If you’re looking to buy an Electric Vehicle (EV), then you’ve no doubt considered, even if only for a moment, the possibility of a Tesla model. While Tesla vehicles may have a reputation for only being available to the very wealthy, the prices on certain models have become pretty reasonable and are often lower than those of similar EVs from other manufacturers. Since the Tesla lineup has been expanding significantly over the last few years, there are quite a few options available if this is something you’re interested in.
However, choosing the right Tesla is not always easy and really comes down to the kind of performance you want and what sort of vehicle you need. So let’s take a look at the current lineup of models you can choose from and figure out which one might be right for you.
Tesla Model 3
The first of two EV sedan options available from Tesla, the Model 3 is the most affordable option in their entire lineup. So if you’re interested in going electric, but you’re a little concerned that you might not like owning an electric vehicle, then this is a great place to start. Not only is it very well designed and visually stunning, but it has all of the incredible features and impressive performance that you’d expect from a Tesla.
With the Model 3, you have a few different options to choose from, though every model includes an all-glass roof, 15-inch center touchscreen display, and advanced autopilot safety features. The Standard Plus model has rear-wheel drive using a single electric motor, offering up to 263 miles of range on a full charge and going from 0 to 60 in 5.3 seconds. The price for this performance? Only $37,990. There is also a Long-Range AWD model, which features dual-motor all-wheel drive, giving you a range of up to 353 miles on a full charge and going from 0 to 60 in 4.2 seconds. Finally, you can choose a Performance Model 3, which comes with 20-inch wheels and has only 315 miles of range, but can go from 0 to 60 in just 3.1 seconds. The Tesla Model 3 starts at $33,690.
Tesla Model Y
Next up is the Model Y, which is a midsize SUV that offers improved performance and interior cargo space compared to the Model 3. Where the Model 3 has 15 cu.ft. of cargo space, the Model Y gives you up to 68 cu.ft. of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. This beats out a lot of other SUVs on the market in terms of interior room while still offering incredible performance.
Two different Model Y trims are available, starting with the Long Range AWD, which features dual-motor all-wheel drive and standard features that include a 15-inch center touchscreen display and all-glass roof. The Long Range AWD Model Y can go up to 326 miles on a full charge, has seating for up to seven people with the optional third row, and can go from 0 to 60 in 4.8 seconds. It can even tow up to 3,500 lbs with the available tow hitch. There is also a Model Y Performance version available, which has a range of up to 303 miles but can go from 0 to 60 in just 3.5 seconds. The Tesla Model Y starts at $49,990.
Tesla Model S
The second Tesla sedan option is the Model S, which brings numerous unique features to the table. You’ll find a few upgrades with the Model S compared to the Model 3, including a separate digital instrument cluster and a larger 17-inch central touchscreen display. The Model S is also an excellent choice if you need a bit more cargo storage than the Model 3 as its liftback design offers 28 cu.ft. of cargo space.
You have three different options with the Tesla Model S, starting with the Long Range Plus at $69,420. Despite being the base model, this trim has dual-motor all-wheel drive, an incredible range of 402 miles on a full charge, and can go from 0 to 60 in 3.7 seconds. However, if that’s not quite fast enough for you, then there’s a Performance Model S available, which also has all-wheel drive, a range of 387 miles, and it can go from 0 to 60 in just 2.3 seconds. Finally, the Model S Plaid has tri-motor all-wheel drive and is the quickest production car ever built with a 0 to 60 of under 2 seconds and a quarter-mile time of under 9 seconds. To wrap up its impressive specifications, the Plaid has an estimated range of over 520 miles on a single charge.
Tesla Model X
Next up, we have the Tesla Model X, which is your second option if you’re interested in a midsize SUV. The Model X was developed on the same platform as the Model S – so if you see the Model S as a direct upgrade from the Model 3, then the Model X is a similar upgrade from the Model Y. It has seating for up to seven people and unique falcon-wing doors for the rear seats. Whether that will work well for you really depends on what you need, but it’s certainly a flashy way to stand out among so many other midsize SUVs out there.
Much like the Model S, you have two different models to choose from with the Model X. The Long Range Plus model features a separate driver display and 17-inch center display, just like the Model S, and has a maximum range of up to 371 miles on a full charge, with the ability to go from 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds. If you’re looking for a more thrilling driving experience, then consider the Performance model, which has a range of up to 341 miles, but can go from 0 to 60 in just 2.6 seconds – while still offering you up to 88 cu.ft. of interior cargo space. The Tesla Model X starts at $79,990.
Tesla Cybertruck
Of course, if you’re looking for something quite new from Tesla, then consider the Cybertruck, Tesla’s answer to the modern pickup. Although it might look like something from a sci-fi movie, it offers truly impressive power and performance. This includes up to 14,000 lbs of maximum towing capacity, 100 cu.ft. of secure cargo bed space, and up to 16 inches of ground clearance. I’m pretty confident that this isn’t about to replace the Ford F-150 as America’s favorite truck, but there’s no denying its power and unique design.
Three different models of the Cybertruck are planned, starting with a Single Motor RWD model that has about 7,500 lbs of towing capacity, a 250+ mile range, and can go from 0 to 60 in less than 6.5 seconds. Then there’s a Dual Motor AWD model, which has about 10,000 lbs of towing capacity, a 300+ mile range, and can go from 0 to 60 in under 4.5 seconds. Finally, you can choose a Tri-Motor AWD model that has a maximum towing capacity of more than 14,000 lbs, a full range of more than 500 miles, and it can go from 0 to 60 in less than 2.9 seconds. The Tesla Cybertruck will start at $39,900, and you can reserve a model today for a $100 deposit.
Tesla Roadster
If a truly insane level of performance is what you’re after, then look no further. The upcoming Tesla Roadster is intended to be the “quickest car in the world,” and the numbers pretty well speak for themselves. It is targetting a top speed over 250 mph, a 0 to 60 time of just 1.9 seconds, and a quarter-mile time of 8.8 seconds. The planned range of 620 miles on a full charge and seating for four will also make this car just as capable of long road trips as short sprints. You can reserve the Tesla Roadster right now, although the base price of $200,000 matches its supercar levels of performance.
As you can see, we’re getting to the point where there’s a Tesla model for pretty much everyone. From the practical Model 3 to the unbelievable Roadster, Tesla has all but cornered the market for luxurious and high-performance electric vehicles. It all just depends on your budget and what you’re looking for.
