Best & Worst Tesla Model X Years

We've ranked each Tesla Model X model for every generation so you can avoid picking the worst Tesla Model X years and go for the best year!

Thinking about getting a Tesla Model X? You’re in for a treat – but not all Model X years are created equal. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of Tesla’s innovative electric SUV, revealing which years shine bright and which might leave you in the shadows.

We’ve done the laborious lifting, analyzing data from trusted sources like NHTSA, Consumer Reports, and Edmunds to give you the comprehensive picture of the Model X’s performance over the years. From engine prowess to reliability hiccups, safety scores to resale values, we’ve got it all covered.

Ready to discover which Model X years are worth your hard-earned cash and which ones you should steer clear of?

Buckle up – we’re about to rocket off!

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Table of ContentsShow

Tesla Model X Generations

When Tesla unveiled the Model X in 2015, it didn’t just launch a car – it catapulted the electric vehicle market into a new dimension. As Tesla’s third brainchild, the Model X turned heads with its extraordinary falcon-wing rear doors, a cabin spacious enough for seven adults, and a safety record that made other SUVs green with envy.

But what really set the Model X apart? Its sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and Autopilot features that made driving feel like a glimpse into the future.

Let’s break down the Model X variants:

GenerationYears
1st generation2016-Present

Why bother with generations? Straightforward. Each new iteration brought significant upgrades in design, features, and performance. And trust me, when you’re shopping for a Model X, these differences can make or break your driving experience.

Tesla Model X Best, Neutral, and Worst Years

So, how do we separate the Model X standouts from the flops? We’ve cast a wide net, considering:

  • What owners are saying (hello, surveys!)
  • How much you’ll shell out for annual maintenance
  • Safety ratings (because who doesn’t want a fortress on wheels?)
  • Consumer Reports’ reliability scores
  • How satisfied owners are, according to Consumer Reports
  • NHTSA’s tally of recalls, investigations, and complaints
  • Ratings from Edmunds, JD Power, Kelley Blue Book, VehicleHistory, and Cars.com

We’ve crunched all these numbers into one straightforward graph. Get ready for a visual feast of the Model X’s performance over time.

Tesla Model X Car Smite Score Combined Overall Score

Now, let’s categorize each Model X year into the good, the acceptable, and the “maybe not”:

GenerationBest YearsNeutral YearsWorst Years
1st generation2019
2020
2024
20232016
2017
2018
2021
2022

Remember, those “Neutral Years” are your middle-of-the-road options. They won’t blow your socks off, but they won’t leave you abandoned either.

Keep in mind: NHTSA recalls are like scarlet flags in our rankings. More recalls and complaints? That’s a sign the reliability meter is dipping into the perilous zone.

Ready to plunge deeper?

Let’s examine the peaks and lows of each Model X year.

Best & Worst Years for Tesla Model X 1st Generation (2016-Present)

Tesla Model X 1st generation 2016 model
The 2016 Tesla Model X

Since its grand entrance in 2016, the Tesla Model X has been the fashionable kid of the electric vehicle world. It’s not just a car; it’s a statement – one that screams innovation, opulence, and “Look, Ma, no gas!”

Those falcon-wing doors? They’re not just for show (okay, maybe a little). The roomy interior and tech that makes sci-fi movies envious? That’s the Model X in a nutshell.

The Best Years: 2019, 2020, 2024

If the Model X were a premium wine, 2019 and 2020 would be exceptional years. These models cranked up the efficiency dial on the electric powertrain and gave the vehicle software a significant boost.

Imagine this: Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive that pairs a front motor with more power than your morning coffee and a rear motor that thinks it’s in a swift-performance car. The result? Up to 371 miles on a single charge. That’s like driving from New York to Boston and still having enough energy to show off those falcon-wing doors when you arrive.

Autopilot got more sophisticated too. It’s like having a co-pilot who never gets tired, never misses a turn, and definitely never asks, “Are we there yet?”

But let’s keep it real – even these outstanding students had their hiccups. A few software gremlins and hardware recalls popped up, mostly messing with non-critical bits like the infotainment system. Nothing a quick trip to the Tesla spa couldn’t fix.

Now, 2024 – that’s the future knocking on your door. While we can’t predict the future (our crystal ball is in the shop), whispers in the EV world hint at solid-state batteries that could make range anxiety a thing of the past. Self-driving technology that’s more intelligent than ever? Interior opulence that makes your living room jealous? It’s all on the table.

The Neutral Years: 2023

Think of 2023 as the Model X’s sabbatical year. It’s not off backpacking through Europe, but it’s taking a break to enhance what it’s already outstanding at.

This year is all about fine-tuning – tweaking that battery efficiency, stretching out the driving range, and making sure Autopilot is at the apex of its game. It’s the versatile athlete of the Model X lineup.

But even famous athletes have off days. 2023 saw a few recalls – Autopilot decided to take an unscheduled vacation, power steering got a bit unpredictable, and some electrical gremlins crashed the party. Nothing major, but enough to keep it from the top spot.

The Worst Years: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022

Ah, the awkward teenage years of the Model X. From 2016 to 2018, it was like watching a giraffe learn to ice skate – remarkable, but with a few face-plants along the way.

These early birds caught some worms they’d rather ignore:

  • Front suspension throwing tantrums
  • Electrical systems playing hide and seek
  • Falcon doors with stage fright
  • Displays deciding to take unexpected naps

And let’s not forget the recalls – more abundant than a teenager’s mood swings. From camera shyness to Autopilot rebellion, these years kept Tesla’s customer service on their toes.

Fast forward to 2021 and 2022 – you’d think they’d have ironed out the kinks, right? Well, not quite. These years saw their fair share of upheaval:

  • Airbags with identity crises
  • Infotainment systems working up a fever
  • Autopilot still in its rebellious phase
  • Brakes with a mind of their own

Want the nitty-gritty?

Check out the NHTSA reports for 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2022. It’s like reading the Model X’s diary – illuminating, but sometimes a bit mortifying.

Tesla Model X Resale Values

Inquisitive how well the Model X holds onto its value? Take a peek at this:

Tesla Model X Average List Price

Conclusion

So, what’s the verdict on the best Tesla Model X year?

Our deep dive reveals that 2019, 2020, and 2024 are the golden years – dependable, feature-packed, and less likely to surprise you (unless it’s with an over-the-air update that suddenly makes your car even cooler).

On the flip side, you might want to think twice about the 2016-2018, 2021, and 2022 models. They’re like that friend who’s always fun but somehow always ends up in trouble – exciting, but potentially costly.

Now it’s your turn. Which Model X year has caught your eye, and why? Is it the innovative tech of the later models or the groundbreaking spirit of the early years?

Drop your thoughts in the comments – let’s get this Model X celebration started!

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Jonathan Eckert

Jonathan is an ASE-certified mechanic with over 22 years of hands-on experience in the automotive industry. His expertise spans a wide range of vehicles, but he specializes in diagnosing and repairing Japanese cars. His previous workplace highly commended his meticulous attention to detail, and that's exaclty what he uses at Car Smite to craft the best guides for each purpose.