Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best Tesla Model X Model Years (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO Syndicate
Best Tesla Model X Model Years (Ranked)
The Tesla Model X is the brand's three-row electric SUV, famous for its falcon-wing rear doors, sub-three-second acceleration in performance trims, and seating for up to seven. Since its 2015 launch, the Model X has gone through several meaningful phases: the early 2016-2017 cars that were ambitious but troubled by build-quality and door issues, the 2018-2020 mid-cycle refinements with the Raven suspension and powertrain update, and the 2021-onward refreshed model with a new interior, optional yoke steering wheel, and the tri-motor Plaid variant.
Choosing the right model year means weighing range, reliability, repair costs, and which generation of self-driving hardware the car carries. This ranking covers the best Model X years, their drivetrains, the known issues, and where the value sits today.
Direct Answer
The best overall Tesla Model X is the 2021-2023 refreshed Long Range, which combines the longest EPA range (around 348 miles), the updated interior, Hardware 3.0 self-driving computer, and the reliability gains Tesla accumulated over years of production. For shoppers focused on value, the best value is the 2018-2020 Long Range (pre-refresh, Raven update), which offers strong range near 328-351 miles, the improved permanent-magnet rear motor and air suspension, and far lower used pricing than the refreshed cars.
Be cautious with the early 2016-2017 models, whose falcon-wing doors, body fit, and seat hardware were the least sorted and can be expensive to service.
1. 2021-2023 Refreshed Long Range 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The 2021 refresh is the high point of the Model X line. It introduced a completely redesigned interior with a wide 17-inch center screen, rear passenger display, and a new dual-motor powertrain delivering roughly 348 miles of EPA range. Build quality, while still imperfect, was the most consistent the car had achieved, and it shipped with the Hardware 3.0 self-driving computer for the latest Autopilot features.
This generation also resolved many earlier complaints around interior materials and infotainment speed. The controversial yoke steering wheel was standard early on, though Tesla later restored a conventional round wheel as an option. For a buyer who wants the most range, the newest tech, and the best-sorted falcon-wing hardware, a 2021-2023 Long Range is the Model X to own.
2. 2018-2020 Long Range (Raven Update) 💎 BEST VALUE
The 2019 "Raven" update brought the Model X's biggest mechanical leap before the full refresh. Tesla swapped in a permanent-magnet synchronous reluctance motor up front for better efficiency and added adaptive air suspension, pushing range to roughly 328-351 miles depending on wheels.
These cars drive smoothly, ride better than earlier examples, and avoid the newest cars' higher prices.
The best value is a 2019-2020 Long Range Raven, which pairs strong range and the refined drivetrain with a used price often tens of thousands below the refreshed model. They still carry the classic pre-refresh interior with the portrait touchscreen, which some buyers actually prefer.
Verify the car has Hardware 3.0 (most do, or are eligible for retrofit) if Full Self-Driving features matter to you.
3. 2020 Long Range Plus
The 2020 Long Range Plus was Tesla's efficiency peak for the pre-refresh body. Through motor, tire, and software refinements, Tesla rated it at up to 351 miles of range, the highest of any Model X built on the original interior platform. It retains the Raven air suspension and the efficient front motor, making it a quiet, comfortable, long-legged family hauler.
Because it sits at the end of the pre-refresh run, the 2020 Long Range Plus benefits from years of accumulated production fixes while keeping a more affordable price than 2021-onward cars. Falcon-wing door behavior and seat reliability were notably better than the early years.
For maximum range without paying refresh-era money, this is one of the smartest Model X buys available used.
4. 2022-2023 Plaid
The Plaid is the performance flagship, using three electric motors for roughly 1,020 horsepower and a Tesla-claimed 0-60 mph in about 2.5 seconds — supercar acceleration in a seven-seat SUV. It still delivers around 333 miles of range despite the extreme output, and it includes the refreshed interior and the latest self-driving hardware.
The trade-offs are price and tires: the Plaid commands a significant premium and consumes performance rubber quickly when driven hard. It is overkill for most families but unmatched as a statement vehicle. For a buyer who wants the quickest three-row vehicle on the market with full range capability, a 2022-2023 Plaid is the headline Model X, just be ready for its running costs.
5. 2017 Model X 100D
The 2017 100D introduced the larger 100 kWh battery in a non-performance trim, delivering around 295 miles of EPA range — a meaningful jump over the earlier 75D and 90D cars. It offered the best balance of range and value within the early generation, and by 2017 Tesla had improved some of the launch-year door and assembly issues.
The 100D is a relaxed, efficient long-distance cruiser with the full Supercharger advantage. As an early car, it still warrants careful inspection of the falcon-wing doors, second-row seat mechanisms, and any moisture intrusion. But a well-maintained 2017 100D offers genuine long range at one of the lowest entry prices into Model X ownership, making it a sensible budget pick.
6. 2017 Model X P100D
The 2017 P100D with Ludicrous Mode was the pre-Plaid performance king, launching to 60 mph in roughly 2.9 seconds thanks to its dual motors and the 100 kWh pack. At the time it was among the quickest SUVs ever produced, and it still feels explosively fast today while offering around 289 miles of range.
As an early-generation performance car, the P100D demands diligence: check the battery health, suspension, and door hardware, and confirm software and computer eligibility for current features. Used prices have fallen substantially, making it a relatively attainable way into supercar acceleration with seven seats.
For thrill-seekers on a budget who accept early-car quirks, the 2017 P100D delivers enormous performance per dollar.
7. 2018 Model X 100D
The 2018 100D carried over the efficient 100 kWh dual-motor setup with an EPA range around 295 miles while benefiting from another year of incremental production improvements. It predates the Raven hardware but represents a mature version of the original platform, with better-sorted doors and interior assembly than the 2016-2017 launch cars.
This year is a strong middle-ground choice: more refined than the earliest examples, less expensive than Raven or refreshed cars, and still offering long range and the full Supercharger network. Inspect for the usual Model X items — door sensors, seat motors, and any HVAC or screen faults — but a clean 2018 100D is a dependable, value-oriented entry into the long-range Model X experience.
8. 2016 Model X 90D
The 2016 90D is one of the original Model X trims, using a 90 kWh battery for roughly 257 miles of range. As a first-full-year car it carries the most early-production risk: falcon-wing door glitches, second-row seat issues, panel-fit inconsistencies, and earlier self-driving hardware were all most common here.
It is the cheapest way into a Model X, but it demands the most scrutiny. Confirm any door and seat recalls or service were completed, check battery degradation, and verify the Autopilot hardware generation, since the oldest cars may not support the latest features. For a buyer who wants Model X practicality at the lowest entry price and is comfortable with early-adopter quirks, a thoroughly inspected 2016 90D can work.
9. 2016 Model X P90D
The 2016 P90D with Ludicrous was the launch-era performance flagship, hitting 60 mph in about 3.2 seconds from its 90 kWh dual-motor drivetrain while offering around 250 miles of range. It delivered headline-grabbing acceleration that defined the Model X's early reputation, and it remains quick by any standard.
But as an early performance car it stacks the most concerns: smaller battery, earlier hardware, and the full set of launch-year falcon-wing door and seat issues. Used prices are low, which is the appeal, but repair costs for early door and suspension components can erase the savings.
Buy a 2016 P90D only with strong service documentation and a careful pre-purchase inspection, treating any unaddressed door fault as a real bargaining point.
10. 2016-2017 Model X 75D
The 75D was the entry battery option, using a 75 kWh pack for roughly 237 miles of range — the shortest in the lineup. It made the Model X more affordable when new, but the smaller battery and early-production hardware make it the least compelling used choice today, especially as range matters more for resale.
These cars combine the lowest range with the earliest falcon-wing door and seat reliability concerns, so they sit at the bottom of the ranking. If priced very aggressively and fully documented, a 75D can still serve as budget electric family transport. But most shoppers are better served stretching to a 100D or a Raven car for meaningfully more range and a more sorted ownership experience.
What to Watch For When Buying
The single most important step on any used Model X is to inspect the falcon-wing doors. Early cars (2016-2017 especially) were prone to misalignment, sensor faults, and slow or failed operation, and repairs can be costly. Open and close both doors several times and listen for grinding or hesitation.
- Falcon-wing door operation — check sensors, alignment, and smooth motion on both sides.
- Second-row seat hardware — early seats had motor and folding issues; cycle them fully.
- Battery health and degradation — compare displayed range at full charge to the original EPA rating.
- Self-driving hardware generation — confirm Hardware 3.0 if Full Self-Driving features matter; older cars may need retrofits.
- Air suspension (Raven and refreshed cars) — verify it raises and lowers correctly with no leaks.
- Water intrusion — early cars had occasional sealing issues around doors and the windshield.
- Recall and service history — run the VIN and confirm any door, seat, or suspension service was completed.
How to Choose
Match the Model X to your priorities. For the best combination of range, technology, and refinement, the 2021-2023 refreshed Long Range is the clear answer, and the Plaid adds supercar acceleration for those who want it. For the best value with strong range and the improved drivetrain, a 2019-2020 Raven Long Range is hard to beat at its used price.
Buyers wanting maximum range without refresh pricing should target a 2020 Long Range Plus. Bargain hunters can consider 2016-2018 cars, but should favor the 100D for range and budget the most for early-car door and seat repairs. In every case, verify door operation, battery health, and self-driving hardware before buying.
FAQ
Which Tesla Model X years should I avoid? The early 2016-2017 cars carry the most risk, with the least-sorted falcon-wing doors, second-row seat hardware issues, and the earliest self-driving computers. They can still work if fully documented and inspected, but they need the most caution and budget for potential repairs.
What was the Raven update on the Model X? The 2019 Raven revision added an efficient permanent-magnet front motor and adaptive air suspension, improving range to roughly 328-351 miles and ride quality. It is widely seen as the best version of the pre-refresh Model X and a strong value on the used market.
How much range does the Model X have? It varies by year and trim: early 75D cars offered around 237 miles, 100D models about 295 miles, Raven Long Range cars up to 351 miles, and the refreshed Long Range roughly 348 miles. The Plaid delivers around 333 miles despite its performance.
Is the Tesla Model X reliable? Reliability improved markedly over time. The falcon-wing doors and complex seats are the main historical weak points, concentrated in early cars. Later Raven and refreshed models are notably better sorted, though buyers should still verify door operation, suspension, and battery health on any example.
Bottom Line
The Tesla Model X is a unique three-row electric SUV, but model-year choice is critical because of its evolving range, hardware, and the troublesome falcon-wing doors on early cars. The 2021-2023 refreshed Long Range is the best overall pick, with the most range and newest tech, while the 2019-2020 Raven Long Range offers the best value.
When shopping older cars, favor the 100D for range and inspect the doors and seats carefully. Buy with documentation in hand and the Model X delivers fast, spacious, distinctive electric family transport.
Sources
- Tesla official Model X specifications and range figures, tesla.com
- EPA Fuel Economy electric range ratings for Tesla Model X by model year, fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA recall and complaint database for Tesla Model X, nhtsa.gov
- Edmunds Tesla Model X reviews and used-car appraisals by year, edmunds.com
- Kelley Blue Book Tesla Model X used values by model year, kbb.com
- Car and Driver Tesla Model X and Model X Plaid reviews, caranddriver.com
- Wikipedia Tesla Model X variants, battery, and production history, en.wikipedia.org