Updated January 14, 2022
WHY IS THIS INFORMATION IMPORTANT?
This is the most important page of information that you will find about this vehicle. At SUV Power Rankings we don’t just review a car ourselves and put our own spin and opinion on it; instead we take every review, preview, first look, etc. pull the important data points from those informative “views” and place them into our own algorithm to come up with the most unbiased scoring system available anywhere.
We aren’t beholden to any car company, dealership or advertiser. We want you to have as much information as possible, so that you can make the best decision for you. If you are looking for a completely unbiased score and ranking of a vehicle then welcome to your new home. We’d love to have you as part of our family.
The Tesla Model S is an all-electric five-door liftback produced by Tesla, Inc. It was introduced on June 22, 2012.[12] It received a major refresh in June 2021. Tesla positions the Model S as its flagship.
In 2013, the Model S became the first electric car to top the monthly new-car-sales ranking in any country, leading twice in Norway, in September and December 2013[13][14][15][16] and in Denmark in December 2015.[17] Sales passed 250,000 units in September 2018.[18][19][20][21] The Model S was the top-selling plug-in electric car worldwide in 2015 and 2016, although it was later surpassed by the Model 3.[22][23][24]
In an early review of the Model S, Consumer Reports declared, “This car performs better than anything we’ve ever tested before. Let me repeat that: Not just the best electric car, but the best car. It does just about everything really, really well.”[25] In their Owner Satisfaction survey owners have consistently rated Teslas at, or near, the top rankings.[26] In 2019, Motor Trend named the 2013 Tesla Model S the ultimate “Car of the Year” over the magazine’s entire 70-year history.[27]
— Source Wikipedia
- Official Page — Tesla Model S
- Price: Starts at $121,990 CAD
- Comparable to: Audi E-Tron, Polestar 2, Hyundai Ioniq 5
REVIEWS AND IMPRESSIONS
We have put together as many reviews and impressions as we could find. Each finds a way to touch upon something that the others missed. If you are serious about this vehicle then these videos are worth watching. If you have review or first impressions that helped you and that aren’t listed here, please contact us!
OUR SCORE: 86
SCORES BY PUBLICATION:
Kelley Blue Book: 4.8 / 5
USNews: 8.9 / 10
Edmunds: 8.1 / 10
J.D. Power: No Rating
Car and Driver: 9 / 10
Motortrend: 8.4 / 10
TopGear: 8 / 10
CarWow: 8 / 10
What the critics have to say…
Compared with the likes of the petrol- and diesel-powered Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series and Audi A6, the futuristic Tesla Model S is like a Fender Stratocaster with a massive amplifier in the company of acoustic guitars. Sure the electric Model S might not produce any discernible engine sound, but its supercar-like performance is more like a searing rock solo than the German cars’ humble rhythm section.
CarWoW
HOW DOES IT DRIVE?
Even more disappointing is the Plaid’s steering, which always feels too light and lacks a connection to the road. It’s exacerbated by the awkward steering yoke that doesn’t seem to serve any ergonomic function. The Plaid’s tri-motor setup supposedly provides some sort of rear-axle torque vectoring, but the handling feels more muscle car and than sports car. It’s not something that feels natural despite the high amount of road grip provided by the sticky summer tires.
Edmunds
IS IT RELIABLE AND HIGH QUALITY?
Is the Tesla Model S Reliable?
The 2021 Model S does not yet have a J.D. Power predicted reliability score.
Tesla Model S Warranty
Tesla covers the Model S with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and an eight-year/150,000-mile powertrain warranty.
HOW COMFORTABLE IS IT?
With Model S prices starting at close to $80,000, buyers would be reasonable to expect a certain amount of luxury inside the car. The cabin’s atmosphere is nice enough, but it’s not nearly as plush as those of our favorites such as the Mercedes-Benz E-class and the Volvo S90.
Car and Driver
WHAT IS THE INTERIOR LIKE?
This is one of the few areas where Tesla has taken a step back with the new Model S. The controversial steering yoke is the largest pain point here, and the decision to remove the traditional column stalks and replace them with touch-sensitive buttons has made simple everyday actions much more distracting. Even changing lanes requires you to take your eyes off the road momentarily to press the correct arrow button. The big 17-inch touchscreen is a little easier to navigate than the previous Model S touchscreen, but learning the menu structure will take a bit of time.
Edmunds
WHAT IS THE TECHNOLOGY LIKE?
Part of what made the Model S so distinctive upon its debut was its 17.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a setup that still stands out in the market today. Although it lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, its user interface is easier to use than most. The system is also where you’ll find Easter eggs and streaming options.
Motortrend
WHAT IS THE CARGO SPACE LIKE?
The Tesla Model S has 26 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seats and up to 58 cubic feet with these seats folded. That’s plenty of room for a few golf bags, carry-on suitcases, and even bulkier items like a coffee table or chairs. A large rear liftgate makes it easy to load and unload cargo. Notably, the Model S has a small front trunk as well, which is perfect for a couple of grocery bags or a backpack.
USNews
IS THIS VEHICLE A GOOD VALUE?
Is the Tesla Model S Plaid a good buy for the money at nearly $140,000? Well, that depends on what you value. If you’re looking for a vehicle with incredible speed and nearly unassailable bragging rights, there is nothing better for the money. However, we found a number of questionable build quality issues, from the driver’s door not being aligned correctly to torn rubber moldings and noticeably crooked interior trim pieces. If these sorts of things are overlooked during production, it makes us a bit uneasy about how the more important hardware has been assembled.
Edmunds
IS THE TESLA MODEL S A GOOD VEHICLE?
The 2021 Tesla Model S is a great electric car. The Model S has a roomy and comfortable interior with lots of cargo space. It’s jam-packed with the latest driver assistance features, and it provides a masterful blend of athletic handling with a gentle ride quality. Better still, the Model S can accelerate like a supercar, yet it also offers 400 miles of driving range on a single charge. So much for range anxiety.
USNews
SHOULD I BUY THE TESLA MODEL S?
You should consider the 2021 Tesla Model S if you’re shopping for a luxury electric car. Its overall design may be approaching a decade old, but the Model S is still the benchmark for all EVs, and its driving range is unmatched.
USNews
THE FINAL WORD
We haven’t awarded a higher honor than Ultimate Car of the Year, a competition with eight cars including representatives from each decade we’ve been evaluating vehicles. Tesla’s first mass-market sedan was our pick for the most significant car of the 2010s. Not only for its merits as an outstanding electric vehicle but for its impact on the automotive world, the Tesla Model S is our Ultimate Car of the Year.
Motortrend
