2021 Tesla Model X review
Tesla Model X highlights
Customer rating
(not yet rated)
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)
Pros
- Brisk acceleration
- Practical range
- Offers three-row seating
Cons
- Challenging to use the rear doors
- No Android Auto™ or Apple CarPlay® integration
- The big windshield can make it hot inside
341 - 371 miles
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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The futuristic SUV your crew will love
Looking for an electric crossover SUV that can be configured for your family, yet still draw envious glances in the executive parking lot? Welcome to the wild and wonderful world of the Tesla Model X. Built for five passengers as standard but available with seating for six or seven, the 2021 Model X is an SUV like no other. The roof-hinged falcon-wing doors are a stand-out feature that's useful when you have kids, grandparents, or pets to load up for a road trip. The slick and almost space-age interior is impressively grand. Yet surfaces are designed to wipe clean, and the tech includes a "toybox" of fun features you'll love. Keep reading to find out more about this fantastic, passenger-focused SUV. While we currently do not have many 2021 Tesla Model X vehicles on our lots, we look forward to selling more in the future. If you love the 2021 model, you should also consider prior model years of the Tesla Model X with similar features.
All Tesla Model X years
What is new for the 2021 Tesla Model X?
- The Model X is available in a new trim called the Plaid.
- Model X trims have been upgraded with Rear Air Conditioning as standard equipment this year.
- Power Folding Third Row and Automated Parking features are now available as options on select trims.
- The Long Range trim now comes with A/C Seat(s) as standard equipment.
- The Long Range Plus trim now comes with Cruise Control and A/C Seat(s) as standard equipment.
2021 Tesla Model X trims
Long Range:
Includes 20-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, panoramic sunroof, 22-speaker audio system, heated front- and second-row seats, second-row touchscreen, wireless smartphone charging pads, heated steering wheel, 17-inch infotainment touchscreen, front-, side-, and rearview camera, and more. Unlocks available third row, 22-inch wheels, and Self-Driving Capability package.
Plaid:
Adds third electric motor and torque vectoring.
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Tesla Model X
1. Incredible torque
While electric cars are a practical choice, they're also a lot of fun. Switch on your 2021 Model X and you've got a 100 kWh battery and two (or three) motors ready instantly to get you moving. What does that look like? How about a zero-to-60 mph time of 2.8 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new)?
2. Those falcon-wing doors
Tesla does a great job of adding exciting features to its vehicle lineup. The 2021 Model X has unique roof-hinged falcon-wing rear doors that are easily opened (or closed) with the simple touch of a button, a click on your key fob, with the Tesla mobile app, or via the touchscreen icon. Your crew will love the space the doors give for entering and exiting the vehicle. And kids will love the doors for the more obvious reason—they're incredibly cool!
3. Great for family life
This crossover drives like a sedan and serves up SUV practicality. Seating five as standard across two rows, there's also the option to seat six or seven across three rows without losing cabin space. A giant 17-inch touchscreen in the front row directs the in-car karaoke, as well as the sensible stuff like navigation. Another touchscreen in the second row, plus wireless charging and USB ports, ensure everyone feels comfortable, entertained, and part of the family road trip.
4. Over-the-air updates
Tesla dances to the beat of its own drum, so updates can happen at any time, rather than waiting for the next scheduled model year. While that might seem strange to some, it's actually a huge advantage. Your Model X stays fully up to date with the latest technology, thanks to over-the-air software upgrades. New features and ongoing improvements ensure your Tesla is as good as the models coming fresh off the production line.
5. Impressive range capability
Tesla takes on the dreaded range anxiety conundrum and wins every time. The 2021 Model X has an incredibly powerful energy source on board: a 100 kWh battery and a minimum of two electric motors. Proving that traveling long distances in an electric vehicle is not only possible but is already happening, the 2021 Model X Long Range trim has an EPA-estimated 360-mile range when fully charged.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
The 2021 Tesla Model X is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.
Tesla Model X features and specs
Long Range 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- 4WD/AWD
- A/C Seat(s)
- ABS Brakes
- Adjustable Suspension
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leatherette Seats
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Tow Hitch
- Traction Control
- Adjustable Suspension
- Automated Parking
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Power Folding Third Row
- Quad Seats
- Third Row Seat
Drive Wheels
All Wheel (4WD/AWD)
Engine size
0.0L
Engine type
Electric
Wheelbase
116.7"
Overall length
198.3"
Width
78.7"
Height
66"
Front tires
P265/45VR20
Rear tires
P275/45VR20
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
500/5000 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Tesla Model X FAQ
While first impressions might focus on the minimalist and almost futuristic qualities of the Model X interior, it is also supremely comfortable and family-friendly. Seat upholstery is made of premium synthetic leather, and all surfaces inside are easy to wipe clean.
Yes. From the 2021 model year onward, the Model X has an interior camera located above the rearview mirror to monitor and assist with driver alertness. Any images and video from the camera do not leave the vehicle and are not transmitted to anyone, including Tesla, unless you enable data sharing.
The Model X climate control system can be activated to reduce the temperature of the cabin in extreme heat conditions for up to 12 hours after you exit the vehicle. When enabled, the air conditioning operates when cabin temperatures exceed 105° F.
More about the 2021 Tesla Model X
Color options
Exterior colors:
Deep Blue Metallic
Midnight Silver Metallic
Pearl White
Red
Solid Black
Interior colors:
Black
Black/White
Cream
Interior details
The 2021 Model X seats five passengers as standard across two rows. An optional third row is available, taking seating capacity up to seven. Second-row captain's chairs are optional on three-row models, which reduces seating capacity to six.
The Model X's cabin interior is slick and luxurious. Standard features include synthetic leather upholstery and a heated and ventilated front row.
Front-row passengers benefit from 41.1 inches of legroom. Second-row bench seats have 38.7 inches of legroom, while second-row captain's chairs increase that to 39.8 inches. The third row is comfortable for children and adults, with legroom dependent on the space given by the second row. The six-seater Model X third row has 32.2 inches of legroom, while the seven-seater Model X has 29.8 inches of third-row legroom.
Cargo storage is well-thought-out and generous. The standard five-seat Model X has a 6.5 cu-ft front trunk and 37.1 cu-ft of cargo space behind the second row, increasing to 85.1 cu-ft with the second row folded down.
Child seat details
The Tesla Model X has two complete sets of LATCH connectors (two lower anchors and an upper tether) in the second-row outboard seats. The seven-seat Model X configuration includes a second-row bench with a middle seat, which has an upper tether point only. The optional two-seat third row on the 2021 Model X has upper tethers only.
All seat types are accommodated, including convertible, front- and rear-facing, infant, and booster seats. If seats are installed and occupied in the second-row captain's chairs, it's important to disable the easy-entry system that would usually give one-touch access to the third row. The falcon-wing doors provide exceptional space for parents and guardians to install car seats and load up little ones.
Performance
The 2021 Tesla Model X Long Range is powered by a 100 kWh battery and two electric motors, capable of 670 hp. The Model X Plaid trim gains an additional onboard motor, taking total power output up to 1,020 hp. Both 2021 trims have all-wheel drive and a single-speed transmission.
According to Tesla, the Long Range trim has an estimated top speed of 155 mph and a zero-to-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds when new. The Plaid trim has even more oomph from that third motor, achieving a top speed of 163 mph and a breathtaking zero-to-60 mph time of just 2.5 seconds when new.
Charging the Tesla is relatively straightforward. Charge at home with a 120- or 240-volt power outlet or the Tesla home charging station. Once you're out and about, use a cable adapter for plugging in at public charging stations, or ask your Tesla navigation system to find the nearest Tesla Supercharger station.
When fully charged, the 2021 Model X Long Range trim has an EPA-estimated 360-mile driving range, and the Plaid trim can achieve an EPA-estimated 340 miles.
Year comparison
2016-2022 Tesla Model X (first generation)
The Tesla Model X is a crossover SUV that first launched in 2016. For the 2017 model year, a 100 kWh battery option was added to the lineup. Minor trim differences were the only significant changes for 2018-2019. Then, in 2020, the Model X gained standard adaptive suspension. Big changes were revealed for the 2021 model year. These included a refreshed cabin interior, a 22-speaker audio system, and a trim rename—the outgoing Performance trim became the Plaid. There were no major changes for the 2022 model year.
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