Should You Take the Tesla Cybertruck Off Road?
With its powerful drivetrain and low center of gravity, the Tesla Cybertruck has some serious off-road chops.
The
Tesla
Cybertruck is the most powerful vehicle ever built by the brand—claiming to offer better utility than a standard truck and more performance than your average sports car. Its powerful drivetrain and low center of gravity create ideal traction for off-roading adventures.If you’re looking for an off-road vehicle, a Tesla probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. The brand is associated with luxury, advanced technology, and all-electric powertrains—not with rocky and muddy terrains. The Cybertruck, however, changes all of that.
Jerry
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for car insurance
savings and more, has all the specs on the Tesla Cybertruck’s off-roading capabilities—including key factors like ground clearance, torque, and tires. We’ll also discuss some comparable alternatives if the Cybertruck isn’t for you.RECOMMENDED
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Can the Tesla Cybertruck go off-road?
Absolutely—the Tesla Cybertruck was designed with both utility and performance in mind, and every component of the vehicle contributes to its super strength and endurance.
Plus, with a starting MSRP of $39,900 for the base model, the Tesla Cybertruck is surprisingly affordable. Upgrading won’t break the bank either—the Dual Motor all-wheel drive version starts at $49,900, while the Tri Motor all-wheel-drive Cybertruck starts at $69,900. That’s not bad for a luxury truck of the future!
Let’s take a look at the key specs that make the Cybertruck suitable for unpaved roads.
Ground clearance
For those eager to go on off-roading adventures, ground clearance is one of the most important numbers to keep in mind. All Cybertrucks have an adjustable air suspension that can be raised or lowered on the fly and provides up to 16 inches of ground clearance.
Experts recommend between 8.8 and 10.8 inches of ground clearance for ideal off-roading ability—which the Cybertruck surpasses significantly. Its extremely high ground clearance means you’re able to safely tackle a range of terrains without risking damage to the vehicle’s undercarriage.
For reference, the 2021
Jeep Wrangler
has 9.7 inches of minimum clearance—and it’s considered one of the best off-roading vehicles—meaning the Cybertruck is miles ahead of its competition. Torque
The best off-road vehicles are extremely powerful, with low-end torque—that is, high amounts of torque at lower rpm.
Tesla has yet to confirm the exact power figures for the Cybertruck—but they’re claiming the truck will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in an amazing 2.9 seconds. Plus, the top trim will contain three motors—so we feel confident that the truck will eclipse the Model S in terms of power.
Tires
Once again, since the Tesla Cybertruck is so new, exact tire specifications have yet to be released. However, we have some intelligent predictions!
The Tri-motor version of the Cyber Truck will be capable of 0-to-60 mph in 2.9 seconds, which means its 35-inch wheels will need W, Y, or Z-rated SUV tires. The designations W and Y mean that the tires are capable of withstanding speeds of 149+ mph, and Z means the tire is rated for 186+ mph.
We also know that Elon Musk prefers Goodyear tires—the first tires to be on the Moon—so they’re likely to be the first tires on the Tesla Cybertruck.
Drivetrain
While the single-motor Cybertruck has rear-wheel drive, the two- and three-motor options have all-wheel drive—a feature that’s essential for off-roading. If you plan to frequently head off the beaten path, we recommend opting for one of the two more expensive Cybertruck options.
Angles
Off-roading is all about angles: specifically, the approach angle and departure angle:
- Approach angle: the maximum angle at which a vehicle can climb without interference
- Departure angle: the maximum angle at which a vehicle can descend without interference
The Cybertruck’s angles are 35 degrees and 28 degrees, respectively—which could prove it a formidable off-road machine.
Off-road rating: Trail Boss
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 |
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The Tesla Cybertruck earns a T rating—keeping in mind that the features which qualify it as a trail boss are only available at higher trim levels. The introductory, single-motor trim has outstanding ground clearance, great angles, and capable tires—but you’ll need to move up a trim or two for optimal torque and an all-wheel drivetrain.
The best off-road alternatives to the Tesla Cybertruck
The Tesla Cybertruck is undeniably cool—but it may not be for everybody! Perhaps you’re turned off by its wacky, futuristic styling. Perhaps the price tag is still a bit concerning. Or, perhaps you simply don’t want to wait for a custom-ordered vehicle!
If the Cybertruck sounds cool and capable—but you’re unsure if it’s the right truck for you—consider the following alternatives:
Model | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
GMC HUMMER EV | $108,700 | The all-new GMC HUMMER EV certainly isn’t an affordable alternative—but it is a cool one! This all-electric super truck repackages the iconic HUMMER—which was originally built as a military-grade vehicle—into a futuristic, all-electric package. Just like the Cybertruck, it offers amazing off-road chops and unmistakably unique styling. |
Rivian R1T | $67,500 | If you’re looking for a more affordable futuristic-looking, all-electric option, the Rivian R1T is a smart way to go. Admittedly, it looks a little bit more like a classic pickup truck than the GMC or Tesla alternatives—but its curvy angles set it apart. |
Chevrolet Silverado EV | $39,900 | When it comes to pickup trucks, you can’t go wrong with the classic—and the Chevy Silverado provides affordability, reliability, and familiarity—in an all-electric package. |
MORE:
Cheap off-road trucks
How to find affordable car insurance for off-road vehicles
One major drawback of owning an off-road capable vehicle is that they’re often more expensive—both to buy and to insure. Combine this with the fact that your Tesla is an all-electric luxury vehicle, and you’ve got the potential for a pretty big car insurance premium.
Fortunately, finding the lowest rates is fast and easy when you use
Jerry
. As a licensed insurance broker
and a comparison shopping genius, Jerry can compare rates from over 55 top insurers in just 45 seconds to find you the quotes that fit your needs. You won’t just find a customized plan—you’ll save an average of over $800 a year on car insurance. So go ahead, splurge on the futuristic, all-electric pickup truck of your dreams! Jerry has got you covered.
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