New Model Y with the longest range priced $4,000 less than the AWD trim

Tesla has added a cheaper Model Y version to its order configurator, a RWD trim that offers a longer range on a charge than the sole AWD Model Y that it has been selling since the inaugural $60,000 Launch Series edition.

This new Model Y Long Range RWD trim is not the smaller, cheaper Model Y version that is expected to launch later this year with cloth seats and a smaller battery.

It is simply a single-motor version of the dual-motor AWD Model Y that has no electric drive unit at the front. This detracts from its off-road and acceleration chops, but makes it lighter, hence able to cover a longer distance on a single charge.

2026 Model Y RWD vs AWD price and range

• $44,990
• $37,490 with federal tax credit
• 357 miles EPA range

As mentioned, the new Model Y RWD trim offers the longest range on a charge of any Model Y so far. Tesla says that the EPA tests returned 357 miles of range, beating the current Model Y AWD record holder by 30 miles. The previous Model Y RWD version had a smaller LFP battery and was only rated for 260 miles of range.

The efficiency and aerodynamic gains of the new Juniper facelift have now helped propel the RWD trim to the top of the Model Y range list, since it has the same battery size as its AWD sibling but weighs less. Those same specifications allow it to add 182 miles of range in 15 minutes spent on a Tesla V3/V4 Supercharger, against 169 miles for the heavier AWD trim.

Needless to say, being a single-motor variant, the 2026 Model Y Long Range RWD accelerates a bit slower compared to the AWD version. A 0-60 mph acceleration in 5.4 instead of 4.6 seconds is hardly a dealbreaker, though. The difference is less than a second despite the lack of a second electric motor since the RWD trim is, again, lighter.

Tesla has priced said electric motor at exactly four grand, that's how much cheaper the 2026 Model Y Long Range RWD is compared to the AWD trim. The Model Y RWD starts from $44,990 with the 19-inch Crossflow Wheels that bring about its record for a Model Y range on a charge.

The rest of the Model Y RWD specs are identical to the AWD version. It comes with heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear bench that folds automatically, as well as dual-layer acoustic glass windows that add to experiencing the 15-speaker sound system with one subwoofer.

The automatic trunk door and new quieter suspension are also standard, so those who don't have a need for an AWD trim can benefit from the lower Model Y RWD price that starts from $37,490 with the federal tax credit, while it lasts.

Get the 80A Tesla Gen 2 Wall Connector with 24' cable on Amazon