Updated January 30, 2022
The latest update the Tesla Model X Rankings page is a look at the 2022 Model X Plaid.
WHY IS THIS INFORMATION IMPORTANT?
This page will tell you everything that you need to know about this SUV. Buying a vehicle is a huge accomplishment and a large financial outlay. We want you to have as much information as possible, so that you can make the best decision for you.
The Tesla Model X is a mid-size all-electric luxury crossover made by Tesla, Inc. The vehicle is notable in that it uses falcon-wing doors for passenger access.
The Model X was developed from the full-sized sedan platform of the Tesla Model S. The Model X has an EPA size class as an SUV, and shares ~30% of its content with the Model S, half of the originally planned ~60%, and weighs about 10 percent more. Both the Model X and Model S are being produced at the Tesla Factory in Fremont, California. The prototype was unveiled at Tesla’s design studios in Hawthorne, California on February 9, 2012. First deliveries of the Model X began in September 2015. After one full year on the market, in 2016, the Model X ranked seventh among the world’s best-selling plug-in cars.
As of April 12, 2021, the Model X is only available as the Long Range with an estimated EPA range of 360.4 miles (580.0 km) and the Plaid model with an estimated EPA range of 339.9 miles (547.0 km). Both come with Tesla’s Autopilot driver assistance system.
— Source Wikipedia
- Official Page – Tesla Model X
- Price: Starts at $123,600 CAD
- Comparable to: Audi Q7, BMW X5, Mercedes GLE
- Maintenance costs: Approximately $5,723 over 10 years.
Our SCORE: 76
SCORES BY PUBLICATION
Kelley Blue Book: 3.5 / 5
Car and Driver: 6.5 / 10
USNews: 8.4 / 10
Edmunds: 8.1 / 10
J.D. Power: None
Motortrend: None
What the critics have to say…
Handling is surprisingly nimble for an SUV of this size, too. The added practicality of the Model X’s optional third row of seats should appeal to family-oriented buyers.
— Car and Driver
Although the Model X debuted over five years ago, it’s still essentially a unicorn in the market. Even if you take its showstopping falcon-wing rear doors out of the equation, no other SUV — electric or otherwise — can match the Model X’s acceleration. Throw in its impressive 360 miles of estimated driving range and you really do have a one-of-a-kind vehicle.
— Edmunds
HOW DOES IT DRIVE?
Performance is the focus of the Tesla brand and the Model X keeps with that tradition.
Balancing out its impressive speed and acceleration is an excellent braking system. The regenerative braking is impressive letting you lift off the accelerator and drive around without touching the brake pedal. The steering is agile, and body roll is almost non-existent.
And if you should need it, the adaptive air suspension provides up to 8.9 inches of ground clearance.
IS IT RELIABLE AND HIGH QUALITY?
The 2021 Tesla Model X has not been evaluated for predicted reliability as of this writing.
Tesla Model X Warranty
The Model X has Tesla’s four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, plus an eight-year/150,000-mile warranty for the battery and drive unit.
HOW COMFORTABLE IS IT?
The adaptive air suspension significantly improves ride comfort. Remaining agile while absorbing road imperfections is a quality that the Model X enjoys in spades. The cabin lets very little environment noise leak in.
The seats are average at best for this class of vehicle and the simulated leather upholstery lacks breathability, making the seats stick to you. Climate controls are intuitive to use, but the system must do more work because of the ultra-large windshield.
WHAT IS THE INTERIOR LIKE?
The doors were an obvious design focus on the Model X. The driver’s door opens automatically and can be shut without lifting a finger. The rear doors open like wings and provide incredible access to the rear seats.
The Model X’s huge touchscreen is intuitive and easy to use. It’s the only way to access most vehicle functions except for things the driver needs, such as wiper controls and mirror adjustments.
Interior space is generous. The panoramic view out like no other.
WHAT IS THE TECHNOLOGY LIKE?
For all the technological focus of the Model X, there are some strange missteps. The lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is an unforgiveable drawback. Sorry Tesla, Bluetooth is a poor substitute. If you’re parked, you’ve got access to an internet browser that allows you to do stuff like watch Netflix or scroll through YouTube videos — provided you’re subscribed to a Tesla data plan or connected to Wi-Fi.
The adaptive cruise control is prone to false positive collision warnings, and lane centering seemed to favor the driver-side line instead of the center. The real-time digital map of all the cars and motorcycles around you is impressive as is the on-demand rear view camera.
The big center screen is the largest in the industry, with crisp graphics and a stunning Google-based nav system. Our only gripe is that it can leave you temporarily mapless in spotty service areas. If only Apple Carplay or Android Auto were integrated this wouldn’t be an issue.
WHAT IS THE CARGO SPACE LIKE?
Storage is excellent in the Model X. The 26-cubic-foot rear cargo area plus the largest front trunk in the segment makes the X the best at hauling cargo.
In-cabin storage for small items is above average.
The falcon-wing doors are amazing for car seat access, and there’s sufficient room for a large rear-facing seat behind an average-size driver.
IS THIS VEHICLE A GOOD VALUE?
Yes, the Tesla Model X is a good SUV. Its cargo volume and electric range rank at the top of the luxury hybrid and electric SUV class. Furthermore, the Model X strikes a great balance between sportiness and ride comfort, and its lightning-quick acceleration only enhances its driving appeal. Inside, it’s loaded with cutting-edge technology, though it doesn’t support Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Other negatives include fit and finish, which is surprisingly cheap for such a pricey vehicle, and an optional third row that’s best left for children.
IS THE Tesla model x A GOOD SUV?
Yes, the Tesla Model X is a good SUV. Its cargo volume and electric range rank at the top of its class. The Model X strikes an excellent balance between sportiness and ride comfort. It’s brimming with cutting-edge technology, though it doesn’t support Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. The fit and finish are poor for such an expensive vehicle.
SHOULD I BUY THE tesla model x?
As exciting as the Tesla Model X is, there are boatloads of more affordable electric vehicles you could consider. The Audi e-tron is similarly high-tech but much less expensive, while the Jaguar I-Pace has sports-car-like handling and plenty of passenger space.
THE FINAL WORD
The Tesla Model X is an excellent EV. It offers more than 300 miles of range, which is unrivaled in the class. It doesn’t compare well to non EV options in this class however.
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.
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