All 38 New Tesla Model Y Standard Features Revealed

Tesla has done it again. The electric vehicle (EV) giant just dropped two brand new affordable vehicles—the Model 3 Standard and the Model Y Standard. While we’ve been waiting years for the mythical $25,000 Tesla, this isn’t it—but it might be the next best thing.

In this article, we’ll break down all the new features, trims, specs, and trade-offs in the new 2025 Tesla Model Y Standard. Is it still the best-selling car in the world for a reason? Or did Tesla cut too much to hit that lower price point?

Let’s take a deep dive into all 38 new changes and features of the Tesla Model Y Standard.

Tesla’s Timing: Strategic or Desperate?

Tesla’s release of these new vehicles coincides with the end of the U.S. federal $7,500 EV tax credit, making this refresh a strategic move to keep prices attractive.

All 38 New Tesla Model Y Standard Features

Model Y Standard now starts at $39,990
The previous trims are now labeled Premium Rear-Wheel Drive ($44,990) and Premium All-Wheel Drive ($48,990)
Model Y Performance now costs $57,490
Meanwhile, the new Model 3 Standard launches at just $36,990

Tesla wants to maintain affordability as government incentives disappear—but how much was sacrificed?

1. Range: Surprisingly Good

Many expected lower range figures at this price point, but Tesla delivers:

✅ EPA-Estimated Range: 321 Miles

That’s the same range the previous AWD Model Y had. Thanks to improved battery efficiency, you don’t lose miles even with a smaller battery pack.

Battery capacity: 69.5 kWh usable
Premium trims: ~80 kWh
Charging speed: 225 kW (vs 250 kW on premium)
15-min charging: Up to 165 miles added

So yes—you’re saving money without sacrificing range.

2. New Design, Subtle Cuts

Tesla made some visible and invisible changes to differentiate the standard trim.

🚗 Exterior Changes

Only 3 color options:
- Stealth Gray (free)
- Pearl Multi-Coat White ($1,000)
- Diamond Black ($1,500)
No light bars in the front/rear ends
No matrix LED headlights (but still auto-adaptive)
One-piece tail lights

🪟 Glass Roof: It’s Complicated

The Model Y still has a glass roof from the outside, but you can’t see through it from inside.

Interior is covered with a fabric liner
Claimed benefits: quieter ride, better HVAC, less vibration
One Tesla engineer said the glass is opaque, so removing the liner won’t help

3. Interior: Stripped, But Sleek

Tesla’s minimalist interiors go even more minimal.

🧭 Touchscreen & Console

15.4-inch center touchscreen remains
No rear display screen
New open-concept center console (inspired by Cybertruck)
- More space
- Less storage
Cupholders are uncovered

🪑 Seats & Comfort

Heated front seats remain
No ventilation
Cloth and vegan leather mix
Manually adjustable steering wheel
Dashboard and door trims now cloth
No HEPA filter
No ambient lighting (just footwell and door pockets)

4. Infotainment: Less Sound, No Radio

Tesla trimmed down the audio experience:

7 speakers (vs 15 on premium)
No subwoofer
No AM/FM radio
Streaming and games still fully supported
Integrated Grok AI remains functional

Despite cuts, Tesla keeps the fun parts—just not the audio punch.

5. Storage, Frunk & Build Materials

📦 Frunk Is… Different

Not waterproof
No drainage
Cheaper-feeling plastic
Overall less premium construction

🚗 Storage Space

75 cu ft cargo space (only 1 cu ft less than premium)
Tow rating: 3,500 lbs
Tow hitch: $1,000 option

6. Hardware: Cameras & Manual Ops

📸 Camera System

8 cameras total
Includes front bumper cam with washer

🛠️ Manual Controls

Manual folding mirrors (still screen-adjustable)
Second-row seats: Manual fold only
Manual rear air vents
Manual steering wheel adjustments
Seat controls now via touchscreen:
- 10-way driver
- 4-way passenger

Tesla is saving money by cutting motors and automating less.

7. Autopilot & FSD: Big Change Here

This might be the most controversial cut.

❌ No Autopilot Included

You get Adaptive Cruise Control only
To unlock Full Self-Driving (FSD): $8,000 extra
No middle ground options
FSD performance is identical to premium trims (thanks to Hardware 4)

This move makes the Model Y Standard feel less tech-forward unless you pay extra.

8. Chassis, Ride Quality & Suspension

The new standard trim uses the multi-link suspension from older Model Y models.

🛞 Handling & Comfort

Less comfortable ride vs 2025 refresh
Suspension isn’t adaptive
Curb weight: 4,661 lbs (123 lbs lighter than premium RWD)
Ground clearance: 6.4 in (vs 6.6 in premium)

9. Wheels & Tires: The Real Teaser

Tesla teased a cryptic spinning wheel—turns out it was just:

🛞 New 18-inch “Prismata” Wheels

Default option: 18-inch wheels (321 miles range)
Optional: 19-inch wheels ($1,500, drops range to 303 miles)
Lowest rolling resistance tires ever from Tesla

10. Model 3 Standard vs Model Y Standard

Both cars share a lot under the hood, but some key differences matter.

Feature	Model Y Standard	Model 3 Standard
Price	$39,990	$36,990
Range	321 miles	321 miles
0-60 mph	~6.6 seconds	5.8 seconds
Glass Roof	Covered (non-see-thru)	Fully transparent
Rear Screen	No	No
Open Console	Yes	No
Roof Headroom	High	Lower

The Model 3 keeps more luxury, goes faster, and costs less. It may be the better value EV on the market today.

11. What’s Missing (Full List)

Here’s a quick list of features removed or downgraded in the new Model Y Standard:

No matrix headlights
No light bars
Covered roof (non-transparent)
No rear screen
No HEPA filter
No ambient lighting
Fewer seat adjustments
Manual folding seats
Manual steering column
Manual air vents
Cloth + vegan leather mix seats
No ventilated seats
Cloth dash and door trims
No AM/FM radio
No subwoofer
7 speakers instead of 15
No automatic mirror folding
Less premium frunk
Plastic build materials
No autopilot
Touchscreen-only seat controls
No middle-tier FSD
Non-adaptive suspension
Lower comfort ride
Lower ground clearance
Manual folding seats
No cargo underfloor dividers
Less rear seat support
Reduced curb weight
No fancy wheels by default
Fabric roof interior
Simplified camera placement
No premium HVAC
Less rear visibility
Cheaper plastics
Minimal lighting
No adjustable rear headrests
Fewer trim materials

12. Is It Still Worth It? Final Verdict

The Tesla Model Y Standard isn’t a luxury vehicle anymore—but that’s the point. It’s a function-first EV with long range, decent performance, and a significantly lower price point.

💡 Pros

Same range as AWD model
Affordable price under $40,000
Fast charging
Excellent infotainment system
New efficiency-focused wheels

⚠️ Cons

Feature cuts are significant
No autopilot by default
Manual everything
Reduced ride comfort

13. Conclusion: Is the Model Y Still King?

The Tesla Model Y remains the world’s best-selling car, and this refresh will likely keep it on top. But it’s now facing real competition—even from Tesla’s own Model 3.

For buyers prioritizing value over luxury, the Model Y Standard delivers where it counts: range, tech, and performance. Just be ready to live without some of the extras.

14. Bonus: Model 3 Standard Price in 2006 Dollars

Here’s a fun fact to end on:

Elon Musk in 2006 aimed for a $30,000 EV
Adjusted for inflation, today’s $36,990 Model 3 is equivalent to $23,000 in 2006

In a way, Tesla did deliver on that promise—just two decades later.

FAQs

1. What is the starting price of the new Tesla Model Y Standard?

The Tesla Model Y Standard starts at $39,990 in the U.S., making it Tesla’s most affordable SUV offering.

2. How much range does the Model Y Standard have?

The Model Y Standard offers an EPA-estimated range of 321 miles on the standard 18-inch wheels.

3. What features were removed from the Model Y to lower the price?

Tesla removed or downgraded several features, including Autopilot, ventilated seats, rear display, ambient lighting, and automated folding mirrors, among others.

4. Does the Model Y Standard come with Full Self-Driving (FSD)?

No, Full Self-Driving is not included. You can add it for an additional $8,000. The car comes with Adaptive Cruise Control only by default.

5. What’s the battery size of the Model Y Standard?

The battery has 69.5 kWh of usable capacity, smaller than the ~80 kWh packs in the premium trims, but still supports 225 kW fast charging.

6. Can I still get a tax credit on the Model Y Standard?

As of now, federal EV tax credits in the U.S. have ended for Tesla vehicles. Tesla introduced this lower-priced trim to help offset that cost.

7. What are the differences between the Model Y Standard and the Premium trims?

The Premium trims have more features like Autopilot, matrix LED headlights, 15 speakers, and a transparent glass roof. The Standard trim is more minimal to reduce cost.

8. Is the glass roof in the Model Y Standard transparent?

No, while it appears glass from the outside, the roof is covered from the inside with a fabric liner and is not see-through.

9. How fast is the Model Y Standard?

The exact 0–60 mph time for the Model Y Standard is around 6.6 seconds, which is slightly slower than the Model 3 Standard (5.8 seconds).

10. Does the Model Y Standard have Autopilot hardware?

Yes, it includes Autopilot Hardware 4, meaning you can purchase FSD later and it will function like any other Tesla equipped with the same hardware.

11. How many speakers does the Model Y Standard have?

It has 7 speakers instead of the 15-speaker setup found in the premium trims, and it lacks a subwoofer.

12. Can I still tow with the Model Y Standard?

Yes, the towing capacity is 3,500 lbs, the same as other Model Y trims. The tow hitch is available for an extra $1,000.

13. Are there color options for the Model Y Standard?

Yes, but only three color options:

Stealth Gray (free)
Pearl Multi-Coat White ($1,000)
Diamond Black ($1,500)

14. Does the Model Y Standard still have fast charging?

Yes, it supports fast charging up to 225 kW, which can add up to 165 miles in 15 minutes at a Supercharger.

15. Is the Model Y Standard available outside the U.S.?

As of now, it’s only launched in the U.S., but Tesla plans to launch it in Europe soon through Giga Berlin. Availability may vary by country.