When the Tesla Model X first rolled out in 2015, it made a statement — not just with its sci-fi falcon-wing doors, but with its status as one of the first fully electric three-row SUVs that felt like the future. Fast forward to 2025, and the 2026 model is here. But instead of a reinvention, Tesla has chosen a familiar strategy: throw a few shiny scraps to keep the old warhorse marching.
The Facelift That Barely Is
Tesla’s 2026 Model X receives an update, but you might need a magnifying glass — or a press release — to notice. While Tesla’s sedans and Cybertruck are either getting serious attention or stirring up headlines, the Model X gets a subtle aesthetic tweak: new shades of blue and gray, slightly revised wheels, and minor interior software polish.
That’s about it.
No radical redesign. No fresh powertrain options. No leap in autonomous capability. The Model X, now a decade old, remains largely unchanged under the skin.
Still Quick, Still Quiet, Still… Old?
Let’s be clear — the Model X is no slouch. In its Plaid trim, it still delivers Ludicrous Mode-style acceleration that can embarrass sports cars. It’s packed with tech, carries a decent range, and seats up to seven — all while whispering through the wind like an interstellar shuttle.
But against newer rivals like the Rivian R1S, Mercedes EQS SUV, or even the more budget-conscious Kia EV9, the Model X’s age is showing. Its interior, while minimalist and futuristic at launch, now feels austere. The exterior, once cutting-edge, now blends into traffic rather than standing out from it. Even the famed falcon-wing doors feel more gimmicky than genius in today’s market.
Tesla’s Strategy: Squeeze or Surprise?
Tesla’s tendency to update models via software and keep hardware largely static is part of the brand’s DNA. And for a while, it worked — owners got new features overnight, and cars felt fresh even years after purchase.
But in the competitive three-row EV SUV space, software updates alone won’t keep up with the hardware innovations happening elsewhere. The Model X needs more than new colors and UI tweaks. It needs a reason to be considered new again.
Should You Still Buy a Model X?
If you’re looking for raw speed, a proven charging network, and Tesla’s ecosystem — yes, the Model X still delivers. It’s roomy, quick, and quiet, and despite its age, still holds its own in performance and practicality.
But if you’re spending six figures and want a vehicle that feels new, the Model X is starting to feel like an icon in need of a sequel.
The 2026 Tesla Model X isn’t dead — but it’s definitely resting on its legacy. For now, Tesla seems content to let it coast, occasionally tossing in small updates to keep it on life support. But as competitors sharpen their knives and consumers raise their expectations, this aging queen of the electric SUV world might need more than a new coat of paint to keep her crown.
