Quick facts
| Trim | Range (EPA, mi) | 0–60 mph | Top speed | Drivetrain | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive | ~320 | 5.6 s | 125 mph | RWD, single motor | $44,990 |
| Model Y Long Range AWD | ~327 | 4.6 s | 135 mph | AWD, dual motor | $48,990 |
| Model Y Performance | ~303 | 3.5 s | 155 mph | AWD, dual motor | $56,990 |
Prices and ranges shown are headline U.S. configurations; Tesla adjusts these regularly. Always verify on tesla.com.
The "Juniper" refresh
The Model Y received its mid-life refresh in early 2025, code-named "Juniper." It is the version sold today. Key changes from the 2020–2024 Model Y:
- Front and rear styling: Cybertruck-inspired light bars, slimmer headlights, and a more aerodynamic nose. The drag coefficient drops to 0.22.
- Interior overhaul: the dash gets the Highland-style ambient light strip, ventilated front seats are standard on Long Range and Performance, an 8" rear-passenger touchscreen replaces the headrest screen of older units, and acoustic glass is now used all around for a markedly quieter cabin.
- Suspension and ride: revised dampers and bushings address the original Model Y's chief complaint — that it rode too firmly. The Juniper is meaningfully more comfortable on broken pavement.
- Stalks deleted: as with Highland Model 3, turn signals and shifting move to the steering wheel and touchscreen. Same divisive change.
- Range and efficiency: small efficiency improvements push the Long Range AWD a bit further on a charge.
- HW4 / AI4 across the board: all Juniper Model Ys ship with the latest cameras and onboard compute.
Real-world range vs EPA
Like the Model 3, EPA numbers are achievable in mild weather at moderate speeds. Practical expectations:
- Summer: close to EPA in mixed driving.
- Winter highway: a 25–35% drop in below-freezing temperatures is normal.
- Highway at 80 mph: 10–20% below EPA. The Y's higher SUV body costs more drag than a Model 3 at the same speed.
- Roof rack / large items: roof racks are a noticeable hit at highway speeds. A loaded ski-trip roof box can cost 20–30% of range.
What the referral gives you on a Model Y
Same as every other Tesla in the lineup: 3 months of FSD (Supervised) plus a Supercharging credit applied to your account at delivery. For Model Y buyers specifically, the FSD value is most pronounced because Y owners disproportionately use the car for road trips and long highway commutes — the modes where FSD shines.
Order a Model Y with the referral
Click below before you start configuring. Your order summary will show the FSD trial and Supercharging credit.
Use the Tesla Referral → Goes to tesla.comHow to spec a Model Y
The Long Range AWD is the right pick for most buyers. The reasoning:
- The price gap to RWD is small, but the AWD trim is meaningfully better in poor weather and adds another ~7 miles of EPA range.
- The towing rating is higher on AWD (3,500 lb vs lower or none on the U.S. RWD).
- Resale stays stronger on AWD trims.
RWD makes sense if budget is the dominant constraint, you live somewhere it never snows, and the federal credit pushes the math your way. Performance is a fun choice, but the suspension is firmer and tire wear is higher; in the Juniper generation the gap to LR AWD is smaller than it used to be.
The third row option (7-seat)
Tesla offers a 7-seat configuration on the Long Range AWD. Honest assessment: the third row is genuinely kid-only. Adults won't fit comfortably for any meaningful drive. It's a great option for occasional carpool duty — "I have a third row when I need it" — but anyone needing real adult-grade three-row capacity should look at Model X or a non-Tesla three-row SUV.
Color and wheels
Stealth Grey and Pearl White are the no-cost paints; Solid Black, Diamond Black, Quicksilver, and Ultra Red are upcharges. The standard 19" wheels offer the best ride and longest range. The 20" Induction wheels are sportier but harsher; the 21" Performance wheels look great but accelerate tire wear.
What it costs to live with
- Insurance: Model Y rates have come down as the car has become extremely common. Tesla Insurance is competitive in the states where it's offered.
- Maintenance: minimal — tire rotations, cabin air filter, brake fluid every 2 years, no oil or transmission service.
- Tires: 19": ~30k miles for typical drivers. 20": 22–28k. 21" Performance: 18–24k.
- Charging: typical Model Y LR drivers paying U.S. average home electricity rates spend $450–700 per year on energy — less than a third of the gas equivalent for a similarly-sized SUV.