Tesla Cybertruck Off-Road Mode Feature Overview

Tesla's Cyber Truck now has an off-road mode, adding trail driving capability to the stainless steel EV.

Tesla had announced that Off-Road mode would be coming to the Cybertruck in a software update in May, and now it has released a video showing Off-Road mode in action on the trails of Moab to explain the feature a bit more.

Off-Road mode has multiple drive modes selectable via a central touch screen, similar to what Rivian offers. However, in contrast to Rivian's extensive menu, Tesla currently offers only two options: the Overland mode focuses on technical driving at low speeds, while the Baja mode is designed for high-speed bombing over loose surfaces.

Baja mode also has a touchscreen slider that allows the driver to adjust the handling balance, emphasizing stability or shortening the wheelbase to simulate tight cornering and drifting.

Wade mode raises the ride height and sends pressurized air into the battery compartment to keep water out. According to the Tesla Off-Road Guide for Owners, the Cybertruck can go up to 32 inches deep when Wade Mode is turned on. According to Tesla, this feature is limited to 30 minutes at a time and may take up to 10 minutes to pressurize the battery compartment.

Off-road mode also includes Trail Assist, which maintains a set (low) speed and also incorporates Hill Descent Control and Hill Ascent Control. This too can be accessed via a touch screen, along with roof-mounted light bar controls.

In addition to the software-based features, the Cybertruck has a mechanical locking differential, which is also controlled via touchscreen. In dual-motor models, the front and rear lockers can be activated separately. The tri-motor Cyberbeast version has front lockers and, like the tri-motor version of the GMC Hummer EV, uses two rear motors to simulate rear lockers.

Tesla delivered the first cybertruck in December 2023 after a long waiting period, including a two-year delay, dating back to the November 2019 launch of the concept version. The production Cybertruck retains most of the appearance of the controversial concept, but costs more and has a shorter range than originally promised. The addition of an off-road mode allows the pickup to achieve at least some of its promised capabilities.