2017 Tesla Model X Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byJason KavanaghSenior Vehicle Test Engineer

　　Jason joined zzdcar' testing team in 2006 as a vehicle testing engineer. Jason believes true appreciation of modern cars stems from owning really, really bad old ones.

　　

What’s new

　　Tesla updates its vehicles on an ongoing basis rather than at discrete model-year intervals. As such, there's no clear-cut "new for 2017" information. Features and trim levels are tweaked sporadically.

　　

Vehicle overview

　　The Model X is Tesla's third-ever model (don't forget the Roadster!). Its underlying architecture is very similar to that of the Model S sedan's, but the X is usually described as a sport-utility vehicle given that it has an SUV-like shape and standard all-wheel drive. In reality, though, it has but the thinnest veneer of utility, and it is ultimately more of a people mover. Think minivan, but with less functionality.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below

　　

2017 Tesla Model X EV Insights

Trim:Model X 75D

　　75D 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD) (Most Popular) - $82,500 MSRP90D 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD) - $93,500 MSRP100D 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD) - $98,500 MSRPP100D 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD) - $135,500 MSRP

　　

Estimated Range Based on Age

　　Not available

　　Estimated range mapThis map is a visual representation of the possible one-way and round-trips by this vehicle (on a full charge) from the geometric center of Rutland, North Dakota. The depicted ranges are based on the estimated new vehicle range value provided by the EPA, rounded down to miles for one-way and miles for round-trip. Actual range will vary depending on the condition of this vehicle’s battery pack, how you drive, driving conditions and other factors.Map display generated using: © openrouteservice.org by HeiGIT | Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors | OpenStreetMap

　　from 58067

　　

EV Battery Warranty

　　8 yrs / Warranty mileage is unlimitedThe federal government requires that EV batteries be warrantied for a minimum of eight years or 100,000 miles. The EV battery warranty includes replacement if your battery capacity drops below a certain percentage of the original capacity.

　　Estimated battery warranty remaining is 1 year.Warranty remaining value is based on the vehicle year, and on driving 14,000 miles per year. Confirm exact warranty coverage for each vehicle with the dealers and the manufacturer before purchasing.

　　

Charging at Home

　　No charging time information available

　　

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

　　$4,400

　　Available Rebates. Restrictions apply.

　　Federal Credit

　　$4,000

　　Restrictions: Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers taxpayers a Used Clean Vehicle Tax Credit equal to 30% of the sale price up to a maximum credit of $4,000 for the purchase of a used plug-in electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Beginning January 1, 2024, Clean Vehicle Tax Credits may be initiated and approved at the point of sale at participating dealerships registered with the IRS. Dealers will be responsible for submitting Clean Vehicle Tax Credit information to the IRS. Buyers are advised to obtain a copy of an IRS "time of sale" report, confirming it was submitted successfully by the dealer.

　　For the vehicle to qualify: Price cannot exceed $25,000. Need to verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Must be at least two model years older than the current calendar year in which the vehicle was purchased. Must be sold through a dealership, private sales not permitted. Not have already been transferred after August 16, 2022, to a qualified buyer.

　　For individuals to qualify: Must meet income eligibility, depending on modified adjusted gross income (AGI) and tax filing status. Must not be the first owner of the qualifying vehicle. Has not been allowed a credit under this section for any sale during the 3-year period ending on the date of the sale of such vehicle. Purchased for personal use, not a business, corporation or for resale.

　　To learn more, visit OpenStreetMap

　　Utility EV Charger Offer

　　$400

　　Restrictions: Otter Tail Power offers EV owners a rebate of up to $400 towards the installation of a Level 2 charging station. To qualify for this rebate, the customer and/or charging station must meet the following requirements: Receive electricity from Otter Tail Power.

　　To learn more, visit OpenStreetMap

　　

Cost to Drive

　　$78/mo

　　Model X

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　SUV Avg.

　　Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　

Am I Ready for an EV?

　　EV ownership works best if you can charge (240V) at home or at work This typically means a 240V home installation, but you could also have a similar setup at your office or other places your car is already parked for several hours each day. Don't expect a regular household outlet (120V) to suffice unless you've got a plug-in hybrid, in which case overnight charging at home is feasible.

　　If you can’t charge at home, charging at a charging station could take at least 10x longer than at a gas station With public charging infrastructure still in its infancy, the user experience can be maddeningly inconsistent. Tesla owners tend to rave about the reliability and speed of the company's proprietary Supercharger stations, but rival DC fast options have thus far been plagued by technical issues and overcrowding. It's an evolving landscape and our best advice is to do your research on the available options for the EV you want to buy.

　　Adding a 240V home charging system could cost up to $1,600 or more If your existing electrical service can handle the additional demands of EV charging, you may be able to add Level 2 charging at home for less than a grand, including installation. But your costs will multiply if you need to upgrade your electrical panel or add a dedicated circuit.

　　The neatest thing about the Model X is also the root of its most serious drawbacks: the articulating rear doors. They're powered and open upward for some regal automotive theater but take a segment of the roof with them. Showing them off to your neighbors is undeniably fun, but the design introduces a range of issues. The two most notable are 1) the inability to install any kind of roof rack or cargo pod on top of the Model X; and 2) the difficulty in opening the doors all the way up in crowded parking lots or when parked in an area with a low ceiling. Moreover, the Model X's second-row seats do not fold flat, further eroding the car's utility.

　　It's blindingly quick in P100D trim and steers and turns better than you might expect for its exceedingly heavy weight. Big on flash but lacking in utility, the Model X is simply not as good a vehicle in nearly every respect as its Model S stablemate.

　　

What's it like to live with?

zzdcar' editorial team was one of the first to acquire and live with a 2016 Tesla Model X for a full year. The signature falcon-wing doors turned out to be more for style than utility. Still, we found the Model X to be impressively fast for a vehicle its size. To learn more about the Model X of this generation, read about our experiences from a full year of living with a OpenStreetMap. We cover everything from seat comfort to real-world battery efficiency. There were only a few minor trim level changes for the 2017 Tesla Model X, so most of our observations still apply.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

4.0 / 5

　　As an electric vehicle, the 2017 Tesla Model X excels, with ample range, addictive thrust and a quiet disposition. But as an SUV, it isn't convincing — it gives up functionality for flash. Overall, we prefer Tesla's Model S sedan.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our drive of the 2016 Tesla Model X Signature P90D.

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Model X has received minor ongoing revisions, including the addition of the range-topping P100D trim level to replace the P90D. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Model X, however.

　　

Scorecard

Overall	4.0 / 5
Driving	4.0
Comfort	4.5
Interior	3.5
Utility	2.0
Technology	3.5

　　

Driving

4.0

　　Acceleration is outstanding and instantaneous. Excellent drivability even before you turn on the semiautonomous features. It can't hide its prodigious weight, but it handles like a 500-pound-lighter vehicle. An EV that can tow is unique, but range will be a factor.

　　

Acceleration

5.0

　　Mat the accelerator and the Model X launches like few other vehicles on the road. It's powerful, instant thrust. The face-flattening intensity wanes (relatively) at higher speeds, but it's still quite quick. In our testing, the P90D Signature accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds.

　　

Braking

3.5

　　The regenerative braking is enough for modest deceleration — you'll rarely touch the pedal. When you do, it's easy to modulate. In our panic-stop test from 60 mph, our P90D Signature (with the 22-inch sporty all-season tires) stopped in an impressive 111 feet.

　　

Steering

4.0

　　Steering is appropriately direct, though it lacks feel. Effort in Sport mode is too high, though. Just stick with Normal or Comfort. The Model X tracks straight on the highway, and it's easy to keep within your lane.

　　

Handling

3.0

　　The Model X handles turns with more stability and verve than you'd expect for an SUV weighing almost 5,500 pounds. It's hard to describe as agile, but it faithfully obeys inputs in routine driving.

　　

Drivability

5.0

　　The auto-steering function, switchable "creep" mode and impressive adaptive cruise control amplify the Model X's friendly-to-use nature. Driver-selectable level of regenerative braking is a plus.

　　

Comfort

4.5

　　Extremely quiet and equipped with seats that are suitable for long stints. Heavy, but manages its weight well. Ride quality is overall good except over broken or potholed surfaces where the heavy wheels and low-profile tires show their limits.

　　

Seat comfort

4.0

　　Very good comfort on long drives. The seat and armrest padding is supportive. Heating and cooling for all three rows is impressive. Lateral support is modest but appropriate for the type of vehicle.

　　

Ride comfort

3.0

　　The sense of mass is inescapable, but there is no float and little head toss thanks to the air suspension. Composed body control. Heavy wheels and low-profile tires chop on most roads. The base 20-inch wheels may provide a smoother ride.

　　

Noise & vibration

5.0

　　It's peaceful and hushed in the cabin thanks to the lack of powertrain noise. Wind noise is low at freeway speeds. The road noise is the most prominent aspect, with some tire thumps and hum.

　　

Interior

3.5

　　This is an SUV that's light on utility since the second-row seats do not fold and there is no provision for a roof rack. Terrific visibility and easy entry and exit, though the rear doors can be infuriating. Second-row storage is lacking.

　　

Ease of use

3.5

　　Nearly all secondary controls are controlled via the tall touchscreen, which works well for top-most controls. For HVAC functions at the bottom, it isn't ideal. The instrument cluster is very clear. Stalks and steering wheel controls work well.

　　

Getting in/getting out

4.0

　　A low step-in height and a tall roof help here. The rear doors provide a large opening in typical parking spots but not in tight ones the way a sliding door would. Garages with low ceilings are problematic, too. Plus, the doors just don't open very quickly.

　　

Roominess

3.0

　　There's ample space up front. Headroom is respectable in the second row because of the door's "skylight" windows. But second-row legroom could be better, and the front seatback is hard and knee-unfriendly. Third-row seating is tight and best for children only.

　　

Visibility

5.0

　　The panoramic windshield and expansive side windows offer a wide view, though some may not like having the sun always overhead. The wide-view backup camera works well, as do the excellent cluster display and proximity sensors.

　　

Quality

2.0

　　Inconsistent panel gaps, some paint and rubber gasket quality issues, and a few stray cabin noises from time to time reduce the quality feeling of this vehicle. When it's cold out, the rear doors make a fair amount of creaking and cracking noises. A Mercedes-Benz it's not.

　　

Utility

2.0

　　Utility takes a huge hit due to compromised rear doors. The second-row seats do not fold, and there is no provision for a roof rack. Limited small-item storage.

　　

Small-item storage

3.0

　　There are sparse storage options for the front passengers and no storage in second-row doors (otherwise you'd be dumping drinks on yourself when you opened them). There are no provisions to hang dry-cleaned clothes.

　　

Cargo space

1.0

　　The second-row seats do not fold, limiting large-object hauling, and the articulating rear doors preclude bicycle racks or cargo boxes. The rear cargo hold has good height and depth, but it's on the narrow side. The front trunk is a bonus, at least.

　　

Towing

2.5

　　The Model X's 3,500-pound tow rating (22-inch wheels) is modest for an SUV; the 5,000-pound rating with 20-inch wheels is closer to others. Pre-wired for trailer brake controller a plus. However, the impact on range and incompatibility with Superchargers make long-distance towing impractical.

　　

Technology

3.5

　　Some of its driver assistance features seem half-baked, though its displays are top-notch. Navigation should be used with a critical (and skeptical) eye due to its effect on range and time.

　　

Audio & navigation

3.5

　　The main touchscreen is huge, and it responds very well to your inputs, though the control menus are complex. Audio sound options are basic, but the premium system has an appealing sound quality. Internet radio, scrolling and playlist creation are all well-executed. Navigation is unreliable.

　　

Smartphone integration

3.0

　　It's easy to pair up your phone using Bluetooth. But at the time of our evaluation, the Model X lacked additional smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay or Android Auto).

　　

Driver aids

4.0

　　The screen depicting the proximity of objects near you when parking is industry-leading. The large backup camera display is very helpful, too. We also like the adaptive cruise control, but full Autopilot is a mixed bag and should never be used without full attention.

　　

Which Model X does zzdcar recommend?

　　Presumably you are shopping Model X for its people-carrying ability since that is its primary distinction over the Model S sedan. In that case, opt for the seven-passenger layout. Go for the 90D — it's in the sweet spot of range and price. Stay away from the big 22-inch wheels if you can because they noticeably degrade the ride quality. We're split on the pricey Premium Upgrades package that adds premium cabin materials to match the vehicle's asking price but comes with a lot of gimmicky door features for which we don't care for. The Subzero package is a must-have, as is the High-Amperage Charger if you plan to do frequent long-distance drives.

　　

2017 Tesla Model X models

　　The 2017 Tesla Model X is currently available in four variants: 75D, 90D, 100D and P100D. Please note that Tesla often changes up its products at unexpected times, so what is true today may change tomorrow. Battery size in kilowatt-hours is denoted by the digits contained in each trim level, where larger numbers indicate additional battery capacity and more range. There's also a general trend of increasing quickness as you progress upward through the trim levels. The Model X is available in five-, six- and seven-passenger configurations and is offered with all-wheel drive only.

　　The 75D is the base trim level, providing 237 miles of range from a 75-kWh (kilowatt-hour) battery. Despite being the base model, it's not slow, reaching 60 mph in a claimed 6.0 seconds. Air suspension is (as of this writing) standard on every Model X, as is keyless entry, a power liftgate, navigation and power mirrors.

　　Stepping up to the 90D nets you a 90-kWh battery that bumps up range to 257 miles. The 90D models are quicker still, hitting 60 mph in a claimed 4.8 seconds. The 100D's 100-kWh battery increases range to 295 miles but is no quicker than the 90D. For the ultimate in Model X speed, head right to the P100D. Though range drops slightly to 289 miles, this variant sprints to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds.

　　Many optional features are available for all trim levels, including six- and seven-passenger configurations. Other high-dollar stuff includes the Premium Upgrades package, 22-inch wheels, semiautonomous driving and premium audio.

　　

2017 Model X Highlights

Trim: 75D90D100DP100D75D

　　

Base MSRP	$82,500
EV Tax Credits & Rebates	$4,400
Engine Type	Electric
Cost to Drive	$78/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	26.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles
EV Battery Warranty	8 years / unlimited miles