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A dark gray 2021 Tesla Model X driving around a bend.

Buy the 2021 Tesla Model X, Not the 2021 Audi e-Tron

If you’re looking for a green, midsize luxury SUV, you’ve likely considered both the 2021 Tesla Model X and 2021 Audi e-Tron. Each SUV has a lot going for it. The Tesla X is full of the latest technology and the Audi e-Tron is known for its luxury. So which SUV is the better choice …

If you’re looking for a green, midsize luxury SUV, you’ve likely considered both the 2021 Tesla Model X and 2021 Audi e-Tron. Each SUV has a lot going for it. The Tesla X is full of the latest technology and the Audi e-Tron is known for its luxury. So which SUV is the better choice for you? Consumer Reports explored them both, and from their ratings it’s clear that the 2021 Tesla Model X is a better choice than the 2021 Audi e-Tron.

A dark gray 2021 Tesla Model X driving around a bend.
2021 Tesla Model X | Tesla

The Audi e-Tron has a better road test score, but a lower overall rating

The 2021 Audi e-Tron gets a 90 for its road test score, while the 2021 Tesla Model X gets an 83. However, the e-Tron’s overall score is lower. It only gets a 54 to the Model X’s 65. What’s the difference between the two luxury SUV road test scores?

Consumer Reports gives the 2021 Audi e-Tron a 5/5 for its acceleration. It can reach 0 to 60 in 6.3 seconds. Consumer Reports gives the 2021 Tesla Model X a 5/5 for its acceleration. It can reach 0 to 60 in a super fast 4.9 seconds. 

The e-Tron’s transmission scores a perfect 5/5. Routine handling receives a very good 4/5. However, the emergency handling rating is only a 3/5. The Audi e-Tron max avoidance speed is 50 mph. On the other hand, the Model X’s transmission scores a perfect 5/5. Routine and emergency handling both receive a very good 4/5. The Tesla Model X’s max avoidance speed is 54 mph.

Braking is very good in the e-Tron. It scores a 4/5 and can brake from 60 mph on wet pavement in 131 feet and dry pavement in 134 feet. Yet it is fantastic in the X. It scores a 5/5 and can brake from 60 mph on wet pavement in 127 feet and dry pavement in 135 feet. 

The Model X is more reliable

Consumer Reports gives the 2021 Tesla Model X just a 2/5 for its predicted reliability. Although there are no reliability ratings for 2020, 2019 shows a poor reliability rating. Major problem spots in the 2019 include the drive system, climate system, and suspension. Other major problem areas include paint and trim, as well as body integrity and body hardware. The power equipment in the 2019 Tesla Model X didn’t get a great rating, either. 

Consumer Reports gives the 2021 Audi e-Tron just a 1/5 for its predicted reliability. There are also no reliability ratings for 2020. However, 2019 shows a poor reliability rating. Major problem spots in the 2019 include the drive system and power equipment. Other problem areas include the brakes, electric system, and engine major. 

Owner satisfaction in the Tesla Model X is also better

Despite the Model X’s poor reliability rating, Tesla Model X owners seem to love their SUVs. The owner satisfaction score is a perfect 5/5. Owners give the driving experience a 95 and comfort a 76. Styling gets an 85. Value is only a 26. 82% of people would buy their Tesla Model X again.

That’s not to say that e-Tron owners hate their SUVs. The owner satisfaction rating for the e-Tron is very high, at a 4/5. Owners give the driving experience an 88 and comfort an 83. Styling gets a 93. Value is only a 21. 75% of people would buy their Audi e-Tron again. 

If you’re torn between the 2021 Tesla Model X and the 2021 Audi e-Tron, you can’t go wrong with the Model X. It combines an excellent road test rating with better reliability and owner satisfaction scores than the Audi e-Tron. However, it can’t help but be said that the e-Tron is fairly comparable, and if you have your heart set on an e-Tron, it’s not terribly different from the Model X.

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