Should You Take the 2022 Tesla Model X Off Road?
The 2022 Tesla Model X is not built for going off road, but that doesn’t mean it’s incapable of doing so.
Written by Brad Marley
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The
2022 Tesla Model X
is the darling of the electric vehicle world, but few EVs are equipped to traverse mountainsides and rocky roads. But that doesn’t mean the option is off the table.The perfect off-road vehicle is one built for adventure. When you get behind the wheel, you crave stepping off the beaten path to see what those four wheels can handle. But should you take the Tesla Model X off road?
Jerry
, the super app
that saves drivers money on car insurance
, has the answer. Read on for our 2022 Tesla Model X off-road rating. We’ll look at key off-roading factors, like ground clearance and torque, and go over some alternatives to consider if the Model X doesn’t meet your needs.Can the 2022 Tesla Model X go off road?
Yes, the Tesla Model X can go off road. It was not built for this purpose, but the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup means it is capable of handling an off-road situation if it arises.
With a starting price of $112,590, the Tesla Model X is pricey. It’s not recommended if you are strictly looking for an off-road vehicle, but it’s not going to inhibit you from traversing rough terrain.
Does anything else make the 2022 Tesla Model X a good vehicle if you want to chase adventure? Let’s take a closer look.
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Ground clearance
You want your ground clearance to be high if you plan to go off road. The 2022 Tesla Model X sports a ground clearance of 8.9 inches, which makes it passable.
Ideally, you want ground clearance numbers to range from 8.8 inches to 10.8 inches for off-roading. It should come as no surprise that the higher the vehicle’s minimum clearance, the better you can handle rocks, holes, and otherwise rough terrain.
While not much is comparable to a Tesla, the
2022 BMW iX
is another EV that offers 8.8 inches of ground clearance, which puts it on par with the Tesla Model X. Torque
Packing in high amounts of low-end torque is a good idea if you want to drive off road because power matters more than speed when you’re off the beaten path. So much so that this number, perhaps more than any other number, is going to determine if the vehicle you buy is worthy of the trails.
The 2022 Tesla Model X has 713 lb-ft of torque, which is quite a bit of power for an EV. If you find yourself on gravel (or something more severe) you won’t have too much trouble finding your way out of it.
Tires
On the front of the Tesla Model X, you’ll find P265/45R20 tires, while on the back you’ll find P275/45R20.
Does that mean nothing to you? We’re here to help.
Tires with a “P” in the name are for passenger vehicles and are optimized for long-distance travel, something most Tesla owners would be interested in. They are not built for going off-roading, even though you can take the Tesla Model X off the highway.
Drivetrain
You need all-wheel drive if you want to hit the trails, and it comes standard on the 2022 Tesla Model X. Its two electric motors enable the all-wheel-drive capability.
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
Approach angle and departure angle are important for off-roading, but Tesla hasn’t released these numbers for the Model X. What we can assume, however, is these numbers are likely in line with other luxury vehicles, like the
BMW X3
. This means the car’s angles will be sufficient for steep inclines, when necessary.
Off-road rating: In a Pinch
We’ve rated the 2022 Tesla Model X 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 |
The 2022 Tesla Model X earns an I rating—In a Pinch. We don’t suggest buying the Tesla Model X to be your main off-road vehicle. But if you want something that can go off road as needed, the Model X is capable of doing so.
Remember, it is an expensive vehicle. Unless you’re made of money, we recommend steering clear of potential damage when you can avoid it.
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The best off-road alternatives to the 2022 Tesla Model X
The 2022 Tesla Model X is a fantastic electric vehicle that comes with a high price tag. Almost any other vehicle you would buy to go off road is going to be cheaper.
If you have the cash for a Model X but really want to hit the trails, here are the best alternatives (well) within your budget:
Alternative | Model | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Best affordable alternative | 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness | $34,695 | The 2022 Forester Wilderness is a big departure from the Model X, but it has good angles and is way more affordable. |
Best eco-friendly alternative | 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe | $57,660 | We’re going to guess you have the planet’s well-being in mind since you’re shopping for EVs. This hybrid is cheaper than the Tesla Model X but not as well-equipped as other SUVs for off-road purposes. |
Best alternative for serious off-roading | 2021 Ford Bronco Wildtrak | $48,475 | This is the car if you want a serious off-road vehicle. It comes with four-wheel drive, an intercooled turbo V6 engine, and approach and departure angles of 43.2 and 37 degrees, respectively. |
MORE: Cheap off-road trucks
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How to find affordable car insurance for off-road vehicles
The one downside to owning a vehicle you plan to drive off road is that they are often more expensive to buy and insure. This is because off-roading poses more risk to the vehicle, so insurance companies will charge you more.
The solution? Shop with
Jerry
to find the lowest rates. As a licensed insurance broker
and a comparison shopping genius, Jerry can compare rates from over 55 top insurers in just 45 seconds and deliver the best deals to you. Users save an average of $800 a year on car insurance!
“Jerryis an amazing app. Thanks to it, I saved a lot of money for my Tesla Model 3’s insurance. I’m so glad I downloaded the app!” —Erza S.
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