In recent Tesla news, a video has been circulating testing Cybertruck’s off-roading capabilities: things didn’t go so well. During this viral video, the Tesla Cybertruck is seen struggling to make its way over terrain, unable to get over a hill nearly as fast as the other tested models. This not only spells trouble for the brand but also for how legit and rugged Cybertruck really is.

Weighing roughly 7,000 pounds and not being limber when off-road puts Elon Musk and his beloved creation on the chopping block yet again. Much of Cybertruck’s promo has been surrounding the idea that it’s a beast on and off the road, making videos like this one even more troubling. That said, Tesla hasn’t ever put this pickup to the test in extreme conditions, and we don’t expect it to with the sheer size and weight of Cybertruck.

If you can’t expect to do even moderate off-roading easily in your Cybertruck, what does that mean for people with pre-orders well underway? There’s not much chance this will be remedied (or we’ll know about it) before or even after the official 2025 mass release, so for now, you may want to keep your Cybertruck ON the road. Again, that’s not to say light or even moderate off-roading won’t perfectly suit a Cybertruck EV, but anything incredibly rugged or uneven won’t be a good idea.

Cybertruck May Not Be Suited For All Off-Roading

• Recent social media videos have shown Cybertruck struggles to off-road.

Earlier in November, someone tested a Cybertruck’s ability to venture off-road, only to find the truck struggling to inch its way up a pretty moderate sand/dirt hill. This not only raises concern for us, but it should raise concern for anyone interested or already slated to get one of these puppies in the mail later in 2024 and 2025.

The Cybertruck has long been advertised as an on and off-road beast, weighing thousands of pounds, boasting a 3,500-pound payload capacity, and being made for rugged living and vacationing. This is pretty standard across the board among Cybertruck alternatives, although Cybertruck stands out visually and most.

That said, during a test between Cybertruck, Rivian, and a modest 1996 Toyota RAV4 (yes, this went way back), Cybertruck couldn’t beat any of the competition. One positive, however, was how sleek the Cybertruck looked going up and down the sandy stairs, remaining fairly quiet. With off-roading mode promised to drivers, that may not be enough to get this heavy truck off the ground.

Hollister Hills Defeated Tesla Cybertruck (But Not As Bad As You Think)

Hollister Hills, a popular off-roading spot in California, was too much for Cybertruck earlier in November. It has since become infamous for its many viral videos of a Cybertruck model being extra slow to make it up the stairs/terrain. This is damning to a point, although if you understand the specs of Cybertruck, it’s not super exciting or disappointing.

Heavy trucks can’t maneuver through rugged terrain like lighter-weight models can. Cybertruck did the best it could off-roading, and for everyday situations, that should be good enough for drivers.

Tesla Cybertruck May Just Be Too Heavy For Proper Off-Roading

• The Tesla Cybertruck weighs roughly 7,000 pounds based on most configurations.

Although most EV pickups have heavy batteries, the Tesla Cybertruck’s issue could be its materials and overall weight class. At an impressive 7,000 pounds, as revealed by Musk on the Joe Rogan Show, the Cybertruck isn’t your everyday pickup model. Electric cars, trucks, and SUVs tend to host ~1,000-pound batteries, plus whatever their body and interior add to the final tally.

Therefore, Tesla being unable to quickly jump sand dunes and stairs in the California desert is likely because of its sheer size. That’s not bad, but it is something to be aware of if you plan to take your Cybertruck out for rugged adventuring.

One of the reasons the viral videos of Cybertruck struggling to move quickly through off-roading conditions is its size. Hence, it didn’t ruffle our feathers too much. You’re still going to be able to drive this pickup truck off-road with ease in most conditions. This is a truck worth waiting for.

At 228 Inches In Length, The Tesla Cybertruck Isn’t Meant To Be Nimble

People keep forgetting that the Tesla Cybertruck is nearly 19 feet long. At a whopping 228 inches in length, you can’t expect a Cybertruck to swiftly move at the same speed/agility as, let’s say, a RAV4. Cybertruck is a tank. This model is built like a warship rather than an outdoorsy speed demon ready to scale a boulder. Although that’s not news everyone wants to hear, Cybertruck is a bully on average roadways. Compare it to a Ford F-150 Lightning: It’s much heftier.

With 14,000 Pounds Towing Capacity, Does Off-Roading Prowess Matter?

One of the many positive aspects of the Cybertruck is its built-in ruggedness for everyday life and driving. Although not ideal for cliffside adventures, Cybertruck offers plenty of great specs, including a 14,000-pound towing capacity and a 3,500-pound payload capacity. Its payload capacity is much in part because the ~6.5-bed drivers have to fill with everyday items or bulkier work-related materials, making Tesla Cybertruck a great option for construction, etc. Glass half full, folks.

Maybe The All-New Cybertruck Isn’t Meant To Push The Limit

• Cybertruck’s stainless steel (although heavy) is protective in every way.
• You can still off-road with this pickup truck.

All critiques and jokes aside, the Tesla Cybertruck, although not as nimble as the competition in off-road environments, is nothing to snub your nose at. For countless reasons, this truck will create a new category for itself, always being a niche of its own. We’re already seeing Honda take note from Tesla, so it’s clear the Cybertruck is a trendsetter. So what, then Cybertruck mulled up an off-roading course? Sometimes, larger, heavier vehicles aren’t able to travel as quickly in undesirable terrain as other lighter or smaller ones do, and that’s perfectly fine.

You’re not likely buying a Cybertruck to have it off-road every weekend, but instead use it for work, camping, and going beyond the limits of a Model S, 3, X, Y, etc. With features like armored glass, Ultra-Hard 30X Cold-Rolled stainless-steel structural skin, and an exterior shell made for ultimate durability, the Cybertruck is a monster worth bowing down to.

Of course, its steel shell weighs more than a typical pickup model, but it will stay rust-free longer and keep passengers safe even during extreme situations.