The Tesla Model S is, in many ways, the OG electric vehicle, even though EVs such as the Nissan Leaf and the Tesla Roadster went on sale before it. The fact is, the Model S created a new benchmark for technology, EV range, and performance that essentially launched the era of the modern electric car.
The Model S was novel and futuristic when it came on the scene in 2012, thanks to its 17-inch infotainment screen, minimalist interior, and lack of buttons. Those early cars are, remarkably, still in step with vehicles being produced today, and it took rival brands a long time to catch up with other Model S features, such as its fast-charging capacity and advanced driver-assistance features. Even today, a new Tesla Model S holds its own among newer, more modern competitors such as the Audi e-tron GT, the Porsche Taycan, and the Mercedes-Benz EQS.
Tesla has made only modest design changes to the Model S over its 15-year lifespan, so older examples look very similar to the ones being produced today. Constant tech and spec updates have kept it competitive, though, and over-the-air updates mean that any Model S will have the latest software that its hardware will support. All of this is good news for the used-car buyer.
Tesla eschews much of traditional automotive culture, eschewing dealerships in favor of direct-to-consumer sales and purposefully ignoring model-year cycles. The Model S is more of a software-driven vehicle and, like a smartphone, the automaker rolls out changes when they're ready, rather than waiting for one big annual update. Thus, as you look at the various years the Tesla Model S is available, you’ll notice that one year could have multiple battery packs, different model names, and new standard features at various times of the year.
Slated to be discontinued in 2026, the Tesla Model S and the Tesla Model X are the oldest vehicles in the current lineup. The smaller Tesla Model 3 started production in 2017, and the corresponding Tesla Model Y SUV was introduced in 2020. The most recent addition is the Cybertruck, which was introduced in late 2023.
Our buying guide looks at how the Model S has changed over time, the best and worst versions to buy, and how much you can expect to pay for one.
Tesla Model S Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Tesla Model S Pros and Cons
- Tesla Model S Generations
- Tesla Model S First Generation (2012–Present)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Tesla Model S years are the best?
We generally recommend that you look at newer versions of the Model S (with some exceptions), because a lot of the earlier glitches have been worked out and you see better real-world range. If you’re looking for something a little older, 2018 and 2019 have fewer consumer complaints and recalls on the NHTSA.gov website than anything that came before them. Otherwise, 2024 and 2025 have the fewest recalls to date, and according to Consumer Reports, better-than-average owner satisfaction ratings. As a new car, the Model S comes with a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and an eight-year/150,000-mile battery and drive unit warranty.
What are the worst Tesla Model S years?
The single worst year for the Tesla Model S appears to be 2021, which has 23 recalls and 170 consumer complaints according to the NHTSA.gov website. Consumer Reports also gives this year the lowest predictive reliability score we’ve ever seen. Outside of that, we generally recommend steering clear of the earliest Model S years due to niggles such as electrical problems, suspension issues, and door handle failures.
Is a used Tesla Model S a good deal?
A used Tesla Model S can be a good deal, especially if you’re willing to go back a few years. Prices for a 2018 example are a quarter of the original MSRP. At this age, you should be able to find a used Model S for less than $30,000. Even if you’re looking at cars from 2022, prices are about 50% of what the Model S cost when it was new. Prices start to climb for post-2022 cars, but it can still be considered a good deal when you’re paying $20,000 to $30,000 less than the original sticker price.
Tesla Model S Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Impressive range
- Advanced technology
- Sports car-style acceleration
Cons:
- No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
- Poor build quality
- Weird steering yoke in some models
Tesla Model S Generations
Tesla Model S First Generation (2012–Present)
The prototype for the Tesla Model S debuted in 2009, a year after Tesla started selling its first vehicle, the low-volume Roadster. But it took three more years for Tesla to begin producing and selling the Model S. When this luxury electric sedan finally entered the market, it was revolutionary in offering more than 200 miles of EV range, a minimalist interior and an exterior design more influenced by aerodynamics than by fashion. At the time, the Nissan LEAF hatchback, which offered less than 80 miles of range, was one of the only other electric vehicles sold in the U.S..
At launch, the Tesla Model S was equipped with an 85-kWh battery pack and promised 265 miles of range. It also sported a huge (for the time) 17-inch infotainment screen, while the long wheelbase and clever packaging provided generous interior space. All original models were rear-wheel-drive only. In 2013, it offered 60-kWh battery pack models with less range. The 60-kWh models delivered 302 hp, and the 85-kWh models 362 hp or 416 hp, depending on whether you opted for the Performance model.
The original Tesla Model S, billed as a luxury vehicle, was equipped with heated front seats, leatherette seating surfaces, a seven-speaker 200-watt audio system, power-adjustable front seats, and two USB ports. This first-gen Model S also offered unlimited free supercharging at the Tesla Supercharger network. The standard 17-inch infotainment touchscreen controlled climate, entertainment, and various vehicle functions. Additionally, the Model S lacked a stop/start button, and instead turned on as soon as drivers sat in their seat and put their foot on the brake. These two features were novel at the time, and now we see them regularly in EVs.
Factory options for this era of Model S included a panoramic glass roof, Nappa leather seats, a 12-speaker premium audio system, HID headlights, navigation, a backup camera, a power liftgate, active air suspension, and rear-facing jump seats (big enough for children only).
Tesla doesn’t really follow a model year strategy. It offers updates when they are available rather than as a part of a big model-year release, which makes tracking changes and generations difficult. A dual-motor AWD drivetrain with “Insane” acceleration became available toward the end of 2014. Then in 2015, the 60 kWh models were phased out in favor of a new 70 kWh battery pack that delivered 329 horsepower and 240 miles of range. At this time, Tesla also started phasing out the 85 kWh option for the 90 kWh battery pack, which offers “Ludicrous” high-performance mode with 762 hp, up to 270 miles of range and between 417 and 691 non-Ludicrous horsepower for the regular and Performance models, respectively. Vehicles started to be equipped with Autopilot hardware in late 2014, with a software update in late 2015 activating Autopilot features.
Many consider the Tesla Model S to exist in one continuous generation with ongoing software updates, but the first major refresh occurred in 2016. At this time the black “grille” was replaced by a body-colored nose. The headlights are also redesigned and now include full-LED adaptive beams.
Other changes that came online in late 2016 include the addition of the 100-kWh battery and Autopilot Hardware 2.0. This year is a mess of battery packs with 60-, 70-, 75-, 85-, 90-, and 100-kWh versions being sold all at once, so be sure to look at any used-car listings carefully to understand what you’re buying.
Standard features include 12-way power adjustable seats, heated front seats, navigation, a high-definition rear-view camera, leatherette seating surfaces, and two USB ports. Available features include a panoramic glass roof, Nappa leather seats, premium audio, Autopilot, lighted door handles, a power rear liftgate, active air suspension, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and heated washer nozzles.
In 2017, Tesla began phasing out the 60-kWh battery pack models it had reintroduced in 2016. In 2018, the range was simplified to standard all-wheel drive and two battery pack options: 75- and 100-kWh. Tesla also started to limit its free supercharging to 400 kWh per year. That year also saw some quiet tech upgrades with faster screen processing and better navigation.
In 2019, the 100-kWh battery pack became standard, though you do still see some 2019 75-kWh battery models for sale. Plus, model names were simplified to Long Range and Performance, with Long Range models jumping up to about 370 miles of range. All Model S vehicles being equipped with the “Full Self-Driving Computer,” laying the groundwork for the FSD Beta that was released in 2020. The last year of this second generation received few changes, but it is generally considered a great year thanks to better fit and finish and fewer software glitches. Autopilot is now standard, and the Model S sees new 200-kWh V3 Supercharger compatibility for faster charging.
In 2021 the Model S received its biggest update yet in the shape of the ‘Palladium’ refresh (Tesla gives its model updates names, rather than model year, designations). In addition to minor exterior design changes there was an all-new interior featuring a yoke steering wheel. The powertrain was also overhauled, with a new battery pack and motors bringing increased efficiency, range, and power.
The base Long Range version features dual electric motors and all-wheel drive. The new Tesla Model S Plaid model featured three electric motors (one up front and two in back) and standard AWD, delivering an eye-popping 1,020 horsepower. Range for these two models is 405 miles and 348 miles, respectively.
Standard features include vegan leatherette seats, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, adaptive air suspension, glass roof, wiper blade defrosters, heated windshield washer nozzles, a heated steering wheel, Wi-Fi connectivity, wireless phone charging, a premium 22-speaker, 560-watt audio system, adaptive cruise control, and a blind spot monitor. Available features include the Full Self-Driving Capability (FSD) Package, which includes self parking, the Smart Summon valet, and hands-free highway driving. Apple CarPlay or Android Auto phone mirroring are not available at all.
From 2022 through 2025, the Model S received mostly software upgrades, rolling out Autopilot HW4 in 2022 and making constant improvements via over-the-air (OTA) releases, with a focus on autonomy and FSD. Other OTA software updates in this period include navigation enhancements, user interface changes, battery optimizations, and feature unlocks. In 2023, the Long Range model became the Standard model, and a regular steering wheel became an option. In 2025, the Model S got another refresh that brought some minor cosmetic changes, a new forward-facing camera in the front bumper, improved suspension, and a quieter cabin. Maximum range for the base Model S increased to 410 miles, making it the longest-range Model S, with the Plaid rated at 368 miles. Top speed for the Plaid model dropped from 200 mph to 149 mph. Tesla announced plans to discontinue the Model S in 2026.
If you’re looking for a used 2012-2016 Tesla Model S, you can expect to pay anywhere from about $9,000 for a high-mileage car to about $30,000 for a low-mileage model. Budget for at least $11,000 for one that’s covered less than 100,000 miles.
Prices for used 2016-2021 Model S sedans range from about $11,000 to $43,000, although there are some high-mileage examples that have dropped below the $10,000 barrier. The updated post-2021 models start at about $32,000 and go all the way up to more than $100,000.
