CAN A TESLA GO OFF-ROAD UP A ROCKY MOUNTAIN? WE COMPARE IT TO AN OLD-SCHOOL SUV

EV Channels Review

This episode of Adventure X pits the Tesla Model X against a classic Volkswagen Touareg on a challenging Rocky Mountain off-road course. While the Model X demonstrates impressive torque delivery and a capable all-wheel-drive system, its off-road potential is severely limited by a lack of suitable all-terrain tires and inadequate underbody protection, particularly concerning its battery pack. The Touareg, with its superior ground clearance and readily available off-road tires, easily outperforms the Tesla. The reviewer concludes that while the Model X has the foundational elements for an off-roader (power, torque, AWD), it is currently more of a 'soft roader' and requires significant modifications, including finding appropriate tires and adding skid plates, to become truly off-road worthy. The extreme energy consumption during off-roading, averaging over 1500 Wh/mile, also significantly impacts its practical range.