Should You Take the Tesla Model 3 Off Road?
The Tesla Model 3 may have available all-wheel drive, but it was built for on-road performance, not off-roading.
Written by Sarah Gray
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
When it comes to selecting a good off-road vehicle, you need to consider more than just whether you have good tires and all-wheel drive (AWD). That’s why
Jerry
, the super app
that saves drivers money on car insurance
, is here to break down the Tesla Model 3’s off-road rating.Read on to learn about the Model 3’s key off-roading specs, like ground clearance and torque, and how it stacks up to other vehicles in its segment.
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Can the Tesla Model 3 go off-road?
Sort of. Gravel roads, grassy-field parking lots, and other such low-stakes “off-roading” terrain are fine, but anything much rougher than an unpaved country road's going to give the Model 3 a run for its money—unless you’ve added some mods.
The entry-level Model 3 starts at an estimated $48,190. With rear-wheel drive (RWD), you’ll be lucky if it performs well on wet grass, much less off-road. To get AWD, you need to opt for either the Long Range or Performance models, starting between $59,190 and $64,190.
Even so, hitting the trail is about a lot more than just which wheels have power. Let’s take a look at some other factors that make the Tesla Model 3 a better on-road than off-road choice.
Ground clearance
Ground clearance plays an important role both on and off-road. On the asphalt, low ground clearance makes for better handling, and better aerodynamics, but off the track, a low ride height can spell disaster if you find yourself scraping over rough terrain.
Ideal ground clearance for hitting the trails is upwards of 8.8 inches, but the Tesla Model 3 only offers 5.5 inches of clearance. This makes for excellent handling on the road and limited drag to allow for maximum battery range. However, it makes the Model 3 a poor choice on surfaces that are not paved.
Torque
We have to admit, if there’s one area in which the Tesla Model 3 excels in terms of off-road specs, it’s power—specifically torque. In fact, most EVs are famous for their super-high horsepower and torque.
What’s most unique about this segment is that most EVs—the Model 3 included—operate using a one-speed direct-drive transmission that delivers full torque at all times. For the Model 3, this means you have anywhere from 302 to 471 lb-feet of torque at your disposal, regardless of whether you’re moving at 1 or 100 mph.
Now, if torque and AWD were all that’s needed to head off-road, the Model 3 might be a top pick. But we’ve still got a lot more specs to consider.
Tires
All Base and Long Range Tesla Model 3s are fitted with all-season tires, while the Performance boasts—you guessed it—performance tires. There is nothing inherently wrong with either of these, but neither is a great option when it comes to driving off-road. For that, you need the extra grip of
all-terrain tires
. If you really wanted to, you could certainly upgrade your Model 3 with aftermarket all-terrains, but you’d be sacrificing battery range and on-road performance. Plus, you still wouldn’t have all the specs necessary to take your Model 3 off the track.
Drivetrain
If you’re going off-road, you need either all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Both the Long Range and the Performance trims of the Model 3 come with AWD standard, but the base model is equipped with only rear-wheel drive, making it a poor candidate for anything harsher than a dry gravel road.
Again, if all you needed was AWD to hit the trails, you might have a good option here, but let’s talk about another key factor for off-road capability—geometry.
Angles
If you spend all your time on the road, you’ve probably never even heard of angles of approach and departure. Here’s more on each:
- Approach angle is the maximum angle at which a vehicle can climb without interference
- Departure angle is the maximum angle at which a vehicle can descend without interference
The Tesla Model 3’s approach and departure angles are 30 and 33 degrees respectively, which is more than enough to handle the gentle rises and dips you’ll encounter on the streets and pulling in and out of most driveways. However, they’re not enough to handle the steep inclines and rough terrain of trails.
Off-road rating: In a Pinch
We’ve determined the Tesla Model 3’s off-road rating using
Jerry’s
super-technical DIRT rating system, broken down in the table below: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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We give the Tesla Model 3 an I rating—In a Pinch. It’s an excellent option for daily driving, and with available AWD, it can get you around in just about any weather. But if you’re planning to do any serious off-roading, you should look for another option.
The best off-road alternatives to the Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 isn’t your best option for off-roading. Here are a few better-equipped alternatives:
Alternative | Model | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Best affordable alternative | $28,195 | While it doesn’t offer any more ground clearance than the Model 3, the Chevy Bolt is a great alternative for those looking for a spacious EV at a lower price. | |
Best Tesla alternative | $67,440 | With an additional inch of ground clearance and AWD standard on all trims, the Model Y is your best Tesla alternative for off-roading—that is until the Cybertruck comes out. | |
Best alternative for serious off-roading | 2022 Rivian R1S | $91,075 | Newcomer Rivian is flaunting its off-road chops with models like the R1S that include such standard features as quad-motor AWD, adjustable drive modes, and adjustable air suspension for up to 15 inches of ground clearance. |
MORE: Cheap off-road trucks
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