2025 Tesla Model X

Tesla famously flouts convention at every turn — the Model X does not even have a shifter. There's no lever, no knob, no buttons for selecting drive or reverse. Instead, when the driver presses the brake pedal while the vehicle is parked, a virtual shifter appears on the 17-inch infotainment screen. Swipe up for drive, down for reverse. Drivers can also enable Auto Shift out of park, in which the vehicle's various sensors determine which direction the vehicle will be heading and automatically selects the appropriate mode when the driver enters, although the driver can override the selection using the infotainment screen. Should the screen malfunction, a secondary touch-sensitive gear selector will appear at the base of the center stack.

The EV market has grown substantially since the Model X debuted. In 2016, it was the only choice for buyers looking for a three-row electric SUV, even if its third row is strictly for children. Today, though, it faces competition from brands old and new, from the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV and Kia EV9 to the Rivian R1S and Lucid Gravity. Buyers not needing a third row would also do well to check out the Audi Q8 E-tron, BMW iX, Genesis Electrified GV70 and Polestar 3.