Tesla Model Y Standard RWD

Why #1

• The cheapest way into a Model Y with nearly the same range; you give up comfort features, not capability.
• Strongest on efficiency (100) and market proof (sales) (100); weakest on range (50).
• Beats #2 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD on value (81 vs 65).

Score breakdown

Weights: range 20%, value 20%, efficiency/charging/practicality/market 15% each. Arizona columns below are not in the score.

Full specs

Starting MSRP

$39,990

EPA range

321 miEPA ✓

AZ summer est.

265 mi (~100°F)

Efficiency

24.3 kWh/100 mi (~138 MPGe)

DC fast peak

225 kW

Charge port

NACS · Supercharger access

0–60 mph

6.8 s (mfr)

Drivetrain

RWD

Seats

5

Cargo

Same body as LR; decontented cabin (cloth/no rear screen)

Arizona ownership (energy only)

Arizona 5-year energy cost assumes 12,000 mi/yr, mostly home charging on APS R-EV overnight (11pm–5am weekdays) at $0.0847/kWh (APS R-EV tariff), ~10% charging losses, and compares energy only to a 28 MPG gas car at $3.50/gal. Insurance, maintenance, purchase price and resale are excluded. Arizona summer range = EPA range × 82.5% (Recurrent Auto ~17–18% loss at 100°F; AAA found 8.5% at 95°F). Neither figure enters the overall score. APS tariff · Recurrent · Run your own numbers

US sales

262,4912026 YTD (through Q3)

Jan–Sep 2026 US estimate vs Jan–Sep 2025, model-level (all trims combined). 2026 demand is down ~30% market-wide after the $7,500 federal credit ended Sept 30, 2025. · KBB/Cox Q3 2026 EV Sales Report (estimates as of 10/13/26)

Sources

• FuelEconomy.gov (EPA) — 2026 Tesla Model Y Standard RWD (18in Wheels) (vehicle id 50040)
• Tesla official Model Y page (MSRP/specs)
• KBB/Cox Q3 2026 EV Sales Report (estimates as of 10/13/26)