Tesla Model X 2021 Review

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.

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?

MatoCar' 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, check out our 2016 Tesla Model X coverage.

Which Model X does MatoCar recommend?

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.)