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Expert Rating

Tesla Model X

(2016 - present)

Expert Rating

New car score:

70
%
B

Used car score:

58
%
B

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

71
%
B

Safety Rating:

80
%
B

Eco Rating:

100
%
-

Reliability Rating:

3
%
E

Running Costs:

59
%
D

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

New car score:

70
%
B

Used car score:

58
%
B

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

71
%
B

Safety Rating:

80
%
B

Eco Rating:

100
%
-

Reliability Rating:

3
%
E

Running Costs:

59
%
D

Summary

The Tesla Model X is a large SUV/crossover with seating for up to seven people. It was launched in Europe in 2016 and, like all Teslas, is driven by an electric motor powered by a battery pack.

The Model X has received consistently positive reviews from the UK motoring media, although it hasn’t had any directly comparable rivals as points of reference for most of its time on sale. In the last couple of years, other electric SUVs like the Audi e-tron and Jaguar i-Pace have arrived on the scene.

It has received particular praise for its performance, minimalist styling and innovative ‘Falcon’ wing rear door design, however it has been criticised for not matching the build quality of other cars in its price range.

As of 2023, the Model X is only available in top-spec trim and in left-hand drive, which serious limits its appeal to UK buyers.

As of January 2025, the Tesla Model X has a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 70%. It scores highly for safety and has zero tailpipe emissions, but is let down by poor scores for reliability and running costs. These last two factors hurt its used car score to a greater degree as they are weighted more heavily in our used car calculations.

Model X highlights

  • Thrilling performance
  • Commendable safety features
  • Spacious seven-seater with serious pace
  • Intuitive infotainment system
  • Unique exterior styling and ‘falcon’ doors

Model X lowlights

  • Questionable build quality
  • Very expensive
  • Slightly rigid ride comfort
  • There are concerns about long-term reliability

Key specifications

Body style: Large SUV/crossover
Powertrain: electric motor and batteries
Price: From £100,290 on-road

Launched: Summer 2016
Last updated: Summer 2019
Replacement due: Autumn 2021

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

+

Auto Express

+

Car

+

Carbuyer

+

Company Car Today

+

Daily Mail

+

Green Car Guide

+

Honest John

+

Parkers

+

The Telegraph

+

Top Gear

+

Which EV?

+

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 98%
Child protection: 81%
Vulnerable road users: 72%
Safety assist: 94%

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of January 2025, the Tesla Model X has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which is zero for an electric car) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, so the Model X is likely to score very highly in Green NCAP testing whenever it ever takes place. Check back again soon.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Tesla Model X, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Audi e-tron | Audi Q7 | Audi Q8 | BMW X5 | Jaguar I-Pace | Mercedes-Benz EQC | Mercedes-Benz GLE | Porsche Cayenne | Range Rover Sport | Volvo XC90

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The Tesla Model X has been praised for its performance, styling and 'Falcon' wing doors, but it has been criticised for build quality compared to rivals.Tesla Model X