Today we’re coming to you for the very last time from the Plaid Studios. It’s a bittersweet moment as we officially say goodbye to our 2023 Tesla Model X Plaid in Ultra Red with the cream interior.
This vehicle is being surrendered through a Tesla buyback. For those who haven’t been following the channel, this is actually our second Model X buyback in a row. Between this Plaid and our previous 2022 Long Range, we’ve dealt with enough technical issues and quality disappointments to fill a book. Before we hand over the keys, I wanted to give you my unfiltered, honest opinion on the flagship Tesla SUV.
The Good: Performance and Comfort
There are really only two reasons to buy a Model X, and Tesla nails them both:
- Outrageous Performance: While the Long Range has “Insane Mode,” the Plaid’s Tri-Motor setup is in a league of its own. It’s hard to put into words how much faster Plaid Mode feels compared to Insane Mode. If you want the fastest SUV on the planet, this is it.
- Unmatched Comfort: The air suspension is phenomenal. You can toggle between Soft, Sport, and Custom settings, and the ride height adjusts automatically based on your speed. It’s easily the most comfortable cruiser we’ve ever owned for long-distance road trips.
I’ll also miss the “Tesla Magic” features: the doors that present themselves and close when you hit the brake, the ventilated seats (a must-have in SoCal!), and the dual-screen setup that keeps a display right behind the steering wheel.
The Bad: Reliability and Quality Control
Now for the honest truth. Despite the $100k+ price tag, our ownership experience was plagued by issues that shouldn’t exist in a luxury vehicle:
- The “Clicking” steering: Both of our Model Xs had a persistent clicking noise when turning at low speeds. Tesla “fixed” it multiple times, but it always came back.
- Steering Rack Replacements: Both vehicles required a full steering rack replacement within the first year of ownership.
- Falcon Door Failures: The signature doors would randomly refuse to close. I got to a point where I’d have my phone ready to record every time I parked, just so I had proof for the service center. That is not a “luxury” feeling.
The Utility Gap: Is It Really an SUV?
The “U” in SUV stands for utility, and that’s where the Model X falls short for a family of five.
- Storage Struggles: In the six-seater configuration, the second-row seats do not fold flat. This means every time we went on a road trip, we had to fold one third-row seat down just to fit basic luggage and a cooler.
- Missing Outlets: Unlike the Cybertruck or the Rivian R1S, the Model X lacks a 110V outlet. For a high-tech electric car, not being able to plug in basic gear is a massive oversight.
- Falcon Wing Limitations: You can’t put a traditional roof rack on the X. You’re forced to use the hitch for extra cargo, which is fine, but it limits your options for things like kayaks or oversized gear.
Final Verdict: Would I Buy It Again?
Short answer: No. For the price, I expect better quality control and more practical utility. If you need speed and five seats, I’d suggest the Model S Plaid—it’s faster, cheaper, and offers a better “bang for your buck.”
Longer answer: If I did buy another one, I would treat it as an upgrade to a Model Y rather than a replacement for a minivan. I would also opt for the five-seater configuration so the second row could actually fold flat, giving me the storage I actually need.
However, after experiencing the Rivian R1T and now our new Cybertruck, I’ve realized that a truck is a much better “minivan replacement” for our lifestyle. The utility, the storage, and the ruggedness of a truck far outweigh the “cool factor” of the Falcon doors.
Moving Forward
I’m not sad to see the Plaid go. I’m grateful for the experience, but I’m ready to move on to vehicles that offer more utility and fewer headaches. Stay tuned for the official surrender video and a deep dive into our new Cybertruck daily driver!
If you’re looking for a more reliable EV experience, check out my Rivian and Cybertruck content! Don’t forget to subscribe for the next chapter of the journey!
