In 2017, the Tesla Model X was reported to have earned five stars in every NHTSA crash-test category and subcategory. That is a notable historical result—not proof that every Model X has the same rating or that it is the safest SUV on sale today. NHTSA ratings depend on model year and variant, and its test program has since been updated.
What the 2017 five-star claim means
MotorTrend reported on June 13, 2017, that the Model X earned five stars overall and in every category and subcategory in NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings program. The report described it as the first SUV to receive top ratings across the board. That statement belongs to the testing and reporting context of 2017; it is not a current, all-market ranking.
MotorTrend also reported Tesla’s claim that the Model X had a 93 percent chance of occupants walking away without a serious injury. That figure was attributed to Tesla and was not independently validated in the reviewed sources. It should not be read as a personal guarantee or a prediction for any particular crash.
What NHTSA’s stars measure
NHTSA’s program assesses frontal-crash, side-crash, and rollover safety beyond federal minimum requirements. One star is the lowest score and five stars the highest. The overall rating combines injury-risk probabilities for frontal and side crashes with projected rollover injury risk, weighted to reflect the share of real-world injuries associated with each crash type. NHTSA summarizes the scale as: “More stars mean safer cars.”
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems#1 Best Overall
- Brand: Matchbox
- Batteries required: False
- Batteries included: False
Five stars are the top score within this testing program, not an unlimited ranking that proves one vehicle is safest in every real-world situation. NHTSA also notes that a high-rated vehicle may still have a separately identified safety concern. Ratings and safety-concern records answer different questions, so check both for the vehicle you are considering. See NHTSA’s Car Safety Ratings guidance.
Does every Model X have the same rating?
No. A rating applies to the model year and variant tested, not automatically to every Model X. Tesla’s safety page cautions that ratings can vary by trim and model year and that not all variants have been tested. Use the exact vehicle details when checking results; a broad reference to “the Model X” may conceal differences in applicability.
Rank #2
How to check an NHTSA rating for a specific Model X
- Identify the vehicle’s model year and exact trim or variant. Use the vehicle’s documentation or identification details rather than assuming the 2017 report applies.
- Open NHTSA’s Car Safety Ratings page and search for the relevant make, model, and model year.
- Confirm that the result matches the vehicle variant you are evaluating. If a specific variant has no rating shown, do not infer that it received the same score as another version.
- Review the frontal, side, rollover, and overall results, along with any safety-concern information displayed for that vehicle.
- For additional test and variant data, consult NHTSA’s datasets and APIs. NHTSA describes these resources as including test data and information for vehicle-specific lookup.
How to compare the Model X with another SUV
NHTSA’s comparison rules differ by rating type. Applying them avoids treating stars as a single universal league table.
- Frontal and overall ratings: compare only vehicles in the same NHTSA class and within 250 pounds of one another.
- Side and rollover ratings: NHTSA says these ratings can be compared across vehicle classes.
- Test year and coverage: check which procedures and technologies were included for each model year. A star rating earned under an earlier program is not necessarily a direct comparison with a result under a later one.
- Variant and safety concerns: verify that each rating applies to the exact trim or variant, and check any separately listed safety concerns.
Why the 2017 result is not a current “safest SUV” verdict
The 2017 report described the Model X as having the lowest probability of injury among SUVs NHTSA had tested at that time. That historical comparison does not establish how the Model X ranks against every SUV on sale now, nor does the reported five-star result show that every model year and trim has been tested or rated identically.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchRank #3
- Hot Wheels Tesla Model Y, HW Green Speed 1/10 [Gray] 37/250
The rating program also evolves. On November 18, 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced updates that would add evaluation of several driver-assistance technologies and pedestrian protection to NHTSA’s consumer safety program. That change is another reason to check the exact model year and the tests included rather than treating a 2017 result as a present-day market comparison.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Authenticity: Official Matchbox 1:64 scale die-cast model of the Tesla Model X SpaceX Crew Transport Vehicle.
- Detailed Design: Meticulously crafted to capture the iconic features and styling of the real-life electric SUV.
- Collectible Item: Part of a limited production run, making it a must-have for Tesla and SpaceX enthusiasts.
- Compact Size: Measuring approximately 3 inches in length, perfect for display or play.
- Quality Construction: Die-cast metal body ensures durability and a premium look and feel.
Rank #4
![Mattel Hot Wheels Tesla Model Y, HW Green Speed 3/10 [Blue] 15/250](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/411Te-Xv6bL._SL160_.jpg)
- Made In Malaysia
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
