Current Tesla Model Y Lease Overview
$4,500 due at signing ยท 36 months ยท 10,000 miles/year
$4,500 due at signing ยท 36 months ยท 10,000 miles/year
$4,500 due at signing ยท 36 months ยท 10,000 miles/year
Like all Tesla leases, the advertised price excludes taxes, acquisition fee ($695), and doc fees. The true monthly is about 20-25% higher than advertised.
Model Y Lease vs Buy
| Option | Monthly | Due at Signing | 36-Month Total | Equity After 36mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lease (RWD) | $624 | $4,500 | $26,964 | $0 |
| Finance (RWD) | $845 | $4,774 (10%) | $35,194 | ~$28,000 |
Money Factors & Residuals
Current Money Factors by Credit Tier (36 months)
| Tier | Credit Score | Money Factor | APR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 720+ | 0.00215 | 5.16% |
| Tier 2 | 680โ719 | 0.00235 | 5.64% |
| Tier 3 | 640โ679 | 0.00265 | 6.36% |
Residual Values by Trim (36 months, 10k mi/yr)
| Trim | Residual % | Residual Value |
|---|---|---|
| Model Y RWD | 56% | $26,734 |
| Model Y Long Range | 54% | $27,940 |
| Model Y Performance | 52% | $28,465 |
How Credit Score Affects Your Payment
| Credit Tier | Score | Money Factor | Monthly Payment* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 720+ | 0.00215 | $624 |
| Tier 2 | 680โ719 | 0.00235 | $644 (+$20) |
| Tier 3 | 640โ679 | 0.00265 | $674 (+$50) |
Hidden Fees on Model Y Leases
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Acquisition Fee | $695 | Rolled into payment |
| Disposition Fee | $395 | At lease end, waived if re-lease |
| Destination Fee | $1,390 | Included in MSRP |
| Mileage Overage | $0.25/mi | Over contracted allowance |
Model Y vs Model 3 Comparison
| Factor | Model Y RWD | Model 3 RWD |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly payment | $624 | $564 |
| Due at signing | $4,500 | $4,145 |
| Cargo space | 76 cu ft | 23 cu ft |
| 0-60 mph | 6.6s | 5.8s |
| Range | 310 miles | 272 miles |
Who Should Lease the Model Y?
Lease if you:
- Need the extra cargo space and seating
- Want a new SUV every 3 years
- Drive under 12,000 miles/year
- Prefer lower payments than financing
Buy if you:
- Plan to keep the vehicle 5+ years
- Drive more than 15,000 miles/year
- Want to build equity
- Are concerned about the no-buyout rule
Like all Tesla leases, the Model Y has no purchase option at lease end. You must return the vehicle, even if it's worth more than the residual. Read more โ
How to Get the Best Model Y Lease Deal
- Shop quarter-end: March, June, September, December โ especially December
- Look for demo vehicles: Model Y demos with 2k-5k miles can save 10-15%
- Check existing inventory: Inventory units often have $2k-4k discounts
- Know your credit tier: Tier 1 saves $20-50/month over lower tiers
- Consider a lease takeover: Used Model Y leases from $399/month
Frequently Asked Questions
Advertised: $499 (RWD). True all-in: ~$624 after taxes and fees. See current deals โ
No. Tesla leases have no purchase option. You must return the vehicle.
Tier 1 credit gets 0.00215 (5.16% APR) for 36 months.
Advertised: $599. True all-in: ~$724.
Tier 1 (720+) for best rates. 650+ minimum typically required.
If you want a new SUV every 3 years, lease. If you keep cars long-term, buy. See full comparison โ
Sources: Tesla lease offers March 2026, community-reported deals, Leasehackr forums. Current as of March 2026.