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Tesla cars are solid options in the EV world. They boast a small carbon footprint, incorporate advanced technology, deliver impressive performance, and are status symbols. However, you might not want or afford to spend a huge amount to buy a car. If you still want one, leasing could be a good alternative. So, how much does leasing each Tesla model cost? Let’s find it out.

How Much Is It to Lease Each Model of Tesla Today?

Tesla lease agreements typically include acquisition and delivery fees.

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Leasing a Tesla can be an affordable affair, depending on the model you want to drive. Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive is the cheapest option, with a monthly payment as low as $334 per month. Model X Plaid is the most expensive Tesla model you can lease today. Leasing it can set you back at least $1,556 per month. Regardless of the Tesla model you want to lease, you must consider the down payment. Amounts go from $5,529 to $9,751 and are payable upfront.

Tesla ModelMonthly PaymentDue at Signing
Model 3 RWD$334$5,529
Model 3 Long Range AWD$540$5,735
Model 3 Performance AWD$629$5,824
Model Y Long Range AWD$610$5,805
Model Y Performance AWD$690$5,885
Model S AWD$1,207$9,402
Model S Plaid$1,507$9,702
Model X AWD$1,357$9,552
Model X Plaid$1,556$9,751
Prices in the table are correct at the moment of this writing and refer to leasing the model directly from Tesla. Independent dealers may charge different prices. Your credit history and other personal factors may affect these costs. All costs are subject to change.

Tesla Model 3 Lease Cost

Of all the Tesla models that you can buy today, Tesla Model 3 is the most affordable to buy or lease. Below are some crucial differences between the various Model 3 types.

Tesla model 3 parked against a backdrop of a rocky mountain.
Long Range is perfect for people who want more traction and greater mileage per charge.

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Rear-Wheel Drive

If you are budget-conscious, you want to go with the Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive, which costs $334 per month for the factory version. Leasing directly from Tesla gives you the opportunity to customize the car, including paint color and interior. Fully customized, the price goes up to $559 per month, exclusive of taxes and other fees, on a 36-month leasing contract. The good news is that Model 3 qualifies for a tax credit that can go up to $7,500.

Long Range All-Wheel Drive

If you don’t want to spend a lot but would like something more than the basic version of Model 3, consider the Long Range AWD. A monthly lease costs $540. Tesla doesn’t allow car customization for this model if leasing it. However, you’ll still have to pay a down payment and delivery fees for a total of $5,735 due at signing.

The down payment and the monthly rate are substantial if you opt for a shorter term. A 24-month lease – instead of 36 months – brings the down payment to $5,752 and the monthly rate to $557.

Performance All-Wheel Drive

One of the most expensive types of Model 3, the Performance AWD has a monthly rate of $629 and a down payment of $5,824. These prices refer to a 36-month lease of the factory version of the car. You can order a custom one. Fully customized, the monthly rate of this model goes up to $906. However, the downpayment remains $4,500 and includes a $1,390 destination fee.

Tesla Model Y Lease Cost

Larger and longer than the Model 3, Tesla Model Y is a worthy upgrade. Price differences are minimal compared to Model 3, but you’ll get more in terms of design and technology.

gigafactory shanghai
Tesla Model Y has a spacious interior and a good driving range.

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Long Range All-Wheel Drive

The cheapest version of Model Y is the Long Range AWD. Without customizations, its monthly lease cost is $610 per month on a 36-month term. A shorter term of 24 months comes with a slightly increased rate, which goes up to $365 per month.

The SUV, fully customized, costs $968 per month. The main difference between Long Range and the basic version is the addition of a third row of seats, making the car perfect for seven people.

Performance All-Wheel Drive

Model Y Performance brings improvements to the Long Range model. So, leasing or buying it isn’t cheap. However, the difference is minimal. The factory version of Model Y Performance costs $690 per month. A down payment at signing, which includes the various fees, sets you back $5,885.

Customized version are typically expensive. With red paintwork (the most expensive variant) and all add-ons, the cost goes up to $975 per month. While a $285 difference could make or break the deal, the difference is really negligible compared to the fully customized Model Y Long Range AWD.

Tesla Model S Lease Cost

Model S marks the transition between Tesla’s compact and high-performance electric vehicles. This change is easily visible in the EV’s cost. A basic Model S costs about twice as much as a Model 3. Leasing is even more expensive, with the cheapest Model S costing $1,207 per month.

EVs in Arizona
Tesla Model S has an estimated range of 396 miles on full charge.

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All-Wheel Drive

The most inexpensive Tesla Model S is the All-Wheel Drive. Leasing on a 36-month term costs $1,206 per month, with $9,402 due at signing. Committing to a shorter contract adds $270 to the monthly payment and about the same amount to the down payment.

If you wish to design your model, you can expect to pay up to $1,619 per month on a 36-month term. While more expensive than the factory version, the full-optional allows you to change the driving wheel to a steering controller and enhance the car’s appeal with a cream and walnut interior and ultra-red paintwork.

Plaid

From a visual standpoint, a few differences exist between Model S AWD and Model S Plaid. Yet, the Plaid brings a true performance improvement with impressive top speeds (up to 200mph) and stunning acceleration capabilities (zero to 60mph in 1.99 seconds). It is quite obvious you’ll have to pay for all these features.

If you don’t care much about customization, leasing the factory version of Model S Plaid will cost you $1,507 per month and $9,702 in down payment. However, if you want all the bells and whistles, the price can go up to $1,915 per month. That’s a huge difference compared to the standard variant, but you’ll get to drive your dream Tesla for at least 36 months.

Tesla Model X Lease Cost

The electric midsize SUV Model X is one of Tesla’s most expensive cars and the most expensive that you can lease from Tesla. It is only available in selected states, but you might be able to lease it, regardless of your location, from local dealers.

white Tesla Model X at Brussels Motor Show
The Model X is notable for using falcon-wing doors for passenger access.

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All-Wheel Drive

Tesla Model X AWD is the cheapest version of the SUV. Leasing costs start at $1,357, with a down payment of $9,552. As with the other models, these prices apply to a 36-month term and for the standard version of the car. A Model X AWD customized to your liking, including seven seats, autopilot, and a wall connector, will cost you $1,839 per month. Prices go up for shorter, 24-month contracts.

Plaid

Currently, Tesla Model X Plaid is the most expensive Tesla car to lease. This enhanced SUV features faster acceleration and three high-performance motors. Leasing the standard version for 36 months costs $1,556 per month, roughly $200 more than the AWD. Considering both SUVs have similar top speeds, the price difference could be a deciding factor for many.

If you don’t really care about the price tag but want a Model X Plaid fully customized, the monthly payment can go as high as $1,992 per month. The down payment for the Plaid version starts at $9,751 and varies based on the term length and customizations.

Key Takeaways

Leasing a Tesla can be an affordable affair if you don’t mind settling for a compact SUV or sedan. The Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive is the cheapest, with monthly payments as low as $334 per month. A shorter contract drives the price up, but this vehicle is still more affordable than Model X.

Model X sits at the opposite end and is the most expensive Tesla to lease or purchase. Things will likely change in the near future when the 2023 Tesla Roadster, the Cybertruck, and the Semi come out. Meanwhile, you can have your pick from the brand’s selection of crossovers and sedans.

How Much Is It To Lease Each Model Of Tesla Today FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How does Tesla calculate the lease payment?

Tesla calculates the monthly lease payment by taking into account a variety of fixed costs and personal risk factors. Personal factors that affect costs include your credit history and driving behavior. Other factors include the lease term, your preferred annual mileage, and the down payment – you can pay more upfront to diminish the monthly payments.

Is it better to lease a Tesla or own?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question, as it all depends on your circumstances. Owning a Tesla gives you advantages, such as the possibility of driving as much as you like or selling the car if you need quick access to cash. However, depreciation often means that you’ll lose compared to the original price you paid. Leasing comes with limited mileage and other conditions that you have to respect. However, it gives you the possibility of driving a Tesla if you can’t afford to buy one. Taking a loan to buy your car is another option, but not profitable in the long run. Leasing is the most flexible option if you want to change cars constantly and make sure that you’re always driving a new vehicle.

Is Tesla leasing available in all states?

No. Currently, Tesla leasing is only available in AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, LA, MA, MD, ME, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WV, and WY. If you live somewhere else, you could still lease a Tesla from your local dealer. However, the lessor, in this case, would not be Tesla but the dealership.

What happens when my lease term ends?

Tesla gives you plenty of end-of-lease options. The most common one is to upgrade to a new Tesla vehicle. You can also choose to extend the lease for another term or purchase the vehicle. Otherwise, you can end the lease and return the car to Tesla. The company will review it for wear and tear and will bill you for any outstanding charges, and then you can start a new leasing contract, purchase a new Tesla, or switch brands.

Can I end my Tesla lease early?

Yes, you can end your lease early, according to the terms outlined in your lease agreement. The company will provide you with an early termination quote that you’ll have to pay to end the contract.

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