2025 Tesla Model S
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Transmission | Automatic (A1) |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Electricity |
| City / Hwy MPG | 132 / 116 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 124 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $600 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | EV |
| Base Price | $82,389–$106,872 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2025 Tesla Model S is a ev that earns a Carivo score of 7.7/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 9.7/10, while Reliability at 5.7/10 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. At 5.7/10 for reliability, this ev trails its segment. That doesn't rule it out, but go in with eyes open on running costs. On safety, it scores 8.6/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Few rivals match it for performance: 9.1/10. Expect handling and power delivery that make this one of the more entertaining evs to actually drive. On technology it rates 9.7/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.
Priced from $82,389–$106,872, 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 1 year old, it's recent enough that the core feature set holds up well against current competition.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2025 Tesla Model S will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on value and reliability if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good ev should — quietly and competently.
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 2025 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 $82,389 starting price is about 56% 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 2022 Tesla Model S scores 7.5/10 — within striking distance of the 2025'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 (this review) | 7.7/10 | $82,389 | |
| 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 | 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.
| 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… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Tesla models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.