2025 Tesla Model S — Carivo review carivo.co
EV

2025 Tesla Model S

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $82,389–$106,872
Fuel Economy 120 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category EV
Est. Annual Fuel $438/yr

Key Specifications — 2025 Tesla Model S

TransmissionAutomatic (A1)
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeElectricity
City / Hwy MPG132 / 116 MPG
Combined MPG124 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$600
Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleEV
Base Price$82,389–$106,872

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2025 Tesla Model S

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 →

How It Ranks Among EVs

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 →

Which Model S Year Should You Buy?

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.

YearScoreStarting 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 →

Pros & Cons — 2025 Tesla Model S

✓ What it does well

  • Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
  • Engaging driving dynamics with class-leading power and handling
  • Best-in-class infotainment, driver assistance, and connectivity features
  • Exceptional fuel efficiency at 120 MPG — among the best in its class

✗ Where it falls short

  • Below-average reliability data — factor in potential repair and maintenance costs
  • Value-for-money is a weak point; comparable alternatives offer more for the price
  • Premium price bracket — make sure the score justifies the outlay vs. segment alternatives

NHTSA Recalls — 2025 Tesla Model S (2 on record)

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.

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