Tesla has quietly expanded the 2026 Model Y lineup again, giving shoppers more choices than ever—especially if you’re trying to balance price, range, and features. After rolling out a long-range Model Y RWD in Europe, Tesla has now introduced a new short-range Model Y AWD in the United States. At the same time, the company has renamed the former Model Y Standard to Model Y RWD, a change that appears aimed at avoiding any “budget” labeling while keeping the entry point clear.
With these updates, Tesla now sells five Model Y trims in the US, spanning a wide price range from $39,990 to $57,490. For buyers who want an electric SUV in the Model Y family, the lineup now covers everything from a lower-cost commuter setup to a higher-performance option.
Here are the prices and estimated ranges for every 2026 Tesla Model Y trim currently sold in the US:
Model Y RWD: $39,990 (321 miles)
Model Y AWD: $41,990 (294 miles)
Model Y Premium RWD: $44,990 (357 miles)
Model Y Premium AWD: $48,990 (327 miles)
Model Y Performance: $57,490 (306 miles)
The newly added Model Y AWD is the most interesting twist. Tesla effectively takes the least expensive RWD configuration, adds a second motor for all-wheel drive, and keeps the battery capacity the same. That simple change comes with a trade-off: the new AWD version posts the shortest range of any Model Y sold in the US at 294 miles. In fact, it’s the only Tesla vehicle in the current US lineup dipping below the 300-mile mark.
Still, the pricing is the big headline. At $41,990, the Model Y AWD undercuts the Model Y Premium AWD by $7,000. For shoppers who want all-wheel drive for winter roads, rain, or extra traction—without paying close to $50,000—this new trim lands as a noticeably more affordable option.
However, going cheaper doesn’t just change the badge. Buyers choosing the Model Y AWD give up a long list of comfort and design upgrades found on the Premium AWD. The missing features include vented and motorized leather seats, the light bar, the panoramic glass roof, a HEPA filter, matrix LED headlights, acoustic glass, and a higher-end stereo system. Color choices are also more limited.
Range-wise, the gap isn’t enormous compared to the Premium AWD—roughly 30+ miles—which means many drivers may find the trade-off acceptable if the goal is simply to get into an AWD Model Y for significantly less money. For anyone prioritizing value and traction over luxury touches, the 2026 Model Y AWD could become one of the most practical entries in Tesla’s US lineup.
