2021 Tesla Model X review

Color options

Exterior colors:

• Deep Blue Metallic

• Midnight Silver Metallic

• Pearl White

• Red

• Solid Black

Interior colors:

• Black

• Black/White

• Cream

Interior details

The 2021 Model X seats five passengers as standard across two rows. An optional third row is available, taking seating capacity up to seven. Second-row captain's chairs are optional on three-row models, which reduces seating capacity to six.

The Model X's cabin interior is slick and luxurious. Standard features include synthetic leather upholstery and a heated and ventilated front row.

Front-row passengers benefit from 41.1 inches of legroom. Second-row bench seats have 38.7 inches of legroom, while second-row captain's chairs increase that to 39.8 inches. The third row is comfortable for children and adults, with legroom dependent on the space given by the second row. The six-seater Model X third row has 32.2 inches of legroom, while the seven-seater Model X has 29.8 inches of third-row legroom.

Cargo storage is well-thought-out and generous. The standard five-seat Model X has a 6.5 cu-ft front trunk and 37.1 cu-ft of cargo space behind the second row, increasing to 85.1 cu-ft with the second row folded down.

Child seat details 

The Tesla Model X has two complete sets of LATCH connectors (two lower anchors and an upper tether) in the second-row outboard seats. The seven-seat Model X configuration includes a second-row bench with a middle seat, which has an upper tether point only. The optional two-seat third row on the 2021 Model X has upper tethers only.

All seat types are accommodated, including convertible, front- and rear-facing, infant, and booster seats. If seats are installed and occupied in the second-row captain's chairs, it's important to disable the easy-entry system that would usually give one-touch access to the third row. The falcon-wing doors provide exceptional space for parents and guardians to install car seats and load up little ones.

Performance

The 2021 Tesla Model X Long Range is powered by a 100 kWh battery and two electric motors, capable of 670 hp. The Model X Plaid trim gains an additional onboard motor, taking total power output up to 1,020 hp. Both 2021 trims have all-wheel drive and a single-speed transmission.

According to Tesla, the Long Range trim has an estimated top speed of 155 mph and a zero-to-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds when new. The Plaid trim has even more oomph from that third motor, achieving a top speed of 163 mph and a breathtaking zero-to-60 mph time of just 2.5 seconds when new.

Charging the Tesla is relatively straightforward. Charge at home with a 120- or 240-volt power outlet or the Tesla home charging station. Once you're out and about, use a cable adapter for plugging in at public charging stations, or ask your Tesla navigation system to find the nearest Tesla Supercharger station.

When fully charged, the 2021 Model X Long Range trim has an EPA-estimated 360-mile driving range, and the Plaid trim can achieve an EPA-estimated 340 miles.

Year comparison 

2016-2022 Tesla Model X (first generation)

The Tesla Model X is a crossover SUV that first launched in 2016. For the 2017 model year, a 100 kWh battery option was added to the lineup. Minor trim differences were the only significant changes for 2018-2019. Then, in 2020, the Model X gained standard adaptive suspension. Big changes were revealed for the 2021 model year. These included a refreshed cabin interior, a 22-speaker audio system, and a trim rename—the outgoing Performance trim became the Plaid. There were no major changes for the 2022 model year.