Tesla is preparing to increase the lease rates of several of its best-selling electric vehicles in the United States right after the holiday period. The updated lease rates will be available on December 26, as per the current display of pricing on the official Tesla website, and only to the 2026 Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck.
Although Tesla has often adjusted the purchase and lease prices based on demand, this new price increase is notable due to its magnitude, especially for the Model 3, which will experience the greatest upward adjustment compared to the other two models.
Model 3 Lease Sees the Sharpest Increase
The 2026 Tesla Model 3 will experience the most dramatic lease hike. The compact electric sedan, long regarded as Tesla’s most affordable entry-level vehicle, is set for a 67% increase in lease pricing.
Within the present deal, the Model 3 Premium comes with leasing at $299 a month and $1500 down. Starting December 26, the same trim will be priced at $499 per month with a down payment of $3000. On the other hand, the approximated cost per month of effective operation, considering upfront costs, would increase to $616, as opposed to $368. This is a significant amount for buyers on a tight budget.
This shift may have a major impact on first-time EV buyers who have historically used the Model 3 as an access point to becoming Tesla customers due to its affordability.
Model Y Lease Pricing Also Moves Higher
The Model Y is also a best-selling car in Tesla, whose lease prices are increasing significantly. The new lease price is as follows: $549 per month with $3000 down, which is an increase over the current $449 per month and no down payment.
Once the down payment, first month’s payment, and Tesla’s $695 acquisition fee are included, the effective monthly cost increases from $481 to $667, which is approximately a 40% jump. This growth may affect the leasing demand at the beginning of 2026 since the Model Y is already popular among families and crossover buyers.
Increase in Cybertruck Lease Is Only Relatively Modest.
The adjustment will be significantly lower in the Cybertruck compared to the Model 3 and Model Y. The base trim lease will increase by an average of 14% to a high of $849 per month on a 36-month lease, as compared to the current base trim lease, which is $729.
Although the Cybertruck may continue to be among the most discussed models in Tesla, the higher initial cost of that particular model implies that the increase in lease is less drastic in comparison. Nevertheless, the growth supports an overall trend of Tesla to higher prices after the holidays.
Cost of Ongoing Pricing Approaching
Tesla has established time limitations for those customers who want to secure the prevailing lease rates. The purchasers will have to apply by December 26 and receive the product by December 31 to be eligible for current pricing.
However, delivery timelines of up to three weeks may prevent some customers from meeting the deadline, particularly in high-demand regions. This could limit eligibility and effectively push many shoppers into the new, higher lease rates
Just over a week ago, Tesla introduced 0% financing on the Model Y Standard as part of its December incentives for U.S. customers. This offer remains an attractive alternative for buyers considering purchasing instead of leasing, especially in light of the upcoming lease hikes.
