Tesla has adjusted FSD’s pricing multiple times over the years. The software initially cost $5,000 before rising to $10,000, then $12,000, and eventually peaking at $15,000. Prices began to decline in 2023, fell again in 2024, and remained at $8,000 until today’s announcement. Subscription pricing has also fluctuated, ranging from $199 to $99 per month.
While Tesla remains a leader in semi-autonomous driving, Full Self-Driving was and is far from perfect, as MotorTrend experienced firsthand during our long-term test of a 2023 Tesla Model Y equipped with FSD. But the latest version, FSD V14, was such a noticeable upgrade over earlier iterations that it earned our Best Tech nod as a result.
Despite its lead in the space, Tesla will need to keep up the pace of improvements to FSD, as increased competition in the semi-autonomous driving arena is heating up. Rivian recently announced plans to launch its Autonomy+ system, priced at a $2,500 one-time fee or $49.99 per month. At this year’s CES, chipmaker Nvidia said it will introduce an open-source platform that allows automakers to develop and deploy their own semi-autonomous driving technologies. Ford, General Motors, and Mercedes-Benz have also continued to improve their respective driver-assistance systems. In China, where competition in the semi-autonomous segment is particularly intense, some automakers offer comparable technology bundled into a vehicle’s MSRP rather than as a separate charge.
Customers who want to purchase Tesla’s Full Self-Driving as a one-time option will need to do so before February 14.
