2024 Tesla Model X

Since the Model X originally bowed in prototype form in 2012 and little-different production form in 2015, the crossover field has evolved around it, and this model’s bulbous, wind-tunnel-sculpted silhouette no longer seems so odd in itself—although the concave sides reveal the design as essentially of another era. There aren’t simple explanations for how this model’s peculiar rear passenger doors ended up with a falcon-wing design. Nothing about these doors is simple, and door operation, door hardware, and everything in between have been problematic—although they don’t break as often as they originally did, to Tesla’s credit. 

The interior design carries a more horizontal look that better fits the exterior, with a high-contrast look to the materials. It offers very little switchgear, and the 17.0-inch, landscape-oriented touchscreen dominates inside. Tesla has even hidden the climate control vents, and two small steering-wheel toggles handle small adjustments for the seats and mirrors.

All Model X versions come with an air suspension, which combines with this vehicle’s relatively light weight compared to other electric SUVs to help keep the ride even-keeled over choppy surfaces and twisty roads. Thanks to the low mounting of the hefty 100-kwh battery pack, this big, heavy vehicle handles quite well. Available 22-inch wheels not only dent ride quality but cut driving range, so think twice about how good-looking they might be. For 2024, Plaid models also get upgraded, higher-capability brakes. 

The Model X can tow up to 5,000 pounds, but keep in mind that towing anything will decimate range at highway speeds.

Those doors require clearance and some patience. What makes them especially awkward are their limitations in tight spaces; you’ll need to stand well ahead or behind them during the opening process.

Not much larger than a typical midsize car, the Model X makes space for a surprisingly usable third row. If you’re thinking of using the third row for adults though—or even teens—it’s easiest to use in its six-passenger layout, subbing in a pair of second-row captain’s chairs. 

The third-row seats down, and the large cargo area in back spans 88.0 cubic feet. There’s also a spacious frunk with enough room for two smaller bags

The details are covered, too, with six cupholders, a big center console, and up to five USB ports. The front seats are all-day comfortable. 

One other noteworthy interior feature of the Model X is how its panoramic windshield transitions smoothly into the glass roof. Inside, a 2021 refresh didn’t mess with that but it did introduce new materials throughout that brighten up the cabin and add ambient lighting. It’s still not a luxury experience, but it’s more cohesive.

Tesla earlier this year dropped the price of its controversially named Full Self-Driving option to $8,000 and ditched the formerly offered Enhanced Autopilot. The single package now brings Tesla’s lane-savvy navigation, automated lane changes, automatic parking, and a Smart Summon feature, as well as claimed Autosteer functionality for city streets while the driver remains fully responsible. 

Tesla no longer includes radar sensors in its vehicles; with the so-called Tesla Vision suite, it uses a combination of rear, side, and forward-facing cameras plus powerful vision processing. Inputs from that drive the active-safety systems.

The menu system is really good, and it shows how Tesla has thrived as a tech company. It keeps things simple, much like an iPad does, with flat menus and regular over-the-air updates serving all vehicle systems; you won’t need to go hunting around. Second-row occupants get wireless charging pads and their own screen—a 9.4-inch touchscreen with wireless controller capability for gaming. The 22-speaker audio system has internet streaming radio and satellite radio. 

Tesla bundles in a premium data package for a year, including live traffic, satellite views, video streaming, and Caraoke for the first year. The Model X also includes synthetic leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, heated seats for everyone else (even middle occupants), heated wipers, and a heated windshield. 

Which Tesla Model X should I buy?

Among all the layouts, the six-passenger version will make the best sense to most, and luckily the Model X Plaid comes only that way. It’s the version we’d recommend, especially since it’s only $10,000 more than the base version. Why not splurge with those doors to show off?

For the base All-Wheel Drive version, wheels, seating configurations, and paint upgrades are about the extent of the options—plus Full Self-Driving. A steering yoke is now optional, to the tune of $1,000, and Tesla’s mobile charger and wall charger are both optional, adding up to $830 if you want them both. 

The Model X costs $79,630, including the $1,390 destination fee and $250 order fee. The Model X Plaid starts at $94,630.

How much is a fully loaded 2024 Tesla Model X?

Load a Tesla Model X Plaid up with premium paint, 22-inch wheels, the two-tone interior, the yoke, Full Self-Driving, and a mobile charging connector, and you’ll get to $114,460. 

The Model X’s great efficiency and range numbers also mean that you won’t be spending as much time charging, and Teslas are already at an advantage here. Home charging is best done via a Tesla wall connector that can add up to 44 miles per hour, according to the company. Tesla’s Supercharger DC fast chargers are located around the country, focused along major highways, and they can add up to 100 miles of range in 15 minutes.