After weeks of anticipation for the Model Y Standard, Tesla has delivered that and more. In a surprise move, the automaker has also launched a new Model 3 Standard, expanding its lineup of more affordable vehicles in the U.S. Both trims bring over 320 miles of range and a streamlined feature set aimed at lowering costs without sacrificing Tesla’s trademark efficiency and performance.
Model Y Standard — 321 miles for under US$40,000
The Model Y Standard RWD starts at US$39,990, making it the most affordable version of Tesla’s best-selling crossover yet. It’s powered by a 69 kWh battery pack with one fewer module than the Premium trim and delivers up to 321 miles (517 km) of range on a single charge, compared to the 357 miles (575km) offered on the Model Y RWD Premium.
Performance remains solid, with 300 hp, 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds, and a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h). Deliveries are expected to begin in November 2025.
The Model Y Standard debuts a new front and rear fascia, a simplified interior, and a new 18-inch wheel design that offers Tesla’s lowest rolling resistance yet. A 19-inch option (US$1,500) drops range slightly to 303 miles (488 km). Colour choices are limited to Stealth Grey (no cost), Pearl White Multi-Coat (US$1,000), and Diamond Black (US$1,500).
Inside, the cabin takes cues from the Cybertruck with a more open center console and vegan leather and textile seats. The 10-way driver and 4-way passenger adjustments have been removed and are now controlled only through the touchscreen, and while features like rear heated seats and ventilation are gone, the essentials — heated front seats, traffic-aware cruise control, and an included mobile charger — remain.
Charging is slightly limited to 225 kW peak rates, adding 165 miles (265 km) of range in 15 minutes.
As with all current Teslas, it runs Hardware 4 (HW4/AI4), supports Full Self-Driving (Supervised) as an US$8,000 option or US$99/month subscription.
Model 3 Standard
The Model 3 Standard RWD, priced at US$36,990, was the real surprise. Sharing much of the same platform and hardware as the new Model Y Standard, it offers 321 miles (517 km) of range and 0-60 mph in 5.8 seconds thanks to a lighter 3,759-lb curb weight and 286 hp.
Deliveries are expected to begin between December 2025 and January 2026.
The Model 3 Standard also includes the same simplified feature set — three paint options, manual-adjust seats and steering, textile dashboard trim, and a 7-speaker sound system. The rear display is gone, but the familiar 15.4-inch central touchscreen remains, along with traffic-aware cruise control and the new front bumper camera with washer. The glass roof, adaptive high beams, and acoustic front door glass are carried over from higher trims.
Tesla Renames Lineup
Alongside the launch, Tesla has overhauled its model naming. The old “Long Range” trims are now simply called Premium, creating a cleaner lineup structure across both vehicles.
Updated U.S. lineup:
- Model 3 Standard RWD – $36,990
- Model 3 Premium RWD – $42,490
- Model 3 Premium AWD – $47,490
- Model 3 Performance – $54,990
- Model Y Standard RWD – $39,990
- Model Y Premium RWD – $44,990
- Model Y Premium AWD – $48,990
- Model Y Performance – $57,490
Model 3 and Model Y Standard Availability in Canada
Neither of Tesla’s new vehicles have appeared on the Canadian configurator, leaving us to speculate on if, and when they might appear for buyers north of the border.
For the Model 3, we will not see this new variant in Canada so long as the current tariff situation with the U.S. continues. Currently, the Model 3 Long Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD) starts at $79,990, an inflated price due to tariffs. If the Model 3 Standard were to launch right now, it would likely be priced around $60-$65,000, still well above what the previous Model 3 RWD was priced at in Canada.
For the Model Y, the story is a little more complicated, but it is more likely to arrive in Canada, and sooner. Currently Tesla imports the Model Y into Canada from Giga Berlin, due to the above-mentioned tariff situation. As we told you earlier today, Giga Berlin is expected to start mass production of the Model Y Standard in the coming weeks, so we might see it launch in Canada before the end of the year.
