) to either model.
Model 3 Standard
The biggest news for these new Standard models is their starting prices. The new Model 3 Standard arrives with a starting price of $38,630, $5,500 less than the “Premium RWD” version, the next highest trim level (which used to be the base trim).
Exterior changes are subtle and include new 18-inch “Prisma” wheels that offer a flatter, more covered look compared to those found in more expensive models. Model 3 Standard will only be available in grey, black, or white.
Inside, the Model 3 Standard swaps faux leather seats for fabric seats that are heated both front and rear. Buyers will also still find a heated steering wheel, though ventilated seats are nowhere to be found. Other notable interior changes will include a manually adjustable steering column, the absence of a rear touchscreen, single-pane rear windows, and no ambient lighting.
Tesla is quoting a 321-mile range for this new, smaller battery, along with a slower 0-60 time of 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 125 MPH. The suspension has also been downgraded to a passive setup, which will likely result in less comfortable ride quality.
Model Y Standard
The new Model Y Standard features a few more noticeable differences between it and the more expensive Model Ys than the aforementioned Model 3 standard. Pricing for the new Model Y Standard will begin at $41,630, which is exactly $5,000 less than the next model up, the Model Y Premium RWD.
Arguably, the most noticeable exterior difference is the deletion of the front light bar, along with a simplified bumper design. The headlights themselves feature a different, less-detailed design with simpler lighting signatures. 18-inch “Aperture” wheels come standard, down from 19-inch wheels found on higher trims. Around back, a simplified taillight design lacks the lighted LED strip that spans the liftgate of higher trim models; however, a strip of unlit plastic still connects the two taillights on either side. A redesigned bumper and rear hatch round out the list of exterior changes. The Model Y Standard will also be available in only three colors: grey, black, and white.
Much like the Model 3 Standard, the Model Y Standard’s interior undergoes a significant de-contenting, complete with the same textile seats replacing faux leather. A notable difference between the two is that the Model Y also sees the elimination of the standard full-length center console (the Model 3 Standard retains the same center console design as the more expensive versions).
Front seats lose their ventilation, although they retain a heating function. The glass roof has been replaced with a solid roof arrangement (the Model 3 retains its glass roof in Standard trim), and ambient lighting has been entirely deleted. The rear seats lose their power-folding and heating capabilities, and the rear center display has been replaced with a pair of manually adjustable air vents. Power-folding side mirrors have also been deleted. Finally, the sound system is reduced from 15 speakers and a subwoofer to 7 speakers, with no subwoofer.
Tesla is quoting the same 321-mile range and 125 MPH top speed for the Model Y Standard as the new Model 3 Standard, although it features a slower 0-60 time of 6.8 seconds (with rollout), down from 5.4 seconds on the more expensive Premium AWD model.
The Tesla website currently displays a delivery range of December 2025 to early 2026 for these new Standard trim vehicles.
