How much is a Tesla? Your guide to Tesla prices

You’ve read about all the improvements to emerge both inside and out each 2021 Tesla model, and maybe you’re more than a little bit tempted. Next, reality sets in, and that age old question rears its head: “how much?” No need to click through several variations of each Tesla on Tesla’s website, it’s all been compiled for you here.

The information below offers the lowest and highest price version of each trim of every 2021 Tesla model to give you the full spectrum of how little… or how much… you’ll have to spend. Note that these prices are accurate as of publish date, but we’ll keep them updated.

How much is a Tesla?

Tesla Model 3 price

As Tesla’s most affordable EV by a decent margin, the Model 3 looks quite appealing for 2021. Its Standard Range Plus trim starts at a purchase price of $35,490 with zero upgrades, and can go as high as $49,990. The latter price includes every top feature available such as red paint, 19″ sport wheels, and full-self driving capabilities.

The Long Range Model 3 starts at $45,490 and can reach a top end price of $59,990 fully loaded.

Lastly, the Performance version of the Model 3 starts at $54,490 and can go even higher to $67,490 with the new 20″ Überturbine wheels and all other added features.

Tesla Model Y price

As a much larger EV, Tesla’s Model Y now comes in three different options, two of which priced higher than the Model 3. Just recently, Tesla released the long anticipated Standard Range RWD Model Y.

Similar to the Standard Range Plus Model 3, this trim offers single motor rear wheel drive at lowest price for the Model Y. It begins at a purchase price of $38,490 before any incentives or rebates, but can still go as high as $57,490 all-in. This includes all added features such as an extra $1,000 for a tow hitch, 20″ induction wheels, red paint, custom interior and full self driving (FSD) capabilities.

One last add-on that is important to point out in all of these high end prices – the recent availability of the seven seat interior for the Model Y trims. For an extra $3,000, customers are now able to select the third row option on Tesla’s website as they order their new EV. Note that this option is currently only available on the Standard Range Plus and Long Range trims.

Moving on, the Model Y’s dual-motor AWD Long Range trim starts at a base price of $48,490 and can jump to $67,490 with all the fixins’. This higher price includes all the available features mentioned above. The Model Y Performance drivetrain starts at $59,490 and increases to $73,490 when souped up without the seven seats (for now).

Tesla Model S price

Here’s where things really start to increase quickly. Where the newer Teslas like the Model 3 and Model Y combine performance with value, the Model S instead dominates in nearly every category, but at a much higher price point. For example, the Model S Long Range (the EV’s least expensive trim) begins at a price of $78,490 and can currently go as high as $97,490 including add-ons like 21″ Arachnid wheels and cream interior.

Hold onto something because it’s “Plaid” time. You may have already read about how impressive the prospect of a Plaid Model S appears to be, but the only thing larger than its list of top specs is its price tag. The Tesla Plaid Model S starts out at a cool $118,490 with zero upgrades, not even an exterior color. All in, you’re looking at purchase price of $137,490.

Just recently with the newly announced refresh to the Model S, Tesla has introduced the Plaid+ tri motor option. This trim starts about where standard Plaid left off at $138,490 and can jump to a beyond ludicrous price of $157,490. Believe it or not, Plaid is also available for lease.

Tesla Model X price

Pound for pound, Tesla’s newly refreshed Model X SUV is the automaker’s largest and most expensive standard EV (excluding Plaid+). With AWD dual and tri motor drivetrains to choose from, you can’t lose if you have the money.

The Model X Long Range will cost you $88,490 at the bare minimum. It then vaults up to $114,990 with added bonuses like 22″ Turbine wheels and a $6,500 up-charge for a six seat interior that includes captain’s chairs. If you prefer the seven-seat row, that will cost $3,000 less.

As for the new Plaid version of the Model X in lieu if the previous Performance trim, that starts at $118,490 and levels out at $144,990. The top end prices includes all the most expensive features.

Tesla Cybertruck price

Since the Cybertruck has not rolled off the assembly line yet, the pricing is not as granular. Nevertheless, these initial numbers can still offer an idea of the starting price for each of the three drivetrains. Each price listed includes an additional $10,000 for full-self driving capabilities.

The single-motor RWD Cybertruck is currently listed on Tesla’s website at a starting price of $49,900. For the dual-motor AWD option, it’s listed at $59,900 and the tri-motor AWD will cost you $79,900. Best believe there will be plenty of available features to add for additional monies once this behemoth hits the digital shelves next year. All eyes will be on 2021 for more details in regards to Cybertruck, stay tuned.

What is the ‘price after potential savings’?

You may have noticed that the order page of any of Tesla’s current models lists both the “purchase price” as well as the “(price) after potential savings.” This pricing is referring to is the original purchase price minus the potential savings of driving an electric vehicle.

Tesla has a nifty calculator on its purchase page after you tap or click “estimate payment.” This multi-faceted tool helps estimate what a potential owner would spend on gas over a six year period, then subtracts it from the total. This gives prospective Tesla customers a bit of texture as to what sort of bucks they may be saving in the future by cutting the gasoline cable.

Furthermore, individual states in the U.S. offer their own tax incentive programs for EV drivers that may serve as an additional discount on your new Tesla. On the same purchase page below the “gas savings” tab, you can tap or click “incentives” to check what tax credits may be available available to you in your state. That said, any state without listed tax incentives may still offer benefits. You will just need to check the list on Tesla’s dedicated incentives page, showcasing federal and state benefits with greater detail.

It’s also important to note that all incentives mostly apply to purchases by cash or loan only. Incentives for customers leasing a Tesla are currently only available in California, Colorado, Massachusetts, New York and Tennessee.

Is it better to lease or buy?

You’ve done the research, customized your dream Tesla model, and have ballpark pricing after calculating gas savings and tax incentives in your state. Nice work. Before you pull the trigger though, you might want to ask yourself if buying your Tesla or leasing it will be the better option. The answer varies by customer based off a multitude of different factors of which we compiled for you previously.

Wrap-up

Picking up a Tesla isn’t going to be cheap no matter how you slice it, but there’s definitely a wide range of options available to you. From the bottom-end Model 3 at around $41k to the top-end Model S Plaid+ in excess of $158k at its most, there’s something in this lineup for most any prospective EV buyer in 2021.

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