A lot is going on at Tesla right now, from poor sales figures to the brand plotting to revolutionize future transportation. The Model Y Juniper update, a substantial refresh of Tesla’s best-selling vehicle, has gone a bit under the radar. The new Model Y started with a pricey Launch Edition, starting at around $60,000. However, Tesla has now ditched the Launch Edition for the Long Range AWD model, which begins at a much cheaper starting price.
Key Takeaways
- Tesla started offering the Model Y Juniper with a pricey $60,000 Launch Edition
- The new Long Range AWD trim brings the starting price down to $48,990
- The Model Y is still eligible for the full $7,500 federal tax credit
- It also should be relatively tariff-proof, as the most American-made car
- But has Tesla suffered too much brand damage for people to buy it?
The Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD Starts Around $50,000
The new starting price for the Model Y Long Range AWD is $48,990, a little above $50,000 with destination fees added on. It starts at $69,990 in Canada, which works out to about the same price. Tesla is offering leasing starting at $499/month with $2,999 down for a 36-month lease with 10,000 miles per year. Buyers can finance a Tesla Model Y for $759/month for 72 months with $3,999 down.
The Model Y should be relatively immune to Trump’s automotive tariffs. It’s assembled in America. While rules are still being drawn up for parts, the Model Y is the No. 1 American-Made vehicle in the Cars.com American Made Index. The Tesla Model Y is also eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit.
Will The New, Cheaper Model Y Help Tesla Sales?
The Model Y has been a sales phenomenon. Estimated sales of more than 400,000 in 2024 make it America’s best-selling EV and fourth best-selling overall vehicle, behind the Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado and Toyota RAV4. Affordability has been pivotal to that sales success. The pre-updated Model Y with AWD started below $50,000. Getting back to that price point — around the price of an average new car — should, on paper at least, help boost Tesla’s sales.
Theoretically, the Model Y’s new look and substantial improvements should help address one of Tesla’s major issues: having the only new product being the Cybertruck while other manufacturers make significant advances.
TopSpeed’s Take
The Tesla Model Y has sold well because it has been a great deal, relatively. It could be poised to become even greater if other manufacturers have to raise prices due to tariffs, and Tesla can keep costs low. But it’s hard not to see Tesla’s relationship with Elon Musk’s far-right politics in the U.S. and abroad affecting sales for some time, even if he does leave direct involvement with American politics.
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