2019 vs 2020 Tesla Model X

vs

Both years are the same generation, so most of what they offer is shared.

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

2019

Nothing that 2020 lacks.

2020

Nothing that 2019 lacks.

Both years

  • Falcon-wing doors that stop or will not latch All years

    What to check: Open and close both falcon-wing doors several times, from the screen, the key and the door button. Watch that each rises all the way without stopping for nothing, and closes and latches.

    Early cars' doors sometimes did not open or latch, and Tesla answered with software updates. Owners on Tesla Motors Club, in three threads, still report doors that sense obstacles that are not there: two with 2018 cars, one of them parked in the sun, and one in 2016 whose door sensors were replaced on a car weeks old.

    CarGurus, a published reference, owners' reports (unofficial)

  • Panel gaps, seals and rattles All years

    What to check: Look along every panel gap and at the paint and door seals in good light, and listen for squeaks and rattles on a rough road.

    Edmunds found inconsistent panel gaps and paint and rubber gasket problems on the 2017, and more squeaks and rattles than other high-end SUVs on the 2019. Owners on Tesla Motors Club in 2016 traded stories of door seals torn on delivery day and noisy air conditioning.

    Edmunds, owners' reports (unofficial)

Recalls

2019

  • 22V169000 2018–2019

    On some cars with the 2.5 Autopilot computer, the rear camera picture can appear late when reversing. Fixed over the air. NHTSA

2020

  • 22V063000 2020–2022

    The Boombox feature can play sounds through the outside speaker while moving and mask the pedestrian warning. Fixed over the air. NHTSA

  • 22V235000 2020–2022

    The Boombox feature can play sounds through the outside speaker while moving and mask the pedestrian warning. Fixed over the air. NHTSA

  • 24V153000 2020–2021

    A factory reset can silence the sound that warns pedestrians of the car. Fixed over the air. NHTSA

Both years

  • 21V846000 2017–2021

    On one software version, a fault can bring false collision warnings or sudden automatic braking. Fixed over the air. NHTSA

  • 22V037000 2016–2022

    Full Self-Driving Beta's rolling stop could take the car through an all-way stop without stopping. The feature is switched off over the air. NHTSA

  • 22V818000 2017–2021

    Power steering assist can drop out on rough roads or after a pothole. Fixed over the air. NHTSA

  • 23V085000 2016–2023

    Full Self-Driving Beta can behave unsafely at junctions and respond poorly to speed limit changes. Fixed over the air. NHTSA

  • 23V838000 2016–2023

    Autosteer's checks may not do enough to stop a driver misusing it. Fixed over the air. NHTSA

  • 24V051000 2016–2024

    The brake, parking brake and ABS warning lights are shown in letters too small. Fixed over the air. NHTSA

  • 24V376000 2016–2024

    The seat belt warning may not come on for an unbelted driver. Fixed over the air. NHTSA

What changed between

After 2019, up to and including 2020.

  1. 2020The Long Range Plus raises the range to 351 miles in February, Smart Summon is added, and the battery and drive unit warranty becomes 8 years or 150,000 miles. Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference

What it came with

2019

Trims
75D (2016–2019) Edmunds, a published reference, 100D (2017–2019) Edmunds, a published reference, Standard Range (2019) Edmunds, CarGurus

2020

Trims
Long Range Plus (2020) Edmunds, a published reference

Both years

Motors
Dual motor CarGurus, a published reference
Drivetrains
All-wheel drive CarGurus, a published reference
Trims
Long Range (2019–2020) Edmunds, a published reference, Performance (2019–2020) CarGurus, Drive Tesla
Packages
Six-seat interior CarGurus, Electrek, Seven-seat interior CarGurus, Electrek, Edmunds, Ludicrous Mode CarGurus, AutoGuide, Subzero Weather Package AutoGuide, Electrek, Tow Package AutoGuide, Electrek, Enhanced Autopilot CarGurus, Electrek, Full Self-Driving Capability Electrek, Edmunds

Interiors

2019

Nothing that 2020 lacks.

2020

Nothing that 2019 lacks.

Both years

  • Black Electrek

What owners and buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

2019

  • Sought after: The 2019 One source so far

    CarGurus calls the 2019 the sweet spot for a buyer who wants an older, cheaper Model X, since it has relatively few recalls and complaints. CarGurus

2020

Nothing that 2019 lacks.

Both years

  • Sought after: The Long Range 2019–2020

    Edmunds picked the Long Range for both 2019 and 2020. Edmunds