Choosing between Tesla’s three current models comes down to budget, cargo needs, and how much performance you want to pay for.
What each one costs right now
The Model 3 starts at $36,990 for the Standard trim and tops out at $54,990 for Performance, per pricing published late last year. The Model Y spans a similar range, from $39,990 for Standard to $57,490 for Performance. The Cybertruck costs considerably more: Kelley Blue Book listed the All-Wheel Drive trim at $82,235 and the Cyberbeast at $117,235 as of May 2026, both with 325 miles of range and up to 11,000 lbs of towing capacity.
The basic tradeoffs
Model 3 is the sedan: lowest cost of entry, least cargo room. Model Y is the SUV body on similar underpinnings, with more cargo space for a starting price just a few thousand dollars above the Model 3. Cybertruck costs roughly double either one, but it’s the only one of the three built to tow serious weight or double as a work truck.
These three are also the entire new-car lineup today — Tesla ended Model S and Model X production in 2026, according to its January 2026 announcement, so Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck are what’s actually available to order new.
Watch: Ryan Shaw’s 2026/27 buying guide
Ryan Shaw walks through all three current models and where he’d put a first-time buyer’s money, in a buying guide he posted October 4, 2026:
Take his picks as one experienced owner’s opinion. The pricing and specs above are what to verify for yourself before you order.
Photo by Makara Heng.