Tesla Officially Introduces More Affordable Model Y Juniper Starting at $48,990 | Carscoops

      The $60,000 Launch Edition is being phased out, as the first standard 2026 Model Y in Long Range AWD arrives on the scene.

      Tesla has introduced its Model Y Juniper Long Range AWD at a price of $48,990, featuring notable enhancements. Buyers will benefit from improved suspension, ventilated seats, ambient lighting, and a rear entertainment screen. However, the leasing option is less attractive at $671 per month with no down payment for a 36-month agreement.

      After a disappointing first quarter and a series of lackluster news stories, Tesla enthusiasts were hoping for a turnaround, ideally in the shape of a more affordable Model Y Juniper. Although that didn’t happen earlier this week, it has now. The options-laden $59,990 Launch Edition, based on the Long Range model, is making way for the first standard Juniper Model Y in North America. For the time being, it’s offered in just one version: 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, which is $11,000 less than the Launch Edition that came with every available feature, including the $8,000 Full Self-Driving Beta package and acceleration boost. In Canada, the starting price is CA$69,990 (approximately $48,500) for this model.

      For those considering leasing, the details are less appealing: $671 per month (before taxes), with zero down for a 36-month term and a 10,000-mile annual cap. This isn’t exactly a good deal. In comparison, a similarly equipped Model 3 Long Range AWD priced at $47,490 offers lease payments of $542 a month or even less if opting for a discounted inventory version.

      Typically, we’d recommend waiting a few months for lease rates to improve—through better residuals or lower interest rates—but it's uncertain if or when that will occur this time. With tariffs now in effect and even Model Ys made in the US relying on imported parts, prices could just as easily increase.

      Across most states, the delivery estimate ranges from two to four weeks, but given Tesla's history, it’s advised to approach that timeline with skepticism.

      More Value for Slightly More Money

      On a positive note, the new Model Y is priced only $1,000 higher than the previous Long Range AWD model from February, yet it comes with several enhancements. These improvements include updated chassis and suspension components, a rear passenger display, ventilated seats, better sound insulation, ambient lighting, and motorized rear seatbacks. Collectively, this presents a compelling value for the price.

      Buyers eligible for the full $7,500 federal tax credit will see their price drop to $41,490. Additional state incentives can further decrease that figure. For instance, in Massachusetts, EV buyers can apply for a $3,500 rebate on vehicles priced below $55,000, which could bring the effective pre-tax cost down to as low as $37,990, exclusive of the standard $1,390 delivery fee.

      So, what does a $49K investment yield before any incentives? A roomy compact crossover with a 327-mile (526-km) range, a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds (with rollout), and a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h). For context, a base ICE Toyota RAV4 starts at $29,250, whereas a fully loaded Hybrid Limited version can reach around $40,605. In the electric vehicle market, the Ford Mustang Mach-E starts at $36,495 for the base RWD version and reaches $55,995 for the Rally edition, while Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 ranges from $42,600 to $66,200 for the high-performance Ioniq 5 N.

      Options and Extras

      Regarding optional features, there are six paint options. Stealth Grey comes at no additional cost, Pearl White and Deep Blue add $1,000 each, Diamond Black costs $1,500, and the most expensive options, Ultra Red and Quicksilver, are priced at $2,000. Unfortunately, the Glacier Blue color recently introduced in China is not currently available in North America.

      Inside, the standard interior consists of black leather, with the white leather option available for an extra $1,000. The tow hitch is also priced at $1,000, and the 20-inch “Helix” wheels cost an additional $2,000. It’s worth noting that those wheels reduce the estimated range to 303 miles, meaning you’re paying more for less if aesthetics are your priority.

      What About the Other Trims?

      Looking ahead, with the Long Range AWD now priced at $48,990, it’s reasonable to anticipate that the forthcoming Long Range RWD variant (expected to launch within the next month)