Transportation

Tesla's latest lineup tweaks: no more 'Standard' branding and a cheaper AWD Model Y

A white Tesla Model Y Standard parked on a gray slab of cement. Behind the car, groups of people are partying with picnic benches and cornhole boards.
Tesla is mixing up its Model Y lineup. There's a new, lower-cost option and a name change-up on its trim levels. Tesla
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Tesla is adding another cheaper Model Y to its lineup — and simplifying the car's naming conventions in the process.

The electric automaker is rolling out a pared-down version of the Model Y with an all-wheel-drive powertrain. The new trim starts at $43,630, about $7,000 less than the Model Y Premium AWD.

Like Tesla's other lower-cost efforts, the trim strips out high-end features like leather seats, the panoramic glass roof, and the second-row climate-control screen.

The model has the shortest range of any Model Y, likely because of the added traction. It offers 294 miles on a full charge.

The new trim expands Tesla's lower-cost offerings. Three months ago, the company introduced the Standard Rear-Wheel-Drive trim for the Model Y starting at $41,630. That model shaved $5,000 off the price of the RWD Premium. It has an estimated range of 321 miles.

The new AWD option, however, delivers a noticeable performance upgrade over the cheaper RWD trim. It springs from standing to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds — 2.2 seconds faster than the RWD model.

Tesla didn't respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Tesla is also ditching the 'Standard' badge

Alongside the new trim, Tesla has quietly dropped the "Standard" name from its entry-level Model 3 and Model Y vehicles. The cheapest versions are now called "Rear-Wheel Drive," while higher-end trims retain the "Premium" and "Performance" names.

The switch-up comes as Tesla rejigs its vehicle lineup following months of lagging sales. During last week's Tesla earnings call, the company said it would discontinue its oldest models, the Model S and Model X.

"It's time to basically bring the Model S and X programs to an end with an honorable discharge, because we're really moving into a future that is based on autonomy," CEO Elon Musk said while announcing their sunsetting.

Tesla's focus is increasingly shifting toward self-driving and robotics, including last year's robotaxi launch in Austin, the planned release of its autonomous Cybercab, and a production ramp for its humanoid robot, Optimus.

The adjustments also come as Tesla's five-car lineup saw a 9% sales slump.

Last year, Tesla lost its global EV sales crown to BYD, while Volkswagen overtook the company in European electric vehicle sales.

The Model S and Model X have been Tesla's weakest sellers. In 2024, the company sold a combined 50,850 units of the Cybertruck, Model S sedan, and Model X SUV.

That was just over just over 3% of the automaker's 1,636,129 sales.

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Ben Shimkus
Ben Shimkus is a reporter for the Business News desk. He writes about cars, transportation, retail, and jobs. Ben's reporting has appeared in Rolling Stone, The Verge, Automotive News, USA Today, AutoBody News, LGBTQ Nation, TopSpeed, and Out Magazine. He's also held staff writing positions at The U.S. Sun and the Daily Mail. He graduated from NYU with a Master's in journalism in 2024. Email Ben at bshimkus@insider.com or message him privately on Signal at bshimkus.41.