Tesla appears to have quietly discontinued its entry-level Model Y all-wheel-drive version, removing the trim from its online configurator and leaving buyers with a significantly more expensive AWD option. The change raises the starting price of an all-wheel-drive Model Y to $49,990, an $8,000 increase over the previously available entry-level version.
The move comes as Tesla continues to reshape its vehicle lineup and shift attention toward projects such as the Cybercab robotaxi and Optimus humanoid robot. The entry-level Model Y AWD was introduced in February 2026, meaning it may have lasted just nine months if the removal becomes permanent.
Tesla Model Y AWD No Longer Listed Online
The entry-level Model Y AWD has disappeared from Tesla’s online vehicle configurator, with the Premium AWD now serving as the most affordable all-wheel-drive version of the electric SUV.
Starting at $49,990, the Premium AWD costs $8,000 more than the entry-level AWD model that was previously offered. Tesla has not provided an official explanation for removing the less expensive configuration.
The change follows several adjustments to Tesla’s vehicle lineup this year, including the removal of the Model S and Model X and the announcement that the Cybertruck is scheduled to be discontinued in 2027.
Tesla has explained that it is redirecting its priorities toward projects such as the Cybercab robotaxi and Optimus humanoid robot, expanding its focus beyond electric vehicle sales.
Cheaper AWD Electric SUVs Could Challenge Tesla
Removing the entry-level Model Y AWD could make Tesla less attractive to budget-conscious shoppers looking for an electric vehicle with all-wheel drive, particularly as competing automakers offer alternatives around the $40,000 price point.
Ford’s Mustang Mach-E Select AWD starts at $40,795, while the Chevrolet Equinox EV LT 1 AWD carries a starting price of $40,495. Both prices exclude destination charges.
At a similar price level, Tesla offers only the rear-wheel-drive Model Y, which starts at $39,990.
The automaker introduced this RWD configuration in October 2025 to make the Model Y more affordable following the expiration of the federal EV tax credit.
Why Did Tesla Remove the Entry-Level Model Y AWD?
Tesla does not publish sales figures broken down by individual Model Y configurations, making it difficult to determine why the entry-level AWD version disappeared from the online configurator.
Possible explanations include stronger demand for the less expensive rear-wheel-drive model, an effort to encourage buyers to choose the higher-margin Premium AWD, or a decision to simplify the Model Y lineup.
However, Tesla has not officially confirmed any reason for the change, and it remains unclear whether the entry-level AWD version has been permanently discontinued or temporarily removed.
Model Y AWD Performance and Range Compared
The entry-level Model Y AWD featured a dual-motor configuration capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. That made it 0.3 seconds slower than the Premium AWD version.
Its EPA-rated driving range was 294 miles, the lowest among the Model Y lineup.
By comparison, the rear-wheel-drive Model Y offers an EPA-rated range of 348 miles. However, its single-motor configuration takes 6.8 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph.
Although the entry-level AWD configuration is no longer listed in Tesla’s online configurator, interested buyers can still check the automaker’s existing inventory for available vehicles.
The Premium AWD remains the most affordable all-wheel-drive Model Y listed by Tesla, with a starting price of $49,990.
