Tesla has cultivated a range of models to cover all popular sales bases, with the Tesla Model X proving to be a great attempt to grab a thick slice of the red-hot SUV sector. However, Tesla has been suitably cautious and has also offered a crossover alternative in the form of the Tesla Model Y

. The Tesla Model Y, on the other hand, is the newer of the two vehicles, which was introduced in 2020. Both models, however, offer plenty of features that make them solid choices if one wants to dive deeper into the world of electric vehicle ownership.

Which one should you buy? Well, that may depend on what you need it for. Let's compare these cool Tesla forces.

The Tesla Model X is one of the oldest models in the Tesla series, launched in 2012, following the Tesla Model S.

The Tesla Model X is a newer version of the Tesla Model S, which was launched in 2011. However, as is often the case with Tesla production, the first car actually appeared on the road in 2015.

Despite early glitches with the car's signature Falcon Wing rear doors, which initially proved problematic, the Tesla Model X became one of the automaker's biggest success stories.

The Tesla Model Y is a newer car and to some extent stole the Model X's thunder. The Model Y offers customers a slightly smaller option, but retains the premium edge and performance appeal of the chunky SUV.

The Tesla Model Y will make its first appearance in 2020, and while newer than the Model X, it features a leaner look and slightly more refined feel than the Model X.

Tesla Model X long-range vehicles can be ordered starting at $104,990 for the long-range model. However, you will pay a significant premium for the plaid Model X, which currently has a base price of $119,990. It does, however, have the advantage of seating for seven and an all-wheel-drive powertrain.

The Tesla Model Y is still quite inexpensive even after this price increase. However, you will pay at least $58,900 for the long-range model and $63,990 for the fast performance option.

Both of these cars feature dual-motor configurations with all-wheel drive. As with any Tesla, the selection of options can add a lot of extra cost to the final order.

Tesla has been making regular adjustments to its product line, and even though the Tesla Model Y is a newer model, it too recently underwent something of a mild refresh. Although relatively minor, the newer models have some sort of auto-dimming mirrors, similar to those seen in the Model 3 refresh.

Other refinements are relatively minor, with the silver trim on the steering wheel barely noticeable, but the laminated window glass is a bit more substantial. The glove box also features a USB port and a storage device with a Tesla logo.

The Tesla Model X is probably still the model to go for if you want a bona fide SUV with all the space that comes with it. In fact, it seats up to seven people if you choose a specific seating configuration when you order.

Tesla's Model Y, which seats five in the Performance Edition, is still spacious but does not offer the same accommodating interior. However, this design is now also available in a seven-passenger option, which can be ordered in the Long Range Edition.

As for overall interior cargo space, it is not surprising that the bulkier Tesla Model X has 91 cubic feet compared to the Model Y's 68 cubic feet.

Improvements have also been made to the interior trim, with carbon fiber finishes adding to the luxurious feel. Most notable is the yoke steering wheel, which looks like it was brought over from a commercial airliner.

If infotainment is your thing, the Model X has a 17-inch touchscreen, more impressive than the Model Y's 15-inch display. And it's sideways-facing. The Model X also has a second touchscreen for rear-seat passengers.

If you plan on sitting in the car for long periods of time, the Model X can be a game console of sorts.

Whichever Tesla model you choose, you will enjoy the same exceptional performance. The Tesla Model X is available in a dual-motor all-wheel-drive model or, if more power is needed, a more powerful triple-motor plaid powertrain.

Given its overall size, this SUV is quite powerful. The long-range model comes with 670 horsepower, a top speed of 155 mph, and a 0-60 mph time of just 3.8 seconds. It also has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, making it a great option for many who spend time outdoors.

The Tesla Model X Plaid edition, however, gives you just the beans, with peak power of 1,020 hp, a 0-60 mph time of just 2.5 seconds, and a top speed of 163 mph. 5,000 pounds of towing capacity also remains, but the range is reduced by 20 miles.

The Tesla Model Y is no slouch either. There are subtle differences between the Long Range AWD Edition and the Performance Package.

The Performance has a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds, a top speed of 155 mph, and a range of 303 miles. The long-range AWD vehicle is a bit less performance-oriented, although it is quite zingy, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds, a top speed of 135 mph, and a range of 318 miles.

All of Tesla's lineups tend to offer great range, and the Tesla Model X and Tesla Model Y follow suit. The Model X comes in two variants: the Long Range and the Plaid Edition. The former currently has a maximum range of 332 miles, while the latter has a range of 313 miles.

The Tesla Model Y, on the other hand, now has a Performance Edition and a Long Range AWD model. Curiously, both cars are equipped with the so-called Long Range Battery, with the Performance model offering an estimated 303 miles. The Long Range AWD model promises about 318 miles, but calculations are based on EPA estimates for the U.S. market.

Given the long history of the Tesla Model X and the relative newcomer that is the Tesla Model Y, the two vehicles share quite a few similarities. Nevertheless, the Model X comes with exterior driver aids such as heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a wiper blade defroster and washer nozzle heater for owners who live in colder regions.

Both vehicles feature an impressive HEPA air filtration system that Tesla has dubbed "Bioweapon Defense Mode." Previously available only on the Model X (and Model S), the system will now be standard on all Tesla vehicles.

Given that Tesla is constantly updating its lineup, other features that are currently only available on the Model X may soon be available on the Model Y as well. And vice versa.

Although the Tesla Model X has been around for several years, it is still relevant and does not feel like a long time at all. In fact, in many ways, it is ahead of the game by its ability to pack three rows of seats into a well-equipped SUV, and continues to prove very popular with many buyers.

The Tesla Model Y follows suit, putting the automaker in a prime position to attract new EV buyers. After all, not everyone wants a big SUV these days. While sales of the Tesla Model X still look encouragingly strong, the Tesla Model Y seems to see the potential for many electric vehicle conversions in its more restrained crossover appeal.