tesla model x - relevant illustration

Is the Tesla Model X Actually Worth It? My Honest 2026 Review After Two Years in Santa Monica

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Quick Summary

The Tesla Model X remains the most polarizing luxury EV in 2026. While its Falcon Wing doors and panoramic windshield offer a “sanctuary” feel for wellness-focused drivers
, persistent software glitches and steep depreciation make it a risky investment.

Look, I’m not saying I’m a tesla model x expert. But I’ve learned some things over the last eighteen months of driving one through the narrow, sun-drenched streets of Santa Monica.

To be honest, I bought this car during a bit of a “lifestyle pivot” back in late 2024. I was fresh out of my corporate job, healing from chronic back pain, and I wanted a vehicle that felt like a rolling meditation center.

Actually, my first experience with it wasn’t even a test drive. It was seeing my neighbor, Sarah, struggle to close the rear doors at the Whole Foods on Wilshire Blvd while her toddler screamed.

I thought, “That looks like a nightmare. ” And yet, three months later, I found myself signing the papers for a Pearl White 2024 Model X.

Why.

Because I’m a sucker for a good “wellness” aesthetic, and that panoramic windshield promised a connection to the sky that my old BMW just couldn’t provide. that said,, after 22,000 miles and several “service required” notifications, my relationship with this car is… complicated.

Is the Tesla Model X Still Worth the Investment in 2026?

When you are looking at a car that starts north of $80,000, “worth it” is a subjective term. In early 2026, the field has changed.

With rumors circulating on platforms like Reddit about Tesla potentially discontinuing the Model S and X lines by Q2 2026 (according to a massive thread on r/TeslaLounge earlier this March), the resale value is a major concern. I feel now that I might have bought at the top of a bubble.

The Real Cost of Ownership

Most people just look at the monthly payment.

But living in California, there’s more to it. I recently had to replace my tires—the 20-inch Cyberstream wheels—and it cost me nearly $1,600 at the Tesla Service Center in Marina Del Rey.

The Model X is heavy, and it eats through rubber faster than you’d think. If you’re coming from a gas car, the “fuel” savings are real, but the maintenance “surprises” keep things level.

[COST_COMPARISON] Luxury Gas SUV (Yearly Maint)
$1

,200 | Tesla Model X (Yearly Maint/Tires)
$1

The Depreciation Reality

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To be honest, the depreciation is the hardest pill to swallow.

That is a massive drop from the original MSRP. If you are looking to buy right now, I’d strongly suggest checking the used market rather than buying new.

You can find incredible deals on vehicles that still have the HW4 (Hardware 4) self-driving suite.

💡 Pro Tip If you’re buying used, check the “Falcon Wing” hinge for any clicking sounds. It’s a $3,000 repair out of warranty that I learned about the hard way last November.

The Falcon Wing Doors

Pure Zen or Total Headache?

We have to talk about the doors. They are the tesla model x ‘s signature, and they are both my favorite and least favorite thing about the car.

When they work, it’s like a choreographed dance. When they don’t.

Well, you’re standing in the rain at a juice bar in Malibu feeling like a tech-support intern.

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The “Cool” Factor vs. Tight Spaces

The sensors are supposed to detect low ceilings. Usually, they do.

But last Tuesday, in my friend’s low-clearance garage in West Hollywood, the left door decided it had plenty of room. It didn’t.

Luckily, the sensors caught it before it hit the concrete, but it left me sweating. From my personal perspective, these doors are amazing for loading groceries or helping my elderly clients into the back seat without bending over—which is huge for my back health.

Mechanical Reliability in 2026

According to data from Consumer Reports (2025 Reliability Survey), the Model X doors remain one of the top three most-reported hardware issues for the brand. I’ve had my seals replaced twice because of a slight whistling sound at highway speeds.

It’s not a dealbreaker, but for $80k, you shouldn’t hear the wind. If you’re considering this car, you have to accept that you’re buying a piece of experimental tech, not a perfected machine.

⚠️ Warning

Never try to force the doors shut manually. You will blow a fuse or misalign the motor
, and Tesla will charge you for “user error.”

The Driving Experience

A Mobile Sanctuary?

Is the Model X Actually Zen?

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The interior is minimal. Some call it “cheap,” but I find it calming. There are no knobs, no clutter, and the yoke steering wheel (which I actually kept, despite the hate) gives you a clear view of the road. It feels like sitting in a high-end spa lounge. If you’ve read my //www.nourishedlivingtoday.com/2026/03/21/is-the-tesla-model-s-still-the-ultimate-sanctuary-my-honest-2026-review-after-a-year-of-santa-monica-commutes/” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>review of the Tesla Model S
, you know I value cabin quietness above all else. The Model X isn’t quite as quiet as the S, but it’s close.

Performance and Range

The acceleration is, frankly, unnecessary but fun. Even the “Long Range” version I have hits 60 mph in about 3.8 seconds.

It’s useful for merging onto the 405, but mostly it just makes my groceries slide around in the trunk. As for range, I get about 310 miles on a full charge in real-world conditions.

That’s plenty for my lifestyle, but if you’re doing long road trips, you’ll be stopping at Superchargers every 3 hours.

Tesla Model X Long Range

$79,990+

4.2
★★★★☆

“Best for tech-forward families and those who prioritize air quality and ease of entry. “

A luxury electric SUV that excels in tech and performance but lags in traditional interior craftsmanship.

The ‘Bioweapon Defense Mode’ is a standout for health-conscious drivers.

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My Experience with FSD in LA Traffic

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I use FSD mostly on the highway. It handles stop-and-go traffic on the 10 freeway beautifully, which saves me from the “commuter rage” that used to trigger my chronic pain. However, in the city? It’s too jerky. It struggles with the cyclists in Santa Monica and the erratic delivery drivers. I feel like I’m babysitting a very fast, very heavy computer. It’s not “relaxing” yet.

The Infotainment System

The 17-inch screen is the brain of the car. I love that I can check my schedule or even watch a quick nutrition webinar while I’m charging.

But, I’ve had the screen go black twice while driving. It’s terrifying.

Both times, a “two-scroll-wheel reboot” fixed it, but it’s a reminder that this is basically an iPad on wheels. If you’re looking for something more “analog” and grounded, you might prefer the
//www.

nourishedlivingtoday. com/2026/03/11/is-the-tesla-model-y-worth-it-my-2026-honest-review/” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>Tesla Model Y

, which feels a bit more “finished” for some reason.

Who Should Actually Buy This Car?

I’ve thought about this a lot. The tesla model x isn’t for everyone.

If you want “quiet luxury” like a Range Rover or a Mercedes EQS, you will be disappointed by the Tesla’s interior. The seats are vegan leather (which I like), but the trim can feel a bit plastic-y in certain spots.

//www.nourishedlivingtoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/tesla_model_x_19-1.webp” alt=”tesla model x – relevant illustration” />

The “Burnout” Test

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Back when I was working 80 hours a week in corporate marketing, I hated my car. It was just another thing to manage. Now, I use the Model X to help my new life. I’ve even done a few “car-based” nutrition consultations via the built-in Zoom app while parked overlooking the ocean. It’s a mobile office that happens to go 0-60 in under 4 seconds.

✅ Key Takeaways

  • Air Quality
  • The HEPA filter is a legitimate health benefit for city dwellers. – Ease of Access
  • , not the seat stitching.
  • – Safety First
  • Use Full Self-Driving as a tool
  • , not a replacement for your eyes.

.

🔗 Affiliate Disclosure

I am a certified nutritionist and EV enthusiast sharing my personal experience. This review is not sponsored by Tesla, and I may earn a commission if you purchase products through links on this site.

Key Takeaways

  • Is the Tesla Model X Still Worth the Investment in 2026?
  • Who Should Actually Buy This Car?
  • Apply these insights to your specific situation

1.5rem
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;”>💬 Frequently Asked Questions
In my experience, yes, provided you stay on the Supercharger network. I drove from Santa Monica to Zion National Park last October. The car planned all the stops for me. that said,, you have to be okay with adding about 20% more time to your trip for charging. It’s a great time to stretch and do some breathwork, though!
I pay about $18 for a “full tank” using my home charger in Santa Monica, depending on the time of day. Compared to the $90+ I used to spend on premium gas for my SUV, the savings are massive. Over a year, I save roughly $2,400 on fuel alone.
Actually, they act like an umbrella! If it’s a light drizzle, you stay dry while loading the car. However, if there is water sitting on top of the car, it can sometimes drip into the cabin when the doors open. I always keep a microfiber towel in the door pocket just in case.

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