2021 Tesla Model X Review

　　

2021 Tesla Model X Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below

　　

2021 Tesla Model X EV Insights

Trim:Model X Long Range

　　Long Range 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 11/21 (electric DD) - $99,990 MSRP4dr SUV AWD (electric DD) - $104,990 MSRPPlaid 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD) (Most Popular) - $119,990 MSRP

　　

Estimated Range Based on Age

　　350 milesThe range for a used 2021 Tesla Model X is estimated to be 350 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 350 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 or 150,000 milesThe 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 5 years or 108,000 miles for this car.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

　　15 hours

　　Total Charging Time (240V outlet)

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

　　Plug Type

　　

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 Recurrent

　　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

　　$68/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.

　　For 2021, Tesla has updated the interior of the Model X with a higher-definition 17-inch touchscreen, a new instrument panel, and a rather controversial steering wheel design that looks more like something from an airplane than a car. The automaker also changed the name of the Performance version to Plaid, a reference to the Mel Brooks movie Spaceballs.

　　Direct competitors are few, with Tesla's own Model S sedan the most similar in range and performance. If you don't need the space the Model X offers, the smaller Tesla Model Y is also worth a look. Audi's e-tron SUV is another all-electric luxury SUV, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE offers superior interior materials and build quality, though it's currently only available with a gasoline engine. Is the Model X a truly unique world beater? Read our Expert Rating below to find out.

　　

What's it like to live with?

zzdcar' editorial team acquired and lived with a 2016 Tesla Model X for nearly two years, logging nearly 25,000 miles. As an all new-design for Tesla, it had a few teething problems at first and suffered from some build-quality issues. The 2021 Tesla Model X differs from our early long-term Model X by way of improved cabin materials and significantly upgraded software, and build quality in recent Teslas we've driven is much improved. It's the same generation, though, so many of our observations still apply. To learn more about the Tesla Model X, Recurrent.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Model X drive? Performance has become the calling card of the Tesla brand and the midsize Model X upholds that reputation. Our test Model X Long Range accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds at the zzdcar test track, which is quick for a luxury SUV. And this isn't even the Performance version.

　　Balancing out that impressive speed are excellent brakes that are both easy to use in traffic and strong and confident when you need to stop in a hurry. There's enough regenerative braking when lifting off the accelerator that you can often drive around without touching the brake pedal. Ultra-quick steering makes the X feel nimble, while its low center of gravity and adaptive suspension keep body motions to a minimum. This sizable family SUV drives more like a car.

　　Also worth noting: The adaptive air suspension provides up to 8.9 inches of ground clearance when you need it.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Model X? One benefit of the larger Tesla models, including the Model X, is the adaptive air suspension, which significantly improves ride comfort. Even with 20-inch wheels and an exceptionally high tire pressure of 45 psi, the Model X boasts an admirable ability to absorb bumps in the road. This quality, along with a cabin well insulated against outside noise, makes for a very comfortable environment.

　　As far as seats go, the Model X's are pretty well cushioned and provide enough adjustments to dial in your personal comfort. But the simulated leather upholstery lacks breathability, so even mildly warm weather can make the seats feel swampy. The Model X's climate controls are simple to use, but know that the extra-large windshield lets in a bit more heat during hot summer days than a typical-size windshield.

　　

Interior

8.5/10

　　How’s the interior? Obviously, the doors are the biggest story here on the Model X. First you have the driver's door that opens automatically and can be shut without lifting a finger (brilliant!). Then you have the rear doors that open like wings (conversation starter!) and provide unmatched access to the rear seats. But they can also be liabilities in places/garages with low ceilings.

　　The Model X's centralized touchscreen interface is pretty straightforward and easy to use. It's the gateway to most vehicle functions except for a few things the driver needs, such as wiper controls and mirror adjustments. Those thankfully have their own controls.

　　Interior space is generous for the first and second rows. The complex falcon-wing door mechanisms intrude somewhat on third-row headroom. Oh, and that aforementioned extra-large windshield provides a panoramic view out like no other.

　　

Technology

7.0/10

　　How’s the tech? For all the technological marvels in the Model X, there are some shortcomings. The lack of proper smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a big drawback, and 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 Model X's advanced driver aids also didn't prove as robust as those in other Teslas we've tested. The adaptive cruise control was 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 pretty neat to see, and we like that you can pull up the rearview camera anytime you want.

　　One of the greatest innovations from Tesla, however, is constant over-the-air updates that can add new features and system optimizations. Also, 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.

　　

Storage

8.5/10

　　How’s the storage? Storage is excellent in the Model X. The combination of a large 26-cubic-foot rear cargo area with generous underfloor storage (sans optional third row) plus the largest front trunk in the segment makes the X the best at hauling cargo. Though we don't recommend an EV if you need to tow things over long distances, the Model X is capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds.

　　In-cabin storage for small items is better than average but still not ideal. There's sizable storage underneath a sliding cover with configurable partitions. They're a bit clumsy, though, and not the most efficient design. A flip-up wireless phone charger holds your phone securely while it charges.

　　The falcon-wing doors absolutely rule for car seat access, and there's sufficient room for a large rear-facing seat behind an average-size driver. Car seat anchors are tucked a bit deep, though, and the fixed headrests mean awkward routing of top tethers to the side.

　　

Range and Efficiency

8.0/10

　　How are the range and efficiency? The Model X Long Range we tested (not the latest Long Range Plus) has an EPA-estimated range of 328 miles and a consumption of 35 kWh per 100 miles, which is less efficient than the average luxury EV. But the Model X is one of the larger EVs sold and boasts impressive performance.

　　In zzdcar' real-world testing, we saw 294 miles of range and matched the EPA's estimate of 35 kWh/100 miles. This involved charging the battery to full for max range, which should only be done for longer road trips. A lower charge for daily use is what the manufacturer recommends.

　　The X comes with an 11.5-kW onboard charger and the usual assortment of charge cord options, including a standard 120-volt household adapter, a 240-volt SAE adapter (for public charge equipment) and a NEMA 14-50 adapter (what you'd find at an RV park). It also works with Tesla's nationwide Supercharger network, which can make long-distance driving a viable option.

　　

Value

8.0/10

　　Is the Model X a good value? Overall, the Model X's pricing is pretty competitive among midsize luxury EVs even without the benefit of a tax credit. Tesla's build quality has steadily improved over the years, though the Model X's is still a bit below the competition. You do get a battery range and performance advantage, but the interior lacks the solidity of an Audi, even if the minimalist design is visually appealing.

　　The basic warranty is four years and 50,000 miles, which is about average but less than what Jaguar offers. The powertrain is covered for eight years/150,000 miles, and Tesla guarantees that the battery will retain at least 70% of its original capacity over that period.

　　

Wildcard

9.0/10

　　The Model X is engineered to wow. It'll impress your passengers with its sheer speed and panoramic windshield, and it'll entertain parents in the school pickup line as your kids pile in through an outstretched falcon-wing door. The X's theatrics have likely converted a good number of SUV fans to EVs.

　　Even a base Model X is pretty fun to hustle around. That's thanks to the low-mounted battery weight that makes it feel more like a car than an SUV. The immediate thrust from the electric motors becomes addicting, so much so that you might swear off gas-powered cars for good.

　　

Which Model X does zzdcar recommend?

Unless you need the absurd level of performance offered by the Plaid trim level, we'd recommend the Model X in its Long Range trim. Not only do you save a considerable amount of money over the Plaid, but you get a longer driving range (as the name suggests) as well as more performance than even the most high-performance SUVs can deliver. A popular option, though not an inexpensive one, is Tesla's Autopilot driver assistance system.

　　

2021 Tesla Model X models

The Tesla Model X is a battery electric SUV with seating for five, six or seven people. Two trim levels are available, Long Range and Plaid (formerly the Performance trim), and every Model X is all-wheel-drive. The estimated range is 360 miles for the Long Range and 340 miles for the Plaid. Of note: Tesla has the ability to upgrade or add features through over-the-air updates, so features may be added or expanded throughout the model year.

　　Long Range

　　Offers the longest driving range plus a host of standard equipment, such as:

　　Dual-electric motors (up to 670 horsepower) Air suspension 20-inch wheels Trailer hitch Keyless entry Heated front and rear seats Heated steering wheel Panoramic sunroof 17-inch infotainment touchscreen 22-speaker audio system Wireless charging Forward collision warning (alerts you of a possible collision with the car in front) Collision mitigation braking (applies the brakes automatically to stop the vehicle to avoid or minimize a collision) Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Tesla and the car in front) Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)Plaid

　　Equipped much the same as the Long Range but adds mind-boggling performance with:

　　Three electric motors (up to 1,020 hp) Torque vectoring (adjusts power to individual wheels to improve handling)Options

　　Only a few options are available at purchase, including:

　　22-inch wheels Seating for six or seven passengers (five is standard) Full Self-Driving Capability (provides additional semi-automated driving assistance features, such as summoning the Model X out of parking spaces and automatic lane changes on the highway. Tesla promises this feature will support fully automated driving in the future, but currently the Model X's "self-driving" capability doesn't exist.)

　　

2021 Model X Highlights

Trim: Long RangeBasePlaidLong Range

　　

Base MSRP	$99,990
EV Tax Credits & Rebates	$4,400
Engine Type	Electric
EPA Electric Range	371 miles
Cost to Drive	$68/month
Total Charging Time (240V)	15.0 hours
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	43.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles
EV Battery Warranty	8 years / 150,000 miles