off-road rating isn’t great—it only has a ground clearance of 6.6 inches. But thanks to its AWD powertrain and 471 pound-feet of torque, drivers can take the Tesla Model Y off road in certain situations.

Not every car should be taken off paved roads onto dirt paths and steep hills. A true off-road vehicle doesn’t just have a rugged exterior and large tires, it's fully built for off-road adventures and always ready to go.

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, is here to break down the Tesla Model Y off-road rating. Learn what a car needs to go off road—like ground clearance and all-terrain tires—and review alternatives to the Tesla if you’re looking for a vehicle better suited for rough terrain.

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Can the Tesla Model Y go off road?

The Tesla Model Y can go off road. While it can manage a variety of trails and environments, there are certain limitations.

This vehicle might not be the first car that comes to mind when you’re looking for an off-road vehicle, but it has several characteristics that make it a good fit.

With a starting price of $65,990, the Model Y is an expensive ride. That said, its performance, comfort, and safety can get the job done in the city and on some trails.You can also feel good about off-roading while being environmentally conscious.

Adventure driving means contending with roads that are rocky and unpredictable. You don’t always know what’s coming next. You need to be prepared and ensure that your vehicle can handle off-roading before hitting the trails.

The last thing you want is to damage your Model Y, especially if you also rely on itto drive to work.

Let’s review some of its key specs to determine if you should take the Tesla Model Y off road.

Ground clearance

To figure out if any car is suitable for off-roading, you need to first confirm its ground clearance. The Model Y’s minimum ground clearance is 6.6 inches. This is not great but you should still be able to drive on some trails.

Ideally, an off-roading vehicle should have between 8.8 and 10.8 inches of ground clearance. The higher a vehicle's minimum clearance, the less likely that its undercarriage will be damaged by rough terrain.

For comparison purposes, consider the 2021

Jeep Wrangler

. With its 9.7 inches of ground clearance, it can overcome most obstacles on most trails. The Tesla Model Y would need to be handled much more carefully.

Still, the Model Y is a fine car for adventure drivers.

Torque

To power through the rigors of rugged terrain, a car needs low-end torque. Low-end torque allows a vehicle to overcome hills or paths at low speeds.

As mentioned, the Tesla Model Y features 471 pound-feet of torque. This, combined with other features, should give you the peace of mind that your Model Y can make it home intact from an off-roading adventure.

Tires

Before heading out for an off-roading excursion, you must confirm that you have the right tires. The Tesla Model Y has 255/45R19 XL tires, which are fine for light off-roading. Even better would be to upgrade to the optional 20-inch wheels.

Tires are an often overlooked part of a car’s off-roading ability. Best-case scenario, you want tires that can handle your regular commute and also navigate the bumps of an unpaved road. This is why we recommend

all-terrain tires

, which are more than adequate for a range of driving situations.

However, all-terrain tires do not last as long as standard all-season tires. You’ll have to replace them more often. It’s worth it, though, if you intend to go off road, as the tread pattern will provide better traction on the trails.

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Drivetrain

Every off-roading excursion calls for all-wheel drive, which the Model Y has. This helps it achieve better handling and the power needed to avoid getting stuck.

Angles

When off-roading, the approach angle and departure angle of your vehicle also matter. These angles are defined as the following:

The approach angle is the maximum angle at which any vehicle can go up without any issues.

The departure angle is the maximum angle at which any vehicle can go down without any issues.

The approach angle for the Model Y is 11.1 degrees and its departure angle is 9.8 degrees. Neither provides enough room to traverse huge obstacles, but the Model Y should be fine on gravel roads and mellow trails.

Off-road rating: Rough and Ready

Jerry uses the DIRT rating system to figure out how off-road ready a car is. Here’s how each category breaks down.

Rating	Meaning	Description
D	Don’t Try It	Vehicles better suited to highway conditions
I	In a Pinch	Vehicles that can handle off-road conditions in certain circumstances
R	Rough and Ready	Vehicles designed for casual off-roading
T	Trail Boss	True off-road vehicles capable of tackling a range of terrain

The Model Y gets an R rating. It should have no problem with more casual paths and trails but is not appropriate for more challenging expeditions.

MORE:

The best old-school off-road vehicles

The best off-road alternatives to the Tesla Model Y

If you’re looking for an off-roading vehicle that’s ready for whatever you throw at it, the Tesla Model Y isn’t it.

Here are some alternatives to the Tesla Model Y:

Alternative	Model	Price	Description
Best affordable alternative	2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5	$39,950	At half the price, the IONIQ is a solid off-roading alternative thanks to its 168-hp electric motor.
Best eco-friendly alternative	2020 Audi e-tron	$77,400	While the Tesla Model Y is a friend to the environment, the Audi e-tron offers an even more conscientious option.
Best alternative for serious off-roading	2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E	$42,895	Even though it has less ground clearance, the Mustang Mach-E is a better off-road option due to its power and handling.

MORE:Cheap off-road trucks

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How to find affordable car insurance for off-road vehicles

Unsurprisingly, car insurance companies aren’t as enthused about off-roading as you might be. If you plan to spend your weekends on the trails, your car insurance rates will likely be high… but

Jerry

can help you out!

The Jerry app can scan quotes from over 50 of the nation’s top-rated providers to find you the best deal in minutes. Choose the policy and price that works best for you, and as

a licensed insurance broker

, Jerry will help you make the switch just as quickly and easily.

Jerry users save an average of $800+ annually on their car insurance, and it only takes a few seconds to download the app for free.

“
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saved me $80 a month! I have a Tesla Model Y and really wanted to lower my rates. And they did! I recommend you give this a shot!” —Nick M.

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