2023 Tesla Model S Review

Name: 2023 Tesla Model S
Brand: Tesla

Price Range: $53,990 - $71,555

Tesla Model S Plaid Sedan Exterior Shown

The 2023 Tesla Model S Plaid is the Usain Bolt of the car world. Line it up at a drag strip and it'll outsprint pretty much anything on the road today. The Model S' hatchback practicality and access to Tesla's Supercharger network are big pluses too. Unfortunately, the Model S also has some big drawbacks, such as a frustrating interface (the steering yoke, specifically) and disappointing fit and finish.

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2023 Tesla Model S Review

Pros

Electric range is impressive
Wicked quick acceleration across the board
Liftback design affords abundant cargo space
Access to Tesla's extensive Supercharger network

Cons

Interior isn't as refined as cabins in similarly priced sedans
No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone integration
Limited array of paint colors or other ways to customize from the factory

What's new

A traditional round steering wheel returns as a no-cost option
Part of the first Model S generation introduced for 2012

Overview

Written by automotive expert Michael Cantu

1/31/2023

The Tesla Model S is one of the first successfully mass-produced EVs in the world. When it was released in 2012, its long driving range and tech proved that EVs are a viable mode of transportation, and it helped start the shift to an all-electric future we are seeing today. The Model S is still Tesla's flagship model. It costs twice as much as the smaller Model 3 sedan, and it shares the interior, and many of the same electric components and tech, found in the Model X, Tesla's largest SUV.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Chicago, IL

118 listings

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2023 Tesla Model S
Base Sedan
Not Priced
- 14,424 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 405 mi range
- Chicago Auto Place (17 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Downers Grove, IL
Thank you for visiting another one of Chicago Auto Place's exclusive listings! CALL US NOW FOR A FREE QUOTE 630-422-1122 FOR MORE PHOTOS VISIT WWW.CHI...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: 5YJSA1E5XPF502154
Stock: H9160
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 06-20-2025
2023 Tesla Model S
Base Sedan
$55,855
- 9,794 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use
- 405 mi range
- Guaranteed Motor Cars - Lake Villa (48 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Lake Villa, IL
Model S Standard Range, 4D Hatchback, Electric Motor, 1-Speed Automatic, AWD, White, Black w/Premium Seat Trim, ABS brakes, Active Cruise Control, All...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
Listing Information:
VIN: 5YJSA1E58PF501679
Stock: LV129
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 11-23-2024

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The appeal of the Model S starts on the spec sheet. The base 2023 Model S has dual electric motors that provide all-wheel drive plus a 100-kWh battery pack. That combo is good for an impressive EPA-estimated driving range of up to 405 miles on a full charge. The 1,020-horsepower three-motor Model S Plaid is the range-topping Model S and one of the quickest-accelerating production vehicles in the world. Both versions also boast a convenient and roomy liftback-style cargo area and access to Tesla's nationwide network of Supercharger fast-charging stations that makes charging on the go easy.

Unlike most other automakers, Tesla makes rolling updates to its vehicles rather than waiting for a brand-new model year to occur. Recent updates include pricing reductions and a swivel function for the center touchscreen. For 2023, the most notable change so far is the return of a traditional steering wheel, at least as an option. It's a welcome change as we never liked the aircraft-style steering yoke that Tesla added to the car a couple of years ago. The steering yoke is neat in theory but is awkward to use when you're making a lot of steering inputs, like during a U-turn.

If you aren't sold on the Model S, you now have a few other choices from automakers that have recently introduced all-electric models. The BMW i7, Lucid Air, Mercedes-Benz EQS and Porsche Taycan are relative newcomers and they make compelling alternatives that excel in categories such as comfort, luxury, design and build quality. If you want to know what our test team thinks of the Tesla Model S, check out our in-depth review below in the Edmunds Expert Rating.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Great

8.1

out of 10

We drove the 2023 Tesla Model S on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

8/10

How does the Model S drive? The thrust and speed delivered by this tri-motor-powered sedan is nothing short of mind-bending. In Edmunds' testing, the Model S Plaid rocketed from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds and passed the quarter-mile mark in 9.4 seconds at 150.8 mph. This is the quickest vehicle Edmunds has ever tested by a good margin, surpassing the prior Model S Performance (2.9 seconds and 11.1 seconds, respectively) or sport coupes such as the Lamborghini Huracan Evo (2.8 and 10.8 seconds, respectively). The Model S is also as easy to drive as a golf cart, albeit a 1,020-horsepower one.

You might know that Tesla claims 0-60 mph happens in just 1.99 seconds. The difference between our as-tested result and Tesla's likely comes down to the testing surface and number crunching. We do our acceleration tests on regular pavement, not a prepared drag strip. We also publish acceleration without using the drag-racing 1-foot rollout. Applying that calculation would drop our tested 0-60 mph time down to 2.1 seconds.

We're less impressed with the Plaid's ability to stop and turn. While the powertrain will mostly retain its capability to catapult you to irresponsible speeds run after run, the brakes on our test car began to fade after slowing down from a few acceleration blasts. We ended up having to spend some significant time cooling down the brakes to ensure that they still worked. So from a safety standpoint, we lack some confidence in the Plaid's stopping hardware.

Even more disappointing is the Plaid's steering, which always feels too light and lacks a connection to the road. It's exacerbated by the awkward steering yoke that doesn't seem to serve any ergonomic function. The Plaid's tri-motor setup supposedly provides some sort of rear-axle torque vectoring, but the handling feels more muscle car and than sports car. It's not something that feels natural despite the loads of road grip provided by the sticky summer tires.

Comfort

8/10

How comfortable is the Model S? The Model S Plaid's world-beating speed doesn't come at the expense of everyday comfort. This is a car you wouldn't hesitate to take on a road trip, run errands or commute in. Ride comfort is commendable with the standard adaptive air suspension, even with the larger optional 21-inch wheels and their less cushy tire sidewalls. The climate control is tri-zone and works relatively well. The seat ventilation and heaters work well too.

But the seats themselves are nothing special. The cushions are decently soft but lack lateral support considering the Plaid's performance potential, and the adjustments are pretty basic. The rear seatbacks feel a bit upright and the floor sits high so your knees sit closer to your chest than they would in most other luxury sedans. The absence of a gasoline powertrain means a lot less noise entering the cabin, but there is some that comes from the electric motors, and some to a lesser degree from the road and the wind.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? This is one of the few areas where Tesla has taken a step back with the new Model S. The controversial steering yoke is the largest pain point here, and the decision to remove the traditional column stalks and replace them with touch-sensitive buttons has made simple everyday actions much more distracting. Even changing lanes requires you to take your eyes off the road momentarily to press the correct arrow button. The big 17-inch touchscreen is a little easier to navigate than the previous Model S touchscreen, but learning the menu structure will take a bit of time.

Interior space is decent as far as midsize sedans go, as is the ease of getting in and out. Notably, there is far more space here than in the Model S' closest EV competitor, the Porsche Taycan. The all-glass roof provides lots of headroom. But backseat toe room is a bit tight under the front seats. The floor height is also awkwardly high when you're sitting in back. The Model S is easy to see out of, especially out the front. The Model S' fastback hatch makes for a slightly shorter window view out of the back, but not so short to cause any real obstruction.

Technology

7.5/10

How’s the tech? Having Google Maps built-in continues to be one of the better navigation experiences, but it's not without issues. In areas of spotty service, you'll either have a slow-refreshing map or no map at all. But having the power of Google search in the car is a huge convenience, not to mention it looks great on a 17-inch touchscreen. The Plaid's 22-speaker sound system is also quite awesome and can push out loud-yet-rich sound through the cabin.

Though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration has become pervasive in the industry, Tesla still doesn't offer either system. The Bluetooth system offers just one phone connection at a time, while on some other cars you can connect additional devices. At least there are ample options for keeping your devices charged up with four wireless chargers, four USB-C ports and one USB-A port.

As far as driving aids go, no advanced driving aid system is better known than Tesla's Autopilot. It works great in slow-moving and stop-and-go traffic, but it seems to be more easily spooked or confused on roads that aren't clearly marked or are lined with parked cars on the shoulder. Tesla has a tendency to release new features in beta phase too, making you the guinea pig. This underdeveloped approach feels half-baked.

Storage

8.5/10

How’s the storage? The Tesla Model S is actually a hatchback, and that means there's lots of rear cargo space, plus a bonus front trunk that's easy to access and take advantage of. It features far more cargo space than many rivals, EV or not. The split rear seats fold flat, opening up the space even more. Storage up front is much improved compared to prior years of the Model S. There's a variety of sliding and retracting compartments that better help to organize all your stuff up front. The cupholders still lack an anti-tip design and don't hold drinks all that well, but there are also now door pockets, which means not everything has to go in the center console storage space.

Getting a car seat in and out is relatively easy. The doors open wide, though the anchors seem to be buried a little deeper than usual. The lack of headroom might be a bit of an issue when installing a seat.

Range and Efficiency

8/10

How are the range and efficiency? The 2021 Model S Plaid we tested was equipped with the optional 21-inch wheels, giving it an EPA-estimated range of 348 miles and a consumption rate of 33 kWh/100 miles. In Edmunds' real-world range testing, we came up just a tiny bit short of the EPA estimates, managing 345 miles on a single max battery charge with a slightly more efficient consumption rate of 32.1 kWh/100 miles. That's more range than just about every EVs we've tested except the Model 3 Long Range. The electricity consumption is also impressive given the car's power. A Porsche Taycan 4S we tested, for example, checked in with 32.3 kWh/100 miles.

Value

7.5/10

Is the Model S a good value? Is the Tesla Model S Plaid a good buy for the money at nearly $140,000? Well, that depends on what you value. If you're looking for a vehicle with incredible speed and nearly unassailable bragging rights, there is nothing better for the money. However, we found a number of questionable build quality issues, from the driver's door not being aligned correctly to torn rubber moldings and noticeably crooked interior trim pieces. If these sorts of things are overlooked during production, it makes us a bit uneasy about how the more important hardware has been assembled.

Build quality aside, access to Tesla's vast Supercharger network is one of the best parts of Tesla ownership. It helps relieve range anxiety and can allow you to take the Model S across the country on most major highways without worry. The basic warranty is four years/50,000 miles, which is about average in this luxury EV segment. The powertrain and battery are covered for eight years/120,000 miles.

Wildcard

10/10

Putting aside personal biases of those of us who prefer cars that are fun to drive around corners, the sheer power, speed and the ease of its accessibility make the Model S Plaid incredibly entertaining. It also has a strong sleeper vibe; there's no giant rear wing or other obvious styling element to indicate that you're driving a 1,020-horsepower sedan. We heartily respect understatement. Oh, did we mention that we drag raced this car against two of the fastest production motorcycles in existence? Yeah, we did that. And the Model S won. Handily.

2023 Tesla Model S trim level differences

The 2023 Tesla Model S is a five-passenger electric luxury sedan available in two trims: Model S and Plaid. Here's what the Model S comes with, but be aware that Tesla updates the Model S on an ongoing basis rather than by model year, so additional changes may occur throughout 2023.

Which Model S trim does Edmunds recommend?

We recommend opting for the base Model S instead of the Plaid. You'll get the majority of the same features found in the Plaid and a slightly longer driving range. The base Model S isn't as powerful as the Plaid, but it still provides supercar-like acceleration. Tesla's Full Self-Driving Capability package is optional, but keep in mind that it still requires the driver's full attention at all times and some features initially promised years ago have yet to be activated.

Compare 2023 Tesla Model S trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2023 Tesla Model S EV Insights

Trim:

Model S Base

Estimated Range Based on Age

390 miles

EV batteries lose 1-2% of range per year. Est. range for this car is 390 miles.

Estimated range mapfrom

Charging

NACS

Plug Type

15 hrs

240V Home Charging

28 min

DC Fast Charging

edmunds TESTED

EV batteries should be kept at 30-80% charged to extend battery life.

When can I use NACS/Tesla charging stations?

EV Battery Warranty

8 yrs or 150,000 miles

According to GeoTab’s data, if the observed degradation rates are maintained, the vast majority of batteries will outlast the usable life of the vehicle.

Estimated battery warranty remaining is 6 years or 122,000 miles for this car.

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

$7,850

Available Rebates. Restrictions apply.

See All EV incentives

Cost to Drive

$64/mo

Model S

$215/mo

Car Avg.

Monthly estimates based on costs in Illinois

Am I Ready for an EV?

EV ownership works best if you can charge at home (240V outlet)
Adding a home charging system is estimated to cost $1,616 in
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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3.5/5Above Average

#1 out of 1 among Luxury Alternative Fuel Vehicles

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$823/yr

vs. $823/yr
for Average Luxury Alternative Fuel Vehicle

Frequency

0.36x/yr

vs. 0.4x/yr
for Average Luxury Alternative Fuel Vehicle

Severity

15.2%

vs. 15.2%
for Average Luxury Alternative Fuel Vehicle

Tesla Model S Owner Reviews

3.1

38 reviews

5(37%)

4(13%)

3(5%)

2(16%)

1(29%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Service needs help

j Chana, 10/25/2021

2021 Tesla Model S Plaid 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)

The car itself is amazing….BUT there are ALOTTT OF little things that need work. The way Tesla delivers 145k cars/suvs is very very poor at best. Service is worse in all auto industry, my plaid broke down on me 3rd day…yes 3rd day. Took them 3 days to get it towed due to my location, and I didn’t have a car for 2 weeks. Broke down for the 2nd time and when I was talking with the service …

Great design horrible build

Adam in Colorado, 12/04/2021

2021 Tesla Model S Long Range 4dr Sedan AWD w/Prod. End 11/21 (electric DD)

The design of this car is amazing. Auto pilot is great on the highway though it requires that you jiggle the steering wheel (yoke) to know you are there which is kind of annoying as my hand is on the wheel just not torquing it enough. The build quality however is miserable. Panel gaps are all over the place, they actually have a tool to know if things are bad enough to fix so they …

Chicago Model S Longrange

Vince D, 07/06/2023

2022 Tesla Model S 4dr Sedan AWD (electric DD)

I purchased this Model S in August 2022. The Model S is white with cream interior looks very nice. The white which is free has sparkles in paint and looks great. The cream interior looks so good and the vegan leather feels and looks good and clean easily. The 19" standard tires run well and with the plastic covers off the rims look very good I get many complements. I added caps and … a center cap to clean up the mags. The Model S is so fast I but I prefer the vehicle on standard which a bit slower but still fast and I set the drive to comfort for a nice smooth ride vs the sport ride. The electronics takes a bit of time to get comfortable with but eventually I'm fine with making custom changes to fit my driving needs. The yoke steering takes a while to get comfortable with and some won't like that. I'm good with it as I like the look and the handling is acceptable to me. Making turns can be an issue if you buy you might be better off with the round standard wheel. I like the navigation and voice system and the sound system all work well. I also think the a/c settings for the air direction works very well although there should be the ability to shutdown passenger air if desired. All the controls on the yoke are fine except the horn needs some improvement, way to small an area. I like the idea of all the controls on the yoke and no stalks or other buttons except for what you can do on the screen electronically. The space in this model S is tremendous, the trunk lower level is deep and stores huge amounts of stuff the trunk itself is large and if you drop the 2 back seats it's incredible what you fit in the back area. The fronk is nice but I don't use it much but it's there. This model S long-range is so fast and the regenerative breaks work well and once you get into them you can drive very long distances and never use the break pad. The technolgy in the Model S takes some time to get comfortable with but if you're a techy you will love it and if not you won't. The battery is close to capacity ratings as long as you're not in cold weather (freezing), speeds above 70, and stop and go traffic. Cold weather really drops the range by 10-20%. If you run heaters, heated seats and drive hard the model S battery is easily down 20% in range. This is not Tesla but EV's. But the model S does get up to 405 miles and that range is accurate before driving experience delivers actual. I've charged on Tesla charging at super high speeds and it is very fast charging maybe 1/2 hour to 200 + miles. They need to continue to work on build quality mine had 2 small issues and I've not had the model S back to Tesla but that one time for the fixes. Tesla maintenance did a great job I have no issue with their technical people and they were very friendly and helpful. I like the look I like the drive, I like the technology and I like the saving fuel costs as well as the environment. Great EV and vehicle the latest pricing seems more in line should be below $90,000.

Great car, terrible service and buggy software

Venky, 06/07/2021

2021 Tesla Model S Long Range 4dr Sedan AWD w/Prod. End 11/21 (electric DD)

I bought a Tesla Model S long range in December 2020 to replace an old but trusty Lexus. I can say with confidence that this is the best car I have ever driven. It accelerates faster than a Porsche, handles curves better than a BMW, rides smoother than a Lexus. Of course, the benefits of an all-electric car that can be charged at home are well known by now. However, once the thrill of …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Tesla Model S, so we've included reviews for other years of the Model S since its last redesign.

See all 38 reviews of the Tesla Model S

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2023 Tesla Model S video

U-DRAG RACE: Lucid Air Sapphire vs. Tesla Model S Plaid | Quarter Mile, Handling & More

Welcome back to Edmunds U-Drags, our series of down-and-back drag races that incorporate a standing quarter mile, handling, and a rolling start all in one race! This particular race is one we’ve been itching to run for some time: the Lucid Air Sapphire takes on the Tesla Model S Plaid with the Track Pack in the ultimate battle of electrons.

2023 Model S Highlights

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$74,990
EV Tax Credits & Rebates
Engine Type	Electric
EPA Electric Range	405 miles
Cost to Drive	$64/month
Total Charging Time (240V)	15.0 hours
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	28.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles
EV Battery Warranty	8 years / 150,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Model S models:

Autopilot: Uses four cameras and a dozen sensors to monitor and improve safety and provide semi-automated operation in various driving situations.
Automatic Emergency Braking: Determines if a front collision is imminent and can brake to prevent or mitigate a crash if you take no action.
Lane Departure Warning: Warns you of an unintended lane change or drifting from the lane. Optional automated steering can steer the car back into the lane.

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2023 Tesla Model S Review

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Price & Payment

2023 Tesla Model S Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

For sale near Chicago, IL

2023 Tesla Model SBase Sedan

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2023 Tesla Model SBase Sedan

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Range and Efficiency

Value

Wildcard

2023 Tesla Model S trim level differences

Which Model S trim does Edmunds recommend?

2023 Tesla Model S EV Insights

Estimated Range Based on Age

Charging

EV Battery Warranty

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

Cost to Drive

Am I Ready for an EV?

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Tesla Model S Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Service needs help

Great design horrible build

Chicago Model S Longrange

Great car, terrible service and buggy software

2023 Tesla Model S video

U-DRAG RACE: Lucid Air Sapphire vs. Tesla Model S Plaid | Quarter Mile, Handling & More

2023 Model S Highlights

Safety

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2023 Tesla Model S
Base Sedan

2023 Tesla Model S
Base Sedan