2019 Tesla Model X Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCalvin KimVehicle Test Engineer

　　Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at zzdcar.

　　

What's new

Revised trim-level lineup with greater range capabilityNew Full Self-Driving Capability feature adds extra skills to AutopilotPart of the first Model X generation introduced for 2016

　　Tesla's Model X was the first electric SUV to come to market back in 2016. Other automakers are slowly coming out with competing models, but for now the 2019 Model X is still the most versatile all-electric SUV available.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below

　　

2019 Tesla Model X EV Insights

Trim:Model X Standard Range

　　Standard Range 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 10/19 (electric DD) - $81,000 MSRP75D 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 1/19 (electric DD) - $82,000 MSRPLong Range 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD) - $84,990 MSRP4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 3/19 (electric DD) - $88,000 MSRP100D 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 1/19 (electric DD) (Most Popular) - $97,000 MSRPPerformance 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD) - $104,990 MSRPP100D 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 1/19 (electric DD) - $138,000 MSRP

　　

Estimated Range Based on Age

　　231 milesThe range for a used 2019 Tesla Model X is estimated to be 231 miles because electric cars typically experience 1-2% of range loss per year, with slightly faster degradation over the first 50,000 miles as the car settles into its long term state, according to Recurrent's study of 15,000 EVs.

　　EV batteries lose 1-2% of range per year. Est. range for this car is 231 miles.Electric cars typically experience 1-2% of range loss per year with slightly faster degradation over the first 50,000 miles as the car settles into its long term state, according to Recurrent's study of 15,000 EVs.

　　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 © Recurrent contributors | Recurrent

　　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 3 years.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

　　Tesla SuperchargerProprietary Tesla charging standard. Supports Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast charging.

　　Plug Type

　　

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

　　$400

　　Available Rebates. Restrictions apply.

　　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 Recurrent

　　

Cost to Drive

　　Not Available

　　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.

　　As with other Teslas, you get plenty of driving range — up to 295 miles in the Model X Extended Range model — and wicked-fast acceleration. There's also access to Tesla's Supercharger network, a robust set of driver assist features and a clean-looking cabin aesthetic. Specific to the Model X are its attention-grabbing swing-up doors, three rows of seating, and a 4,980-pound tow rating.

　　Drivers who frequently transport people in the back seats will find the falcon-wing doors to be more of an annoyance after the novelty wears off, however. They can be slow to open or won't open completely if you've parked in an area with a low ceiling. And forget about installing a traditional roof rack system. Another issue with the Model X is its rear seating area. The second-row captain's chairs, if you order them, don't fold down, which limits the vehicle's utility.

　　If maximum seating space isn't a priority, you might consider one of the rival electric vehicles that are coming out this year, such as Audi's e-tron or Jaguar's I-Pace. They're both functional five-seaters with an established dealer network. Then there is the multitude of traditional gasoline-powered SUVs, such as the Mercedes-Benz GLS and the Land Rover Range Rover, which feature similar towing performance and better utility.

　　Ultimately, though, if all you want is either the quickest-accelerating SUV or the one with the craziest doors, you'll no doubt be quite satisfied with the Model X.

　　Notably, we picked the 2019 Tesla Model X as one of zzdcar' Recurrent for this year.

　　Also, we picked the 2019 Tesla Model X Performance as one of zzdcar' Recurrent for 2019.

　　

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 Tesla Model X of this generation, read about our experiences from a full year of living with a Recurrent. We cover everything from seat comfort to real-world battery efficiency. There were only a few trim level changes for the 2019 Model X, so most of our observations still apply.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

7.6 / 10

　　

Trim tested

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

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2016, the current Model X has received minor ongoing revisions, including the deletion of various battery sizes and trim levels and the addition of fold-flat second-row seats. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Model X, however.

　　

Scorecard

Overall	7.6 / 10
Driving	8.0
Comfort	8.0
Interior	7.0
Utility	4.5
Technology	7.0

　　

Driving

8.0

　　Acceleration is outstanding and instantaneous. Drivability is excellent even before you turn on the semiautomated features. The Model X can't hide its prodigious weight, but it handles like a vehicle that's 500 pounds lighter. An EV that can tow is unique, but range will be a factor.

　　

Acceleration

10.0

　　The Model X launches like few other vehicles on the road, possessing powerful, instant thrust. The face-flattening intensity wanes (relatively) at higher speeds, but it's still quite quick. In our testing, the Model X covered 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds.

　　

Braking

7.5

　　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 Model X (with the 22-inch sporty all-season tires) stopped in an impressive 111 feet.

　　

Steering

8.0

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

　　

Handling

7.0

　　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

9.0

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

　　

Comfort

8.0

　　The Model X is extremely quiet and equipped with seats that are suitable for long stints. It's heavy, but it manages its weight well. The ride quality overall is good except over broken or potholed surfaces where the heavy wheels and low-profile tires show their limits.

　　

Seat comfort

8.0

　　It offers very good comfort on long drives. The seat and armrest padding is supportive. The heating and cooling functions for all three rows are impressive. Lateral support is modest but appropriate for the type of vehicle.

　　

Ride comfort

6.5

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

　　

Noise & vibration

9.0

　　The cabin is peaceful and hushed 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

7.0

　　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. Visibility is terrific, and entry and exit are easy, though the rear doors can be infuriating. The second-row storage is lacking.

　　

Ease of use

7.5

　　Nearly all secondary controls are controlled via the tall touchscreen, which works well for the topmost controls. But for the HVAC functions at the bottom, this format isn't ideal. The instrument cluster is very clear. The stalks and the steering wheel controls work well.

　　

Getting in/getting out

8.0

　　A low step-in height and a tall roof help with ingress and egress. 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

7.0

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

　　

Visibility

9.0

　　The panoramic windshield and expansive side windows offer a broad 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 the proximity sensors.

　　

Quality

5.0

　　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 our test vehicle. A Mercedes-Benz it's not.

　　

Utility

4.5

　　Utility takes a huge hit due to the compromised rear doors. The optional second-row captain's chairs (in the six-passenger configuration) do not fold, though the standard second-row bench does. There is no provision for a roof rack, and small-item storage is limited.

　　

Small-item storage

5.0

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

　　

Cargo space

5.0

　　The second-row seats do not fold, limiting large-object hauling. (For 2018, the five- and seven-passenger versions do fold flat.) The articulating rear doors preclude bike racks or cargo boxes. The rear cargo hold has good height and depth, but it is on the narrow side. The front trunk is a bonus at least.

　　

Towing

6.0

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

　　

Technology

7.0

　　From its powertrain to gadgetry, the Model X is a rolling monument to technology. Its massive central control display will feel familiar to anyone who uses a tablet. But some of its driver assistance features, such as Autopilot, aren't as effective as you might expect.

　　

Audio & navigation

7.0

　　The main touchscreen is huge, and it responds well to your inputs, though the control menus are complex. The audio system 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

6.0

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

　　

Driver aids

9.0

　　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 Autopilot is a mixed bag and should never be used without full attention.

　　

Which Model X does zzdcar recommend?

　　We recommend the midtier Long Range Model X. It doesn't come with any extra equipment, but the increase in range (to an estimated 325 miles) is significant. In our long-term test, we observed that the Model X eats through range at a quicker-than-expected rate, and you'll need all the juice you can get. We certainly understand the appeal of the Model X Performance and Ludicrous Mode, but it's up to you to look into your heart — and wallet — and decide how much the extra acceleration is worth. Whichever trim you get, we do highly recommend the Autopilot option.

　　

2019 Tesla Model X models

　　Tesla often changes up its products at unexpected times, so what is true today may change tomorrow. Adding to the confusion is that the company has altered the Model X's trim designations and stopped referring to the X based on battery size. On the plus side, the new names are easier to understand.

　　The 2019 Model X was initially available in two performance levels: the standard Model X and the quicker Model X Performance, and each level came with an additional subtrim. Midyear changes reduced the range of the standard Model X and increased the range of its subtrim level. Whichever version you get, all-wheel drive comes standard, and multiple seating configurations are available.

　　At the beginning of the model year, the standard Model X featured 270 miles of range, with a battery pack that powered the Model X from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. Keeping the ride somewhat comfortable is an air suspension system that is standard on every Model X. Also standard are keyless entry and start, heated front seats, a power liftgate, navigation, a towing package, and advanced driver safety features such as forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. For more range, opt for the Model X Extended Range that adds 25 miles of range, making it 295 miles. Performance is otherwise identical.

　　Midway through the model year, Tesla tweaked the trim levels slightly. The base Model X was renamed Standard Range, and estimated range dropped to 250 miles (with a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds). The Extended Range model was renamed Long Range, and range increased significantly to 325 miles (with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds). Soon after this, Tesla discontinued the Standard Range variant.

　　Performance enthusiasts can opt for the Model X Performance model, which Tesla says rips to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. The available Ludicrous Mode option (which Tesla later made standard) drops the 0-60 time further to a mind-bending 2.7 seconds but otherwise doesn't change any of the other metrics.

　　It goes without saying, but don't expect to come close to these range figures if you're dabbling with these acceleration times.

　　After choosing your desired performance level, there are only two more options to select. First is seating configuration. Normally, the Model X comes with five-passenger seating, but you can get a six-passenger configuration with two captain's chairs in the second row and a third-row bench, or a seven-passenger configuration with two rows of benches.

　　Finally, you can opt for Enhanced Autopilot, which includes additional cameras, adaptive cruise control, and the ability to self-center in a lane and change lanes. (Note that this package is simply referred to as Autopilot on vehicles produced later in the year.) Also available is the Full Self-Driving Capability feature, which adds automated parallel and perpendicular parking, additional fine-tuning to the way Autopilot behaves on the highway, and a summon feature that calls the Model X to your location in a parking lot. 

　　

2019 Model X Highlights

Trim: Standard Range75DLong RangeBase100DPerformanceP100DStandard Range

　　

Base MSRP	$81,000
EV Tax Credits & Rebates	$400
Engine Type	Electric
EPA Electric Range	255 miles
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