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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Transmission | Automatic (A1) |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Electricity |
| City / Hwy MPG | 124 / 115 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 120 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $650 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | EV |
| Base Price | $77,590–$95,081 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.6/10, the 2023 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 5.8/10 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 5.8/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. Safety is a strength too — 8.5/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
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 $77,590–$95,081, 120 MPG, seating 5, the Tesla Model S sits in the luxury tier of the ev market. The value score of 6.5/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: Think of the 2023 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 2023 Tesla Model S ranks #121 of 268 evs in the Carivo database — better than 55% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.6/10. Its $77,590 starting price is about 47% 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 2020 Tesla Model S scores 7.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 7.6 — 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 (this review) | 7.6/10 | $77,590 | |
| 2022 | 7.5/10 | $75,190 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.5/10 | $72,790 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.5/10 | $70,391 | Read review → |
| 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.
| Steering / Automated/adaptive steering 15/02/2023 · 23V085000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2016-2023 Model S, Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with Full Self-Driving Beta (FSD Beta) software or pending installation. The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act… |
|---|---|
| Forward collision avoidance / sensing system / camera 14/07/2023 · 23V489000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2023 Model S, Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The forward-facing camera may be misaligned, causing some of the active safety features such as emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane assist to become… |
| Seat belts / Front 14/07/2023 · 23V488000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Model S and Model X vehicles. The front-row seat belts may not be connected properly to the pretensioner anchors, which can cause the seat belts to detach. |
| Steering / steering wheel/handle bar 03/11/2023 · 23V743000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and Model X vehicles. An incorrect air bag may have been installed when the steering yoke or round steering wheel was replaced with a different style of yoke or steering wheel. |
| Electrical system / Adas / Autonomous/self driving / Software 12/12/2023 · 23V838000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles equipped with all versions of Autosteer leading up to the version(s) that contains the recall remedy. In certain circumstances when… |
Showing 5 of 13 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Other evs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Tesla models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
