2020 Tesla Model X Review

Name: 2020 Tesla Model X Review
Brand: Tesla
Price: 44395 USD

2019 Tesla Model X Performance 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

Tesla Model X Performance 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

+104

There's so many interesting aspects to the Model X — the panoramic windshield, the upward-opening falcon-wing doors and the sports car-beating acceleration — that you can almost overlook the fact that the Tesla Model X is electric. Cargo and passenger space is impressive, too, as long you opt for the five-seat configuration. But subpar smartphone integration and a lack of practicality continue to be weak spots.

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2020 Tesla Model X Review

byRyan ZumMallen^{Contributor
Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.}

Pros

Instant and powerful acceleration
Electric range is impressive
Three-row seating is available
Access to Tesla's extensive Supercharger network

Cons

Finicky upward-swinging rear doors impede functionality
Vast windshield lets too much sun and heat into the cabin
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren't offered

What's new

Long Range Plus model offers a bit more range than the previous Long Range
Part of the first Model X generation introduced for 2016

Overview

Even a few years after its debut, there's nothing else on the road quite like the Tesla Model X. It delivers more than 300 miles of electric range and packs features such as its novel folding falcon-wing doors and full access to Tesla's Supercharger network. Plenty of automakers have announced that they're coming out with electrified SUVs, but for now the X is in a class of one.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

2020 Tesla Model X EV Insights

Trim:

Model X Long Range Plus

Estimated Range Based on Age

325 miles^{The range for a used 2020 Tesla Model X is estimated to be 325 miles because electric cars typically experience 1-2% of range loss per year, with slightly faster degradation over the first 50,000 miles as the car settles into its long term state, according to Recurrent's study of 15,000 EVs.}

EV batteries lose 1-2% of range per year. Est. range for this car is 325 miles.^{Electric cars typically experience 1-2% of range loss per year with slightly faster degradation over the first 50,000 miles as the car settles into its long term state, according to Recurrent's study of 15,000 EVs.}

Estimated range map^{This map is a visual representation of the possible one-way and round-trips by this vehicle (on a full charge) from the geometric center of Holualoa, Hawaii. The depicted ranges are based on the estimated new vehicle range value provided by the EPA, rounded down to miles for one-way and miles for round-trip. Actual range will vary depending on the condition of this vehicle’s battery pack, how you drive, driving conditions and other factors.Map display generated using: © openrouteservice.org by HeiGIT | Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors | Leaflet} from

Charging

12 hrs

240V Home Charging^{Estimated total charging time when using a 240V outlet. This is either a 3-prong or 4-prong outlet used for appliances, for example a clothes dryer.}

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^{The federal government requires that EV batteries be warrantied for a minimum of eight years or 100,000 miles. The EV battery warranty includes replacement if your battery capacity drops below a certain percentage of the original capacity.}

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 4 years or 94,000 miles for this car.^{Warranty remaining value is based on the vehicle year, and on driving 14,000 miles per year. Confirm exact warranty coverage for each vehicle with the dealers and the manufacturer before purchasing.}

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

$4,000

Available Rebates. Restrictions apply.

Restrictions:
Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers taxpayers a Used Clean Vehicle Tax Credit equal to 30% of the sale price up to a maximum credit of $4,000 for the purchase of a used plug-in electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Beginning January 1, 2024, Clean Vehicle Tax Credits may be initiated and approved at the point of sale at participating dealerships registered with the IRS. Dealers will be responsible for submitting Clean Vehicle Tax Credit information to the IRS. Buyers are advised to obtain a copy of an IRS "time of sale" report, confirming it was submitted successfully by the dealer.

For the vehicle to qualify:
- Price cannot exceed $25,000.
- Need to verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- Must be at least two model years older than the current calendar year in which the vehicle was purchased.
- Must be sold through a dealership, private sales not permitted.
- Not have already been transferred after August 16, 2022, to a qualified buyer.
For individuals to qualify:
- Must meet income eligibility, depending on modified adjusted gross income (AGI) and tax filing status.
- Must not be the first owner of the qualifying vehicle.
- Has not been allowed a credit under this section for any sale during the 3-year period ending on the date of the sale of such vehicle.
- Purchased for personal use, not a business, corporation or for resale.
To learn more, visit https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/used-clean-vehicle-credit

See All EV incentives

Cost to Drive

$176/mo

Model X

$334/mo

SUV Avg.

Monthly estimates based on costs in Hawaii

Am I Ready for an EV?

EV ownership works best if you can charge (240V) at home or at work ^{This typically means a 240V home installation, but you could also have a similar setup at your office or other places your car is already parked for several hours each day. Don't expect a regular household outlet (120V) to suffice unless you've got a plug-in hybrid, in which case overnight charging at home is feasible.}
If you can’t charge at home, charging at a charging station could take at least 10x longer than at a gas station ^{With public charging infrastructure still in its infancy, the user experience can be maddeningly inconsistent. Tesla owners tend to rave about the reliability and speed of the company's proprietary Supercharger stations, but rival DC fast options have thus far been plagued by technical issues and overcrowding. It's an evolving landscape and our best advice is to do your research on the available options for the EV you want to buy.}
Adding a 240V home charging system could cost up to $1,600 or more ^{If your existing electrical service can handle the additional demands of EV charging, you may be able to add Level 2 charging at home for less than a grand, including installation. But your costs will multiply if you need to upgrade your electrical panel or add a dedicated circuit.}

Learn more about EV charging

See All EV Insights

What's new for the 2020 Model X? Well, Tesla's rolling updates make it difficult to separate the car into model years, but there have been no major changes for 2020 (though the revised Long Range Plus model adds a few more miles of range compared to the previous Long Range version). The X is still available in two basic configurations that differ in performance and electric range. Both come with Tesla's Autopilot driver assistance system and offer a more robust version as an option.

Certainly, the Model X has its flaws. The falcon-wing doors, for instance, can be slow to open and won't open completely if you've parked in an area with a low ceiling. And forget about installing a traditional roof rack system. Nor is the Model X's interior as richly appointed as that of a traditional luxury SUV. But until other three-row EVs hit the market, there's nothing that offers the same combination of space, utility and gasoline-free driving as Tesla's Model X.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Great

8.1

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

8.0/10

How does the Model X drive? Performance has become the calling card of the Tesla brand and the midsize Model X upholds that reputation. Our test Model X Long Range accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds at the Edmunds test track, which is quick for a luxury SUV. And this isn't even the Performance version.

Balancing out that impressive speed are excellent brakes that are both easy to use in traffic and strong and confident when you need to stop in a hurry. There's enough regenerative braking when lifting off the accelerator that you can often drive around without touching the brake pedal. Ultra-quick steering makes the X feel nimble, while its low center of gravity and adaptive suspension keep body motions to a minimum. This sizable family SUV drives more like a car.

Also worth noting: The adaptive air suspension provides up to 8.9 inches of ground clearance when you need it.

Comfort

8.0/10

How comfortable is the Model X? One benefit of the larger Tesla models, including the Model X, is the adaptive air suspension, which delivers significant improvements in ride comfort. Even with 20-inch wheels and an exceptionally high tire pressure of 45 psi, the Model X boasts an admirable ability to absorb bumps in the road. This quality, along with a cabin well insulated against outside noise, makes for a very comfortable environment.

As far as seats go, the Model X's are pretty well cushioned and provide enough adjustments to dial in your personal comfort. But the simulated leather upholstery lacks breathability, so even mildly warm weather can make the seats feel swampy. The Model X's climate controls are simple to use, but know that the extra-large windshield lets in a bit more heat during hot summer days than a typical-size windshield.

Interior

8.5/10

How’s the interior? Obviously, the doors are the biggest story here on the Model X. First you have the driver's door that opens automatically and can be shut without lifting a finger (brilliant!). Then you have the rear doors that open like wings (conversation starter!) and provide unmatched access to the rear seats. But they can also be liabilities in places/garages with low ceilings.

The Model X's centralized touchscreen interface is pretty straightforward and easy to use. It's the gateway to most vehicle functions, save for a few things the driver needs, such as wiper controls and mirror adjustments that thankfully have their own controls.

Interior space is generous for the first and second rows. The complex falcon-wing door mechanisms intrude somewhat on third-row headroom. Oh, and that aforementioned extra-large windshield provides a panoramic view out like no other.

Technology

7.0/10

How’s the tech? For all the technological marvels in the Model X, there are some shortcomings. The lack of proper smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a big drawback, and Bluetooth is a poor substitute. If you're parked, you've got access to an internet browser that allows you to do stuff like watch Netflix or scroll through YouTube videos — provided you're subscribed to a Tesla data plan or connected to Wi-Fi.

The Model X's advanced driver aids also didn't prove as robust as those in other Teslas we've tested. The adaptive cruise control was prone to false positive collision warnings, and lane centering seemed to favor the driver-side line instead of the center. The real-time digital map of all the cars and motorcycles around you is pretty neat to see, and we like that you can pull up the rearview camera anytime you want.

One of the greatest innovations from Tesla, however, is constant over-the-air updates that can add new features and system optimizations. Also, the big center screen is the largest in the industry with crisp graphics and a stunning Google-based nav system. Our only gripe here is that, in spotty service areas, it can leave you temporarily mapless.

Storage

8.5/10

How’s the storage? Storage is excellent in the Model X. The combination of a large 26-cubic-foot rear cargo area with generous underfloor storage (sans optional third row) plus the largest front trunk in the segment makes the X the best at hauling cargo. Though we don't recommend an EV if you need to tow things over long distances, the Model X is capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds.

In-cabin storage for small items is better than average but still not ideal. There's sizable storage underneath a sliding cover, with configurable partitions. They're a bit clumsy, though, and not the most efficient design. A flip-up wireless phone charger holds your phone securely while it charges.

The falcon-wing doors absolutely rule for car seat access, and there's sufficient room for a large rear-facing seat behind an average-size driver. Car seat anchors are tucked a bit deep, though, and the fixed headrests mean awkward routing of top tethers to the side.

Range and Efficiency

8.0/10

How are the range and efficiency? The Model X Long Range we tested (not the latest Long Range Plus) has an EPA-estimated range of 328 miles and a consumption of 35 kWh per 100 miles, which is less efficient than the average luxury EV. But the Model X is one of the larger EVs sold and boasts impressive performance.

In Edmunds' real-world testing, we saw 294 miles of range and matched the EPA's estimate of 35 kWh/100 miles. This involved charging the battery to full for max range, which should only be done for longer road trips. A lower charge for daily use is what the manufacturer recommends.

The X comes with an 11.5-kW onboard charger and the usual assortment of charge cord options, including a standard 120-volt household adapter, a 240-volt SAE adapter (for public charge equipment) and a NEMA 14-50 adapter (what you'd find at an RV park). It also works with Tesla's nationwide Supercharger network, which can make long-distance driving a viable option.

Value

8.0/10

Is the Model X a good value? Overall, the Model X's pricing is pretty competitive among midsize luxury EVs even without the benefit of a tax credit. Tesla's build quality has steadily improved over the years, though the Model X's is still a bit below the competition. You do get a battery range and performance advantage, but the interior lacks the solidity of an Audi, even if the minimalist design is visually appealing.

The basic warranty is four years and 50,000 miles, which is about average but less than what Jaguar offers. The powertrain is covered for eight years/150,000 miles, and Tesla guarantees that the battery will retain at least 70% of its original capacity over that period.

Wildcard

9.0/10

The Model X is engineered to wow. It'll impress your passengers with its sheer speed and panoramic windshield, and it'll entertain parents in the school pickup line as your kids pile in through an outstretched falcon-wing door. The X's theatrics have likely converted a good number of SUV fans to EVs.

Even a base Model X is pretty fun to hustle around thanks to the low-mounted battery weight that makes it feel more like a car than an SUV. The immediate thrust from the electric motors becomes addicting, so much so that you may swear off gas-powered cars for good.

Which Model X does Edmunds recommend?

Of the two trims, we recommend going with the Model X Long Range (replaced by the Long Range Plus later in the year). While it's not quite as quick as the Performance model, it has more power and performance than most other SUVs. We think the extra range and cost savings are worth the hit to performance.

2020 Tesla Model X models

Tesla often changes up its products at unexpected times, so what is true today may change tomorrow. The 2020 Model X is currently available in two trim levels, Long Range (later changed to Long Range Plus) and Performance. As the names imply, the difference between the pair is electric range and performance figures. Whichever version you get, all-wheel drive comes standard.

The Model X Long Range has an estimated range of 328 miles. Standard features include an air suspension, keyless entry and ignition, heated seats for all passengers, a heated steering wheel, a 17-inch touchscreen display and a towing package. You also get driver aids such as forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and Tesla's Autopilot system. Later in the model year, the Long Range model was replaced by the Long Range Plus, with an estimated 351 miles of range. Free and unlimited use of Tesla's Supercharger network was standard with new cars until the end of May 2020, when the program was canceled following price cuts for the Model X.

Performance enthusiasts can opt for the Model X Performance model, which Tesla says hits 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds but drops the estimated range to 305 miles. Ludicrous mode is now standard and its use drops the 0-60 time to 2.6 seconds. Aside from the extra oomph and some minor interior changes, the Performance model is basically the same as the Model X Long Range.

Options are few. Typically, the Model X comes with five-passenger seating, but you can get a six-passenger configuration with two captain's chairs in the second row and a third-row bench, or a seven-passenger configuration with two rows of benches. Also available is the Full Self-Driving Capability feature, which adds automated parallel and perpendicular parking, additional fine-tuning to the way Autopilot behaves on the highway, and a summon feature that calls the Model X to your location in a parking lot.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2020 Tesla Model X.

5 (46%)

4 (11%)

3 (4%)

2 (14%)

1 (25%)

3.4

28 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Best car I have ever owned!

J.S, 04/12/2020

2020 Tesla Model X Long Range 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 05/20 (electric DD)

I have had this car for about two months. I have a 2020 Model X Long Range Plus. On a full charge I get 351 miles of range, which is phenomenal! I recommend getting the 20in rims, because they give a softer more luxurious ride, and they give better range than the 22in wheels. It is a very good car for long road trips. After driving it, charging up is not as much of a burden as I thought …

Love this family car 4 life!

Blue Burpee, 08/01/2020

2020 Tesla Model X Long Range 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 05/20 (electric DD)

The Model X is roomy; In a 5-seater we can have two Midsized dogs in boxes in the trunk; two teenager in the back and everyones stuff for a winter vacation. Its SO great for trips. The car is fun, space-age and only slightly more expensive then the S. The falcon doors are special, but we like them; you get to know automatically when they are extremely practical compared to normal doors …

Most Amazing Vehicle On The Road Today

Tesla4Life, 01/25/2020

2020 Tesla Model X Long Range 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 05/20 (electric DD)

We have new 2020 Model X, after owning BMW's and Cadillac's in the past and can honestly say we love where the future is heading. The autonomous driving is a game changer. Wish Tesla would sell this tech so that roadways could be safer everywhere. Biggest things to love: - Acceleration - Grounded - all weight underneath - Free supercharging for life (roadtrip!?) - All premium features …

My worst car ever and I've had a Plymouth Van

TeslaGranny, 02/01/2021

2020 Tesla Model X Long Range Plus 4dr SUV AWD (electric DD)

I bought this car exactly one year ago and I have had one catastrophic failure, countless intermittent sensor failures, frequent pop up warnings about break outages, and the radio works occasionally. I can find myself driving down the road and will get a pop-up that says the sensoring isn't working and drive with caution, or that the brakes are not working well and to give myself extra … stopping time. These can just pop up out of the blue. Because the car is actually a giant computer they will resolve with reboot - stop, turn it off, let it rest, and restart - however this isn't feasible on the freeway or in other driving situations. It is frightening to drive this car because I don't know when the alerts pop up if they are computer bugs or real issues. When I had the Electronic Fuse module failure pop-ups piled up on top of each other in a period of about one minute while I was driving to get my grandson. I was just able to get the car out of traffic before the entire system shut down and the car had to be towed. Upon getting towed to the Tesla service center I came to learn that there is no one there who contacts your or helps you. All information and communication come through the App. It was almost three days before the App said anything at all - and then it told me I'd hear something in 14 days! I finally managed to find a person who offered me Uber credits to use while the car was unavailable. This was not a viable option for a 62 year old who drives grandchildren during Covid. on day 6 they got me a loaner car and I got the car back on day 8. When you go to the service center to get the car the people working there know nothing about the cars. They read the same information off of the App that the customer sees. When you pick up a car at a dealer service department the service people can talk to you and tell what happened, what they did, and why. Not at Tesla. The radio works at will. The Tesla entertainment system always works with music but the car chooses to play the FM radio and the Sirius radio on a whim. At present it has been 3 days. There is no one at Tesla to speak to or to ask for help. Two times I have tried to schedule a service appointment just to speak to someone. The last time it took 3 weeks and then they texted me on the App. No people existed. At present I am waiting for 8 days to get the text message to ask my question. The car receives software updates about every 6-8 weeks. They send really important things like more backgammon game scenarios, revised arcade games, redesigned dash board and Tesla screen. Their giant computer is filled with bugs and glitches and they never send anything that would provide for a better, safer drive. Because of Covid I drive very little - so at one year the car has 3200 miles on it. I have had a lifetime of pop-up alerts and scares for 3200 miles. I have no confidence in this car and would never drive it more than about 25 miles from home. There are no service centers available if I get far from home, there is no spare tire, and there isn't anyone to contact or talk to if I have problems. The gull wing doors - while looking cool - are really difficult and cumbersome. They allow for much less access room in crowded spaces that regular swinging doors. It is practically impossible to get a baby seat out of the care when it is garaged - and the same for accessing the child seat on the other side. I have to stoop low at the waste to get into the vehicle. It gave a great test drive and was very impressive. For the fast pick-up and smooth ride it is a great car. But as a giant computer on wheels purchased from an App that has no human backup it is a terrible investment.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 Tesla Model X, so we've included reviews for other years of the Model X since its last redesign.

See all 28 reviews of the Tesla Model X

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2020 Model X Highlights

Trim:

Long Range Plus

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$79,990
EV Tax Credits & Rebates	$4,000 Based on income
Engine Type	Electric
EPA Electric Range	351 miles
Cost to Drive	$176/month
Total Charging Time (240V)	12.0 hours
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	26.0 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 X models:

Autopilot: Provides enhanced lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control to reduce the driver's workload.
Automatic Emergency Braking: Applies the brakes when it detects an imminent front crash.
All-Wheel Drive: Powers all four wheels to enhance traction in low-traction conditions.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover5 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover9.3%

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2020 Tesla Model X Review

2020 Tesla Model X Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

2020 Tesla Model X EV Insights

Estimated Range Based on Age

Charging

EV Battery Warranty

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

Cost to Drive

Am I Ready for an EV?

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Range and Efficiency

Value

Wildcard

Which Model X does Edmunds recommend?

2020 Tesla Model X models

Most helpful consumer reviews

Best car I have ever owned!

Love this family car 4 life!

Most Amazing Vehicle On The Road Today

My worst car ever and I've had a Plymouth Van

2020 Model X Highlights

Safety

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