2020 Tesla Model S Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Tesla’s groundbreaking all-electric sedan is now in its eighth model year, and it remains at the cutting edge of electric vehicles when it comes to range and performance. Though its body and interior no longer project a “future is here” vibe, they’re certainly not dated. And as sedans go, the Model S will easily fill the void left by most any gasoline-powered luxury sedan, provided the owner is willing to submit to the limitations of electric charging.
Several trims are available: The Performance variant offers an EPA-estimated 348 miles of range and a claimed zero-to-60 time of 2.4 seconds, while the Long Range model ups range to 390 miles, according to Tesla. That model requires an estimated 3.7 seconds to hit 60 mph, however. Though it’s not listed on Tesla’s website, the EPA says Tesla is offering a Standard Range Model S with 287 miles of range. Expect between 97 and 111 MPGe combined depending on the trim and wheel size. Tesla says its superchargers can replenish up to 130 miles of range in 15 minutes, but that rate slows considerably to 44 miles of range per hour using Tesla’s home charger. Charge status and time remaining can be monitored using the Tesla smartphone app.
Every Model S has all-wheel drive (AWD) and uses two electric motors, one powering the front axle and one powering the rear axle. Adaptive air springs and 19-inch wheels are standard, while 21-inch wheels are optional.
Inside the Model S looks modern, even if it’s not as edgy as it was when it debuted. The 17-inch vertically oriented touchscreen all but eliminates the need for dedicated buttons. But in Tesla’s quest for modernity it eliminated the “Start” button, which some drivers might miss initially. Heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a glass roof are standard.
But the Model S’s key technology is its Autopilot driver-assist feature, which Tesla claims will handle automated driving on freeways between on- and off-ramps. All Teslas come with the hardware for full self-driving capability on surface streets, according to Tesla, but enabling it is a $7,000 option. Expect the system to be subject to both hardware limitations and good judgment.
Being a designed-from-the-ground-up electric vehicle gives the Model S distinct advantages over other vehicles in several areas. All of the Model S’s batteries are housed in the floor, which yields a low center of gravity that helps combat the weight they add over an equivalent gas-powered sedan. Packaging, too, benefits from the Model’s S’s smart design. It has ample cargo room (28 cubic feet) plus a large front trunk. The Model S’s second-row seats fold flat, but Tesla has done away with the rear-facing third-row jump seat.
This year the Model S finally has real competition from the Porsche Taycan sedan, which offers similar performance though with slightly less range and at a significantly higher cost.
Published Jun 1, 2022 by Josh Jacquot
User reviews for 2020 Tesla Model S
Write a reviewUser rating:
by David E. M
Jul 29, 2024
Love the car, great choice , performed better than expected. Jul 29, 2024
by william o
Jun 06, 2024
This 2020 Model S is an excellent sedan Performance is superior and controls are excellent. This car handles like a sports car with excellent road handling. Clearly this is a drivers car.Jun 06, 2024
by Stephen C
May 13, 2024
Excellent in terms of Safety and Technology Combined with Extra Range of the Long Range Plus as well as gigantic trunk space! What more could you ask for in an EV? May 13, 2024
User rating:
by David E. M
Jul 29, 2024
Love the car, great choice , performed better than expected. Jul 29, 2024
by william o
Jun 06, 2024
This 2020 Model S is an excellent sedan Performance is superior and controls are excellent. This car handles like a sports car with excellent road handling. Clearly this is a drivers car.Jun 06, 2024
by Stephen C
May 13, 2024
Excellent in terms of Safety and Technology Combined with Extra Range of the Long Range Plus as well as gigantic trunk space! What more could you ask for in an EV? May 13, 2024
by Tim H
Dec 26, 2023
Yes, good value on settled price and I’ve been looking for a year for this exact one.Dec 26, 2023
by Winfred J
Sep 28, 2023
It’s amazing. I think it’s a good value. I don’t know what it’s missing yet but so far nothing. It’s is like a Tesla model X. I will get that I’m the Future Sep 28, 2023
by Lynne M
Jul 04, 2023
I like the style and the features. Missing some perks that my Lexus ES350 used to have, like cooled seats, auto unlock when I am near the car with key fob, extensive, customizable interior lighting, cabin storage space. But good points are drivability, range on full charge is equivalent to range on a full tank in my Lexus, extensive trunk space, other nice features. Good value. Jul 04, 2023
by Robb V
Jun 08, 2023
The dash screen is vertical instead of horizontal, there is a full steering wheel instead of the 2022 model S 1/2 wheel , no Apple or Android Play and the dash screen requires a subscription to integrate the music and maps apps. The air suspension system does not elevate as designed when the parking-lot / parking speed is obtained, leaving the front panels at a height that collides with curbs and wheel stops. The suspension/ride dampening does not make for a smooth ride on any road with an uneven surface. There is excessive tire noise when driving over less that perfect surface roads.
Everthing else functions as designed and advertised.Jun 08, 2023
by Anonymous
Jan 21, 2023
You can take long family drives without pumping exhaust into the air. You can drive an American-built car. Tesla collects user data, so millions of miles of driving contributes to the future of driverless car development.
It might not need any maintenance or adjusting. Driving without that nagging guilt about exhaust is great. The interior is just FINE. It may not be like a luxury yacht, but it’s more comfortable on long drives than many cars. The driver assist functions are sometimes restful and sometimes fun even though the autosteer isn’t ready for prime time yet (it’s in Beta) and the collision avoidance occasionally will beep out a warning when there’s nothing to be afraid of, but you’ll be a little safer than you were. And those features will improve, software upgrade by software upgrade so by the time the car is old, it will really help. The software upgrades promise the strange feeling of the car not getting old or obsolete and missing out on new features. The acceleration is awe-inspiring. It contributes significantly to safety when changing lanes, moving into a spot in the traffic from an on-ramp, turning onto a country road from a stop sign, getting away from trucks on the highway at night and getting away from a driver who’s weaving. And it’s fun to pull (so quietly) away from the crowd when a light turns green.
Its much less expensive per mile than gas. No oil filters, exhaust pipes, mufflers, catalytic converters, spark plugs, intake filters, radiators, fan belts, distributors to fail.
You may feel like you’re participating in an exciting and worthwhile new development. You may enjoy being part of something positive and revolutionary and American Jan 21, 2023
by Anonymous
Mar 27, 2022
Safe steering wheel. Very dangerous and they should give you the choice when you buy the car. But now they should fix it before people have accidents. They will lose every law suit over this mistake.Mar 27, 2022
by Howard B
Mar 05, 2022
Awesome car! I only wanted black exterior and beige cream interior and 100 Kwh (largest battery). My search took 2+ months, but Im thrilled. This is a 2020 with Full Service Drive (FSD) with Ludicrous, both added benefits, and it was fairly priced. I flew to Dallas and drove it back to San Diego.Mar 05, 2022
by Rich M
Jan 01, 2022
I still haven’t figured out all the features. But it is great fun to drive. Drove several Lexus ES cars for many years, and the S is a similar size. My first EV, so I haven’t fully decided if I will find that to be really good or inconvenient yet. I think I got a good deal on it at $88k and 9k miles. Jan 01, 2022
by Anonymous
Jul 31, 2021
It’s an all around fun car to drive. The handling is pretty impressive. I don’t regret the purchases one bit. Jul 31, 2021
by BG T
Mar 08, 2021
Drives like a dream and feels comfortable. Mar 08, 2021
by Anonymous
Feb 09, 2021
Ordered for delivery in March. Pricey but will save you money on gas and servicing. Runs great. Supposed to get 420 miles to charge. Lots of technology. Fun to drive. Feb 09, 2021
by Mark G
Jul 03, 2020
This is one of the best EVs on the market with superior range (rated for 400 miles plus) Handling is also great with active suspension. This is a hi-tech car with constant downloads to the software to make it even better. All that said, it is in serious need of a re-design from a body standpoint. the interior is very nice but not what you would expect from a $100k plus car compared to others in this price range. But as I said from a technology standpoint for EVs no
one comes close. Jul 03, 2020
What users have asked
some said i shouldnt sand my tires?
someone said I should sand my tires down, you should right? , it's like seeing your reflection in metal that's how you know its clean
38 views
why wont my electric car accept gas
I drive a tesla model s 2020 and in the electric charging port where I put gas it won't go in and has broken down at the gas station please help
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2020 Tesla Model S?Compare this car
2020 Tesla Model S Pricing
Original MSRP
$69,420 to $91,990Price range
$30,985 to $32,455Average price on CG
$31,391YoY price change
$32,455 to $31,391Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · TuneIn internet radio · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 11 · Watts: 560
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 14.0 · Front brake width: 1.26 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.4 · Rear brake width: 1.1 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: leatherette · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leatherette
Convenience Features
Adaptive stop and go cruise control: fully automated · Camera System: Front · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 9.33
Engine
EV battery capacity: 100 kWh · EV on-board charger rating: 11.5 kW · Electric Charge Cord: 240 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 518 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 386 · Electric Motor Torque: 487 · Electric motor charger connector: Tesla (SAE J3400) · Electric motor charging time: 12 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 391
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color with chrome accents · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 17 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low battery
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Sunroof: panoramic
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Dash camera: side recording · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash · Traffic sign recognition: adaptive speed limiting
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.0
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: height · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: double wishbones · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Tesla App · Smart device app function: security event/collision alert · Wifi: hotspot compatible
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · TuneIn internet radio · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 11 · Watts: 560
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 14.0 · Front brake width: 1.26 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.4 · Rear brake width: 1.1 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leatherette
Convenience Features
Adaptive stop and go cruise control: fully automated · Camera System: Front · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: audio system · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 9.33
Engine
EV battery capacity: 100 kWh · EV on-board charger rating: 11.5 kW · Electric Charge Cord: 240 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 518 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 386 · Electric Motor Torque: 487 · Electric motor charger connector: Tesla (SAE J3400) · Electric motor charging time: 12 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 373
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color with chrome accents · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 17 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low battery
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Sunroof: panoramic
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Dash camera: side recording · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash · Traffic sign recognition: adaptive speed limiting
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.0
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Tesla App · Smart device app function: maintenance status · Wifi: hotspot compatible
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · TuneIn internet radio · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 11 · Watts: 560
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 14.0 · Front brake width: 1.26 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 14.4 · Rear brake width: 1.1 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: leatherette · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leatherette
Convenience Features
Adaptive stop and go cruise control: fully automated · Camera System: Front · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 9.73
Engine
EV battery capacity: 100 kWh · EV on-board charger rating: 11.5 kW · Electric Charge Cord: 240 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 762 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 568 · Electric Motor Torque: 687 · Electric motor charger connector: Tesla (SAE J3400) · Electric motor charging time: 12 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 348
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color with chrome accents · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: carbon fiber · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 17 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: low battery
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Sunroof: panoramic
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Dash camera: side recording · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash · Traffic sign recognition: adaptive speed limiting
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.0
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: coil over shock · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Tesla App · Smart device app function: security event/collision alert · Wifi: hotspot compatible
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation