Verified vehicle record
2026 Tesla Model S
Car and Driver says Tesla gave the Model S a minor facelift for 2026: a new Frost Blue paint color, additional sound deadening, a more aerodynamic wheel design, a front-facing camera, suspension updates for improved ride quality, new adaptive headlights, and dynamic entry lighting along the dash and door cards; the EPA-claimed range for the standard Model S rises to 410 miles, up from 402, and the Plaid gets an exterior styling update Tesla says will enhance high-speed stability. MSRP runs $111,630-$161,060. MotorTrend lists pros as powerful acceleration, a versatile hatchback cargo area, and better ride quality for 2026, with cons including the Lucid Air's greater range, some competitors' more luxurious interiors, and a design that's stayed the same for over a decade; MotorTrend lists rivals to the Model S as the Lucid Air, Audi A6 E-Tron, and BMW i5.
Current archiveChecked Aug. 28, 2026United States specification
PowertrainDual or tri electric motors
Output670 / 1,020 hp
DrivetrainStandard AWD
Seating5
Decision answers21Trim, ownership and verification
What changed for 2026
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says for 2026, Tesla has given the Model S a minor facelift that includes a new Frost Blue paint color, additional sound deadening, a more aerodynamic wheel design, a front-facing camera, and suspension updates to improve ride quality. It also gets new adaptive headlights and dynamic lighting along the dash and door cards that illuminate on entry. With the changes, the EPA claims that the standard Model S has a slightly improved driving range of 410 miles, up from 402 miles previously. The Model S Plaid also receives an exterior styling update, which Tesla says will enhance its high-speed stability.
Pricing for 2026
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) lists MSRP at $111,630-$161,060.
How it compares to its closest rivals
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) lists pros as powerful acceleration, a versatile hatchback cargo area, and better ride quality for 2026; cons include the Lucid Air having more range, some competitors offering more luxurious interiors, and the same basic design for over a decade. MotorTrend lists rivals to the Model S as the Lucid Air, Audi A6 E-Tron, and BMW i5.
Questions buyers ask
What's new for the 2026 Tesla Model S?
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says a minor facelift with new paint, updated suspension, new headlights, and a range bump to 410 miles.
How much does the 2026 Tesla Model S cost?
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) lists MSRP at $111,630 to $161,060.
Research paths
Move from the vehicle to the decision.
Compare like with like: the closest configuration, not an unrelated advertised maximum.
Record summary
What to know first
The base AWD trim uses dual motors at roughly 670 hp with up to 402 miles of range; Plaid adds a third motor for 1,020 hp but cuts range to 348 miles and retains an exclusive yoke steering wheel.
Model-year note
Plaid's yoke steering wheel is exclusive to that trim. The base AWD trim uses a conventional steering wheel.
Trim map
How the lineup separates.
Trim descriptions identify the meaningful change from one trim to the next; individual options can still vary.
| Trim | Place in the lineup | Notable equipment |
|---|---|---|
| All-Wheel Drive | Entry trim | Dual motor standard, ~670 hp, standard AWD, up to 402 mi range, Conventional steering wheel standard |
| Plaid | Top trim | Tri motor standard, 1,020 hp, standard AWD, up to 348 mi range, Exclusive yoke steering wheel, carbon fiber grille accents standard |
01
Entry trim
All-Wheel Drive
- Dual motor standard, ~670 hp, standard AWD, up to 402 mi range
- Conventional steering wheel standard
02
Top trim
Plaid
- Tri motor standard, 1,020 hp, standard AWD, up to 348 mi range
- Exclusive yoke steering wheel, carbon fiber grille accents standard
1 more row Kelley Blue Book lists for the 2026 Model S
These rows are close to a page already on this site, so they are listed here with what sets each apart.
| Configuration | Engine | Power | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Dual AC Electric Motors | 670 hp | AWD |
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2026 Tesla Model S: 2 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | 0–60 mph | Top speed | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Dual AC Electric Motors | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | AWD | 670 | 3.1 s | 130 mph | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Plaid | Triple AC Electric Motors | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | AWD | 1,020 | 2 s | 149 mph | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Front headroom | Front legroom | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | 4,560 lb | 197.7 in | 56.3 in | 116.5 in | 5 in | 40.7 ft | 39.7 in | 42.4 in | 19 |
| Plaid | 4,776 lb | 197.7 in | 56.3 in | 116.5 in | 5 in | 40.7 ft | 39.7 in | 42.4 in | 19 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2026 Tesla Model S trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | Base | Plaid |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | ||
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning with automatic braking | Std | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std |
| Pedestrian detection | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std |
| Surround-view camera | Std | Std |
| Front and rear parking sensors | Std | Std |
| Rear parking sensors | Std | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std |
| Technology | ||
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std |
| Built-in internet access | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | Std | Std |
| Premium audio system | Std | Std |
| Real-time traffic information | Std | Std |
| Satellite radio | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | Std | Std |
| Comfort | ||
| Heated front seats | Std | Std |
| Heated rear seats | Std | Std |
| Heated steering wheel | Std | Std |
| Heated mirrors | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | Std | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | Std | Std |
| Front and rear climate zones | Std | Std |
| Panoramic moonroof | Std | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | ||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std |
| Fog lights | Std | Std |
| Roof rails | Opt | Opt |
| Power-folding mirrors | Std | Std |
| Power liftgate or trunk | Std | Std |
| Remote liftgate or trunk release | Std | Std |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | Std | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
3 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49741Model S | Electric motor / not listedEV | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (A1) | Electricity | 132 | 116 | 124 | 410 mi |
| 49742Model S Plaid | Electric motor / not listedEV | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (A1) | Electricity | 114 | 105 | 110 | 368 mi |
| 50252Model S Plaid (21in wheels) | Electric motor / not listedEV | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (A1) | Electricity | 97 | 89 | 93 | 309 mi |
Direct answers
21 questions tied to this model-year.
Each answer names its source.
Q01How many trims does the 2026 Model S come in?
The 2026 Tesla Model S (electric full-size sedan) comes in 2 trims: All-Wheel Drive, Plaid.
Source: Tesla
Q02What are the 2026 Model S trims?
The 2026 Tesla Model S trims are All-Wheel Drive, Plaid, listed from the entry All-Wheel Drive up to the top Plaid.
Source: Tesla
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2026 Model S use?
The 2026 Tesla Model S is built around Dual or tri electric motors, rated at 670 / 1,020 horsepower across its electric full-size sedan body style.
Source: Tesla specifications
Q04Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2026 Model S?
The 2026 Tesla Model S is offered with Standard AWD.
Source: Tesla specifications
Q05What changed for the 2026 Model S?
Plaid's yoke steering wheel is exclusive to that trim. The base AWD trim uses a conventional steering wheel.
Source: Tesla model-year information
Q06How much cargo space does the 2026 Tesla Model S have, per EPA measurement?
The EPA lists 26 cubic feet of measured luggage or cargo volume for the 2026 Tesla Model S.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov current vehicle table
Q07How much cargo space does the 2026 Tesla Model S have?
Cargo volume is 28 cu ft. Documented for the 2026 Tesla Model S in Web search aggregate (Edmunds/KBB/manufacturer research pages), read 2026-09-10.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q08What is the 2026 Tesla Model S's maximum cargo volume?
Maximum cargo volume is 58.1 cu ft. Documented for the 2026 Tesla Model S in Web search aggregate (Edmunds/KBB/manufacturer research pages), read 2026-09-10.
Source: Manufacturer specifications and press materials
Q09What are the 2026 Tesla Model S trim levels?
Two all-wheel-drive trims: the base dual-motor Model S and the tri-motor Model S Plaid. 2026 is the final model year for the Model S.
Source: KBB and TrueCar 2026 Tesla Model S research
Q10How much does the 2026 Tesla Model S cost?
Kelley Blue Book lists the 2026 Tesla Model S at $86,630 and the Model S Plaid at $101,540.
Source: Kelley Blue Book 2026 Tesla Model S pricing
Q11Is 2026 the last year for the Tesla Model S?
Yes, Tesla has announced that 2026 is the final model year for the Model S.
Source: KBB and TrueCar 2026 Tesla Model S research
Q12How long does the 2026 Tesla Model S take to charge at home?
EPA lists 9.7 to 12 hours on a 240-volt Level 2 charger, depending on configuration: the Model S is quickest and the Model S Plaid takes longest.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov current vehicle table
Q13How far does the 2026 Tesla Model S take to stop from 70 mph?
Car and Driver's testing of the 2026 Tesla Model S Plaid recorded a 70-to-0 mph stopping distance of 148 feet.
Q14What kind of brakes does the 2026 Tesla Model S have?
MotorTrend and Car and Driver both list the 2026 Tesla Model S with four-wheel disc brakes.
Q15How quickly does the 2026 Tesla Model S accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?
The 2026 Tesla Model S's 0-60 mph time is 2 seconds on the Plaid and 3.1 seconds on the Base. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q16What is the 2026 Tesla Model S's top speed?
The 2026 Tesla Model S's top speed is 130 mph on the Base and 149 mph on the Plaid. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q17How big is the 2026 Tesla Model S's battery?
The 2026 Tesla Model S's battery capacity is 100 kWh on every trim. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q18What is the GVWR of the 2026 Tesla Model S AWD 4dr Liftback?
CarDealerships.com lists a gross vehicle weight rating of 5,452 pounds for the 2026 Tesla Model S AWD 4dr Liftback.
Source: CarDealerships.com model-year specification page
Q19What is the payload capacity of the 2026 Tesla Model S AWD 4dr Liftback?
CarDealerships.com lists a maximum payload of 892 pounds for the 2026 Tesla Model S AWD 4dr Liftback.
Source: CarDealerships.com model-year specification page
Q20What size tires does the 2026 Tesla Model S AWD 4dr Liftback come with?
CarDealerships.com lists 255/45R19 tires on the 2026 Tesla Model S AWD 4dr Liftback.
Source: CarDealerships.com model-year specification page
Q21How do the 2026 Tesla Model S trims differ from one another?
The Plaid has 1020 hp against 670 over the Base.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2026 Tesla Model S.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Move from the guide to the VIN record.
Trim research establishes the marketed lineup. These primary-source paths resolve recall applicability, manufacturer-submitted identity fields and exact EPA configuration data.
01 · NHTSARatings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck unresolved safety recalls by VINOfficial remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAResolve the exact fuel-economy configuration1984–current browser →
Other model years
Compare the Tesla Model S across model years.
Source trail
Evidence behind the record
01
Tesla Model S official model pageManufacturer lineup, equipment and specifications
↗ (opens in a new tab)02FuelEconomy.gov vehicle dataEPA-certified configuration and fuel-economy records
↗ (opens in a new tab)03NHTSA vehicle data and recallsVIN attributes, safety campaigns and ratings
↗ (opens in a new tab)Specifications and pricing can change after publication. Critical purchasing decisions should be confirmed against the exact vehicle window sticker or manufacturer build record.