2022 Tesla Model S

2022 Tesla Model S Overview

Is the Tesla Model S a Good Car?

Yes, the Tesla Model S is a good car. It’s powerful and quick, and the Plaid variant is one of the fastest production cars in the world. Fuel economy estimates are impressive, and few EVs even approach this Tesla’s driving range.

The Model S is enjoyable to drive, with agile handling and a cushioned ride. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and there’s plenty of cargo space. However, a few other luxury electric cars have more convenient infotainment systems, and several have superior cabin quality.

Should I Buy the Tesla Model S?

The Model S is a great car, and it should be a top choice for buyers looking for a thrilling EV. However, Model S shoppers also need to have deep pockets because this Tesla carries an incredibly high starting price, even by luxury vehicle standards.

Find a 2022 Tesla Model S for sale near you »

Why You Can Trust Us: 45 Reviews Analyzed

We don’t base our car reviews on our personal opinions. Instead, we combine the findings of professional test drivers with data such as performance and interior specs and fuel economy estimates to give you a complete overview of every vehicle we rank.

This 2022 Model S review incorporates applicable research for all models in this generation, which launched for 2012.

U.S. News & World Report has been ranking the best cars, trucks, and SUVs since 2007, and our staff has more than 75 years’ worth of auto industry experience combined. To keep our reviews unbiased, we don’t accept expensive gifts or trips from car companies, and an outside company manages our advertising.

2021 vs. 2022 Tesla Model S: What's the Difference?

The 2022 Model S sees no major updates, which means there’s not much difference between it and the 2021 Model S .

Compare the 2021 and 2022 Model S »

Here are the key changes for the Tesla Model S over the last few years:

• 2022: no notable changes
• 2021: refreshed interior styling; high-performance Plaid trim debuts
• 2020: no notable changes
• 2019: longer-range 100-kWh battery became standard
• 2018: all-wheel drive made standard

If you're considering an older model, be sure to read our 2019 Model S , 2020 Model S , and 2021 Model S reviews to help make your decision. Also, check out our Best New Car Deals and Best New Car Lease Deals pages to learn about savings and discounts you can find on new vehicles.

Pricing

How Much is a 2022 Tesla Model S?

The Tesla Model S has a $94,990 starting price, making it more expensive than almost anything else in the luxury electric car segment. The Plaid trim costs $129,990. Few class rivals offer anything that costs as much as the Model S Plaid.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Tesla dealer.

Can I Lease the Tesla Model S?

Yes, Tesla offers lease options for its vehicles.

Tesla Model S Versus the Competition

Tesla Model S vs. Tesla Model X

The Tesla Model X is the answer to the question, “what if there was an SUV version of the Model S?” Both vehicles feature the same 100-kWh battery pack, electric all-wheel-drive system, and many of the same convenience and safety technologies. Their styling is similar inside and out as well. The Model X has a third row of seats and provides more cargo space, but the Model S has a longer range and a lower starting price.

Compare the Model S and Model X »

Tesla Model S vs. Porsche Taycan

The Porsche Taycan is among the biggest challengers to the Model S in the luxury electric car class. The Model S has a longer driving range and more passenger and cargo space, but the Taycan features a much more upscale interior with better fit and finish, despite a starting price that’s much lower (about $12,000) than the Tesla’s. The Porsche also feels more agile and fun to drive on switchback roads, though it can’t match the acceleration of the Model S.

Compare the Model S and Taycan »

Compare the Model S, Model X, and Taycan »

Model S Performance: You Have to See It to Believe It

Model S Motor

The base Model S comes with a 100-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and two electric motors; one motor powers the front wheels, while the other powers the rear wheels. The Plaid trim features an additional electric motor at the rear axle.

There’s no slowpoke in the Tesla Model S lineup. The base model can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds. It feels peppy when driving around town, and it supplies ample passing power on the highway, thanks to the immediate torque from its electric motors. The Plaid can rip from zero to 60 mph in a head-spinning 1.99 seconds, according to Tesla.

Model S MPGe

This Tesla earns great fuel economy estimates. In its base setup, it gets 124 MPG-equivalent in the city and 115 MPGe on the highway. With 19-inch wheels, the Model S Plaid gets 119/112 MPGe city/highway. Choose the 21-inch wheels, and the Plaid’s ratings drop way off, down to 102/99 MPGe.

For more information, read What Is MPGe?

What Is the Driving Range of the Tesla Model S?

The Model S’ maximum range varies by trim, but in any setup, this car gets excellent range for an EV. The standard Model S can go up to 405 miles, and the Plaid can go up to 396 miles. In either model, upgrading to 21-inch wheels drops the maximum range by a few dozen miles.

How Do You Charge the Tesla Model S?

A 48-amp onboard charger comes standard with the Model S. You can charge the Model S with a standard 20-foot cord that connects to a 120-volt household-style power outlet. An available adapter lets owners use a 240-volt outlet with a mobile connector. A home charging station offered by Tesla or third-party companies is another option.

While on the road, you can rapidly recharge the Model S using one of Tesla’s Supercharger stations. Tesla also includes an adapter for J1772 charging stations, and there’s an available adapter for CHAdeMO stations.

The Model S' charge port is located behind a flap at the leading edge of the driver’s side taillight. You can pop open this flap by pressing it with your finger or remotely by using the infotainment screen or mobile app. Simply plug-in the Model S using the designated charge cord, and it will begin charging. If charging at a Supercharger station, Tesla will automatically bill your account rather than requiring payment at the station.

How Long Does It Take to Charge the Tesla Model S?

As with any EV, charging times for the Model S vary according to the method used. Plugging in with a 240-volt household outlet or at a Level 2 public charging station can typically add 34 miles of driving range per hour of charge, which can essentially recharge the battery overnight.

Plugging in at one of Tesla’s Supercharger stations can provide up to 200 miles of range in 15 minutes. That said, Supercharging rates can vary based on factors such as ambient temperature and battery capacity.

Where Can I Charge the Tesla Model S?

The Model S can be charged at home or in public at a charging station. When on the go, you can use the navigation system to locate charging stations along your route. Currently, there are more than 30,000 Tesla Supercharger stations worldwide.

For more information, read Your Guide to the Tesla Supercharger Network

How Long Will the Tesla Model S’ Battery Last?

Tesla estimates its battery can last for between 300,000 and 500,000 miles. To maximize battery life, Tesla recommends keeping it plugged in to charge when you’re not planning on driving.

It’s also worth noting that battery degradation is greatly influenced by how the vehicle is used. For instance, a battery that is Supercharged once or twice a week will typically degrade at a quicker rate than one that is rarely fast-charged. Frequent driving with a low state of charge can also affect battery life, as can driving in particularly hot or cold temperatures.

Model S Ride and Handling

The Model S is a great car to drive. Its air suspension soaks up bumps and dips in the pavement, yielding a smooth and relaxing ride. The Model S feels stable around turns, and its steering is quick but fairly numb. The brakes are generally fine, but be sure to give them plenty of time to cool down after some aggressive acceleration.

How Fast Is the Tesla Model S?

The base Model S can dash from zero to 60 mph in a blistering 3.1 seconds. That's faster than most luxury sports cars . The high-performance Plaid variant can do even better. It can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 1.99 seconds, sprint through a quarter-mile in 9.23 seconds, and achieve a top speed of 200 mph. That makes the Model S Plaid one of the fastest cars in the world.

Is the Tesla Model S Available with All-Wheel Drive?

Every Model S comes standard with all-wheel drive.

Read more about performance »

Model S Interior: A Bit Disappointing, to be Honest

Model S Interior Quality

This Tesla’s biggest weakness is its fit and finish. Many other luxury rivals have better cabin materials and superior build quality.

Model S Infotainment, Bluetooth, and Navigation

The Model S’ touch-screen infotainment system has a relatively simple layout, but it’s tasked with handling almost all of the car’s functions, which can demand a lot of attention from drivers, especially since certain features require you to navigate through multiple menus. Also, unlike most other cars on the market, the Model S doesn’t offer Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

• Standard infotainment features: a 17-inch touch screen, navigation, HD Radio, a 22-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, five USB ports, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a rear-seat display, and wireless device charging for up to two smartphones
• Additional standard features: a panoramic sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a digital gauge cluster

Model S Cargo Space

Few class rivals come anywhere close to this Tesla’s cargo capacity. It provides about 28 cubic feet of space behind its rear seats and a total of 58 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. There’s an additional 5 cubic feet of storage space underneath the hood.

How Many People Does the Model S Seat?

The Model S seats five people. The front seats are comfy and fairly supportive, and there’s plenty of space for taller riders. The rear seats aren’t as spacious, but there’s still adequate room for adults to sit comfortably on shorter trips.

Model S and Child Car Seats

There are two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the Model S’ rear outboard seats and a tether anchor for the rear middle seat.

Read more about interior »

Model S Reliability

Is the Tesla Model S Reliable?

The 2022 Tesla Model S has a predicted reliability score of 75 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.

Tesla Model S Warranty

Tesla covers the Model S with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and an eight-year/150,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Read more about reliability »

2022 Tesla Model S Safety

Crash Test Results

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has crash tested the 2022 Model S.

Safety Features

Standard driver assistance features:

• Rearview camera
• Forward and side collision warning
• Pedestrian detection
• Forward automatic emergency braking
• Blind spot monitoring
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Adaptive cruise control

Available driver assistance features:

• Hands-free park assist
• Automated highway driving
• Automated lane change
• Summon (automated vehicle return from parking spot)

Model S Dimensions and Weight

The Model S is 16.3 feet long. Its curb weight ranges from 4,561 to 4,766 pounds.

Where Is the 2022 Tesla Model S Built?

Tesla builds the 2022 Model S in California.

Which Tesla Model S Model Is Right for Me?

The 2022 Tesla Model S comes in two trims: base and Plaid. The base model is the best bet for most shoppers. It costs considerably less than the Plaid trim, yet it still accelerates with astounding quickness and offers all of the same features.

Tesla Model S

The base Model S has a $94,990 starting price. It comes equipped with a lithium-ion battery pack, single-speed transmission, and dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. This setup yields an estimated driving range of 405 miles.

Standard features include an adaptive air suspension, synthetic leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, a panoramic sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, a digital gauge cluster, a 17-inch touch screen, navigation, HD Radio, a 22-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, five USB ports, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a second-row display, and wireless device charging for up to two smartphones.

Tesla’s Autopilot system also comes standard, and it includes blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, forward and side collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control.

Options include 21-inch wheels ($4,500) and different upholstery color combinations ($2,000 each). The available Full Self-Driving Capability package costs $12,000, and it adds automated highway driving and lane changing, hands-free parking, and automated return from a parking spot (or "summon"). More advanced capabilities like low-speed automated steering are expected to arrive via over-the-air updates in the coming years, pending regulatory approval.

Despite the names of some of these features, the Model S is not capable of fully autonomous driving. The driver is still responsible for safe operation of the vehicle at all times.

Tesla Model S Plaid

The Model S Plaid costs $129,990 and adds a third electric motor, which boosts the car's output to more than 1,000 horsepower (1,020, to be exact). The Plaid's zero-to-60 mph time improves to 1.99 seconds, while its top speed increases to 200 mph. Driving range is estimated at 396 miles. All standard and available features carry over unchanged.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Tesla dealer.

See 2022 Tesla Model S specs and trims »

The Final Call

The 2022 Tesla Model S delivers breathtaking acceleration, engaging driving dynamics, and fantastic fuel economy estimates. It also has ample room for people and cargo, as well as a longer driving range than most other EVs. It’s easy to see why the Model S sits near the top of our luxury electric car rankings. However, because of its high price and uninspiring interior quality, the Model S is no longer a slam-dunk choice in this class.

Don't just take our word for it. Check out comments from some of the reviews that drive our rankings and analysis.

• "Despite new competitors popping up in recent years, the Tesla Model S remains a top choice in premium electric sedans." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "Once the jewel of the Tesla lineup, the Model S is finally being challenged by more luxurious rivals, but it's still a formidable luxe-class EV." -- Car and Driver (2021)
• "The Tesla Model S is the electric luxury sedan that created the segment upon its debut in 2012. After almost a decade, competitors are still chasing the original, although the upcoming Lucid Air, backed by the original chief engineer of the Model S, may give the Tesla a run for its money. As it stands, only the Porsche Taycan can perform like the Model S, and the German can't compete with the Tesla's range." -- Motor Trend (2021)