Cybertruck Gains Off-Road Credibility with New Features

After a significant update, Tesla’s Cybertruck now showcases enhanced off-road capabilities, challenging rivals like the Rivian R1T in a Top Gear test across challenging terrains.

Initially, the Tesla Cybertruck was criticized for its off-road capabilities, especially compared to competitors like the Ford F-150 Lightning. However, Tesla has recently upgraded the Cybertruck with new off-road features similar to enhancements seen in the video game «No Man’s Sky» after its launch. These updates include various driving modes for different terrains, locking differentials, adjustable torque split, crawl control, and a «Tent Mode.»

These improvements were detailed in a post on X by Tesla and have started rolling out to the first wave of vehicles, according to lead engineer Wes Morrill. Top Gear tested these features in California’s Johnson Valley, comparing the Cybertruck’s performance on various terrains against the Rivian R1T. Both trucks were prepared similarly, but the Cybertruck showed some limitations like stiffer handling and slower speeds on rougher trails.

Despite these challenges, the Cybertruck performed comparably to the Rivian in many tests, showing no significant damage even after more aggressive maneuvers like jumps, where the Rivian suffered minor damage. This suggests that the Cybertruck, with its new software, is beginning to meet its off-road potential, although there’s room for improvement, especially in handling at higher speeds. Rumors of a higher-performing Rivian model could prompt further enhancements from Tesla in the near future.