Tesla's cheapest four-wheel drive is shelved

Tesla has removed the Model Y AWD version from its online configurator. This four-wheel-drive model, sold for approximately $42,000, was introduced in February and was deleted from the list before even completing a year.

The cheapest dual-motor Model Y on Tesla's website now is the Premium AWD trim, which starts at $51,630. The difference with entry-level all-wheel drive is roughly $9,600. Compared to the basic rear-wheel drive version, the difference increases to $ 10,000.

Model Y AWD and Standard label

Model Y AWD follows on the heels of the Model 3 Standard and Model Y Standard, which were introduced in October 2025. Those two models were rear-wheel drive only and were more affordable. When Tesla announced the Model Y AWD, it also removed the "Standard" name from its model range. Other hardware still bears the "Premium" and "Performance" names.

Model Y AWD used the same battery as the single-motor Model Y RWD. However, its EPA estimated range was the shortest of the Model Y family, at 294 miles. That's 54 miles less than the cheapest rear-wheel-drive model currently sold.

Thanks to its two electric motors, it could go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. It was 2.2 seconds faster than its single-engine brother. However, it was about 200 pounds heavier.

Rear-wheel drive base model continues

The cheapest Model Y on sale is the base RWD version, which starts at $41,630. The front and rear lights have been redesigned according to the upper equipment. It uses passive shock absorbers. Maximum charging power remains lower at 225 kW and there are fewer speakers in the sound system. The seats are a mix of vegan leather and fabric.

No FM radio

No rear screen

No ventilated seats

Only front seats are heated

Even though a glass roof is installed, in this equipment the ceiling lining completely covers the glass.

Model range is shrinking

The departure of the Model Y AWD is the latest example of Tesla's effort to thin its passenger car lineup. For example, Model S and Model X production was terminated at the beginning of this year. The production line was also dismantled from the factory to make room for robots. These two models will not be replaced by a new one.

Elon Musk more recently announced that the Cybertruck will be retired next year. Until then, only the top version Cyberbeast, which starts at $109,990, will remain on sale. The two-seat Cybercab will take over Cybertruck's space at the factory.