2020 Tesla Model X Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

The 2020 Tesla Model X might be the greenest—and one of the fastest—way to tote up to seven people over hill and dale. As the crossover cousin to the brand's iconic Model S sedan, the X is actually practical, with all-wheel drive, a high-tech cabin with room for up to seven, and striking but fussy Falcon Wing doors. Two models are offered, both with over 300 miles of driving range, and each one is impressively quick thanks to two onboard electric motors; the Model X also handles quite nicely for such a heavy SUV, thanks in part to the fact that its batteries are mounted in the floor, creating a low center of gravity. The cabin is snazzy and rich with technology, but those expecting outright luxury will be disappointed.

What's New for 2020?

It's hard to know exactly what's new on 2020 Model Xs because Tesla, unlike almost every other automaker, makes constant running changes to its products throughout each calendar year. According to a blog post on its consumer site, Tesla touts more efficient electric motors, faster charging via more robust onboard chargers, and a fully adaptive air suspension system. Tesla is also testing a new variant of the Model S—the Model X's sedan cousin—at Germany's famed Nürburgring race course. It also has teased an upgraded powertrain and has hinted at a new Plaid Mode performance driving setting which may eventually become available on both the S and X models.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The Performance model with Ludicrous mode would surely be the most fun, but it's mighty expensive and its 305-mile estimated driving range isn't as long as the less expensive Long Range model, so we'd save the $20,000. The Long Range model offers 20 more miles of estimated driving range and still feels mighty quick thanks to the immediacy of the electric motors' power delivery.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

All Model Xs come standard with two electric motors—one at the front axle and one at the rear—which enables them with all-wheel-drive capability. The standard Long Range model is quick and Tesla claims a zero-to-60-mph time of 4.4 seconds. A high-performance variant is also offered which comes with a 305-mile range and a claimed zero-to-60-mph time of 2.7 seconds when its Ludicrous Mode is engaged. Handling is respectable, but the Model X's party trick is really the strong acceleration generated by its electric motors.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The Model X comes standard with a battery large enough to cover a claimed 325-mile driving range; upgrading to the faster Performance model drops the estimated driving range to 305 miles. Recharging is quick via one of Tesla's Superchargers, which are located across the country. Charging at home via a 240V or 120V connection will be slower, but probably more convenient for owners, so Tesla offers in-home charging equipment for purchase.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

Among other all-electric SUVs, the Model X boasts the highest MPGe ratings from the EPA. Long Range models earned ratings of 99 city, 93 highway, and 96 MPGe combined. Even the Performance model, which sacrifices some efficiency for faster acceleration, outperforms key rivals such as the Jaguar I-Pace and Audi e-Tron SUVs in this metric.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

A stark and nearly buttonless interior design is classic Tesla. The Model X's unique windshield/glass roof runs seamlessly from the base of the hood up over the front-seat passengers for a nearly uninterrupted view of what's ahead and what's above. Despite these whiz-bang features, the Model X's cabin leaves us wanting, especially considering its price can easily break the six-figure barrier, with non-descript air vents, misaligned panels, and flat-backed seats that don't offer enough adjustments.

Infotainment and Connectivity

A huge touchscreen infotainment system dominates the dashboard and controls nearly all of the Model X's various features and settings. This large screen kicked off an industry wide effort to include ever more impressive infotainment features and displays, yet despite being around for a number of years without major changes, still looks just as dramatic and impressive when you're sliding behind the wheel. What you won't find, however, is Apple CarPlay or Android Auto capability Noteworthy, also, is the large screen's fussiness: Many of its onscreen icons are small or, depending on the person's size, difficult to reach from the driver's seat. Still, the Model X and Model S rank among the most tech-forward luxury vehicles on the market today.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Most buyers are looking more for tech features than luxury, though, and the Model X can be optioned with the feature that is possibly the most buzzworthy: Autopilot. Tesla's semi-autonomous driving mode uses several cameras, multiple sensors, and radars to detect objects, people, and other vehicles and uses them to pilot the Model X under its own power. The Model X also offers a Summon feature that allows the user to park or retrieve the SUV from tight spots while standing outside—a feature that seems gimmicky but proved necessary thanks to the silly top-hinged doors. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2019 Model X a five-star rating last year but the electric SUV has not been tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning
• Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Tesla offers a comprehensive warranty package to protect the Model X's powertrain and hybrid components but lacks the lengthy bumper-to-bumper coverage and complimentary scheduled maintenance packages of the I-Pace.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 8 years, regardless of miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance