Tesla Cybertruck off-road review: Real capability or just hype?

The Tesla Cybertruck burst onto the scene with bold promises of unparalleled ruggedness, positioning itself as an electric beast ready to conquer any terrain. Its futuristic stainless-steel exoskeleton, massive torque from electric motors, and advanced suspension system fueled expectations of dominating off-road trails. But after real-world testing and owner experiences, the question lingers: does it deliver genuine off-road prowess, or is much of the excitement rooted in marketing hype?

Key Specifications That Set Expectations High

On paper, the Cybertruck's off-road credentials look impressive and competitive among electric pickups.

• Up to 17 inches of ground clearance in Extract mode, surpassing many traditional trucks.

• A 35-degree approach angle and 28-degree departure angle, allowing it to tackle steep inclines and descents.

• Adaptive air suspension with significant travel for absorbing impacts.

• Rear-wheel steering for enhanced maneuverability in tight spaces.

• Dedicated modes like Overland for general trails and Baja for high-speed dirt runs.

These features suggest a vehicle engineered for serious adventure, with instant torque delivery providing precise control over challenging surfaces.

Real-World Performance on Trails

Professional testers and early owners have put the Cybertruck through diverse conditions, from desert whoops to rocky climbs and muddy paths. In controlled environments like King of the Hammers, modified versions handled high-speed runs and uneven terrain surprisingly well, with the suspension soaking up bumps effectively. The rear steering shines here, making the large truck feel more agile than expected.

Owners report success on moderate trails:

• Smooth navigation over gravel roads and light mud without drama.

• Excellent stability on winding dirt paths, thanks to low center of gravity from the battery pack.

• Precise power distribution helping maintain traction on loose surfaces.

In Baja mode, the truck allows manual fore-aft torque adjustments, giving drivers tools not always available in rivals. Many describe it as confident and fun on forested trails or beach sand when properly prepared.

Challenges and Limitations Exposed

Despite strengths, the Cybertruck has faced criticism in tougher scenarios. Stock all-terrain tires, while capable on pavement, pack with mud quickly and lack the aggressive tread of dedicated off-road rubber. This led to slippage in wet or sloppy conditions during some tests.

Electronic locking differentials were promised but not fully activated in early models, limiting extreme rock crawling. Traction control can feel overly intrusive, sometimes cutting power unexpectedly. Brake-throttle overlap isn't allowed, complicating precise low-speed maneuvering over obstacles.

Notable incidents include:

• Struggles on steep, loose hills where lighter vehicles with better tires succeeded.

• Getting temporarily stuck in snow or sand, often due to driver inexperience or suboptimal settings.

• Component stress in aggressive jumps or whoops, like bent links in high-impact testing.

Compared to rivals like the Rivian R1T, which often edges ahead in raw trail dominance with superior tire options and refined systems, the Cybertruck sometimes feels like software is still catching up to hardware potential.

What Owners Say After Thousands of Miles

Long-term feedback paints a nuanced picture. Many enthusiasts praise the truck's composure on real adventures, from national park backroads to desert expeditions. The quiet electric drivetrain enhances the experience, letting drivers focus on the scenery rather than engine noise.

However, some note it's not a replacement for dedicated off-roaders like a Jeep Wrangler for extreme rock crawling. Upgrades like aftermarket tires and suspension kits unlock more potential, turning good performance into great. Overall, it's seen as highly capable for most users venturing off pavement, blending luxury with ruggedness in a way few vehicles match.

The Cybertruck proves it's more than hype—delivering real off-road ability that impresses in many scenarios—while revealing areas where traditional trucks or tuned rivals hold edges. For electric vehicle enthusiasts seeking a versatile adventurer, it stands out as a compelling option with room to grow through updates.