The price of a Tesla Model X is a moving target. Honestly, if you check the website today and then look again in three weeks, don't be shocked if the numbers have shifted by a few thousand dollars. Elon Musk’s pricing strategy is famously volatile. In 2026, the barrier to entry for this falcon-winged SUV is still high, but it’s not quite the "six-figure minimum" club it used to be—at least not for every configuration.
Most people asking how much is a model x are looking for the bottom-line price. Right now, a brand-new 2026 Model X Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive (AWD) starts at $99,990. But that’s just the sticker. Once you add the mandatory $1,390 destination fee and the $250 order fee, you’re looking at a real-world base price of $101,630 before taxes.
The Plaid Premium and Performance Gains
If you want the version that beats supercars at stoplights, you’re looking at the Plaid. It’s overkill. With three motors and 1,020 horsepower, it’s objectively faster than any family hauler needs to be. For that privilege, Tesla asks for $114,990 as a starting point.
💡 You might also like: How Radar for Long Island Actually Works When a Storm Hits
Is it worth the extra $15,000?
It depends on your ego and your tolerance for G-forces. The Dual Motor hits 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, which is already plenty fast. The Plaid does it in 2.5 seconds. Beyond the speed, the Plaid typically includes a few interior flourishes, like carbon fiber trim, but you’re mostly paying for the hardware that makes it go "zoom."
Seating Configurations Change Everything
One of the biggest "gotchas" in the Model X pricing structure is the seating. The base price includes a five-seat interior. If you have a family, you’ll likely want the other options, and they aren't cheap:
- Seven Seats: Add $3,500. It’s a standard bench in the middle.
- Six Seats: Add $6,500. This is the "luxury" setup with captain's chairs and an open aisle to the back.
Federal Tax Credits and the $80,000 Problem
Here is where it gets tricky. In 2026, the federal EV tax credit landscape has become a bit of a maze. To qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit, an SUV must have an MSRP under $80,000.
You see the problem.
The Model X starts at nearly $100k. However, Tesla has historically played games with "Standard Range" software-locked versions to dip under that $80,000 cap. As of early 2026, those versions are sporadic. If you can find a specific trim or a "inventory" unit priced under $80,000, and your income doesn't exceed the limits ($300k for joint filers, $150k for individuals), you could effectively knock that price down. But for the average buyer picking a new Long Range or Plaid, you are paying the full freight.
Real-World Ownership Costs (The Numbers Nobody Mentions)
Buying the car is only the first step. According to ownership data from sites like CarEdge and Edmunds, a Model X is one of the more expensive EVs to keep on the road over a five-year period.
💡 You might also like: Is Protection 360 Worth It? The Truth About T-Mobile’s Costly Insurance
Depreciation is the silent killer.
A new Model X is expected to lose about $64,500 in value over the first five years. That is a massive hit. While gas savings are real—averaging about $470 in electricity costs per year compared to $2,000+ for a gas SUV—they don't come close to offsetting the depreciation.
Insurance is another heavy hitter.
Because of the complex falcon-wing doors and the all-aluminum body, insurance companies are nervous. The average annual premium for a Model X in 2026 sits around $5,012. That’s over $400 a month just to keep it covered.
Maintenance and Repairs
Technically, EVs need less maintenance. No oil changes, no spark plugs. But the Model X is heavy. It eats tires. Owners often report needing new rubber every 20,000 to 25,000 miles, and a set of 20-inch or 22-inch performance tires will run you $1,200 to $1,800 easily.
The Used Market: Where the Deals Live
If $100,000 makes your stomach turn, the used market in 2026 is actually quite healthy for buyers. Because of the aggressive price cuts Tesla made in late 2023 and 2024, older models have tanked in value.
- 2023 Model X: You can find these with decent mileage for around $58,000.
- 2022 Model X (Refresh): These hover around $52,000.
- 2020 Model X: Usually priced near $34,000, but keep in mind this is the "old" interior with the vertical screen.
If you go for a used one under $25,000 (usually 2017 or 2018 models with high mileage), you might even qualify for a **$4,000 used EV tax credit**, provided you buy from a dealer.
Actionable Next Steps for Buyers
If you’re serious about a Model X, don't just click "order" on the website.
First, check the Tesla Inventory page. Often, "demo" vehicles or cars that were rejected at delivery are listed with a $3,000 to $5,000 discount. These are essentially new but classified as used, which can sometimes help with registration fees.
Second, call your insurance agent before you put down the $250 non-refundable order fee. The difference in premiums between a Model Y and a Model X can be $2,000 a year, which might change your math on the total monthly payment.
Finally, weigh the seating needs carefully. The six-seat configuration is the most desirable for resale, but that $6,500 upcharge is a tough pill to swallow up front. If you don't absolutely need the motorized doors and the extra space, the Model Y Juniper (the 2026 refreshed version) offers 80% of the experience for roughly half the price.