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# Tesla downgrades its best-selling EVs
- URL: https://torquecafe.com/tesla-news-model-y-model-3-standard/
- Published: 2025-10-08T00:32:20.000Z
- Updated: 2026-06-04T06:58:07.000Z
- Description: US EV giant Tesla has moved to cut prices across the Model Y and Model 3 by stripping features from the two vehicles.
- Author: Jordan Mulach
- Tags: News, Electric

In a move consistent with traditional car brands wanting to move stock, Tesla has de-contented the Model Y and Model 3 to offer buyers more affordable choices.

Revealed for the US overnight, the new Tesla Model Y Standard and Model 3 Standard now serve as the entry-level variants for their respective model ranges, with the existing RWD grades now marketed as the ‘Premium’.

This change has not occurred in Australia, where the Model Y and Model 3 are imported from China, unlike US market examples which are made in California and Texas.

[![Tesla Model 3 Standard](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/tesla-model-y-model-3-standard-6.jpg)](https://archive.torquecafe.com/tesla-news-model-y-model-3-standard/tesla-model-y-model-3-standard-6/?ref=torquecafe.com)

Tesla Model 3 Standard

[![Tesla Model Y Standard](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/tesla-model-y-model-3-standard-3.jpg)](https://archive.torquecafe.com/tesla-news-model-y-model-3-standard/tesla-model-y-model-3-standard-3/?ref=torquecafe.com)

Tesla Model Y Standard

For the Model Y, the best-selling EV globally, the new Standard removes the front light bar, has simpler headlights and tail lights, plus and fits smaller 18-inch wheels, while grey is the only no-cost option paint, as even white and black incur a premium.

Other minor tweaks have been made to the front and rear bumpers, as well as the rear window.

Inside the interior is now upholstered in cloth rather than faux leather, a new centre console has seen the rear passenger 8.0-inch infotainment screen replaced with air vents, and the steering column is now manually adjustable.

![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/tesla-model-y-model-3-standard-5.jpg)

Front seats have lost ventilation and the rear outboard seats are no longer heated, plus ambient lighting has also been deleted. A seven-speaker sound system replaces the 15-speaker unit in existing Model Ys, while FM radio is also absent.

The Model 3 largely mimics the Model Y’s changes, though it also goes without power-adjustable mirrors, with manual adjustment only - a rarity in modern vehicles.

Both vehicles have lost Tesla’s Autopilot system as a standard feature, as well as frequency-selective dampers, reverting to a passive shock absorber system.

![](https://torquecafe.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/tesla-model-y-model-3-standard-4.jpg)

A smaller battery pack can now be found in the Model Y and Model 3 Standard, reducing driving range by about 10 per cent.

All told, the downgraded Tesla Model Y Standard and Model 3 Standard are US$5500 (A$8350) and US$5000 (A$7600) less expensive respectively than the previous entry-level models. Prices start from US$39,990 (A$60,700) for the Model Y, and US$36,990 (A$56,200) for the Model 3.

Their launch comes just a handful of days after the US Government repealed its US$7500 ($11,400) federal tax credit for EVs.