2023 Tesla Model X

Overview

The 2023 Model X offers the performance and cachet that comes with the Tesla brand name but its gimmicks aren’t as compelling these days. The luxury electric crossover segment has expanded and now includes better options. Two X models are offered, starting with the dual-motor base SUV, which makes 670 horsepower and offers a 348-mile EPA-rated driving range. The performance-oriented Plaid model costs more but makes an astounding 1020 horsepower and still can go up to 333 miles between charges. We’re impressed by its brutal acceleration and great driving range. Beyond that, though, we question the value of both Model X’s versions when you consider its cabin doesn’t provide the high-end luxury ambiance one expects with a six-figure price tag. New EV SUV entrants such as the BMW iX and the Rivian R1S are cheaper, fancier, and nearly as quick.

What’s New for 2023?

The Model X gets a new key card for 2023, but if you want the older style car-shaped fob, you can add it as an option. Otherwise, the Model X carries over to the new year with no changes.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The Plaid model with its three electric motors is sure to deliver insane acceleration but the X Plaid’s speed is mighty expensive. And its 333-mile estimated driving range isn’t as good as the less expensive base model, so we’d save the cash. The base Model X offers up to 348 miles of estimated driving range and is still mighty quick.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

The base Model X comes standard with two electric motors—one at the front axle and one at the rear—which enable all-wheel-drive capability. This setup is plenty swift: Tesla claims a zero-to-60-mph time of 3.8 seconds but we beat that in our testing with a 3.3-second run. The 1020-hp three-motor Plaid high-performance variant boasts a claimed zero-to-60-mph time of 2.5 seconds, but we haven’t verified its acceleration times at our test track yet. When we tested the Model S Plaid—the Model X’s sedan platform-mate—it managed a viscera-compressing 2.1-second zero-to-60-mph time. The X’s handling is respectable, but the its party trick is the strong acceleration generated by its electric motors.

Tesla

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The Model X comes standard with a battery large enough to cover a claimed 348-mile driving range; upgrading to the faster Plaid model drops the estimated driving range to 333 miles. Recharging is quick via one of Tesla’s Superchargers, which are located across the country. Charging at home via a 240V or 120V connection will be slower, but probably more convenient for owners, so Tesla offers in-home charging equipment for purchase.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

Among other similarly-sized all-electric SUVs, the Model X boasts the highest MPGe ratings from the EPA. Base models earned ratings of 107 city, 97 highway, and 102 MPGe combined. Even the Plaid model, which sacrifices some efficiency for faster acceleration, outperforms key rivals such as the Jaguar I-Pace and Audi e-Tron SUVs in this metric. For more information about the Model X’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

A stark and nearly buttonless interior design is classic Tesla. The driver faces a digital gauge display and a unique yoke-style steering controller, which is often frustrating to use and difficult if not impossible to get used to. Also unique is the Model X’s windshield/glass roof that runs seamlessly from the base of the hood and up and over the front-seat passengers for a nearly uninterrupted view of what’s ahead and what’s above. Despite these whiz-bang features, the Model X’s cabin leaves us wanting, especially considering its price can easily break the six-figure barrier, with non-descript air vents, misaligned panels, and flat-backed seats that don’t offer enough adjustments.

Tesla

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

A huge touchscreen infotainment system dominates the dashboard and controls nearly all of the Model X’s various features and settings. A secondary digital readout directly in front of the driver serves as the gauge cluster. Tesla’s infotainment system is certainly high-tech, but what you won’t find is Apple CarPlay or Android Auto capability. Rear-seat riders are treated to their own small display which provides entertainment and, presumably, some control over the car’s features.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Most buyers are looking more for tech features than luxury, though, and the Model X can be optioned with the feature that is possibly the most buzz-worthy: Autopilot. Tesla’s hands-free driving mode uses several cameras, multiple sensors, and radars to detect objects, people, and other vehicles and uses them to pilot the Model X under its own power. The Model X also offers a Summon feature that allows the user to park or retrieve the SUV from tight spots while standing outside—a feature that seems gimmicky but proved necessary thanks to the silly top-hinged doors. For more information about the Model X’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency braking Standard lane-departure warning Available adaptive cruise control with a hands-free driving mode

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Tesla offers a comprehensive warranty package to protect the Model X’s powertrain and hybrid components but lacks the lengthy bumper-to-bumper coverage and complimentary scheduled maintenance packages of the I-Pace.

Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers 8 years, regardless of miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications

VEHICLE TYPE: front- and rear-motor, 4-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door hatchback

PRICE AS TESTED: $133,700 (base price: $116,700)

MOTOR TYPE: 2 asynchronous AC

POWER:
F: 259 hp R: 503 hp
Combined: 532 hp
Torque: F: 244 lb-ft R: 469 lb-ft
Combined: 713 lb-ft

TRANSMISSION: 1-speed direct-drive

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 116.7 in
Length: 198.3 in
Width: 81.5 in Height: 66.3 in
SAE volume: F: 60 cu ft M: 52 cu ft R: 28 cu ft
Cargo volume (third row up/folded): 13/68 cu ft
Front trunk: 7 cu ft
Curb weight: 5594 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:

Zero to 60 mph: 3.3 sec

Zero to 100 mph: 8.3 sec

Zero to 120 mph: 13.0 sec

Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 3.5 sec

Top gear, 30-50 mph: 1.3 sec

Top gear, 50-70 mph: 2.1 sec

Standing ¼-mile: 11.8 sec @ 116 mph

Top speed (governor limited): 130 mph

Braking, 70-0 mph: 172 ft

Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.86 g*

FUEL ECONOMY:

EPA city/highway driving: 89/90 MPGe

EPA range: 250 mi
C/D observed: 77 MPGe**

*Stability-control inhibited. **Based on vehicle’s trip counter.

TEST NOTES: Launch control requires at least a 90-percent charge, the Max Battery Power setting, and Ludicrous Speed mode switched on. Hold brake with left foot, floor accelerator with right foot, and release. Floor the accelerator again, release the brake, and you’re gone.

More Features and Specs