The honeymoon is over. Consumer Reports praised Tesla’s Model S to the skies in 2013, and again in 2014. Now however, the respected source of unbiased product reviews says that in spite of its “brag-worthy magic,” the Model X “largely disappoints.”

CR praised the electric SUV’s performance: “Despite its 5,400-pound weight, the X has warp-speed thrust, hitting 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. Driven sedately, our test car’s 90 kWh battery provided about 230 miles of range. Like the S, the Model X is very quick and handles well. Ride comfort and noise isolation aren’t as good as in the S, however.”

Unfortunately, the reviewers went on to list a litany of drawbacks. The X’s famous Falcon Wing doors “take their time to open and close,” and “are prone to pausing and stopping.” Unlike other SUVs, the second row of seats doesn’t fold down, which limits cargo-carrying ability [Update: Tesla has introduced seats that do fold flat as an option].

Most damning of all: “First-year reliability has been well below average.”

CR’s conclusion indicates that Tesla has a lot of work to do: “In spite of its virtues, the Model X’s complexity, compromised functionality, and dismal first-year reliability suggest that it’s a car for early adopters eager to one-up their peers.”

Source: Consumer Reports via MarketWatch
Image: Nathania Johnson – CC BY 2.0