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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Transmission | Automatic (A1) |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Electricity |
| City / Hwy MPG | 127 / 116 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 122 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $600 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | EV |
| Base Price | $79,990–$103,846 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2024 Tesla Model S at 7.7/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this ev. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 9.5/10, 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. Reliability is the weak spot: 5.8/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The 8.5/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 9.1/10. The Tesla Model S delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. The cabin tech earns 9.5/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $79,990–$103,846, 120 MPG, seating 5, the Tesla Model S sits in the luxury tier of the ev market. The value score of 6.4/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 2 years old, it's recent enough that the core feature set holds up well against current competition.
Our take: The 2024 Tesla Model S is a solid, well-rounded ev that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is value and reliability — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
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 2024 Tesla Model S ranks #89 of 268 evs in the Carivo database — better than 67% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.6/10. Its $79,990 starting price is about 52% 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 2021 Tesla Model S scores 7.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2024's 7.7 — 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 (this review) | 7.7/10 | $79,990 | |
| 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 | 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.
| Seat belts / Front / Warning light/devices 28/05/2024 · 24V376000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2012-2024 Model S, 2015-2024 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended. As such,… |
|---|---|
| Latches/locks/linkages / Hood / Latch 24/07/2024 · 24V554000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The hood latch assembly may fail to detect an unlatched hood condition after the hood has been opened. |
| Air bags / Frontal / Driver side / Cushion 24/12/2024 · 24V967000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Model S and Model X vehicles. The driver's air bag could tear during deployment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 208,… |
| Back over prevention / Software 07/01/2025 · 25V002000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Model 3, Model S, 2023-2025 Model X, and Model Y vehicles. The computer circuit board may short, resulting in the loss of the rearview camera image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the… |
| Air bags 19/03/2025 · 25V172000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Model S and 2021-2025 Model X vehicles. An air bag with the incorrect horn pad may have been installed, preventing the horn from sounding. |
Showing 5 of 6 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
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