Tesla Finally Launches Cheaper Model Y Juniper From $48,990
Out goes the $60,000 Launch Edition, in comes the first standard 2026 Model Y in Long Range AWD form
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by John Halas
Tesla’s Model Y Juniper Long Range AWD debuts at $48,990 with meaningful updates.
Buyers receive revised suspension, ventilated seats, ambient lighting, and a rear screen.
Lease pricing is less appealing at $671 monthly with zero down, for a 36-month term.
After a disappointing Q1 and a string of uninspiring headlines, Tesla fans were hoping for a course correction, ideally in the form of a more affordable Model Y Juniper. That didn’t happen earlier this week, but it has now. The fully-loaded $59,990 Launch Edition based on the Long Range trim is stepping aside for the first standard Juniper Model Y in North America. For now, it comes in just one configuration: Long Range AWD, available in both the US and Canada.
Pricing and Leasing
In the US, the new Juniper Model Y Long Range AWD starts at $48,990, or $11,000 less than the Launch Edition, which had every available option thrown at it, including the $8,000 Full Self-Driving Beta (sic) package and the acceleration boost. Over in Canada, pricing starts at CA$69,990 (equal to $48,500) for the same model.
More: We Compare The New 2026 Tesla Model Y Side-By-Side With The Old One
For those eyeing a lease, the numbers are less exciting: $671 per month (before taxes), zero down, over 36 months with a 10,000-mile annual limit. Not exactly a bargain. By comparison, a similarly equipped Model 3 Long Range AWD ($47,490) leases for $542 a month, or even less if you get an inventory discounted version.
Normally, we’d suggest waiting a few months for lease rates to soften—whether via improved residuals or lower money factor—but it’s anyone’s guess if or when that’ll happen this time. With tariffs now in place and even US-built Model Ys relying on foreign components, prices could just as easily creep higher.
Regardless of configuration, most states show a delivery estimate between two and four weeks, but this is Tesla we’re talking about, so take that timeline with a grain of salt.
More Value for Slightly More Money
The good news is that the new Model Y costs just $1,000 more than the previous Long Range AWD model did in February—despite bringing a host of improvements. These include revised chassis and suspension components, a rear passenger display, ventilated seats, improved sound insulation, ambient interior lighting, and even motorized rear seatbacks. Taken together, it’s a compelling upgrade for the price.
Buyers who qualify for the full $7,500 federal tax credit will see the price drop to $41,490. Additional state-level incentives can lower that even more. Here in Massachusetts, for instance, EV buyers can apply for a $3,500 rebate on vehicles priced under $55,000. That brings the effective pre-tax cost down to as little as $37,990, plus the standard $1,390 delivery fee.
More: Someone Already Crashed A 2026 Tesla Model Y Juniper After Only 197 Miles
So what does $49K get you before any federal or state incentives? A spacious compact crossover with a 327-mile (526-km) range, a 0–60 mph (0–96 km/h) time of 4.6 seconds (with rollout), and a 125 mph (201 km/h) top speed. For perspective, a base ICE Toyota RAV4 starts at $29,250, while a fully loaded Hybrid Limited version tops out around $40,605. On the electric front, Ford’s Mustang Mach-E ranges from $36,495 for the base RWD model to $55,995 for the Rally edition. Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 starts at $42,600 and climbs to $66,200 for the high-performance Ioniq 5 N.
Options and Extras
In terms of add-ons, there are six paint choices. Stealth Grey is included at no extra cost, while Pearl White and Deep Blue each add $1,000. Diamond Black is $1,500, and Ultra Red and Quicksilver are the most expensive at $2,000. Sadly, the Glacier Blue color recently introduced in China isn’t making its way to North America—at least not yet.
More: You Can Buy A New 470 HP Family Car That Out-Runs Most Sports Cars For $32K
Inside, the default interior is black leather, while the white leather interior adds $1,000. The tow hitch also costs $1,000, and the 20-inch “Helix” wheels tack on another $2,000. It’s worth noting those wheels knock the estimated range down to 303 miles, so you’re paying more for less—if looks are your priority.
What About the Other Trims?
Looking ahead, with the Long Range AWD now priced at $48,990, it’s reasonable to expect the upcoming Long Range RWD variant (likely launching within the next month or so) to stay close to its previous $44,990 price point. As for the Performance trim, Tesla hasn’t officially revealed it yet, but if history is any guide, expect pricing of the flagship EV to land near the previous generation’s $51,490.
