Can you afford to drive a Tesla? We ranked every Tesla model by price for 2023.
Since the first $100k Roadster hit the streets in 2008, Tesla has been considered a luxury car brand. Even today, the sight of a Tesla’s trademark ‘T’ logo sparks a sense of appreciation for a well-crafted car.
However, the brand has come a long way since its early days. While top-tier Teslas remain a luxury experience, the manufacturer has expanded to include vehicles at various price ranges. Today’s lowest-cost Tesla is more than $100k less than its premium offerings.
What are you really gaining or giving up at the different Tesla pricing tiers? Here’s a closer look at every 2023 Tesla model, ranked by cost.
A Note on Tesla Pricing
In 2023, buying a Tesla will be a different experience than buying from almost any other auto manufacturer. You won’t be dealing with a third party or even a dealership. Instead, all sales go directly through the company.
The lack of haggling or sales associates means that the price on the website is what you’ll actually pay—and that Telsas cost the same, no matter where you live. In other words, the buying process can be as simple as getting on the Tesla website, ordering a vehicle and scheduling delivery. This makes our reported pricing here more accurate than it would be for other car brands.
Note: It’s possible to look at Teslas in person through company showrooms. There, you can take your favorite models on test drives and talk specifics with company experts. But even there, you’ll be putting an order in through the Tesla website.
Tesla Models Ranked by Price
Below is our ranking of every 2023 Tesla model by price.All price information is direct from the Tesla website and was accurate as of February 2023.
Note: any customizations will change the base price for each model.
Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive: $43,990
As Tesla’s least expensive car, The Model 3 remains under $50k (for now), although the cost has jumped considerably in recent years. For the price, you’re getting a reliable car with somewhat sluggish acceleration (zero to sixty in 5.8 seconds) and a middling range of 272 miles between charges. Since it’s a RWD only, don’t expect the car to perform well in poor road conditions.
Model 3 Long Range: $51,080
Pairing the body of the Model 3 with a bigger battery gives you the Long Range—capable of traveling 353 miles per charge. This car comes with AWD (better control on the road!) and goes from zero to sixty in just 4.2 seconds.
Model Y Long Range: $53,490
As the default Model Y option, the Long Range boasts a dual motor setup that lets it travel 330 miles per charge. This car is Tesla’s compact SUV, and it accommodates an optional upgrade for a small third-row bench to boost the seating to seven.
Tesla Model 3 Performance: $53,990
Tesla’s website lists the Model 3 Performance at under $54,000, a drop from its price tag in previous years. This rare occurrence in the auto industry didn’t come with any decreases in quality. In fact, the Model 3 Performance is considered one of the best EV buys available. It accelerates to sixty in a little over 3 seconds and has a reported range of 315 miles.
Model Y Performance: $56,990
Considered to be a sportier version of the Model Y Long Range, the Performance is undeniably peppier to drive. The driving range is rated at 303 miles, making it an excellent crossover between style and, well, performance.
Model Y Standard Range AWD: $63,990
Though it’s not yet back on the Tesla website, the company announced in mid-January 2023 that it was restarting production of the Standard Range Model Y AWD. You get a slightly shorter range (279 miles) and .2 seconds slower acceleration compared to the Long Range Model Y. Fewer than fifty cars were available at this initial release, but production is expected to ramp up soon.
Model S Long Range: $94,990
Branded as a luxury sedan, the pricing of the Model S has crept up and then back down again in recent years. Today, you can purchase the standard Long Range for under $95k, almost $10k less than in previous years. For that money, you get a vehicle capable of traveling 405 miles per charge and hitting 60 MPH in 3.1 seconds.
Model X Long Range: $109,990
Tesla’s most premium line of vehicles boasts various high-end selling points, including upward-opening “falcon doors” and a surprisingly roomy interior that fits seven comfortably. Invest in the Long Range, and you can make it 348 miles between charges as well too.
Model S Plaid: $114,990
Tesla’s “Plaid” line of vehicles gets its name from the comedy film Spaceballs, where a spaceship is described as hitting super-fast ‘plaid’ speeds. The Model S has a whopping 1,020 horsepower, meaning it hits sixty in 1.99 seconds. You’ll also get 396 miles of range for some serious long-distance travel.
Model X Plaid: $119,990
Like the Model S, the Model X Plaid has 1,020 horsepower to hit “ludicrous” speeds (thanks, Spaceballs!), though it’s slightly slower at 2.5 seconds for sixty MPH. But the trade-off is worth it for larger families as you get six full-sized seats, futuristic falcon doors, and a respectable range of 333 miles per charge.
Bonus Tesla Vehicles
These vehicles aren’t available for purchase yet, but they’re still worth making mention of.
Coming Soon—Cybertruck: Est $39,990
Though it’s not yet ready for prime time, the Tesla Cybertruck is expected to be a relative bargain at $39,900 (full-sized pick-ups typically start around $48k.). Prices will go up for dual-motor and tri-motor all-wheel-drive variations, which offer extra power and towing capabilities. While a release date is still to be determined, Tesla is preparing Gigafactory Texas for production and taking reservations for the vehicle.
Coming Soon? Roadster: Est $200k +
As the convertible that started it all, Tesla first introduced its speedy Roadster sports car in 2008, halting production indefinitely in 2012. Rumor has it this luxury vehicle is slated for a return, although a timeframe is still to be determined.