The 2023 Tesla Model X is a sizable electric midsize SUV that can travel even while hauling up to seven people, although it is mainly eclipsed by Tesla’s more well-known Model Y SUV. Based on pricing, it belongs squarely in the luxury segment, but its optional third row and generous luggage space make it family-oriented. Most minivans and even electric SUVs won’t be mistaken for it because of its Plaid mode acceleration and gullwing doors.
The mid-2021 interior improvements to the all-wheel drive SUV remain intact for 2023 (the premium Model S sedan had a similar predicament). A stalkless yoke steering wheel, a 17-inch touchscreen in the middle turned on its side, and a touchscreen for streaming and entertainment in the rear are now available. The three-motor Plaid variation completes the dual-motor model and has updated rear badging. The mercurial price has decreased for the basic and the tri-motor Plaid, the most significant adjustment.
The Model X has only a few rivals, including the GMC Hummer EV SUV and other big electric SUVs like the EV9 from Kia. The closest size equivalents are the electric SUVs Rivian R1S and BMW iX, although the X outperforms them in range (up to 351 miles per charge) and power in Plaid form (1,020 horsepower). The e-tron from Audi is smaller and less powerful. The backseat is also more spacious than Tesla’s smaller Model Y SUV or comparable smaller cars like the Kia EV6. The Model Y is Tesla’s more “budget” SUV.
The X may be outfitted with five, six, or seven seats on its Dual Motor variant. There are six seats on the Plaid. With captain seats in the second row, a six-seat arrangement costs an additional $6,500. The cost of a seven-seater is $3,500 more. With three motors, the 1,020 horsepower Plaid accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds but costs $109,990 (not including taxes). Early in 2023, prices for the Model X (and all other Tesla cars) dropped significantly by $11,000 for the basic model and an even more incredible $19,000 for the Plaid variant. The Model X pricing was again decreased by around $10,000 in early March 2023.
The expansive interior is made more accessible by the panoramic roof and gullwing doors. With the seats folded down, there is plenty of room for cargo, and the frunk (front trunk) isn’t only for charging cords. Although it’s still cramped, the third row is more functional, not only for little people with captain seats. Although the front cabin seems contemporary, the seats are not very comfortable. Because of Tesla’s erratic design, the interior becomes loud and drafty while being pushed at Plaid-level acceleration.
Although Tesla’s iconic Autopilot autonomous driving technology is kindly offered as standard equipment, other more sophisticated automated functions, like long auto changes and parking, are only accessible as part of a $6,000 Enhanced Autopilot package. As part of a mislabeled Full Self-Driving Capability bundle ($15,000), Tesla’s off-highway driving beta — now under investigation by the federal government — delivers essentially prospective future features, including hands-free city driving. NHTSA compelled Tesla to recall 362,758 of its cars that had the software. Tesla’s Model Y will be enough for most EV-seeking families; a tiny subset of people requires an SUV as luxurious and family-friendly as the X.
Performance: Tesla Model X
A 100 kWh battery and all-wheel drive are standard on the Model X. When in Plaid mode, the tri-motor Plaid, which made its debut in 2021, boosts the dual-motor version’s 670 horsepower to 1,020 and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds. Still, it also has Sport and Chill modes for a less erratic ride (assuming you can locate the menu option). Electric SUVs like the R1S can accelerate quickly, reaching zero to sixty in less than 4 seconds.
A squeaky ride with much wind noise results when traveling at higher speeds and on highways. It lacks the feeling of a luxurious cocoon and seems open to the elements of the road. Nobody always needs strong acceleration, particularly when Sport mode (available on dual-motor vehicles) has 532 pound-feet of torque, which is as powerful as most EVs. The 713 lb-ft is more than plenty for the Plaid aficionado. It’s not a Model S Plaid, but given its size, it could even be more remarkable.
Along with its Tesla brothers, the X offers the best regenerative braking system currently on the market. The Tesla imitates traditional driving with only one pedal, which is often abrupt and unpleasant when recouping energy while slowing down. On winding roads, the yoke steering wheel makes it difficult to manage the vehicle, and three-point and U-turns are also annoying.
The X can pull 5,000 pounds, but a $540 hitch rack is required. Off-roading is not its intended use, although it can manage modest dirt path conditions.
Range, power use, and charging
With five seats, the X has a 351-mile range, but with the Plaid and its 20-inch wheels, that range lowers to 333 miles (and to 311 miles with the 22-inch wheels). Its content resembles more compact EVs like the Model S and Mercedes EQS. Comparable e-SUVs like the iX and Rivian fall short with 324 and 316 miles, respectively.
Regarding battery effectiveness, it boasts a combined MPGe of 102. The Plaid’s MPGe falls to 98. With combined MPGe ratings of 69 and 86, the Rivian and BMW are in last place. Plaid utilizes 34.4 kWh/100 miles compared to the standard X’s 33.1 kWh/100 miles. 34.6 kWh/100 miles is greater than the average for EVs—the R1S and the iX increase to 40.7 kWh.
One of the X’s finest qualities is charging. One hundred seventy-five miles of range may be added in about 15 minutes. The Supercharger network makes fast charging stations simple to locate and connect to. The Tesla-only network is the most effective public charging option (although it has begun opening up to all EV drivers). The 11.5 kW onboard charger needs 20 hours to fill up for home charging; a Level 2 charger would need just half that time.
Safety and driver support technology:
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) hasn’t yet given the SUV a rating, despite the Model X’s most recent five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2020. While the agency hasn’t examined many high-end SUVs like this (such as the BMW X7 or iX), it has reviewed the other three Tesla models numerous times. Under more rigorous IIHS testing, the Tesla Model 3 lost its Top Safety Pick+ title for 2023. However, the latest test gave the Model Y the top spot.
While Tesla is generous with its safety features as standard (known as Autopilot), its add-on packages (Enhanced Autopilot and Full Self-Driving, or FSD) muddy the offers and further perplex customers than the word Autopilot already does.
Along with emergency braking, collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring, Autopilot on the X has automatic steering, acceleration, and pedestrian braking. Long-range highway navigation, Auto Lane Change, Autopark, Summon, and Smart Summon are included in the $6,000 Enhanced package. These more automated features tend to have bugs, which does not inspire trust.
The most concerning part of the deal is the $15,000 FSD. The technology is incapable of self-driving and always needs the driver’s attention. The fact that Tesla still promotes it as more than just a hands-free driving aid has now attracted the attention of federal authorities. The beta software was recalled in February 2023. It could manage some city driving with traffic signal recognition and other off-highway settings. To fix the system’s problems, NHTSA requested that Tesla provide an over-the-air upgrade.
Comfort and Space
Even though the usual warmth and ventilation are welcomed, the X front seats could be more comfy. The synthetic leather upholstery appears sleek and contemporary, but the chair is excessively stiff and unyielding for lengthy trips. The front cabin has a sweeping glass ceiling and is quite open.
The second row’s legroom, measuring 38 inches, is almost at the top in its category. With 38.9 inches, the iX edges out the Rivian, which is smaller at 36.6 inches.
Compared to the Model Y’s rear row, which is too small for people to sit in (only 26.5 inches), the farthest back row is roomy for an SUV at up to 32.2 inches. It’s more pleasurable with a captain’s arrangement, but you must give up that additional passenger for 2.4 inches more legroom. Particularly for agile children, the seats’ ease of folding and tilting makes getting into the rear simpler.
Infotainment: Tesla Model X
Although the Model X is less screen-dependent than the Y or 3, the 2021 revisions make more use of the 17-inch touchscreen. This is due to the screen’s left edge receiving the gearshift stalk. Multi-point turns are complex and need some getting used to. Behind the yoke, the X still includes a digital instrument display.
Everything is now controlled via the landscape-tilted center screen, including accessing the glovebox and gullwing doors. However, it’s a simple (though lengthy) system to master and has excellent visuals. A “toy box” contains entertaining items like video games and “fart mode.”
Even worse, there is no AM radio, and the trunk must be manually closed. There is also an odd lack of a smartphone connection for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. With a smaller bezel this year, the back screen has grown from 8.0 inches to 9.4 inches, but it’s still small and difficult to access. It provides air conditioning and access to music and videos like Spotify, Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube. The Tesla app is still essential for everything from remote locking to temperature control.
Tesla no longer provides free lifetime essential connection for free. The first eight years are free until Tesla charges an unknown amount. The premium service offers live traffic, video streaming, and web surfing and is available for trial. Premium costs $9.9 a year or $9.99 a month.
Storage & Cargo Space: Tesla Model X
With all the seats down, the X seems relatively spacious due to its open design. There are 91 cubic feet of space available, with at least 6.6 cubes in the front trunk, sometimes known as the frunk, which is large enough to fit a bag. With seats down, only the R1S outpaces the X with 105 cubic feet of room. With just 77.9 cubic feet, the iX is unable to compete. The rear cargo area of the X seems a little congested when the third and second rows are occupied, but it is larger than the iX’s 35 cubic feet.
The central console’s abundance of compartments that open up for small items is almost too ingenious. It’s less convenient because the glovebox can only be operated via the central screen.
The roof has less functional area due to the gullwing doors, which is rare for an SUV, but this isn’t your average utility vehicle.
Design: Tesla Model X
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, compared the Model X to a “Fabergé egg of cars.” The way the gullwing doors slowly hinge open fits the description. Although the doors give off a “cool and different” vibe, they are more of a bother and cause tension when parked next to anything. Every opportunity to hit someone in the face appears to present itself. Although the broad and beautiful panoramic glass roof opens up the front cabin, it lessens some of the usefulness of an SUV.
But even for a car that costs close to $110,000 or more, Tesla’s reputation for hurried manufacturing and shoddy artistry remains. There are several uneven joints and panel gaps inside and out, which causes the inside to seem drafty. It devalues the stark interior rather than elevating what would be marketed as a “modern” experience. Although impressive, the gullwing doors may shatter with enough wear.
Clean lines and a rear spoiler give this car a Tesla look from the exterior. THANKS TO ITS SLOPING TOP; the SUV seems less imposing than most seven-seaters.
Is the Tesla Model X 2023 worth it?
Tesla’s pricing fluctuates erratically, but as of March 2023, the Model X was available for the lowest price several years after a price cut in January. With a stake in March, it fell even more. The X has always been a pricey Tesla choice, but the Plaid model solidifies its status as a high-end EV. Plaid’s starting price has decreased to $109,990 from $119,990, plus at least $1,390 in expenses. On the basic or Plaid, any color except white will cost you an additional $1,500 (or $2,500 for red).
The basic dual-motor X is the best option and comes with AWD for $99,990 without taxes if powerful; quick acceleration isn’t your major attraction. Additionally, it is a $10,000 reduction from the costs in January. With basic Autopilot safety measures already built into the car, expensive add-ons like the $15,000 Full Self-Driving Capability package are unneeded (and deceptive).
With captain seats in the second row, a six-seat arrangement costs an additional $6,500. A complete complement of smaller people would benefit most from the extra $3,500 for a seven-seat account, but in any case, the optional third row is much roomier than in the Model Y.
The smaller Tesla Model Y ($54,990 base without fees) is the electric SUV to choose from unless you want a third row for those who are more budget-conscious.
How Much Will a 2023 Tesla Model X Insurance Policy Cost?
The Model X is more costly to insure than most of its competitors. An average yearly premium for a 30-year-old female driver with a clean driving record starts at $4,305 and rises to $5,740 for specific Plaid variants, while this average includes all 50 states. Similar electric vehicles are priced similarly. Owners of the BMW iX may spend $3,780 annually, compared to $3,170 for the Jaguar I-Pace and $3,030 for the smaller Audi e-tron.
Verdict
The Tesla Model X has always been a typical SUV due to its (gimmicky) gullwing doors, dramatic roofline, restricted manufacturing, questionable Tesla autonomous driving capabilities, and the fact that it is electric. The Plaid version of the X, which has 1,020 horsepower and a 2.5-second zero-to-60 acceleration time, is now substantially more affordable for Tesla customers across the board. With the added performance capabilities, the range is somewhat reduced, but at 330 miles, it still surpasses other high-end electric SUVs while providing a third row that is relatively roomy. One of the greatest electric three-rowers for battery range is the essential dual motor, which has become more affordable.
