carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | EV |
| Base Price | $77,340–$100,467 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.2/10, the 2021 Tesla Model X earns a Good rating among the evs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 9.3/10, while Reliability at 5.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional ev — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 5.5/10 — 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 8.4/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
The 8.2/10 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 9.3/10 — 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 $77,340–$100,467, 102 MPG, seating 7, the Tesla Model X sits in the luxury tier of the ev market. The value score of 5.8/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 5 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: There's a case for the 2021 Tesla Model X, but it needs the right buyer. Its value and reliability scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
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 2021 Tesla Model X ranks #218 of 268 evs in the Carivo database — better than 19% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.4 points below the segment average of 7.6/10. Its $77,340 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 2018 Tesla Model X scores 7.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.2 — and starts roughly $7,500 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 | 7.5/10 | $87,539 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.5/10 | $87,539 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.5/10 | $84,990 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.3/10 | $82,440 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.3/10 | $79,890 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.2/10 | $77,340 | |
| 2020 | 7.3/10 | $74,791 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.1/10 | $72,241 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.2/10 | $69,691 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.0/10 | $67,142 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.0/10 | $64,592 | 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… |
|---|---|
| Air bags 09/11/2021 · 21V868000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021 Model X and Model S vehicles. The driver's air bag cushion may tear during deployment. |
| Electrical system / Software 01/02/2022 · 22V045000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model S and Model X, 2017-2022 Model 3, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt. As such, these vehicles… |
| 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 02/02/2022 · 22V050000 | Tesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Model 3, Model S, Model X, and 2020-2022 Model Y vehicles. A software error may cause a valve in the heat pump to open unintentionally and trap the refrigerant inside the evaporator, resulting in… |
Showing 5 of 24 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
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