- Since Tesla brought its first mass-produced electric car to market in 2012 with the Model S, the EV company has been on a roll with new launches, with models such as its world’s best-selling Tesla Model Y.
- Despite Tesla’s EV market share reducing as more existing brands get heavily invested in electrification, new and used Tesla models still make for a great purchase when it comes to choosing an electric car.
- We’ve compiled the best Tesla models on the market in our latest Tesla buying guide, covering the different models available, whether you should buy a used Tesla, and what the cheapest used models are.
The best Tesla models to buy in 2025
For the purposes of this article, prices are listed in United States Dollar ($).
The Model S, Y, and 3 are the best Tesla models you can buy right now. Whilst Tesla does offer the Model X as its large electric SUV, the model is not as practical as rivals, and the gullwing doors add yet more cost to the vehicle without offering any further utility, which is why we are only recommending these three models as the best options.
Tesla Model S – Tesla Model Y – Tesla Model 3
Tesla Model S
The Model S is Tesla’s original mass-market EV, and the fact that Tesla are still using the same basic body shape from 2012 in 2025 – albeit with a raft of electric motor, battery, visual, and on-board technology changes – is a testament to how revolutionary this car was for the EV market upon its original early 2010s release.
In a time when more and more car buyers are choosing to go into larger SUVs, the Model S’ low-slung body stands out even more. Don’t think that you’re losing out when it comes to practicality, however, as the Model S can still comfortably seat five adults. With the second-row seats folded flat, the S is also more than capable of hauling items such as large furniture or bicycles
Buying New
The Tesla Model S may have been in production for over 12 years, but thanks to many comprehensive revisions, a brand-new Tesla Model S is just as modern and capable as any other EV on the market. Prices start at $94,990 for the all-wheel-drive variant, rising to $109,990 for the Model S Plaid. The Plaid is the ultimate performance Tesla right now, offering a 200mph top speed and a 0-60mph time of just 1.99 seconds, making it one of the best electric sports cars available.
For those buyers who will spend a significant amount of time at public chargers, buying new might be the way to go. In the USA, Tesla still offers free Tesla Supercharging for life on new models through its ‘Luxe Package’, which also bundles four years of premium maintenance, full supervised self-driving capabilities, and connectivity to music, traffic, and video services.
Buying Used
Despite the relatively high prices of brand new examples of the Tesla Model S, used examples are capable of being one of the most affordable entry points into EV ownership.
We recently found an example of a 2018 Tesla Model S 75D on sale for $17,695. That’s a significant chunk more affordable than any of the cheapest electric cars available from new, and offers a champagne driving experience for a lemonade budget. Mileage on the example we found stood at just over 84,000, but with Tesla proving that their batteries have minimal degradation even at high mileage, this is less of a concern.
Tesla Model Y
The family car-rivalling Model Y is arguably Tesla’s biggest success story. In 2023, it was the best-selling car globally, whilst it was also the best selling EV in Europe until earlier this year.
Originally launched in 2020, it recently underwent a significant technical and design overhaul, bringing arguably much improved looks to the car along with improvements to technology and batteries, making it a more desirable purchase. In our recent Tesla Model Y review, we praised this updated model for its impressive energy efficiency, power, and some of the best in-car software in the business.
Buying New
The Tesla Model Y is already a relatively affordable EV from new, with US pricing starting from $39,990 for the ‘Standard’ rear-wheel-drive specification. With several trim levels in-between, prices rise to a maximum of $57,490 for the ‘Performance’, which gives the Model Y sports car-rivalling acceleration credentials.
Buying Used
The best way to buy a used Tesla Model Y is through Tesla’s own certified pre-owned program, netting you significant savings over a new Model Y. One example we found was a 2020 Long Range AWD example, with 62,500 miles on the clock on sale for $24,200 – almost half the price of a new base-specification Model Y, though this five-year-old example forgoes the updated exterior and interior looks.
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 was originally introduced to the US market in 2017, and was one of the most affordable electric cars on the market at the time of its release. The subsequent Model Y was based on much of the same underpinnings as the 3, but the 3 offers a saloon body shape which grants improved handling and longer range thanks to better aerodynamics.
Buying New
US pricing of the new Model 3 starts significantly lower than its premium counterparts. The Model 3 Standard RWD begins at $36,990, whilst the most expensive model of the range is the $54,990 Performance. Even this entry level, sub-$37,000 option still offers an impressive EPA estimated battery range of 321 miles, making it more than capable of travelling long distances.
Buying Used
Much like the Model Y, a great way to pick up a Model 3 for a good value is through Tesla’s own pre-owned scheme. A 2023 Model 3 RWD, with 52,000 miles, can be found for as little as $21,000, marking a great deal compared to purchasing a new EV.
