2017 Tesla Model X Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byJason Kavanagh
Senior Vehicle Test Engineer
Jason joined Edmunds' testing team in 2006 as a vehicle testing engineer. Jason believes true appreciation of modern cars stems from owning really, really bad old ones.Pros
- Lightning-quick acceleration for a three-row SUV
- Very quiet operation in most driving scenarios
- Large windshield offers expansive view
Cons
- Infuriating rear doors impede entry and erode functionality
- Second-row seats do not fold flat
- Large windshield allows too much heat in during hot days
- Initial build quality doesn't match the price
What’s new
Tesla updates its vehicles on an ongoing basis rather than at discrete model-year intervals. As such, there's no clear-cut "new for 2017" information. Features and trim levels are tweaked sporadically.
Vehicle overview
The Model X is Tesla's third-ever model (don't forget the Roadster!). Its underlying architecture is very similar to that of the Model S sedan's, but the X is usually described as a sport-utility vehicle given that it has an SUV-like shape and standard all-wheel drive. In reality, though, it has but the thinnest veneer of utility, and it is ultimately more of a people mover. Think minivan, but with less functionality.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 Tesla Model X 75D 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $0.15 per kWh for electricity and $4.15 per gallon average in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$67/mo
Model X 75D
vs
$266/mo
Avg. Large SUV
The neatest thing about the Model X is also the root of its most serious drawbacks: the articulating rear doors. They're powered and open upward for some regal automotive theater but take a segment of the roof with them. Showing them off to your neighbors is undeniably fun, but the design introduces a range of issues. The two most notable are 1) the inability to install any kind of roof rack or cargo pod on top of the Model X; and 2) the difficulty in opening the doors all the way up in crowded parking lots or when parked in an area with a low ceiling. Moreover, the Model X's second-row seats do not fold flat, further eroding the car's utility.
It's blindingly quick in P100D trim and steers and turns better than you might expect for its exceedingly heavy weight. Big on flash but lacking in utility, the Model X is simply not as good a vehicle in nearly every respect as its Model S stablemate.
What's it like to live with?
Edmunds' editorial team was one of the first to acquire and live with a 2016 Tesla Model X for a full year. The signature falcon-wing doors turned out to be more for style than utility. Still, we found the Model X to be impressively fast for a vehicle its size. To learn more about the Model X of this generation, read about our experiences from a full year of living with a 2016 Tesla Model X. We cover everything from seat comfort to real-world battery efficiency. There were only a few minor trim level changes for the 2017 Tesla Model X, so most of our observations still apply.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
4.0 / 5As an electric vehicle, the 2017 Tesla Model X excels, with ample range, addictive thrust and a quiet disposition. But as an SUV, it isn't convincing — it gives up functionality for flash. Overall, we prefer Tesla's Model S sedan.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our drive of the 2016 Tesla Model X Signature P90D.
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Model X has received minor ongoing revisions, including the addition of the range-topping P100D trim level to replace the P90D. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Model X, however.
Scorecard
| Overall | 4.0 / 5 |
| Driving | 4.0 |
| Comfort | 4.5 |
| Interior | 3.5 |
| Utility | 2.0 |
| Technology | 3.5 |
Driving
4.0Acceleration is outstanding and instantaneous. Excellent drivability even before you turn on the semiautonomous features. It can't hide its prodigious weight, but it handles like a 500-pound-lighter vehicle. An EV that can tow is unique, but range will be a factor.
Comfort
4.5Extremely quiet and equipped with seats that are suitable for long stints. Heavy, but manages its weight well. Ride quality is overall good except over broken or potholed surfaces where the heavy wheels and low-profile tires show their limits.
Interior
3.5This is an SUV that's light on utility since the second-row seats do not fold and there is no provision for a roof rack. Terrific visibility and easy entry and exit, though the rear doors can be infuriating. Second-row storage is lacking.
Utility
2.0Utility takes a huge hit due to compromised rear doors. The second-row seats do not fold, and there is no provision for a roof rack. Limited small-item storage.
Technology
3.5Some of its driver assistance features seem half-baked, though its displays are top-notch. Navigation should be used with a critical (and skeptical) eye due to its effect on range and time.
Which Model X does Edmunds recommend?
Presumably you are shopping Model X for its people-carrying ability since that is its primary distinction over the Model S sedan. In that case, opt for the seven-passenger layout. Go for the 90D — it's in the sweet spot of range and price. Stay away from the big 22-inch wheels if you can because they noticeably degrade the ride quality. We're split on the pricey Premium Upgrades package that adds premium cabin materials to match the vehicle's asking price but comes with a lot of gimmicky door features for which we don't care for. The Subzero package is a must-have, as is the High-Amperage Charger if you plan to do frequent long-distance drives.
2017 Tesla Model X models
The 2017 Tesla Model X is currently available in four variants: 75D, 90D, 100D and P100D. Please note that Tesla often changes up its products at unexpected times, so what is true today may change tomorrow. Battery size in kilowatt-hours is denoted by the digits contained in each trim level, where larger numbers indicate additional battery capacity and more range. There's also a general trend of increasing quickness as you progress upward through the trim levels. The Model X is available in five-, six- and seven-passenger configurations and is offered with all-wheel drive only.