Tesla Model X After 2 Years: An Honest Review of Pros & Cons
Introduction: The Charm and Challenges of the Tesla Model X
Hey everyone — Suzuki here at EcoDrive.
This article walks through the good points and drawbacks of the Tesla Model X, based on my real-world experience after roughly two years of daily ownership.
I’ve also spent time behind the wheel of the Model 3 and Model S to compare, but the Model X has become such a part of daily life that I really feel its commanding presence as a full-size SUV.
I’ll start with the Model X’s strengths, then take a look at two weak points that left me thinking, “Hmm, this could be better.”
Teslas tend to get plenty of attention for their upsides, but no car is truly perfect.
If you’re considering one, weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.
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The Model X Is Part of Daily Life
I’ve put time in with all kinds of Teslas, including the Model 3 and Model S.
But honestly, the Model X is the one that feels the most “right”.
It’s a larger SUV, but that size is exactly what gives it such comfortable interior space.
It’s no exaggeration to say it’s become part of my daily routine — commuting, weekend trips, even quick grocery runs. It’s a do-it-all companion.
Also check out our full review: Tesla Model 3 After 2 Years: An Honest Review of Pros and Cons.
What Is the Tesla Model X?
Tesla is a pioneer in electric vehicles (EVs), drawing huge attention with its innovative tech and design.
While the Model S, Model 3, and Model Y fall into sedan or compact-SUV categories, the Model X is positioned as a full-size SUV, well known for distinctive features like the Falcon Wing Doors.
After about two years behind the wheel, I’ve had plenty of time to feel both its appeal and its quirks day to day.
Compared to the Model S and Model 3, its bigger size and roomier interior are its biggest strengths — but of course, that comes with higher costs and maintenance expenses.
With that in mind, let’s dig into the Model X’s pros and cons one by one.
Roominess Comes First
The Model X falls firmly into the full-size SUV category.
It has high ceilings and a spacious cabin that’s a real highlight.
The trunk is genuinely large, and there’s also a front trunk (frunk), which dramatically expands your cargo options.
Even compared to the Model Y, the Model X’s cargo room is significantly larger.
Looking at the actual numbers, the Model Y has 76.2 cu ft of cargo space.
The Model X has 91.6 cu ft — a noticeable jump.
Compared to a sedan like the Model 3, the cargo space is in a different league entirely.
That kind of capacity is a major advantage for outdoor adventures or hauling the whole family.
The Benefits of All That Space
The biggest perk I notice is “less stress for everyone in the car”.
Even when you load up with grocery bags or camping gear, there’s still plenty of room to spare.
A cramped cabin makes you feel tired faster, but with the Model X, that’s almost never an issue.
The frunk is quietly handy too — being able to toss small items in there is a nice bonus.
If you’re thinking, “I’m fine with a bigger SUV as long as it gives me breathing room,” this is a strong selling point.
Seat Configurations and the Walk-Through Magic
You can choose between 5, 6, or 7-seat configurations.
Since you specify the seat count when ordering new, it’s easy to match it to your lifestyle.
With the 6-seat layout in particular, the second row is split into two captain’s chairs with a walk-through space in the middle.
That walk-through makes getting to the third row incredibly easy.
For my family — two kids and two dogs — that walk-through layout is a lifesaver.
Moving around inside is so much easier — handing things back, helping the kids, all of it gets noticeably simpler.
The interior quality is also a clear step up compared to the Model 3 or Y.
The seat materials and finish feel different, with a more premium look that really stands out.
With this much space, it works great for hobbies like surfing, golf, or camping — plenty of room to make it work.
It’s just as convenient for everyday errands and school runs, making it especially well-suited for families.
The Comfort of the Falcon Wing Doors
The second highlight I want to call out is the Falcon Wing Doors.
Honestly, this is one of my personal favorite features.
Most cars have doors that swing outward, but the Model X’s doors actually open upward.
Like a falcon’s wings spreading wide, the entire door lifts up, creating a huge opening that makes getting in and out remarkably smooth.
Even in tight parking spots, the doors still open properly thanks to built-in sensors.
If you’re somewhere with a low ceiling, the doors stop at an angle that won’t bump anything.
They also avoid hitting nearby cars or walls, which removes a lot of small everyday stress.
Being freed from that “is my door going to hit something?” anxiety in parking lots is genuinely a big deal.
The fine-grained sensor control here is just excellent.
Cutting down on those tiny daily worries when you climb in and out of the car actually matters more than you might think.
The Falcon Wing Doors aren’t just a visual statement — their practical value also earns high marks.
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The Charm of Auto-Presenting Doors
The third highlight is the Auto-Presenting Doors, which include both auto-presenting and auto-closing functionality.
Simply put, the auto-presenting door opens automatically as you walk up to the car on the driver’s side.
You don’t even need to grab the handle before sitting down, which makes getting in extremely smooth.
The auto-close function then shuts the door automatically once you sit down and press the brake pedal.
In other words, as long as you have your phone key on you, the door opens the moment you walk up, closes when you press the brake, and you’re ready to drive away as soon as you shift into drive.
Plenty of cars have smart keys these days so you don’t have to dig around for a fob, but with most of them you still have to physically pull the door handle.
With the Model X, those “little inconveniences” are stripped out completely, and going from walking up to driving off feels amazingly seamless.
You might think, “Do I really need that?” but once you actually live with it, the convenience is addictive.
At first I shrugged off auto-close as unnecessary, but after years with the Model X, you naturally gravitate toward whatever is easier — and now it’s one of my absolute favorite features.
The Downside of That Huge Front Windshield
There are two things that bother me about the Model X.
The first is that the windshield gets dirty easily.
This windshield is roughly 1.5x larger than a typical car’s, extending all the way overhead so the upper part of your view is also glass.
The problem is that the wipers don’t cover that entire area.
The wipers only clean your direct line of sight, leaving plenty of streaks and smudges up top.
If that area were a body panel, you wouldn’t have to worry about dirt from inside the cabin, but since it’s see-through glass, the grime really shows.
And after the wipers run, the contrast between clean and dirty zones can really stand out — it’s stressful if you’re the type to notice that kind of thing.
You end up having to wipe it down by hand to get the upper portion clean, which means regular maintenance comes with the territory.
It’s basically the flip side of having a massive piece of glass (which gives you that wide-open feeling) — whether you can live with it depends on whether you accept it as part of the Model X’s character.
Rock Chips and Windshield Replacement Costs
While we’re on the subject of the windshield, I have to talk about rock chips.
If you spend any real time on the freeway, you know rocks fly up more often than you’d think.
Small stones kicked up by the tires of the car ahead of you constantly hit your windshield with a sharp ping.
Since the Model X has such a huge glass surface, the odds of getting hit by debris are higher.
Smaller stones usually don’t cause trouble, but a larger one can absolutely crack the glass.
And when it comes time for a windshield replacement, I’ve heard it can run $2,000 or more.
For a typical car, the same job runs about a quarter of that, so Tesla’s replacement cost is significantly higher.
That kind of high repair cost is one of the Model X’s defining traits.
Higher Insurance Premiums and Deductible Hikes
On a related note, insurance premiums are another one of the Model X’s downsides.
Because it’s classified as a high-value vehicle, insurance companies tend to view it as higher risk.
For example, even with my deductible set at $1,000, I’ve seen renewals come back asking me to bump it up to $5,000.
That’s the insurance company trying to limit its exposure to repair payouts.
As I mentioned, just replacing the windshield can run over $2,000, so from the insurer’s perspective, they want to avoid frequent payouts.
By setting a high deductible and shifting more of the cost burden onto the driver, they’re trying to discourage overuse of the policy.
And here’s the kicker: even with a higher deductible, your premium itself won’t necessarily go down.
Bottom line: if you’re looking at a Tesla — especially the Model X — factor in the total cost of ownership, including repair costs and insurance.
The Model X: Balancing Comfort and Cost
While the Model X is excellent as a family car, the cost side can be a real sticking point.
The insurance premiums and repair costs for things like windshield or body work are notably high on the Model X.
That said, once you experience this kind of spacious interior and clever features, plenty of owners say they can’t go back to anything else.
“Comfort or cost” is a real dilemma, but since this car will be your long-term partner, picking what fits your own values matters most.
And since Tesla rolls out software updates that keep improving the car, you can also look forward to future autonomous driving and system upgrades down the road.
What Made Me Choose the Model X
Honestly, at first I thought, “The Model S or Model 3 is probably smarter — and cheaper, too.”
But the Model X’s unique doors, family-friendly usability, and roomy cabin completely won me over. Now I couldn’t imagine letting it go.
Yes, insurance and repair costs are high, and the windshield grime is annoying — there are real downsides.
But the comfortable driving experience and cabin the whole family can enjoy deliver value that more than makes up for it.
If you’re curious, I’d recommend booking a test drive to feel it for yourself.
Want to feel Tesla’s tech before you buy? Try one for a few days first. Our Tesla / FSD Rental lets you experience Full Self-Driving and the Tesla ownership feel without committing — a great way to decide if a Model X (or any Tesla) is right for you.
Wrap-Up & Bonus
So that’s my deep dive into the Tesla Model X — the strengths (spacious cabin, signature door design, and seamless ingress and egress) and the weaknesses (windshield that gets dirty easily, high insurance and repair costs).
In the end, whether the Model X is right for you comes down to your lifestyle, budget, and personal priorities.
If you’ve been on the fence, there’s no better way to feel what next-generation driving is like than getting behind the wheel yourself.
Also check out our full review: Is Tesla FSD V12 Worth It? Comprehensive Owner Review & Driving Impressions.
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