2025 Tesla Model X

Tesla’s first SUV, the Model X is closing in on a decade old. That’s ancient by modern vehicle standards, but it still feels fresh. Credit goes to novel features like its panoramic windshield and power-operated falcon-wing rear doors, but also to Tesla's numerous small engineering changes and over-the-air tech updates over the last eight years. With seating for five, six or seven passengers and an EPA-estimated range of up to 335 miles on a charge, the Model X remains a compelling electric vehicle for families. And in 1,020-horsepower Plaid trim, it’s about the most inconspicuous vehicle you can find for embarrassing hypercars at your local drag strip.

Edmunds spotlight: Look, Ma, no shifter

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.

Competitors to consider

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 upcoming Lucid Gravity. Buyers not needing a third row would also do well to check out the Audi Q8 e-tron, BMW iX and Genesis GV70.

Despite its age — actually, in part because of its age, and all of the incremental improvements Tesla has made over the years — the Model X offers an attractive blend of practicality and performance in a family-friendly electric SUV.