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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | EV |
| Base Price | $70,391–$94,319 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.5/10, the 2020 Tesla Model S earns a Recommended rating among the evs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 9.4/10, while Reliability at 5.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 5.6/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 8.1/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
The 8.9/10 performance score reflects a chassis and powertrain that punch above the segment norm — this is a ev you choose partly for the drive itself. Technology scores 9.4/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $70,391–$94,319, 120 MPG, seating 5, the Tesla Model S sits in the luxury tier of the ev market. The value score of 6.2/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: Think of the 2020 Tesla Model S as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in value and reliability are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2020 Tesla Model S ranks #143 of 268 evs in the Carivo database — better than 47% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.6/10. Its $70,391 starting price is about 33% above the segment's median of $52,750.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full EV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2017 Tesla Model S scores 7.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 7.5 — and starts roughly $7,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.7/10 | $82,389 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.7/10 | $82,389 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.7/10 | $79,990 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.6/10 | $77,590 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.5/10 | $75,190 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.5/10 | $72,790 | Read review → |
| 2020 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $70,391 | |
| 2019 | 7.4/10 | $67,991 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.4/10 | $65,591 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.4/10 | $63,192 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.2/10 | $60,792 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.2/10 | $58,392 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Electrical system / Adas / Autonomous/self driving / Software 27/01/2022 · 22V037000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through… |
|---|---|
| Latches/locks/linkages / Hood / Latch 21/12/2021 · 21V00B000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2014-2021 Model S vehicles. The front trunk latch assembly may be misaligned, preventing the secondary hood latch from engaging. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor… |
| Forward collision avoidance / sensing system / camera 29/10/2021 · 21V846000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Model S, Model 3, Model X, and 2020-2021 Model Y vehicles operating software version 2021.36.5.2. A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the… |
| Electrical system / Software 04/02/2022 · 22V063000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model S, Model X, Model Y, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian… |
| Electrical system / Software 12/04/2022 · 22V235000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Model Y, Model X, Model S, and 2017-2022 Model 3 vehicles. The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian… |
Showing 5 of 11 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
We rate the 2020 Tesla Model S's reliability 5.6/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 11 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
11 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 7.5/10 overall, ranking #143 of 268 evs in our database (better than 47% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2020 Tesla Model S starts at $70,391 and ranges up to $94,319 across trims (MSRP when new). At 120 MPG, expect roughly $438/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Tesla models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.