In a world where electric cars are becoming the new norm, Tesla has surprised again—this time with the Model Y Standard, which is like Elon Musk saying, "Hey, why pay for all those unnecessary extras when you can drive the bare truth?" This "naked" version of the popular SUV promises a lower price without too many compromises, but does it deliver on its promise? We dig into the details revealed by recent reviews and find out if this is a car for the masses or just for those with minimalist tastes.
A new one Model Y Standard at first glance it seems like the older sister of the Juniper edition, but without that extravagant light strip at the frontInstead, we get simpler projector headlights that still include turn signals and high beams, but without the matrix adaptive headlights – meaning you’ll have to manually control the high beams unless you rely on the automatic feature. Ironically, the daytime running lights turn off when you turn on the headlights and become the turn signals – as if Tesla were saying, “Why have two things when one can do both?”
The front end is “sexy and beautiful,” as enthusiasts describe it, with improved aerodynamics for 5 % – thanks to new bumper shapesThe side of the car remains almost unchanged, with the same cameras, but new 18-inch alloy wheels in the style Cybertruck, which promise the lowest rolling resistance ever. If you choose 19-inch ones, however, the range drops to 303 miles (about 488 km). The real fun is at the back: redesigned lights without a diffuser bar, with a BMW vibe and a black logo, which gives the car a more “angry” look, as the young people would say. The camera has been moved, but the functionality remains. And the frunk? Smaller, without HEPA filters and seals, meaning it's not completely waterproof – but still big enough for a carry-on-sized backpack. Tesla kept this space because “Tesla’s roots require a lot of storage,” although they “bared it down” a bit to save costs. As if to say, “Less is more, except when it comes to luggage.”
Interior: Comfort without extravagance, but a few surprises
Step inside and you’ll feel a mix of premium and economy. The seats are Tesla Semi-inspired cloth—stain-resistant and comfortable (the promise is that they’ll stay looking new for a long time), unventilated, but heated. No RGB lighting, no rear screen, and the sound system is pared down to seven speakers with no subwoofer, but still “bumping”—as if Tesla were saying, “Who needs a concert hall when you’ve got a solid beat?” The roof is glass, but covered in fabric for better insulation, reducing air conditioning use and improving efficiency. The windows are single-pane, but the cabin remains surprisingly quiet even at 70 mph (about 113 km/h). The steering wheel is manually adjustable—yes, in a Tesla!—and the seats are adjusted only via the display. The back row doesn’t have seatback pockets or coat hooks, but it still allows reclining and trunk access via the center armrest, which doubles as a cupholder.
The trunk is almost identical to the standard Model Y, with an automatic opening and two motors. There's no luggage rack—that's optional. And yes, if you thought it was going to be like riding in a cardboard box, you'd be wrong; Tesla has kept the premium feel, just without the unnecessary luxury elements.
Technical specifications: Tech remains the heart, but a few cuts
Tesla has not forgotten its roots: Model Y Standard maintains AMD Ryzen chip, Sentry mode, Dog mode and even a heat pump for cold climates. Range is 321 miles (about 517 km) according to the EPA, acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, rear-wheel drive. Supercharging is limited to 225 kW (162 miles in 15 minutes), which is about 25 kW less than the premium models.
Autopilot? Just Traffic Aware Cruise Control – no automatic lane keeping unless you upgrade to Full Self-Driving. This is Tesla’s way of incentivizing you to spend more, sources say. Everything else – from navigation to Wi-Fi – remains unchanged. It’s as if to say: “The technology is free, but for the full experience, pay extra – a classic Musk trick.”
According to many, it is the standard version that we will most often see as a taxi fleet of self-driving vehicles.
Price and Value: Accessibility for the masses?
In the USA, Model Y Standard starts at $39,990 (approximately €36,500), which is almost $5,000 less than premium rear-wheel drive and $9,000 less than all-wheel drive. Deliveries start in December 2025 or January 2026. Is it worth it? If you're looking to enter the Tesla world without breaking the bank, absolutely. But for those who love luxury, you might want to check out the Juniper edition.
It's at the end Tesla Model Y Standard proof that it is possible to make a premium car without unnecessary goodies – and maybe even better, if you hate unnecessary complications. What about you? Would you buy it or would you rather stick with the fully equipped version? Share your thoughts in the comments and maybe even share this article on social media – who knows, your next car might be this naked hero!