Tesla just raised the Model 3 lease payment from $299 to $329 a month overnight, a $30 jump that adds roughly $1,000 over the term.
The change hit only the rear-wheel-drive Model 3 at 9 p.m. Pacific. That variant had been the cheapest entry point with one year of free Supercharging included. The Tesla Model 3 price increase came without any public announcement, which is unusual for Tesla.
Context behind the move
Tesla typically signals price or financing adjustments in advance. Doing this quietly at the end of the quarter suggests the company is comfortable with current demand for the base Model 3. At the same time, the Model Y Performance APR climbed from 5.34% to 5.69%, marking a clear Tesla financing rate hike.
What it means for buyers
Anyone shopping the entry-level Model 3 now faces a higher Tesla Model 3 monthly payment. The Model Y Performance APR increase removes one of the last low-rate options on higher-performance variants. Waiting until November or December may be the smarter play if rates continue climbing.
Locking in an order today still lets you attach a referral code later for three months of free Full Self-Driving or lower APR financing.
Tesla referral — 3 months free FSD + low APR financing
Bottom line
The Tesla Model 3 price increase and the broader Model 3 lease payment increase show incentives are moving in the wrong direction. If you were on the fence, ordering now avoids further Tesla financing rate hikes. Those still waiting should monitor rates closely through the end of the year.
