I Tested the Tesla Cybertruck's Off-Road Mode for a Week. Here's the Truth

I've been following the Tesla Cybertruck saga since its unveiling in 2019. It looked ridiculous, and I loved it. When I finally got my hands on one last month, I knew I had to take it where it was supposed to go—off-road. I spent a week driving through the California desert, tackling everything from muddy trails to rocky inclines. I came away impressed, confused, and a little frustrated.

The First Impression: It's Huge

The Cybertruck is massive. It's 223 inches long and 80 inches wide. Parking it in a regular spot is a nightmare. But once you're behind the wheel, it feels surprisingly nimble. The steering is quick, and the air suspension gives you a smooth ride. The off-road mode is activated through the touchscreen, which is a bit annoying. There's no physical button. You have to go into the menu, select "Off-Road," and then choose your terrain. It's not intuitive, but you get used to it.

Mud Mode: Surprisingly Good

I took it on a mud track near Joshua Tree. The Cybertruck has a dedicated mud mode that adjusts the torque and traction control. It handled the slippery conditions better than I expected. The instant torque from the electric motors is a huge advantage. You don't have to worry about revving or stalling. You just press the accelerator, and the car pulls through. The ground clearance is 16 inches, which is more than a Jeep Wrangler. I didn't get stuck once. But the clearance comes at a cost. The Cybertruck is wide, and on narrow trails, I was constantly worried about scratching the stainless steel body. It's not like paint—you can't just buff it out.

Rock Crawling: The Good and the Bad

I found a rocky trail that's popular with off-roaders. The Cybertruck's approach angle is 35 degrees, which is decent but not class-leading. The departure angle is 28 degrees, which is okay. I hit the rear bumper on a few rocks. The underbody protection is solid. There's a titanium plate that covers the battery pack. I didn't damage anything. The four-wheel steering is a game-changer. It makes the car feel much smaller than it is. You can make tight turns that would be impossible in a normal truck. But the steering is too light. You don't get the feedback you need when you're crawling over rocks. It feels disconnected.

Sand Dunes: Where It Shines

I took the Cybertruck to the Glamis Dunes, which is a Mecca for off-roaders. This is where the electric powertrain really shines. The instant torque allows you to climb dunes that would be tough for a gas truck. The regenerative braking helps you control your speed on the way down. The Cybertruck has a "Sand Mode" that optimizes the traction control. I was flying over the dunes, and it was exhilarating. But the range takes a hit. Off-roading drains the battery fast. I started with 300 miles of range, and after a few hours in the dunes, I was down to 100. You need to plan your trips carefully.

The Biggest Flaw: The Suspension

Here's the thing nobody is talking about. The Cybertruck has air suspension, which is great for adjusting ride height. But it's not designed for serious off-roading. The suspension is too stiff. On rough terrain, you feel every bump. It's jarring. My friend's Ford F-150 Raptor was much more comfortable. The Cybertruck also has a problem with articulation. The wheels don't droop enough, so you can lose traction on uneven ground. I had to use the lockers a few times to get through. It's not a dedicated off-roader. It's a lifestyle truck that can handle some trails.

The Verdict: Buy It for the Vibes, Not the Trails

So, should you buy a Cybertruck for off-roading? Honestly, no. It's fun, and it's capable, but it's not the best tool for the job. If you're a serious off-roader, get a Jeep or a Bronco. If you want a cool truck that can handle light trails and looks like it's from the future, get the Cybertruck. I enjoyed my week with it, but I wouldn't take it on a cross-country off-road expedition. The range anxiety is real, and the suspension is too harsh. It's a statement piece, not a workhorse. And that's okay. Just know what you're getting into.