Used 2023 Tesla Model X

There’s nothing else like a Model X. It’s an intriguing package of high performance, high practicality, high tech, high style (with those “Falcon Wing” rear doors), and — it has to be said — high prices. A maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also gives a good idea of the Model X’s correspondingly high level of crashworthiness.

In Septembet 2023, Tesla cut prices. The new prices are reflected here.

Does a family SUV really need to be this fast and powerful? Standstill to 60 mph in less than 3 seconds and more than 1,000 horsepower in the Plaid version?

On one side of the argument, that’s what happens with electric motors, and the Plaid variant has three of them. On the other, flexing that kind of muscle is going to reduce range, as well as being something of a liability on public roads. Even the dual-motor Model X has more power than a Lamborghini Urus. Oh well — consumer choice, free market forces, blah, blah.

At least the Model X has the dynamic chops to cope with such power. An adaptive suspension is standard, and the floor-mounted battery means an advantageously low center of gravity. All-wheel drive is also standard, while the steering is pleasingly precise.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and researching the current collection of luxury electric SUVs.

In standard form, the 2023 Model X electric SUV is a 5-seater. A third seating row for two can be added to either a pair of captain’s chairs in the second row, or a 3-person bench. This is a common thing among luxury SUVs.

The steering wheel is not. It looks more like a pilot’s yoke, like the bottom half of a rectangle. It’s great to imagine you’re controlling a 747, but this is not the most practical idea for an SUV. Perhaps when all the self-steering software is perfected, it will make more sense. Fortunately, a true steering wheel is now available as a no-cost option.

Big infotainment touchscreens are now the norm, and Tesla should be given credit (or blame) for starting that trend. The one in the Model X measures 17 inches on the diagonal and is the access point for a lot of functions. Mercifully, though, the driver has a proper instrument cluster — which is not always the case in Tesla vehicles.

We like the double-wide wireless charging pad in the center console, heated seats (not just the fronts), and things like the vegan-friendly simulated leather upholstery, but are not so impressed by the way everything has been put together. For something in the upper price reaches of its class, we’ve come to expect better.

Beneath that huge glass roof, occupant space is ample. Legroom in the second row is 38.7 inches or 39.8 with the 6-seat arrangement. The third row is not quite so adult-friendly, but fine for younger family members who still have some growing to do.

Maximum cargo space in cubic feet goes from the high 80s to the low 90s, depending on how many seats are fitted. There’s also an appreciable 6.5 cubic feet of storage area under the hood.

Aside from a super-low drag coefficient of 0.24, a cool aspect of the 2023 Model X’s exterior are the powered (and standard) “Falcon Wing” rear doors. They’re hinged in the roof, opening out and up, but clever enough not to hit any vehicles parked on either side or any low ceilings. They also make it easy to climb in and out.

For a family SUV, though, they have one significant flaw: You can’t fit a roof rack. But you can attach a bike rack on the back.

Wheel size has a noticeable impact on energy consumption. The Plaid offers 22-inch wheels that may look super-cool, but they reduce maximum range from 333 miles to 311 miles.

Range
Yes, the 2023 Model X is pricey even in the context of luxury electric SUVs. But nothing else can yet match its potential to run for 348 miles before recharging.

Over-the-air updates
The Model X continues to improve after it’s been purchased. These updates can bring changes in power, range, and infotainment software.

Tesla Superchargers
A nationwide network of Tesla fast chargers means the Model X can embark on road trips just as easily as a gasoline-powered SUV.

Sentry Mode
When the Model X is parked, its camera system remains active and will alert the owner’s smartphone if necessary.

Smart Summon
Part of the optional Enhanced Autopilot package, this feature enables the Model X to move out of its parking space and drive itself (while avoiding pedestrians, vehicles, and any other hazards) to where the owner is standing.

Autopark
Another feature of the Enhanced Autopilot package, Autopark takes the stress out of both parallel and perpendicular spaces by handling all the parking duties.

Tesla tends to be a bit secretive about output, but it’s happy to publish the fact that the dual-motor 2023 Model X model has a crazy 670 horsepower. The hot Plaid version has an even more sanity-stretching 1,020 horsepower — making it the most powerful luxury SUV. And the fastest.

The lower trim of the Model X has two electric motors, one for each axle. The Plaid has three electric motors, with two at the rear. All-wheel drive is therefore standard on both of them. Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.

Dual electric motors
670 horsepower
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 107/97 MPGe
EPA-estimated range: 348 miles (Model X)

Three electric motors (Plaid)
1,020 horsepower
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 103/93 MPGe (20-inch wheels), 94/88 MPGe (22-inch wheels)
EPA-estimated range: 333 miles (20-inch wheels), 311 miles (22-inch wheels)

More Model X range and efficiency information is available on the EPA’s website.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Tesla’s new-vehicle warranty lasts for four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This is typical among luxury SUVs. The battery is covered for eight years or 150,000 miles.