The Tesla Model Y has been the most popular vehicle globally, having sold more than the Toyota Corolla in select markets. Its appeal to the families, commuters, and first-time EV consumers is affected by its versatility as a small SUV. The existing entry point, however, above $40k in most markets, poses a challenge to low-end consumers.
This smaller and lower-priced version will radically increase the adoption of Tesla vehicles. Recently, a leak on the Tesla site revealed the upcoming Model Y Standard, with a redesigned exterior, a less complicated interior, and a competitive starting price of $39,990. The shift is an indicator that Tesla is trying to win a broader target audience due to increased competition in the EV market.
A Lower Price Point for the Mass Market
The Model Y Standard, coming in at a lower price of $39,990, is the lowest-priced Model Y so far, by a few thousand dollars less than the Long Range and Performance models. The price would probably target cost-effective consumers who would like to enter the Tesla world without having to spend a lot.
Although the price is lower, the Model Y Standard still has the Tesla strengths of electric performance, over-the-air updates, and a large cargo area, but removes the high-end touches to keep the model affordable.
Redesigned Exterior with Simplified Styling
Tesla has given the Model Y Standard a visual refresh that differentiates it from higher trims:
- Redesigned front fascia for a sharper, modern look
- Single-part headlights, replacing the more complex units on other trims
- Front bumper camera for improved visibility and driver assistance
- No front light bar, streamlining the design
- Closed glass roof, meaning no panoramic glass, but improved cabin insulation
- New 18” Aperture wheels, offering a minimalist yet functional design
These changes mark a subtle but noticeable evolution in the Model Y lineup, focusing more on practicality and cost reduction.
🔥🔥 More affordable Tesla Model Y Standard leaked on the website!
✅ Called Model Y Standard
✅ $39,990 starting price
✅ Redesigned front fascia
✅ Single-part headlights
✅ Front bumper camera
✅ No front light bar
✅ No glass roof (“closed glass roof”)
✅ New 18” Aperture… pic.twitter.com/eGm4QnMxJm— The Tesla Newswire (@TeslaNewswire) October 1, 2025
A Simplified Interior for Affordability
The Model Y Standard includes a series of price-cutting modifications and, nonetheless, offers the clean, technology-driven Tesla interior:
- Simple interior furnishings with cloth decoration rather than wood or aluminum decoration.
- 15.4-inch front touchscreen, which matches the size of higher trims, and has preserved the core Tesla software experience.
- No second-row touchscreen, which was added with the updated Model 3 and the more expensive Model Y models.
- The steering wheel is manually adjusted, not power-adjusted.
- Second-row air vents are manually adjustable, not automatic climate controls.
- Particulate filter only, with the elimination of HEPA-grade filtration systems.
The modifications help to make the Standard model more minimalist yet modern and find a balance between comfort and affordability.
The Model Y Standard has 75 cubic feet of cargo capacity, just one cubic foot less than what other Model Ys have. This renders it one of the largest EVs in its category, which suits its families and travelers. The glass roof has been removed, as well, which implies improved resistance to heat and sunlight, which can be beneficial to buyers living in hotter regions.
Conclusion
By launching the Model Y Standard, Tesla is making a bold move to capture a wider share of the growing EV market. With many competitors, including Hyundai, Kia, and Volkswagen, offering electric SUVs in the $35K–$45K price range, Tesla needs an affordable entry point to remain competitive.
