Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T Achieve Epic Airborne Stunts

When it comes to electric trucks, the Rivian R1T and Tesla Cybertruck have garnered quite the reputation for their off-road capabilities. Generally perceived as lifestyle vehicles tailored more towards adventurous terrains rather than typical truck duties, these two models are often compared to more conventional trucks like the Ford F-150 Lightning or Chevy Silverado EV. Both have been showcased tackling rocky landscapes and cruising through Californian deserts.

But what about their performance on simpler, more commonly encountered terrains like jeep trails, rough farmlands, and back roads? The YouTube channel Mountain Pass Performance sought to answer this question in a recent video.

Cybertruck’s Performance on Dirt Tracks

The Tesla Cybertruck was tested in Baja Mode, which is designed for high-speed off-road driving. While its steering-by-wire technology has received criticism in specific scenarios like towing, it excelled on the high-speed dirt track. “This one’s cool because a little bit of steering gives you so much input,” remarked the host from Mountain Pass Performance. “It’s like being in a really quick ratio rally car.”

In off-road settings, the Cybertruck managed wheel spin effectively and handled rough road surfaces with ease and silence. “That was pretty wild. I was not expecting that out of a big truck like that,” commented Scotty, the landowner where the testing took place. “As soon as you landed, you could see the truck rotate instantly. It looked like a rally car almost.”

However, the vehicle did lose a piece of plastic trim during rough track portions and experienced a power cut after hitting a particularly tough rut. “It was like, ‘nope, we’re digging into the rut or whatever. We don’t like that, we’re shutting the system down.’ I think if you were going any more hardcore than this, that would be a limiting factor.”

Rivian R1T’s Performance Compared

Next up was the Rivian R1T, evaluated in both its Drift Mode and Rally Mode. These modes, however, were less ideal for navigating sharp turns on low traction surfaces. “The problem with the Rivian is that it just gives me no power once I’m sideways,” explained the host from Mountain Pass Performance.

“I think it just figures you’re fully out of control and it’s trying to protect the driver at that point. Whereas the Cybertruck was just letting you party no matter what,” continued the host. To maintain power, acceleration had to start before entering a curve, preventing the driver from letting the vehicle’s slide carry it through the turn. Despite this, the Rivian excelled when landing after going airborne.

“The Rivian was probably better at jumping. It has more ground clearance. But in terms of sliding and that rally or baja-type hustling? The Cybertruck was so fun.” The Rivian’s cautious approach seems intentional, possibly allowing for future improvements to its Rally settings. “The Cybertruck was super fun and it felt like a toy. And the Rivian felt like it was just trying to keep you safe.”

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Concluding Thoughts

Both the Rivian R1T and the Tesla Cybertruck bring their own strengths and weaknesses to off-road driving. While the Cybertruck stands out with its thrilling responsiveness and rally-like handling, the Rivian R1T offers superior ground clearance and stability during jumps. Whether you prefer the Cybertruck’s adventurous spirit or the Rivian’s cautious approach depends largely on the terrain you expect to conquer.

Have you taken your EV or PHEV on any adventures recently? Share your experiences with us in the comments below. For more updates and insights on electric vehicles, visit us at Automotive.fyi.

— William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi