We’re a few days into September, so it’s a good time to catch up on this month’s latest lease deals for the Tesla Model Y, which remains America’s best-selling EV. There are many reasons to consider a Model Y crossover. Not only does it boast excellent performance, but it’s also more reliable than earlier model years and has top safety scores from the IIHS. Lease prices have increased slightly this month, but the Model Y is still well worth considering in its segment, so let’s take a closer look at how much you’ll pay.
This Month’s Tesla Model Y Lease Deals
Tesla
First, we’ll get the bad news out of the way: The newer, more spacious Model Y L is still not available for leasing. New, high-demand models are frequently excluded from leasing deals after they’re launched, so that leaves customers with five other trims to choose from.
| Trim | Monthly Payment | Lease Term | Due at Delivery | Annual Mileage |
| Rear-Wheel Drive | $499 | 36 months | $4,195 | 10,000 miles |
| All-Wheel Drive | $549 | 36 months | $4,245 | 10,000 miles |
| Premium Rear-Wheel Drive | $599 | 36 months | $4,294 | 10,000 miles |
| Premium All-Wheel Drive | $699 | 36 months | $4,395 | 10,000 miles |
| Performance | $799 | 36 months | $4,494 | 10,000 miles |
The Tesla Model Y’s lease price has increased slightly versus August. The base RWD variant is now $40 pricier per month, while the initial amount due is up by $40, too. The AWD model has seen a similar price bump, but the top three trims are all the same price as they were in August.
These prices exclude tax, title, licensing, and registration costs. If you exceed the mileage allowance of 10,000 miles per year, Tesla will charge $0.25 per every additional mile. The initial fee includes a $3,000 down payment, the first monthly payment, and an acquisition fee of $695. Tesla Model Y leasing isn’t available in every state, but you can check for deals in your area by adding your zip code to the automaker’s website.
Tesla Model Y Lease Deal Vs. Toyota bZ
Toyota
For EV buyers who may prefer a more traditional crossover from a trusted brand, the Toyota bZ is the Japanese automaker’s closest Model Y rival. Although not as quick as the Tesla, the 2027 bZ is a much better vehicle than the original bZ4X that arrived a few years ago. Here’s a look at how the base lease prices of these EVs compare.
| Tesla Model Y RWD | Toyota bZ XLE | |
| Monthly lease price | $499 | $439 |
| Initial payment | $4,195 | $3,970 |
| Lease term | 36 months | 36 months |
| Annual mileage | 10,000 miles | 10,000 miles |
Not only is the Toyota cheaper to lease, but its excess mileage fee is also lower, at $0.15 for every additional mile.
It’s not as simple as comparing pricing, though. The range between these cheapest models is heavily in favor of the Model Y (236 miles for the Toyota and 321 miles for the Tesla). The standard bZ XLE has front-wheel drive, whereas the base Model Y has a rear-wheel-drive setup. This Model Y needs 6.8 seconds to hit 60, so it’s easily quicker than the bZ XLE, which needs eight seconds.
The Toyota rides more comfortably and its user interface is easier to figure out initially, but the Tesla is more enjoyable to drive, can be had with the most advanced self-driving system in the industry, and has a quicker infotainment system.
Final Thoughts
Tesla
The Tesla Model Y is more expensive to lease this month, but it’s still a solid deal. If you can live with the extremely minimalist look, it’s easy to understand why this is the best-selling EV in the country. Its balance of performance and range easily trumps the base bZ’s, making these two attributes enough on their own to justify the higher cost. The fact that the Tesla can drive itself is another major advantage over every other rival, as it takes the stress out of daily commutes.
About the author
Karl Furlong
Senior Editor, Autoblog