2024 Tesla Model X Review
By Damon Minks
| Updated 3 Days Ago
There’s a lot of buzz surrounding Tesla these days—most of which is tied to the electric automaker’s CEO and co-founder, Elon Musk. We’re here to cut through this noise and focus on Tesla’s Model X as a vehicle instead of the company’s drama.
Motopickers Rating: 7.4/10
Tesla’s 2024 Model X is a full-size SUV starting at $81,630 before potential savings and seating up to seven passengers. Savings from perks like federal tax credits can drop this vehicle’s pricing to around $65,490. The Model X debuted in 2016, and it’s essential to differentiate it from its smaller SUV sibling, the Model Y. Our review will include a Model X and Model Y comparison section so you can more accurately decide which better suits your driving needs and preferences.
While mostly unchanged from its predecessor, the 2024 Model X receives new additions like an ultra red exterior paint option, a lighter transparent glass roof with increased clarity, and fresh brake pads within the Plaid trim. Wireless over-the-air software updates help 2024 Model X drivers update their SUV’s firmware and software to experience the automaker’s latest offerings, like self-driving enhancements.
Our review will explore the pros and cons, inside and out, of the 2024 Model X, which is available in three trims. Get to know the latest version of this luxury full-size SUV with our review below.
Exterior spotlight
The 2024 Model X’s most eye-catching exterior feature is its Falcon Wing rear doors, which open upward. While these doors warrant a double-take, gauging their functionality is vital. You won’t have to worry about this SUV’s Falcon Wing doors swinging upward and hitting a nearby object. Each rear door contains ultrasonic sensors that detect nearby obstacles the doors may encounter while opening. The Falcon Wing configuration also makes passenger entries and exits much easier.
However, the front doors aren’t as capable. While Tesla programs the front doors to open automatically, they barely open, as Tesla has removed their ultrasonic sensors to cut production costs. Price slashing has been rampant within the electric automotive industry during 2024, with Tesla primarily establishing the trend.
The 2024 Model X’s exterior is simple but detail-oriented, with an aerodynamically optimized design. This optimization includes new 20” standard performance wheels, smooth lines, underbody paneling, and more. Tesla reports that its 2024 Model X has the lowest drag coefficient of any SUV on Earth at .24 Cd. A drag coefficient represents how well a vehicle can travel through air resistance, and the Model X’s strengths in this area produce better handling and ride comfort in addition to increased speed.
Opening this SUV’s frunk (front trunk) revealed a solid amount of additional storage space and 6.5 cubic feet (cu. ft.), but the hood doesn’t contain a power function, further indicating reduced build quality for budgetary purposes.
The exterior design as a whole feels somewhat dated, as we’re still in the first generation of Model X, which was launched in 2016. The most significant exterior change is the panoramic roof that’s more transparent. However, this new design has spawned complaints regarding drawbacks like higher cabin temperatures via increased UV rays.
Interior comfort and convenience
Tesla’s 2024 Model X gives drivers a choice between its yoke steering wheel or a standard circular steering wheel design. This yoke, which aircraft utilize, provides more precise steering while streamlining a user’s ability to complete common vehicle commands like gear shifting with touch-sensitive controls. While modern, the yoke takes some getting used to with its atypical shape and touch inputs.
Climate control within the 2024 Model X features tri-zone capability, while ventilated HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) front seats filter out contaminants within the cabin, like dust. The cabin offers up to 92 cu. ft. of storage, with 37 cu. ft. of cargo room behind the second row and 15 cu. ft. behind the optional third row—all of which are impressive for its segment. However, it’s vital to note that the available third-row seating is cramped and best suited for kids or occasional use during shorter routes.
Performance and handling
Tesla’s 2024 Model X is available in two trims: long-range and the higher-performing Plaid grade. The Long Range variant produces 670 peak horsepower and clocks a 0-60 MPH time of 3.8 seconds while offering 335 miles of driving range. Its Plaid counterpart jumps from 0-60 MPH in 2.5 seconds, travels a quarter mile in 9.9 seconds, and delivers 1,020 peak horsepower. Despite its robust powertrain, the Plaid grade provides an ample 326-mile range.
The Model X achieves this balance by combining powertrain and battery technologies, such as a new module and pack thermal architecture, facilitating faster charging while producing exceptional horsepower. Tesla complements the 2024 Model X’s expansive storage spaces with 5,000 lbs. of towing capacity, which is competitive for the luxury SUV segment. A trailer hitch comes standard with every Model X.
When you hit the road, this SUV’s performance wheels and tires solidify grip by transferring increased power to the road. The most significant drawback regarding this Tesla’s performance is the Plaid grade’s high starting cost of $87,990 after potential savings and possible hiccups with the automaker’s Supercharger network, which we explore below. Superchargers allow 2024 Model X owners to receive up to 171 miles in 15 minutes.
Potential charging concerns
Spring layoffs at Tesla affected over 10% of the company’s global workforce, including the automaker’s entire Supercharger team. While Tesla has re-hired some of its Supercharger team members and remains the leader in public EV (electric vehicle) fast-charging, the layoffs led some to wonder if the charging network will be able to expand in time to match demand.
Certain areas like Queens and Brooklyn in New York City have experienced heavy traffic jams as Tesla owners wait in line to access Superchargers. Elon Musk posted on X, formerly Twitter, following the Supercharger team’s initial dismissal, on April 30: “Tesla still plans to grow the Supercharger network, just at a slower pace for new locations and more focus on 100% uptime and expansion of existing locations.”
Technology overview
Tesla continues to rely heavily on touch inputs vs. physical controls within the 2024 Model X by anchoring most vehicle commands to a 17” touchscreen with left-right tilt and 2,220 x 1,300 resolution. While this display offers neat advantages like the ability to play video games, drivers seeking a more tactile experience with their vehicle’s interior might be disappointed with the Model X’s cabin. The rear display measures 8” and similarly offers gaming and streaming capabilities.
Bluetooth within this SUV supports multiple devices. The wireless and 36-watt charging areas are fast-charging for optimal convenience. This vehicle’s 960-watt audio system contains an impressive number of speakers at 22, but there’s still no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility. Tesla slightly compensates for this drawback by enhancing the audio system with Active Road Noise Reduction.
Safety deep dive
The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) hasn’t yet rated the 2024 Model X’s crash protection capabilities. However, the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), which also evaluates crash protection, gave the SUV its highest rating of five stars.
Tesla designed its 2024 Model X with a durable architecture and floor-mounted battery pack, which lowers rollover risk while providing occupant crash protection. Separate standard safety features within this SUV include:
- Blind spot monitor
- Auto-leveling headlights
- Side collision warning
- Obstacle aware acceleration
- Emergency lane departure avoidance
- Automatic emergency braking
—and more.
The 2024 Model X also boasts rear, side, and forward-facing cameras that provide a 360-degree view of your driving environment. This vision processing has a range of up to 250 meters.
Self-driving capabilities
Tesla’s 2024 Model X offers two self-driving systems, Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD), with Autopilot remaining less capable. Autopilot provides automatic steering, acceleration, and braking within a lane but requires your constant supervision to take over in case of emergencies.
Despite its name, Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) software isn’t fully autonomous. Instead, both Autopilot and FSD are Level 2 semi-autonomous driving systems. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) rates self-driving capability on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the highest performing.
FSD offers the perks of Autopilot in addition to the following:
- On- and off-ramp highway guidance
- Automatic highway lane changes
- Automatic retrieval of your parked vehicle
- Automatic parking functionality
- Automatic braking
Tesla’s FSD also requires consistent supervision, which includes a driver maintaining hand contact with the steering wheel and keeping eyes on the road. Autopilot and FSD receive continual over-the-air software updates.
While FSD and Autopilot have a few levels to go before reaching peak autonomy, Tesla is a leader in this field. During Tesla’s annual stockholder meeting in June, Elon Musk predicted that the automaker’s self-driving and humanoid robotic technology would fuel company growth to a market cap exceeding $20 billion. Tesla’s current market cap is $677 billion as of this article’s writing.
Tax benefits and ownership experience
Since August, the 2024 Model X has been eligible for a $7,500 federal tax credit, the most significant federal tax incentive available for EVs. Drivers can utilize this tax credit as a point-of-sale discount or while filing annual tax returns.
Teslas, including the 2024 Model X, offer four years or 50,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage, whichever comes first. The 2024 Model X’s battery and drive unit warranty protection lasts eight years or 150,000 miles. Both warranty plans are competitive for the luxury electric SUV segment.
Some drivers considering a switch to an EV from an internal combustion engine might wonder if an electric powertrain is more likely to catch fire. However, Tesla’s global data shows that from 2012 to 2022, one fire occurred per every 130 million vehicle miles driven, indicating minimal risk. World Metrics reports that US Teslas were ten times less likely to catch fire per mile driven than their gas-powered counterparts.
Tesla Model X vs. Model Y
The Model Y is a more compact and affordable Tesla SUV option than the automaker’s Model X. A 2024 Model Y starts at an estimated $44,990 before potential savings, which is part of why it was the world’s best-selling vehicle in 2023. Let’s look closer at the Model Y’s specs to see how it stacks up against the full-size Model X.
A base rear-wheel drive (RWD) version of Tesla’s Model Y can travel 320 miles on a single charge—nearly the equivalent of the Model X. Selecting an all-wheel drive base Model Y trim brings the range down to 308 miles. The performance Model Y variant’s 0-60 MPH time is only one second slower than the Model X Plaid at 3.5 seconds but delivers a 279-mile range. Its towing is respectable at 3,500 lbs.
Tesla’s Supercharger can supply a Model Y with 160 miles of range in 15 minutes, merely 11 miles less than the Model X. The Model Y offers the same bumper-to-bumper warranty as its Model X sibling but provides less battery and drive unit protection at eight years or 120,000 miles. While the 2024 Model X offers higher performance in areas like horsepower, Tesla’s cost-cutting measures with this full-size SUV’s exterior and interior design make the Model Y a more appealing option for most drivers.
Final verdict
The Model X has grown in areas like self-driving capability but has taken steps backward in build quality. Some may be eager to try out FSD or Autopilot, which are compatible with the Model X and the Model Y, but it’s essential to know that these features are available for $99 a month or $8,000 upfront.
Tesla has made improvements in certain Model X areas, like giving drivers a traditional steering wheel option instead of solely offering a yoke configuration and optimizing the exterior’s aerodynamics to produce the lowest drag coefficient of any SUV on earth.
There’s no doubt that the 2024 Model X is a luxurious and highly capable vehicle, but for its price, we’d recommend opting for a Rivian R1S. This Tesla competitor is better equipped with thoughtful features that justify the starting MSRP of around $75,000 before potential savings. We’re giving Tesla’s 2024 Model X a 7.4/10 rating and look forward to learning more about the upcoming version’s build quality.