2020 Tesla Model S review
Tesla Model S highlights
Customer rating
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)
Pros
- Heart-pounding acceleration for a large luxury car
- It goes a long way on a single charge for an electric car
- Features a giant, high-tech touchscreen
Cons
- It's not as refined as other luxury sedans
- Rear seat headroom might be cramped for taller passengers
- It doesn't support Android Auto™ or Apple CarPlay® connectivity
326 - 402 miles
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High-tech and electric with good range.
If you're shopping for an electric car with style, a high-tech interior, and a large battery capacity, you're probably already set on a Tesla. The 2020 Model S represents a great choice if you need a sedan that feels as luxurious as it is innovative. There's a lot to appreciate about the performance of this car as well as the interior details, and large central command screen.
All Tesla Model S years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Tesla Model S generation from 2012 to 2024
What is new for the 2020 Tesla Model S?
- The Model S is available in a new trim called the Long Range Plus.
- The 100D, 75D, Base, P100D, and Standard Range trims have been discontinued for 2020.
- Model S trims have been upgraded with Suede Seats as standard equipment this year.
- The Long Range trim now comes with Skylight(s) as standard equipment.
- The Performance trim now comes with Rear Spoiler as standard equipment.
2020 Tesla Model S trims
Long Range:
Includes a rearview camera, cruise control, Park Assist, a power liftgate, an available Wi-Fi hotspot, a premium sound system, heated seats, brake assist, blind-spot collision warning, and more.
Long Range Plus:
Adds an EPA-estimate range of 402 miles on a full charge.
Performance:
Includes the same standard features as the Long Range, but adds Ludicrous Mode for quicker acceleration, two additional interior styling choices, and a carbon-fiber spoiler.
Tesla Model S photos
5 reasons to buy the 2020 Tesla Model S
1. Electric range
One reason to buy a Tesla is its fantastic electric range. The 2020 Model S Long Range will do an EPA-estimated range of 373 miles on a full charge while the Long Range Plus boosts that to an EPA-estimated 402 miles on a full charge.
2. Instant performance
A big joy of electric cars is the instant availability of power. With no revs to climb through, you have instant torque as soon as you put your foot down. This means that even the base Model S can zoom from zero to 60 in 3.7 seconds, while the Performance model can do it in 2.3 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). The great thing about Tesla is that the over-the-air updates mean that many Teslas can get quicker over time.
3. Clever storage options
Throughout the Tesla Model S, you'll find space to store your things for a road trip. Under the hood is a small space for your things (often referred to as a "frunk") and you've got ample room in the back, too. A power liftgate reveals a trunk with 28 cu ft of space, which expands to 63.3 cu ft with the 60/40 split rear seats down. That's probably enough room for a trip to the DIY store or that dream vacation you've always wanted to take.
4. High-tech throughout
You'll find high-tech features inside and out on the 2020 Tesla Model S. Both the Long Range and Performance models come standard with automated emergency braking and lane-departure warning, while adaptive cruise control with a semi-autonomous driving mode is an available option as well. Inside, you should love the standard 17-inch touchscreen that allows you to control every aspect of the car, not just navigation and music. Tesla's regular updates mean that new features are being added all the time, too.
5. A serene ride
The 2020 Tesla Model S features high-end materials throughout the cabin. Combine this with the quiet hum of the dual electric motors and you get a serene, comfortable ride. You get a standard glass roof, which lets light into the cabin and gives you a better view of the world outside when you're road tripping in beautiful places. Even though there's no engine noise to disrupt your commute, Tesla's noise-suppression engineering also helps block out road noise so you can travel in peace. Make the most of the lack of noise by putting on your favorite tunes or podcast—everything should sound great through the standard 11-speaker audio system.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2020 Tesla Model S, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
This all-electric sports car is a first from Porsche. Released in 2019, it's a beautiful machine with up to 750 hp on the 2019-2020 Turbo S model when using Launch Control and overboost—this means it'll do zero to 60 in 2.6 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). Inside, you get a cabin that feels like a sports car but with the high-tech touches we've come to expect from electric cars. The 2019 Taycan Turbo model has an EPA-estimated range of 201 miles on a full charge.
All 2019-2020 Porsche Taycan models include these standard features:
Various displays including touchscreen center console, 16.8-inch curved driver display, and 10.9-inch passenger display
Drive mode selector
Advanced dual-zone climate control
Front trunk with 12.9 cu ft of space
Adaptive cruise control
Active lane-keeping
Need an entry-level Tesla? The five-passenger Model 3 is an electrifying sedan worth considering. 2017–2019 Long Range models gain their power from a single electric motor and a long-range lithium battery that can travel an EPA-estimated range of 310 miles on a full charge.
18-inch wheels
Dual-zone automatic climate control
60/40-split folding rear seats
15-inch touchscreen display
Navigation system
The 2019-2021 Kia Niro EV is a spacious and comfortable five-seat SUV crossover. Powered by a 201-hp 64-kWh electric motor and onboard battery, it can deliver an impressive EPA-estimated 239 miles of range when fully charged.
Standard features on the 2019-2021 Kia Niro EV include:
Heated front seats
Cloth and leather upholstery
Rear cross-traffic alert
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Ratings & reliability
Tesla Model S features and specs
Long Range Plus 4WD/AWD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- 4WD/AWD
- ABS Brakes
- Adjustable Suspension
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leatherette Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear Spoiler
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Suede Seats
- Traction Control
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- A/C Seat(s)
- Automated Parking
Battery details Size
100.0 kWh
Range when new (EPA estimate)
402 miles
Estimated range today
353 - 397 miles
Est. range in 3 years
347 - 390 miles
Is this battery range helpful?Other specifications Drive Wheels
All Wheel (4WD/AWD)
Engine size
0.0L
Engine type
Electric
Wheelbase
116.5"
Overall length
196"
Width
77.3"
Height
56.9"
Leg room
F 42.7"/R 35.4"
Head room
F 38.8"/R 35.3"
Front tires
P245/45WR19
Rear tires
P245/45WR19
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2020 Tesla Model S FAQ
Rather than a traditional tracker box fitted to the car, the Tesla Model S has a chip installed that tracks the car by GPS. Used with your Tesla cell phone app, you can monitor your vehicle whenever it's on the move.
Should you persistently ignore the Autopilot, an audio and visual warning will alert you. The Autopilot will be disabled for the duration of your trip if you ignore several warnings in a row. You can disengage Autopilot by steering, applying the brake, or using the cruise control stalk.
By enabling the Tesla cell phone app's keyless drive feature, you can drive the Tesla Model S without the key. It's worth noting that you will need cell phone coverage to access the car and to start it. Keep this in mind if you regularly visit areas with poor coverage such as an underground parking garage.
The Enhanced Autopilot package includes: Navigate on Autopilot, auto lane change, Autopark, and Summon.
What can't it do? The 2020 Tesla Model S 17-inch touchscreen has incredible functionality. In addition to features like navigation, camera recording, and the controls for your in-car comforts, you can also access available entertainment features such as Caraoke and streaming services through Tesla Theater. Activation with subscription may be required for some of these features.
No, although, an option is available on some early year 2020 models to switch up the force of your regenerative braking between standard and low.
More about the 2020 Tesla Model S
Exterior colors
Deep Blue Metallic
Midnight Silver Metallic
Pearl White Multi-Coat
Red Multi-Coat
Solid Black
Interior colors
Black
Black and White
Cream
Interior details
The interior of the 2020 Tesla Model S can be a peaceful place to be with lots of soft-touch materials. You have seating for five passengers with an expansive glass roof that fills the cabin with light. There are standard front and rear heated seats as well as a heated steering wheel for those chilly mornings. There's the option of leather seating throughout as well as a range of decor and colors. Look out for the combination that suits your style.
Child seat details
The 2020 Model S has two full sets of LATCH anchors (two lower anchors and one upper tether) in the outboard seat positions, with a top tether only for the middle seat. The upper tether points can be found behind the seats, in the middle.
The 2020 Model S can accommodate front- and rear-facing seats, infant seats, and child-booster seats. The manufacturer recommends fitting only two seats.
Year comparisons
2012-2016 Tesla Model S (First Generation)
The first Model S generation came in a number of variants depending on motor size. There were all-wheel- or rear-wheel drive versions available with some incredible performance figures. The slowest first-generation Tesla Model S could achieve zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds while the P90D performance model did the same in just three seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new). Inside was the same minimalist interior we've come to expect from all Teslas with a huge portrait screen in the middle. Tesla also included over-the-air updates to ensure that even older models had the latest features available.
2017-Present Tesla Model S (Second Generation)
Most of the features of the Model S remained the same for the second generation. It received a facelift with a new nose and a few other exterior changes to make it look sleeker and more futuristic. For the 2021 model year, the interior was refreshed with a landscape screen and a new Plaid model was announced.
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