2026 Tesla Model S Review
76
out of 100
A-
#24 of 115 sedans · class median 63
Reliability43
25% of overall
Efficiency93
25% of overall
Economics84
50% of overall
What drives the score
Reliability — 43/100
NHTSA recall rate3.3 campaigns/yr 20
20 recall campaigns across 6 model years on record.
Documented owner issues1 major / 2 watch / 0 minor 44
Weighted from our hand-curated known-issues database for this model.
Battery degradation1.6% / yr 75
Measured curve for this model.
Efficiency — 93/100
EPA efficiency3.90 mi/kWh 91
Miles per kWh vs other sedans. Drives every cost figure on this site.
EPA range410 mi 99
Rated combined range. Expect 20-30% less in freezing weather.
Fast-charge speed117 mi / 10 min 91
Peak 250 kW, derated to a realistic 10-80% average.
Economics — 84/100
Energy cost per mile5.9¢/mi 91
80% home at 17¢/kWh, 20% public DC at 48¢/kWh (US averages).
Fuel savings vs gas rival$1,029/yr 83
Against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (E350) (27 MPG) at $3.92/gal, 12,000 mi/yr.
Battery value at risk$201/yr 65
Pack capacity lost each year, valued at $132/kWh replacement cost.
Road-trip charging cost$12.30 / 100 mi 91
Cost of 100 miles bought entirely at public DC fast chargers.
Ownership numbers at a glance
- Energy cost per mile
- 5.9¢
- Annual energy cost (12k mi)
- $713
- Fuel savings vs gas rival
- $1,029/yr
- Fast-charge speed
- 117 mi per 10 min
- Battery value lost per year
- $201
- NHTSA recall campaigns
- 20
Assumes 12,000 mi/yr, 80% home charging at $0.17/kWh and public DC at $0.48/kWh, gas at $3.92/gal. Scoring model v1.0.