If you follow electric SUVs, you already know the 2023 Tesla Model X is a bit of a unicorn: a three-row EV that can sprint like a sports car, road-trip like a wagon and still pack the latest over-the-air software tricks. But nearly three years on, shoppers are asking a harder question: is the 2023 Model X actually a smart buy today, especially used?
Two audiences, one review
Overview: 2023 Model X at a glance
2023 Tesla Model X headline numbers
The 2023 Model X carried over Tesla’s mid-cycle refresh: streamlined exterior styling, the controversial yoke steering wheel (with an optional round wheel later), a clean, screen-dominated cabin and updated driver-assistance hardware. Two main versions were on sale in 2023: a dual‑motor all‑wheel‑drive Model X focused on range and comfort, and the tri‑motor Model X Plaid, aimed squarely at performance buyers who think 1,000 horsepower in a family hauler sounds reasonable.
Where 2023 fits in the Model X story
Trim levels, pricing and key specs
2023 Tesla Model X trims and key specs
The 2023 lineup was simple: a dual‑motor Model X and a Plaid performance model, both with standard all‑wheel drive and a large battery.
| Trim | Drivetrain | Approx. 2023 MSRP | Horsepower (approx.) | 0–60 mph (claimed) | EPA range (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model X (dual motor) | AWD, 2 motors | ~$99,000–$111,000 | ~670 hp | 3.8 sec | Up to ~348 miles |
| Model X Plaid (tri motor) | AWD, 3 motors | ~$109,000–$121,000 | ~1,020 hp | 2.5 sec | ~300–333 miles |
MSRPs are approximate late‑2023 transaction prices before destination and incentives.
Tesla doesn’t publish traditional model-year window-sticker data the way legacy automakers do, and pricing moved around in 2023 as the company tweaked list prices and incentives. Still, the basic story is clear: the dual‑motor 2023 Model X was positioned as a long‑range luxury EV SUV, while the Plaid focused on supercar-level acceleration with a modest range penalty.
Model X (dual motor)
- Best pick if you care about maximum range and lower cost of entry.
- Still shockingly quick: sub‑4‑second 0–60 mph is more than enough for daily driving.
- Standard adaptive air suspension and big 17‑inch touchscreen.
Model X Plaid
- Tri‑motor setup, roughly 1,020 horsepower and brutal acceleration.
- Slightly lower real‑world range and higher tire wear from the extra power.
- Best suited to enthusiasts who value performance over efficiency.
Mind the 22-inch wheels
Range, battery and charging performance
On paper, the 2023 Tesla Model X still plays near the top of the large‑EV‑SUV segment for range. A well‑spec’d dual‑motor model with the smaller wheels can land in the high‑300‑mile EPA range band. The Plaid’s extra motor and wider rubber bring that down somewhat, but both versions easily cover typical commuting and most weekend trips on a single charge.
What to know about 2023 Model X range and charging
Specs are strong, but conditions and wheel choice make a real difference.
Battery & chemistry
The 2023 Model X uses a large‑capacity lithium‑ion battery pack mounted under the floor. Pack size is in the neighborhood of 100 kWh usable, shared across both trims.
AC charging at home
On a 240‑volt Level 2 charger, you can typically add 25–35 miles of range per hour, depending on your home circuit and wheel/tire setup.
DC fast charging
At a compatible Supercharger or CCS‑equipped fast charger via adapter, the Model X can charge from low state of charge to around 80% in roughly 30–40 minutes in ideal conditions.
Charging standard and adapters
- Expect lower winter range: cold weather can trim usable range by 20–30% on highway drives.
- Speed matters: running 80+ mph and carrying a full load will noticeably dent range.
- Preconditioning the battery before fast charging shortens time spent at the plug.
- Towing, one of the Model X’s selling points, can cut range roughly in half depending on trailer size.
Plan for 70–80% of EPA range on road trips
On-road performance and driving feel
Performance is where the 2023 Model X still feels every bit a Tesla. In dual‑motor form, acceleration is instant and strong; in Plaid trim, it’s frankly overkill for a three‑row SUV. Either way, the heavy battery pack keeps the center of gravity low, and the air suspension helps the big X stay composed on the highway.
Strengths on the road
- Straight‑line speed that rivals or beats most gas performance SUVs.
- Quiet cabin with minimal powertrain noise; wind and tire noise are more noticeable.
- Adjustable air suspension helps dial comfort versus firmness.
- Standard all‑wheel drive inspires confidence in bad weather.
Trade‑offs to know
- Steering feel leans towards light and digital rather than communicative.
- On rough pavement, the heavy curb weight and big wheels can make impacts feel sharp.
- Plaid’s performance is easy to provoke but hard to fully use on public roads.
The yoke vs. round wheel debate
Interior space, practicality and tech
Inside, the 2023 Model X is peak modern Tesla: a minimalist dash, a large central touchscreen running nearly everything, and very few physical buttons. Materials skew toward premium, though not all shoppers feel they match German luxury rivals on touch‑and‑feel quality. Where the X does pull ahead is in packaging and tech.
How livable is the 2023 Model X?
Cabin layout, seating and everyday usability.
Three-row flexibility
You can configure the 2023 Model X with five, six or seven seats. The six‑seat layout with captain’s chairs makes third‑row access easier, while the seven‑seat bench maximizes passenger count.
Cargo and storage
With all rows folded, the Model X offers generous cargo space, plus a usable front trunk. With the third row up, you still get a modest luggage area and additional underfloor storage.
Screens and infotainment
A large central display controls navigation, media, climate and vehicle settings. Rear passengers get a smaller screen for entertainment, and there’s built‑in gaming support when parked.
- Panoramic windshield that stretches over the front seats delivers a unique, airy feel.
- Falcon Wing rear doors make a statement and help in tight parking spots, but introduce extra complexity and potential repair costs.
- Second‑row legroom is generous; the third row is usable for kids and shorter adults on shorter trips.
- Plenty of small‑item storage in the center console and door pockets, though not as many physical cupholders as some rivals.
Test the second and third rows thoroughly
Safety, Autopilot and driver assistance
Every 2023 Tesla Model X left the factory with a comprehensive driver‑assistance suite: automatic emergency braking, lane‑keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and Tesla’s controversial Autopilot system, with optional upgrades to more advanced hands‑on driver assist features depending on how the original buyer spec’d the car.
- Standard active safety: forward‑collision warning, automatic emergency braking and lane departure functions.
- Autopilot: adaptive cruise and lane‑centering on highways, designed for attentive drivers with hands on the wheel.
- Optional upgrades: Enhanced Autopilot and Full Self‑Driving (FSD) features, which may include automatic lane changes, Navigate on Autopilot and parking assist, depending on software version and region.
- Over‑the‑air updates: Tesla frequently pushed software changes to Autopilot and safety features, so a 2023 Model X may behave differently today than it did on delivery.
Don’t overestimate driver assistance
Reliability and ownership costs
Reliability is where the 2023 Tesla Model X deserves a clear‑eyed look. Powertrain durability on Teslas has generally been solid, but the Model X adds complex Falcon Wing doors, an air suspension system and plenty of software. Owners and shops report that build quality has improved compared with early Model X years, yet these remain complicated vehicles.
What to budget for when owning a 2023 Model X
Energy is just one line item.
Energy costs
Charging at home on off‑peak electricity can make energy costs much lower than fueling a comparable gas SUV. Supercharging exclusively, however, narrows that advantage, especially on long highway trips.
Maintenance & repairs
There’s no oil to change, but air suspensions, large wheels, Falcon Wing doors and advanced electronics can mean higher out‑of‑warranty repair bills than simpler EVs.
Warranty coverage
For 2023, Tesla’s typical coverage includes a 4‑year/50,000‑mile basic warranty and an 8‑year battery and drive unit warranty, with mileage limits depending on configuration.
Panel gaps and squeaks aren’t the whole story
Used 2023 Model X pricing and depreciation
Used pricing for 2023 Model Xs has seen a roller‑coaster ride. After a period of sharp depreciation across the Tesla lineup, values for the Model X have settled into a band that reflects both its original six‑figure price tag and the broader cooling in EV demand.
Snapshot: 2023 Tesla Model X depreciation and value
Public valuation tools provide a rough picture of how the 2023 Model X has held its value so far.
| Source | Years in service | Approx. value today | Estimated depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kelley Blue Book guidance | About 3 years | ~$50,900 resale value | ~37% drop from original price |
| Typical retail listings (early 2026) | 2–3 years | ~$45,000–$75,000+ | Highly dependent on Plaid vs. dual motor, miles, FSD and wheel choice |
Real‑world retail asking prices can sit above or below these guide values based on condition, mileage and options.
In plain English, a 2023 Model X has already taken a sizeable chunk of its initial depreciation. That can work in your favor as a used buyer, especially if you’re comparing against a new luxury SUV that will still lose a big slice of value in the first few years.
Compare used X prices to new EV incentives
Should you buy a used 2023 Tesla Model X?
Reasons a 2023 Model X makes sense
- You need a three‑row electric SUV with strong range and road‑trip capability.
- You value Tesla’s Supercharger access and evolving over‑the‑air software ecosystem.
- You want supercar‑grade acceleration in a family hauler (especially in Plaid trim).
- You’re shopping used specifically to avoid the steepest part of the depreciation curve.
Reasons to be cautious or look elsewhere
- You prefer traditional buttons and knobs over a touchscreen‑heavy interface.
- Long‑term repair costs and out‑of‑warranty complexity make you nervous.
- You don’t need Falcon Wing doors or a third row and could live with a smaller, simpler EV SUV.
- You live far from a Tesla Service Center or trusted EV‑capable shop.
Where Recharged fits in
Ready to find your next EV?
Browse VehiclesFrom a reporter’s vantage point, the 2023 Tesla Model X still looks compelling, if you go in with clear eyes. It remains one of the few EVs that can haul six or seven people, hustle like a sports car and tap into a mature fast‑charging network. But it’s also a complex, heavy, premium EV with repair and insurance costs to match. The right used 2023 Model X can be a strong value; the wrong one can be an expensive lesson.
Used-buying checklist for the 2023 Model X
Essential checks before you buy a 2023 Model X used
1. Verify battery health and DC fast‑charge history
Ask for a recent battery‑health report or diagnostics. Frequent DC fast charging isn’t a deal‑breaker, but you’ll want to understand how the pack is aging and whether capacity loss is in line with mileage.
2. Inspect wheels, tires and suspension
Look for curb rash on 21‑ or 22‑inch wheels, uneven tire wear and clunks over bumps that might indicate suspension wear. Replacing air‑suspension components on a luxury EV can be costly.
3. Test all doors, including Falcon Wings
Open and close the Falcon Wing doors several times in tight and wide parking spaces. Watch for irregular noises, misalignment, warning messages or pinch‑protection issues.
4. Check software, Autopilot and FSD status
Confirm what level of Autopilot or Full Self‑Driving capability the car currently has and whether it’s included in the sale. Verify that all cameras, sensors and driver‑assistance features work as advertised.
5. Review service history and warranty
Ask for digital or paper records showing prior repairs or campaigns. Note remaining basic and battery/drive‑unit warranty coverage based on in‑service date and mileage.
6. Confirm charging equipment and adapters
Make sure the vehicle comes with the mobile connector, home charging cable (if promised) and any NACS‑to‑CCS adapters the seller is representing. Replacing lost equipment adds to your real purchase cost.
7. Get an independent EV‑savvy inspection
Whenever possible, have a technician familiar with Teslas or high‑voltage systems inspect the car. If you’re buying through <strong>Recharged</strong>, that kind of expert review and battery diagnostics is built into the process.
FAQ: 2023 Tesla Model X
Common questions about the 2023 Tesla Model X
Strip away the hype, and the 2023 Tesla Model X is still one of the most capable electric SUVs on the road, especially for families that need three rows and want access to a robust fast‑charging network. As a used buy, it rewards shoppers who do their homework on battery health, options and service history. With the right example, and the right inspection, a 2023 Model X can deliver years of rapid, quiet miles without the steep new‑car sting.
