The 2023 Tesla Model X continues occupying a very unusual space in the modern luxury SUV market. It combines the practicality of a three-row family vehicle with the kind of acceleration and technology that still feels closer to a futuristic performance car than a traditional SUV.
Even years after its original debut, the Model X remains instantly recognizable thanks to its dramatic Falcon Wing doors, massive panoramic windshield, minimalist interior design, and astonishing straight-line performance. In Plaid form, the Model X produces over 1,000 horsepower and accelerates with a level of brutality that very few SUVs on the planet can realistically match.
But what continues making the Model X interesting isn’t only its speed. Tesla has managed to package impressive electric range, available seating for up to seven passengers, generous cargo space, and access to one of the best fast-charging networks in the industry into a vehicle that still feels genuinely different from almost everything else on the road.
At the same time, the Model X is far from perfect.
Despite its futuristic image and premium pricing, the cabin quality still falls short of some traditional luxury rivals, road noise can become noticeable at highway speeds, and Tesla’s controversial approach to controls and driver-assistance technology continues dividing opinions. Features like the yoke steering wheel and touchscreen-heavy interface may feel innovative to some drivers while becoming frustrating to others during everyday use.
The 2023 updates largely focus on refinement rather than reinvention. Tesla continues offering both Dual Motor and high-performance Plaid versions, while pricing adjustments throughout 2023 made the Model X significantly more competitive against rivals like the Rivian R1S, BMW iX, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, and Kia EV9.
For buyers looking for a conventional luxury SUV, there are certainly more comfortable and better-built options available. But for drivers wanting one of the fastest, most technologically ambitious, and visually distinctive electric SUVs currently on sale, the 2023 Tesla Model X still delivers an experience few competitors can fully replicate.
Pros
- Extremely fast acceleration, especially in Plaid form
- Impressive electric driving range
- Spacious interior with available third row
- Huge cargo space and useful front trunk
- Access to Tesla’s excellent Supercharger network
- Futuristic design that still stands out
- Strong technology and software features
Cons
- Interior quality still disappoints for the price
- Falcon Wing doors can be inconvenient in tight spaces
- Touchscreen-focused controls may frustrate some drivers
- Noticeable wind and road noise at highway speeds
- Yoke steering wheel remains controversial
- Third row is still tight for adults
Our Take
The 2023 Tesla Model X remains one of the most fascinating and unusual luxury SUVs on the market, not because it does everything perfectly, but because almost nothing else delivers this same combination of performance, technology, and futuristic character.
In many ways, the Model X still feels more like a tech product than a traditional luxury SUV. Its minimalist interior, massive touchscreen, Falcon Wing doors, and constant software-driven experience create something that feels dramatically different from competitors like the BMW iX, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, or Rivian R1S.
What continues impressing most is the sheer performance. Even the standard Dual Motor model feels brutally quick, while the Plaid version delivers acceleration that honestly borders on absurd for a three-row family SUV. Few vehicles at any price point combine this level of speed with this much passenger and cargo space.
The charging experience also remains one of Tesla’s biggest advantages. Access to the Supercharger network continues making long-distance EV ownership easier and less stressful than with many competing electric SUVs.
At the same time, the Model X still carries several compromises. Build quality inconsistencies remain noticeable for a vehicle costing well over six figures in higher trims, road noise is more apparent than expected, and Tesla’s touchscreen-heavy controls continue requiring more driver adaptation than some buyers may appreciate.
The Model X is not the most comfortable luxury SUV, nor is it the most refined. But for buyers who value futuristic design, outrageous acceleration, cutting-edge technology, and a driving experience that still feels genuinely unique years later, the 2023 Tesla Model X remains one of the most distinctive EVs currently on sale.
Performance & Driving Experience
The 2023 Tesla Model X delivers performance that still feels almost absurd for a large three-row electric SUV.
Every Model X comes standard with dual-motor all-wheel drive and a massive 100 kWh battery pack, but the real headline remains the high-performance Plaid version. With more than 1,000 horsepower available, the Plaid accelerates with a level of violence that few vehicles on the road — regardless of price or body style — can realistically match. The 0-60 mph sprint happens in roughly 2.5 seconds, which is difficult to fully appreciate until experiencing it firsthand in something this large and heavy.
Even the standard Dual Motor version feels extremely quick by normal SUV standards. Instant electric torque makes highway merging effortless, and passing slower traffic requires almost no hesitation. Tesla also allows drivers to soften the experience through Chill and Sport driving modes, though even the calmer settings still feel faster than most luxury SUVs currently on sale.
What continues impressing most is how naturally the Model X hides its size during acceleration. Despite weighing well over two tons, the SUV delivers power in a smooth and relentless manner that feels more like a futuristic sports car than a family hauler.
That said, the driving experience is not perfect.
While the acceleration is extraordinary, the ride quality can feel firmer than expected on rough pavement, especially with larger wheel options. Wind and road noise also become more noticeable at highway speeds compared to traditional luxury rivals from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, or Audi. The Model X feels fast and futuristic, but it does not always deliver the isolated “luxury cocoon” feeling some buyers may expect at this price point.
The regenerative braking system remains one of the strongest in the EV industry and allows for effective one-pedal driving once drivers become familiar with it. However, Tesla’s controversial yoke steering wheel still divides opinions. During tight parking maneuvers, U-turns, or spirited driving on twisting roads, the setup can feel awkward compared to a traditional steering wheel.
For buyers prioritizing outright speed and futuristic EV performance, the Model X remains one of the most dramatic SUVs on the market. But buyers focused primarily on ride comfort and traditional luxury refinement may still prefer some of its more conventional competitors.
Range, Efficiency & Charging
One of the 2023 Tesla Model X’s biggest strengths continues to be its impressive balance between performance and driving range.
In standard Dual Motor form, the Model X can travel up to 351 miles on a full charge under ideal conditions, which remains highly competitive for a large three-row luxury EV. Choosing the more aggressive Plaid version slightly reduces maximum range, especially when equipped with larger wheel options, though it still remains strong compared to many high-performance electric SUVs currently on sale.
Even more impressive is how efficiently the Model X manages its size and power output. Despite delivering supercar-like acceleration in Plaid form, the SUV still maintains respectable energy consumption numbers compared to several rivals in the luxury EV segment. Competitors like the Rivian R1S and BMW iX remain competitive overall, but the Model X continues holding an advantage in outright range efficiency for many configurations.
Charging also remains one of Tesla’s most important ownership advantages.
Thanks to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network, long-distance travel in the Model X feels significantly easier than with many competing EVs. Under ideal fast-charging conditions, the SUV can recover a substantial amount of driving range in a relatively short period of time, making road trips far more practical than many buyers might initially expect.
Home charging naturally requires more time, especially when using lower-powered charging equipment, but most owners using a Level 2 home setup should find overnight charging more than sufficient for daily driving needs.
Overall, the Model X continues offering one of the strongest combinations of performance, range, and charging convenience in the luxury electric SUV market.
Safety & Driver Assistance
The 2023 Tesla Model X continues offering one of the most technology-focused safety packages in the luxury EV segment, though Tesla’s approach to driver-assistance systems remains both impressive and controversial at the same time.
Standard safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking, collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane assistance features, adaptive cruise functionality, and Tesla’s well-known Autopilot system. In everyday driving, many of these systems work smoothly and help reduce fatigue during long highway trips, especially when combined with the Model X’s strong visibility and stable road manners.
Tesla’s optional Enhanced Autopilot package adds more advanced features such as automatic lane changes, highway navigation assistance, self-parking functionality, and Smart Summon capabilities. While these features can feel genuinely futuristic when functioning properly, they still require close driver attention and do not always operate as consistently as some traditional luxury buyers may expect.
The most debated feature remains Tesla’s Full Self-Driving package, commonly known as FSD. Despite its name, the system still requires constant driver supervision and is not capable of fully autonomous driving. Tesla’s aggressive marketing around the technology has attracted significant scrutiny over the years, particularly following software recalls and ongoing investigations into the system’s real-world behavior.
From a crash-safety perspective, the Model X has historically performed well in government testing and continues benefiting from Tesla’s strong EV structural design. The SUV’s low-mounted battery pack also helps improve stability and lowers rollover risk compared to many traditional SUVs.
Overall, the Model X delivers a highly advanced safety experience, but buyers should still approach Tesla’s more ambitious autonomous-driving claims with realistic expectations.
Comfort & Interior Space
The 2023 Tesla Model X delivers a cabin that feels exceptionally open and futuristic, helped largely by its enormous panoramic windshield and minimalist interior layout. Few luxury SUVs create the same airy atmosphere from the driver’s seat, especially during long highway drives or nighttime driving.
Front-seat space is generous, and the elevated seating position provides excellent outward visibility. Heated and ventilated seats come standard, while the synthetic leather upholstery maintains Tesla’s clean and modern design approach. That said, overall seat comfort can feel firmer than some traditional luxury rivals, particularly during extended trips where competitors from Mercedes-Benz or BMW may offer better long-distance support.
Second-row passenger space is one of the Model X’s strongest practical advantages. Legroom remains highly competitive within the luxury EV segment, and the flat floor design helps the cabin feel even more spacious for rear passengers.
The available third row is also noticeably more usable than the smaller rear seating area found in the Tesla Model Y. While adults may still find the third row best suited for shorter journeys, it remains practical enough for children, occasional passengers, or family use when needed. Access to the rear seats is also relatively easy thanks to the folding second-row setup and the added opening space created by the Falcon Wing doors.
Overall, the Model X balances futuristic design and family practicality surprisingly well, even if it still falls slightly short of some traditional luxury SUVs in outright seat comfort and cabin refinement.
Infotainment & Technology
Technology has always been one of the Tesla Model X’s biggest selling points, and the 2023 model continues feeling far more futuristic than most traditional luxury SUVs.
The centerpiece of the cabin remains the massive 17-inch central touchscreen, which now controls nearly every major vehicle function. Climate settings, navigation, media controls, suspension adjustments, glovebox access, and even the Falcon Wing doors are all managed through the display. While the system can initially feel overwhelming for new drivers, the interface itself is visually impressive, responsive, and generally easy to learn after spending some time with the vehicle.
Unlike many competitors, Tesla continues taking a minimalist approach inside the cabin. Physical buttons are kept to an absolute minimum, creating a cleaner and more modern appearance than most luxury SUVs currently on the market. Behind the controversial yoke steering wheel, the Model X still includes a dedicated digital instrument display, which helps daily driving feel more intuitive than in smaller Teslas like the Model 3 or Model Y.
The software experience remains one of Tesla’s strongest advantages. Over-the-air updates regularly add new features, improve vehicle functionality, and refresh the ownership experience without requiring dealership visits. Entertainment features also play a major role in the Model X experience, with access to apps like Netflix, Spotify, Disney+, YouTube, and built-in gaming functions available directly through the system.
Rear passengers also receive a dedicated rear touchscreen that allows access to climate controls and entertainment functions, though the display itself can still feel somewhat small and awkward to reach in daily use.
Not everything is perfect, however. Tesla still does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which remains frustrating considering how common both systems have become throughout the industry. Some basic tasks also require more touchscreen interaction than many drivers may prefer, especially while driving.
Even so, the overall technology experience inside the Model X still feels years ahead of many competitors and remains one of the vehicle’s most distinctive strengths.
Storage & Cargo Space
Practicality remains one of the Tesla Model X’s biggest advantages, especially considering how aggressively styled and performance-focused the SUV can feel in other areas.
The cabin’s open layout and flat floor design help create a spacious interior atmosphere, while the large rear cargo area provides enough room for luggage, shopping bags, road-trip gear, or family equipment without much difficulty. Folding the rear seats dramatically expands usable cargo space, making the Model X surprisingly practical for larger loads.
Tesla also continues offering one of the more useful front trunks in the EV segment. The additional front storage area, commonly known as the frunk, adds extra flexibility for smaller bags, charging cables, or everyday items that owners may want to separate from the main cargo compartment.
Storage throughout the cabin is generous as well. The center console includes multiple compartments for phones, wallets, drinks, and smaller personal items, helping the interior remain clean and uncluttered during daily use.
That said, the dramatic Falcon Wing doors and sloping roofline do slightly compromise overall utility compared to more traditional box-shaped SUVs. And while Tesla’s minimalist interior design looks modern, some functions — including glovebox access — still rely entirely on touchscreen controls, which may feel less convenient than conventional physical buttons.
Even so, the Model X remains one of the more spacious and versatile luxury EVs currently available, especially for buyers who want family practicality without sacrificing futuristic styling and performance.
Design & Exterior Styling
The 2023 Tesla Model X still looks unlike almost anything else on the road, even years after its original debut. While many luxury SUVs continue following familiar design formulas, the Model X maintains a futuristic identity that immediately separates it from more traditional competitors.
Its smooth body lines, massive panoramic windshield, minimalist surfacing, and sloping roofline give the SUV a sleek appearance that feels more aerodynamic and modern than most three-row vehicles in this segment. Despite its large size, the Model X avoids looking bulky or overly aggressive, which helps it maintain a cleaner and more premium visual presence.
Of course, the biggest attention-grabber remains the Falcon Wing doors.
They continue making the Model X one of the most visually dramatic SUVs available today and create a genuine sense of occasion every time they open. In tighter parking situations, however, the doors can sometimes become less convenient than conventional SUV doors, especially when space around the vehicle is limited.
Inside, Tesla’s minimalist approach creates a cabin that feels open, airy, and extremely modern. The expansive glass roof adds to that futuristic atmosphere and helps the interior feel much larger than many traditional SUVs. At night especially, the cabin delivers a distinctive ambiance few rivals fully replicate.
That said, the Model X still struggles to match the overall build quality and material refinement offered by established luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, or Audi. Panel fitment inconsistencies and occasional wind noise remain noticeable concerns considering the vehicle’s premium pricing.
Even so, the overall design continues making the Model X feel special in a way many luxury SUVs do not. It may not deliver traditional luxury in the conventional sense, but few vehicles combine futuristic styling, family practicality, and visual drama quite like Tesla’s flagship SUV.
Is the Tesla Model X 2023 worth it?
Tesla’s pricing fluctuates erratically, but as of March 2023, the Model X was available for the lowest price several years after a price cut in January. With a stake in March, it fell even more. The X has always been a pricey Tesla choice, but the Plaid model solidifies its status as a high-end EV. Plaid’s starting price has decreased to $109,990 from $119,990, plus at least $1,390 in expenses. On the basic or Plaid, any color except white will cost you an additional $1,500 (or $2,500 for red).
The basic dual-motor X is the best option and comes with AWD for $99,990 without taxes if powerful; quick acceleration isn’t your major attraction. Additionally, it is a $10,000 reduction from the costs in January. With basic Autopilot safety measures already built into the car, expensive add-ons like the $15,000 Full Self-Driving Capability package are unneeded (and deceptive).
With captain seats in the second row, a six-seat arrangement costs an additional $6,500. A complete complement of smaller people would benefit most from the extra $3,500 for a seven-seat account, but in any case, the optional third row is much roomier than in the Model Y.
The smaller Tesla Model Y ($54,990 base without fees) is the electric SUV to choose from unless you want a third row for those who are more budget-conscious.
How Much Will Insurance for a 2023 Tesla Model X Cost?
Insuring the 2023 Tesla Model X is generally more expensive than owning many traditional luxury SUVs, largely because of its high performance, advanced technology, and costly repair expenses. Insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on location, driving history, age, and selected trim level, but the high-performance Plaid version typically costs noticeably more to insure than the standard Dual Motor model.
Compared to several luxury EV competitors, the Model X usually sits toward the higher end of the insurance spectrum. Rivals such as the BMW iX, Audi e-tron, and Jaguar I-Pace can sometimes offer slightly lower average insurance costs depending on driver profile and region.
As always, buyers considering a Model X should compare multiple insurance quotes before purchasing, especially when looking at higher-performance trims or optional packages that can further increase ownership costs.
Final Verdict
The 2023 Tesla Model X remains one of the most unique luxury SUVs currently on the market. It combines supercar-level acceleration, impressive electric driving range, advanced technology, and genuine family practicality in a way very few vehicles can realistically match.
The Dual Motor model already feels exceptionally quick for everyday driving, while the Plaid version pushes performance into territory that still feels almost unbelievable for a three-row SUV. Add in Tesla’s excellent Supercharger network, spacious interior, futuristic styling, and strong cargo versatility, and the Model X continues standing out even in an increasingly crowded EV market.
At the same time, the Model X is not without compromises. Interior quality still trails several traditional luxury rivals, the touchscreen-heavy cabin may frustrate some drivers, and Tesla’s ambitious autonomous-driving claims continue generating debate throughout the industry.
Still, for buyers who prioritize cutting-edge technology, outrageous acceleration, long-distance EV usability, and a driving experience that genuinely feels different from conventional luxury SUVs, the 2023 Tesla Model X remains one of the most fascinating electric vehicles on sale today.
Drivers exploring alternatives in the luxury SUV and EV market may also want to compare models such as the Rivian R1S, BMW iX, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, Kia EV9, and Tesla Model Y, each offering a different balance of performance, practicality, comfort, and electric driving range.
FAQ
How much horsepower does the 2023 Tesla Model X produce?
The standard 2023 Tesla Model X delivers an impressive 671 horsepower through its dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup. Power delivery feels immediate thanks to instant electric torque, allowing the large SUV to accelerate far quicker than most traditional luxury rivals.
What is the driving range of the 2023 Tesla Model X?
The 2023 Tesla Model X offers an estimated driving range of up to 560 kilometers per charge under ideal conditions. Range can vary depending on wheel size, weather conditions, driving habits, and whether buyers choose the higher-performance Plaid model.
How long does it take to charge the 2023 Tesla Model X?
Charging times depend heavily on the charging source being used. Home charging can take several hours, while Tesla’s Supercharger network dramatically reduces charging times and allows the Model X to recover a significant amount of range in a much shorter period.
How spacious is the 2023 Tesla Model X?
The Model X remains one of the more spacious luxury EVs in its class. It offers seating for up to seven passengers depending on configuration, generous cargo capacity, and additional front trunk storage. The large panoramic windshield and open cabin layout also help the interior feel exceptionally airy.
What safety features does the 2023 Tesla Model X include?
The 2023 Tesla Model X comes equipped with a wide range of advanced safety and driver-assistance technologies, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, collision avoidance systems, blind-spot monitoring, parking cameras, and Tesla’s Autopilot driver-assistance suite.
What technology does the 2023 Tesla Model X offer?
Inside, the Model X features a massive 17-inch touchscreen infotainment system paired with a premium 22-speaker audio setup. The SUV also includes navigation, voice controls, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and extensive software-based vehicle customization features.
Does the 2023 Tesla Model X have memory seats?
Yes, the 2023 Tesla Model X includes memory seating functions along with memory settings for mirrors and steering wheel positioning. Higher comfort features such as heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable seats are also included.
