Tesla just made the Model Y lineup a little easier to understand and a lot more interesting for drivers who care about how their car feels on the road. A new Model Y All-Wheel Drive is now available in the U.S. starting at $41,990, and the company has quietly retired the “Standard” name at the same time. The result is a cleaner lineup and a new option that fits how many owners actually drive.
This new AWD trim lands right between the Rear-Wheel Drive base model and the Premium versions. Until now, choosing all-wheel drive meant stepping up to a noticeably higher price point. With this new configuration, buyers get dual motors and improved traction without committing to the full Premium package. That matters if you deal with winter weather, uneven roads, or simply want more confidence when accelerating out of turns and onto highways.
The numbers tell the story clearly. The new AWD Model Y delivers an EPA-estimated 294 miles of range, compared to 321 miles for the RWD version. In return, acceleration improves in a big way. The AWD hits 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, while the RWD takes about 7.2 seconds. That difference shows up every time you merge, pass slower traffic, or pull away from a stoplight. The car feels more alert and more planted, especially under hard throttle.
Tesla’s naming cleanup also makes the buying process feel more straightforward. What used to be called “Standard” is now simply Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive, and the new AWD version follows the same logic. The underlying hardware differences remain, but the labels now match how people talk about these cars in real life.
Base Model Y trims use a 69 kWh battery, while Premium versions move up to a 78.1 kWh pack. Wheels stay functional with 18-inch steel wheels instead of larger aluminum ones. Lighting is basic LED rather than adaptive, and side mirrors fold manually. Inside, the Premium trims add noticeable comfort and tech upgrades, including a stronger 15-speaker audio system, heated rear seats, front seat ventilation, power-folding rear seats, an 8-inch rear display, and a fully exposed panoramic glass roof. Base trims keep things simple, durable, and focused on driving.
This new AWD option shows how Tesla continues to fine-tune the Model Y around real ownership behavior. Not every driver wants the longest possible range. Many care more about traction, acceleration, and confidence in all conditions. For those drivers, the new AWD trim lands in a sweet spot.
Source: DriveTesla