Tesla Cybertruck Off-Road Test: A Full-Scale Adventure

The Tesla Cybertruck, with its angular design and stainless steel body, has been the center of attention ever since it was first unveiled. Despite its futuristic appearance, the question that still lingers for many is whether this electric pickup can truly hold its own in off-road conditions. Tesla has made bold promises regarding the Cybertruck’s capabilities, including its ability to handle rough terrains, but how well does it actually perform in real-world off-road scenarios? To answer that question, a comprehensive test was conducted in the rugged off-road environment of Johnson Valley, California. This test pitted the Cybertruck against its rival, the Rivian R1T, in a variety of off-road activities to determine which electric truck would come out on top.

Preparing the Cybertruck for Action

Before any serious off-roading began, the team had to ensure that both vehicles were ready for the challenges ahead. Tire pressure is crucial in off-roading, as lower pressure allows for better traction on loose surfaces like sand or dirt. For both trucks, the tire pressure was reduced from 50psi to 30psi to provide a better grip. Additionally, the team removed the Cybertruck’s wheel covers, knowing that they could be easily knocked off during intense off-roading. As the vehicles were prepped, a sense of anticipation grew – both trucks were about to face some of the harshest terrain imaginable.

The new off-road app for the Tesla Cybertruck was one of the most intriguing aspects of this test. This software suite includes a variety of off-road modes designed to optimize the vehicle’s performance on rugged surfaces. Crucially, it also enables the front and rear differential locks, which are essential for improving traction when one or more wheels lose grip. The team was eager to see if this new feature would help the Cybertruck live up to its off-road promises.

The Rock Crawl Challenge

The first major off-road challenge for the Cybertruck was rock crawling – a test of the vehicle’s suspension, traction, and overall durability on rocky terrain. The location chosen for this test was particularly gnarly, with large boulders and uneven surfaces that would test the truck’s limits.

Driving the Cybertruck up the rocky incline, the driver took full advantage of the off-road features available. With the differential locks engaged, the ride height set to ‘very high,’ and the optional ‘extract’ mode activated for an extra two inches of ground clearance, the Cybertruck was ready for the climb. The cruise control system also played a key role, as it allowed the driver to maintain a steady speed of 4mph while navigating the difficult rocks, adjusting the speed with the throttle and brake as needed. The spotter, positioned outside the vehicle, provided guidance to avoid obstacles and ensure a safe ascent.

Despite the weight of the vehicle and the tough terrain, the Cybertruck handled the challenge with surprising competence. The ride was smooth, with the suspension soaking up the bumps and rocks without significant damage. The team was impressed with the Cybertruck’s performance, as it crawled up the rocky terrain with relative ease, even when faced with obstacles that would challenge any traditional off-roading vehicle.

The Rivian R1T Takes Its Turn

With the Cybertruck successfully navigating the rock crawl, it was time for the Rivian R1T to take on the same obstacle. Unlike the Tesla, which relies on a mechanical system for traction control, the Rivian features four independent motors that allow for precise control of each wheel. The R1T was also equipped with a rock crawl mode, which automatically raised the ride height to its highest setting and engaged a hold button to prevent the truck from rolling backward on steep inclines.

The Rivian’s independent wheel control made the rock crawl easier in some respects, but it still had to contend with the rough terrain. The driver carefully navigated the rocks, with the truck handling the obstacles well, although it did experience a bit of a wobble as it ascended the steep incline. Overall, both trucks performed admirably in the rock crawling challenge, but the Rivian’s four-motor setup gave it a bit more flexibility in terms of wheel control.

Whoops and Suspension Test

Next on the agenda was the whoops – a series of undulating bumps designed to shake the vehicle and test its suspension. Whoops are notoriously difficult for any vehicle to handle, as they require both a robust suspension system and precise body control. The test would push the Cybertruck and Rivian R1T to their limits in terms of suspension durability and handling.

In Baja mode, the Cybertruck handled the whoops with surprising finesse. The suspension system, although stiffly sprung, allowed the vehicle to absorb the shocks and maintain control. As the driver increased speed, the Cybertruck’s performance improved, with the suspension working even better at higher speeds. The more the driver pushed the vehicle, the more confident the truck became, proving that it was capable of handling high-speed bumps without losing control.

The Rivian, on the other hand, took a different approach. While the suspension system was working well, the back wheels frequently lifted off the ground, creating a bouncier, less stable ride. However, the Rivian was able to maintain a faster pace, completing the whoops 20 seconds faster than the Cybertruck. Despite the Cybertruck’s superior suspension, the Rivian’s quicker pace gave it a slight advantage in this particular test.

The Jump: Testing Durability

After the whoops, the team decided to take things to the next level with a jump. Both trucks would launch off a dirt ramp and experience the thrill of airborne off-roading. The jump would be a true test of the trucks’ durability and their ability to handle extreme conditions.

The Cybertruck went first, launching off the ramp with a surprising amount of speed. The vehicle soared through the air and landed with a jarring thud, but the suspension absorbed the impact without issue. Despite the shock of landing, the Cybertruck seemed to handle the jump well, showcasing its ruggedness and ability to withstand significant punishment.

The Rivian followed, and while it didn’t quite reach the same height as the Cybertruck, it still managed an impressive jump. The truck landed smoothly, but the added weight of the tent on the back caused a slight shift in the vehicle’s balance. Despite this, the Rivian performed admirably, handling the jump without any major issues.

Sand Dunes: Power and Traction

The final test for both vehicles was the sand dunes, an environment where traction is key and power is essential. The loose, shifting sands provide a unique challenge, as the vehicles must maintain a delicate balance between speed and control. The Cybertruck and Rivian were both equipped with power modes specifically designed for off-road performance in sand.

The Cybertruck’s Baja mode allowed for thrilling slides through the dunes, with the rear wheels spinning freely as the truck drifted around. The truck’s stainless steel body glinted in the sunlight, adding to the sense of spectacle as it tore through the sand. The traction control kicked in when necessary, keeping the vehicle from digging too deep into the sand.

The Rivian also performed well in the dunes, although its handling was a bit more springy and less controlled than the Cybertruck’s. The four-motor system allowed the R1T to maintain a solid grip on the loose sand, but the bouncier suspension meant that the ride was less stable than the Cybertruck’s. Nevertheless, the Rivian was able to navigate the dunes with impressive speed and agility, proving that it could hold its own in the desert environment.

The Verdict: Which Truck Wins?

After a day of intense off-roading, the question remained: which truck was the true off-road champion? Both the Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T performed admirably, but the Cybertruck, with its new off-road software and differential locks, impressed the team with its versatility and ruggedness. It managed to conquer tough rock crawls, navigate the whoops with surprising control, and handle jumps and sand dunes with ease.

However, the Rivian’s four-motor system and quicker handling gave it an edge in certain areas, especially in terms of speed. While the Cybertruck demonstrated better suspension control, the Rivian was faster and more nimble in certain off-road scenarios.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference. The Cybertruck impressed with its sheer durability, while the Rivian excelled in handling and agility. Both trucks are capable of conquering any off-road challenge, but if you’re looking for a vehicle that can take on the most rugged terrains with ease, the Tesla Cybertruck is certainly a strong contender.