2017 Tesla Model X Review

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 becau...

The auto-steering function, switchable "creep" mode and impressive adaptive cruise control amplify the Model X's friendly-to-use nature. Driver-selectable level of regenerative braking is a plus.

Mat the accelerator and the Model X launches like few other vehicles on the road. It's powerful, instant thrust. The face-flattening intensity wanes (relatively) at higher speeds, but it's still quite quick. In our testing, the P90D Signature accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds.

The regenerative braking is enough for modest deceleration — you'll rarely touch the pedal. When you do, it's easy to modulate. In our panic-stop test from 60 mph, our P90D Signature (with the 22-inch sporty all-season tires) stopped in an impressive 111 feet.

Steering is appropriately direct, though it lacks feel. Effort in Sport mode is too high, though. Just stick with Normal or Comfort. The Model X tracks straight on the highway, and it's easy to keep within your lane.

The Model X handles turns with more stability and verve than you'd expect for an SUV weighing almost 5,500 pounds. It's hard to describe as agile, but it faithfully obeys inputs in routine driving.

The auto-steering function, switchable "creep" mode and impressive adaptive cruise control amplify the Model X's friendly-to-use nature. Driver-selectable level of regenerative braking is a plus.

Extremely 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.

Very good comfort on long drives. The seat and armrest padding is supportive. Heating and cooling for all three rows is impressive. Lateral support is modest but appropriate for the type of vehicle.

The sense of mass is inescapable, but there is no float and little head toss thanks to the air suspension. Composed body control. Heavy wheels and low-profile tires chop on most roads. The base 20-inch wheels may provide a smoother ride.

It's peaceful and hushed in the cabin thanks to the lack of powertrain noise. Wind noise is low at freeway speeds. The road noise is the most prominent aspect, with some tire thumps and hum.

This 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.

Nearly all secondary controls are controlled via the tall touchscreen, which works well for top-most controls. For HVAC functions at the bottom, it isn't ideal. The instrument cluster is very clear. Stalks and steering wheel controls work well.

A low step-in height and a tall roof help here. The rear doors provide a large opening in typical parking spots but not in tight ones the way a sliding door would. Garages with low ceilings are problematic, too. Plus, the doors just don't open very quickly.

There's ample space up front. Headroom is respectable in the second row because of the door's "skylight" windows. But second-row legroom could be better, and the front seatback is hard and knee-unfriendly. Third-row seating is tight and best for children only.

The panoramic windshield and expansive side windows offer a wide view, though some may not like having the sun always overhead. The wide-view backup camera works well, as do the excellent cluster display and proximity sensors.

Inconsistent panel gaps, some paint and rubber gasket quality issues, and a few stray cabin noises from time to time reduce the quality feeling of this vehicle. When it's cold out, the rear doors make a fair amount of creaking and cracking noises. A Mercedes-Benz it's not.

Utility 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.

There are sparse storage options for the front passengers and no storage in second-row doors (otherwise you'd be dumping drinks on yourself when you opened them). There are no provisions to hang dry-cleaned clothes.

The second-row seats do not fold, limiting large-object hauling, and the articulating rear doors preclude bicycle racks or cargo boxes. The rear cargo hold has good height and depth, but it's on the narrow side. The front trunk is a bonus, at least.

The Model X's 3,500-pound tow rating (22-inch wheels) is modest for an SUV; the 5,000-pound rating with 20-inch wheels is closer to others. Pre-wired for trailer brake controller a plus. However, the impact on range and incompatibility with Superchargers make long-distance towing impractical.

Some 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.

The main touchscreen is huge, and it responds very well to your inputs, though the control menus are complex. Audio sound options are basic, but the premium system has an appealing sound quality. Internet radio, scrolling and playlist creation are all well-executed. Navigation is unreliable.

It's easy to pair up your phone using Bluetooth. But at the time of our evaluation, the Model X lacked additional smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay or Android Auto).

The screen depicting the proximity of objects near you when parking is industry-leading. The large backup camera display is very helpful, too. We also like the adaptive cruise control, but full Autopilot is a mixed bag and should never be used without full attention.

To learn more about the Model X of this generation, read our updates from a full year of living with a 2016 Tesla Model X Signature P90D. We cover everything from seat comfort to real-world energy consumption.