Just thirteen years after the first Roadster deliveries, Tesla has become perhaps the most salient U.S. automaker. Whether it’s the compact sedan or crossover segment, it’s more than apparent that Tesla is the most popular electric car brand.
Instead of simply building electric cars, Tesla built an icon based upon an ecosystem and a lifestyle. In 2023, its ecosystem is stronger than ever, but its prices have slowly moved more and more upstream. Here are Tesla's entries for the 2023 model year.
2023 Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive: $42,990
The Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive is Tesla’s current least expensive model. Whether it’s the Model 3’s performance, range, or driving dynamics, it has been setting the industry basis for comparison since its 2017 inception. Tesla says the Model 3 can go from zero to sixty in 5.8 seconds, and its range comes in at an EPA-rated 272 miles. Pricing starts at $42,990.
- Range: 272 miles
- Drivetrain: RWD
- Acceleration: 0-60 in 5.8 seconds
- Possible Tax Credit Before March 2023: $7,500 ($55,000 cap)
2023 Tesla Model 3 Long Range: Unavailable Until 2023
The Tesla Model 3 Long Range continues to pack a massive punch in the range and power department, though it is currently unavailable for order until sometime later this year. Set to be priced between the $42,990 RWD and the $53,990 Performance, the 2022 Model 3 Long Range AWD should provide 358 miles of range. Complementing the range is a rapid zero to sixty time of just 4.2 seconds.
- Range: 358 miles
- Drivetrain: AWD
- Acceleration: 0-60 in 4.2 seconds
- Possible Tax Credit Before March 2023: $7,500 ($55,000 cap)
2023 Tesla Model Y AWD: $51,990
In April 2022, Tesla began allowing employees to purchase the Made-in-Texas Standard Range AWD Model Y. Soon after, Tesla began offering the base Model Y AWD as inventory at retail locations. Before Tesla's price drops, this trim went for $61,990. Now, Tesla has cut its price significantly by now offering it at $51,990.
Unlike the Long Range, the acceleration takes a .2 second hit along with a shortened range of 279 miles.
- Range: 279 miles
- Drivetrain: AWD
- Acceleration: 0-60 in 5.0 seconds
- Possible Tax Credit Before March 2023: $7,500 ($80,000 cap)
2023 Tesla Model 3 Performance: $53,990
After Tesla's recent price decreases, the Tesla Model 3 Performance now starts at $53,900, and qualifies for the $7,500 credit as long as the build is below $55,000. However, the Model 3 Performance remains one of the best overall performing EVs for the price. Zero to sixty takes just 3.1 seconds, and it can achieve a top speed of 162 mph. As these performance figures are impressive for any car, the Model 3 Performance is a five-seater sedan with a 315-mile range. However, the BMW i4 M50 should challenge the Model 3 Performance's prominence.
- Range: 315 miles
- Drivetrain: AWD
- Acceleration: 0-60 in 3.1 seconds
- Possible Tax Credit Before March 2023: $7,500 ($55,000 cap)
2023 Tesla Model Y Long Range: $54,990
After fulfilling deliveries in March 2020, the Model Y quickly dominated the electric crossover market. With its 2023 price decreases, Tesla's Long Range Model Y went from starting at $65,990 to now coming in at a much more competitive $54,990. Now able to qualify for the $7,500 tax credit, the Model Y Long Range has positioned itself as a highly compelling offering. It can go 330 miles on a single charge and features a dual motor setup, yielding a zero-to-sixty time of 4.8 seconds.
- Range: 330 miles
- Drivetrain: AWD
- Acceleration: 0-60 in 4.8 seconds
- Possible Tax Credit Before March 2023: $7,500 ($80,000 cap)
2023 Tesla Model Y Performance: $58,990
The Model Y Performance is the sportier version of the Long Range Model Y. It has a zero to sixty time of 3.5 seconds, and it can achieve 303 miles on a charge. For the price, its combination of performance and range are unparalleled in the crossover sector. Though, offerings coming the likes of Kia could stand to challenge the Model Y's dominion.
- Range: 303 miles
- Drivetrain: AWD
- Acceleration: 0-60 in 3.5 seconds
- Possible Tax Credit Before March 2023: $7,500 ($80,000 cap)
2023 Tesla Model S Long Range: $94,990
Remember when the pre-refresh Model S cost $69,420? Those days are now long gone. Now, the cheapest Model S starts at a hefty $94,990. Though, accompanying the higher starting price is a far more competitive package. With 405 miles of range and a 3.1 second zero to sixty run, the new Model S is a highly capable luxury sedan.
- Range: 405 miles
- Drivetrain: AWD
- Acceleration: 0-60 in 3.1 seconds
2023 Tesla Model X Long Range: $109,990
Like the Model S, the X received a significant refresh and pricing layout. With a starting price of $109,990, the Model X costs more than the BMW iX, Mercedes EQS SUV, and the Rivian R1S. While the X is pricey, it offers incredible tech, performance, and range. In fact, the base Tesla Model X makes 670 horsepower and can go 348 miles on a single charge.
- Range: 348 miles
- Drivetrain: AWD
- Acceleration: 0-60 in 3.8 seconds
2023 Tesla Model S Plaid: $114,990
1,020 horsepower, zero to sixty in 1.99 seconds (subtracting the one-foot rollout), and 396 miles of range: the Model S Plaid is one of the most exhilarating new cars on the market. With more than enough range and a hypercar defeating 0-60 time, the Model S Plaid truly embarked on new performance standards in the EV industry.
- Range: 396 miles
- Drivetrain: AWD
- Acceleration: 0-60 in 1.99 seconds
2023 Tesla Model X Plaid: $119,990
Starting at just under $120,000, the Model X Plaid is one of the most performance-capable crossovers ever made. Sharing the same platform as the Model S Plaid, the X ticks the craziness up to another degree. Mating six seats, Falcon-wing doors, and avant-garde tech with a 1,020 horsepower platform is just short of an engineering marvel.
- Range: 333 miles
- Drivetrain: AWD
- Acceleration: 0-60 in 2.5 seconds
Future:
2024 Tesla Cybertruck: pricing removed
With a similar number of flat edges as a Paper Mate pink eraser, Tesla’s trapezoidal oeuvre is that of any Californian Tesla enthusiast's dream. But, like most dreams and ambitions, the Cybertruck was hit with pretty significant delays. The Cybertruck is now due for production in mid-2023, meaning the Cybertruck will likely debut as a 2024 model year. Moreover, the Austin-based manufacturer dropped all info on pricing, so there's really nothing much to say about it.
- Range: 500+ miles
- Drivetrain: AWD
- Acceleration: 0-60 in <2.9 seconds
- Towing Capacity: 14,000+ pounds
202X Tesla Roadster: pricing removed
Talks of an updated Roadster began circulating as early as 2011. With more delays than a budget airline flight, the refreshed Tesla Roadster should surely come out soon. Well, it’s actually unlikely to come out soon because the Cybertruck, which has been delayed, is prioritized for production. However, the Roadster should be worth the wait because it should provide disturbingly impressive performance numbers: 620 miles of range and a 1.9 second 0-60 run in the base model. A more powerful SpaceX Edition is also underway, and since it’s equipped with cold air thrusters, expect a zero to sixty time of around 1.1 seconds.
- Range: 620 miles
- Drivetrain: AWD
- Acceleration: 0-60 in <1.9 seconds
Rumored (all information below is purely speculative):
202X Tesla hatchback: ~$25,000
Last but certainly not least is the heavily-rumored Tesla hatchback. While there’s very little known about it, it’s rumored to take the form of a compact hatchback, likely with four doors. It appears to directly take on the Chevrolet Bolt and a variety of European hatchbacks like the ID.3. Since it’s a Tesla, expect a rear motor setup and enough horsepower to get it to sixty in under six seconds or so.
- Range: 250+ miles
- Drivetrain: RWD
- Acceleration: 0-60 in <6.0 seconds