Tesla releases Model Y Performance in US with free white interior and tow package

Tesla has launched the fastest 2026 Model Y Performance trim in the US on the deadline of the federal tax credit expiration, allowing those who waited on the fastest ever Model Y to plunk down a payment and take advantage of the $7,500 government discount for one last time.

The new EV tax credit expired at midnight on September 30, but those who committed even a minimal down payment or initiated a trade before the deadline will still get the Performance priced below $50,000 upon delivery.

2026 Model Y Performance price and range

From October 1, however, the Model Y Performance reverts to its original release price of $57,490, or $59,130 with the destination and order fees. This may certainly change and Tesla could introduce Model Y Performance deals after the rush of early adopters has come and gone, but, for now, the price is $3,700 less than the original Performance launched way back in 2020.

This makes the 2026 Model Y Performance refresh only $2,500 pricier than the Model 3 Performance, though, which could cannibalize a lot of sales for the faster sedan that can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds. Not that the new Model Y Performance is a slouch, with its 3.3-second acceleration, a rather impressive feat for the heaviest Model Y out there that weighs 4,466 pounds.

The 2026 Model Y Performance has an EPA estimated range of 306 miles on a charge, or 20 miles less than the AWD version, which is a bit disappointing given that in Europe the difference between the two on the local WLTP cycle is negligible.

As for the rest of the Model Y Performance specs and design upgrades in the US version, they mimic what was already released in Europe, as per Tesla:

• 3.3 seconds acceleration from 0-60 mph
• 155 mph top speed
• 306 miles of range
• 21" Arachnid wheels and tires with staggered fitment to improve grip and cornering
• New fascias and carbon spoiler for better aerodynamics
• Performance carbon spoiler for increased downforce and reduced drag
• Adaptive damping adjusts handling and suspension for a smooth, stable ride
• New Drive Modes give you greater control for high-speed driving
• Increased charge capacity thanks to high-density battery cells
• Quiet cabin with premium sound-damping materials and acoustic glass
• Heated/ventilated front sport seats & heated, perforated rear seats with power recline
• Added bolstering and side cushions that hold you in your seat when cornering
• Powered thigh cushion extenders for extra comfort
• 16" high-definition touchscreen

In Europe, the 2026 Performance came with the new LG battery cells that fit more capacity in the same footprint, equating the Performance and AWD trim ranges. In the US, however, despite mentioning the same "high-density battery cells," the EPA range test indicates a much wider difference between the AWD and Performance versions for some reason.

Tesla offers the Performance version in the US in the same colors as the other Model Y trims, but available for free, just like the white interior option. It also threw in a free towing package with hitch that can pull up to 3,500 lbs thanks to the "class II steel tow-bar," a $1,300 value unless one buys a class 3 hitch on Amazon for a grand less.