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AWD Standard vs AWD Premium

jmutiny1993 | 2026-02-22 20:56 | 26 views

I'm very close to buying the standard AWD, but just need some confirmation before I lock it in. I test drove the standard and loved it, had no complaints at all. Its also available for 0% which is why I am even considering it. Now I've read lots of threads/comments here telling people to always get premium, but I am having a hard time justifying it. Its $7k more and then if you factor in the interest you'll pay about $5k in interest meaning almost $12k more. To me that is not worth it, I know that it has more features and what not but I was content with what the standard had to offer. Am I missing something or is the AWD Standard still a good car? Thanks.

Comments (11)
Many-Relief-2235 2026-02-22 21:00

Don’t Model Ys qualify for that interest deduction since they are made in the United States? (I would see how that impacts your decision by talking to a tax person). Regarding the difference I own a 26’ MY Premium and love all the features. I think it’s better in every way and I don’t even have the dark headliner or larger screen they now have

External-Milk9290 2026-02-22 21:01

Interest deduction only saves you a small fraction on your taxes. It’s nowhere close to the cost of interest

DuckTalesLOL 2026-02-22 21:01

If you were satisfied with the Standard, why are you relying on random strangers on the internet to presuade you otherwise?

renfang 2026-02-22 21:04

Premium is worth it but if you need AWD it’s hard to beat the price

less_is_less 2026-02-22 21:10

I would suggest you look into the premium RWD. It’s only $3k more and a much better car overall. The premium RWD has 60+ more miles of range, the glass roof, much easier to adjust all the seats, better frunk, light bar, better seats material, ventilated seats, rear screen, etc. It’s way more than $3k worth of stuff. You may want to watch a standard vs. premium video like this one. The guys kinda annoying, but he does a good comparison. https://youtu.be/p_29T8oNy0M?si=NN5WCp7imbEfO9r6

fratzba 2026-02-23 00:58

If you are in the US, interest on the Y premium is 0.99%, so it won’t be $5k. It really depends on if you value the differences between the models. Nobody can decide this for you except you.

Master-Journalist888 2026-02-23 05:19

I would pay not to have glass roof where I live due to crazy sun. Tesla sells roof mesh and it is ironically one of the most popular items as many people hate glass roof.

Putrid-Box4866 2026-02-23 06:33

The seat adjustment alone is worth the Premium. During the times you need micro adjustments, it’s a pain reaching for the screen to make the adjustment while driving, with FSD. The you have the panoramic roof, automatic back seat recline, double panel window, better range in RWD, waterproof frunk, etc. also the 1% interest is basically 0 interest.

YouKidsGetOffMyYard 2026-02-23 22:07

Buy what you want, the Standard is still a good car. Most of the things the premium gives you, you can do without. If you just want a practical good car the standard is a good fit. Yes for sure the premium is "nicer" in a number of ways but they are both going to drive the same and it's going to last just as long.

Queasy_Movie_885 2026-02-24 02:33

If you already test drove the Standard and you like it, 0% is a great deal. You save around $10,000 compared to the Premium. With 0.99% financing, you would pay about $1,800 in interest, plus about $4,000 more for the Premium trim. So it is up to you - you want save 10k or pay 6 k more for premium— For me if you fine with standard offer go with standard and save some money for something else like investment

trackstarwannabe 2026-03-12 19:54

In NY right now there is a $2,000 EV credit on the AWD standard (under $42,000 msrp) and only a $500 on the premium... widens the gap

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