On the other hand, the Model Y performed miserably in a ramp travel index test, despite what Tesla fans will tell you
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by Brad Anderson
November 29, 2023 at 12:31
Toyota has a long and proud history of building some of the most dependable and capable off-roaders on earth. It’s hardly a surprise then why vehicles like the Land Cruiser are so popular among off-roading enthusiasts and among tuners looking to increase their all-terrain credentials. The Tesla Model Y couldn’t be any more different and yet, many Tesla-stans are boasting of its superior off-roading credentials after a pair of interesting videos out of the Middle East were shared online.
The first of the two videos has gained the most attention, particularly among Tesla enthusiasts who (mistakenly) believe it demonstrates the Model Y’s capabilities. In this clip, a modified Model Y with raised suspension and aftermarket wheels and tires is seen ascending an RTI (ramp travel index) ramp. These ramps are typically used to showcase a vehicle’s suspension articulation.
Read: German Tuner Gives The Tesla Model Y A Neat Off-Road Makeover
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Given how heavy the Tesla is and the fact that much of its weight is centered on the floor where the battery pack is, it is able to drive up to the end of the ramp and remains relatively flat, despite the front right wheel being lifted two feet off the ground. That’s good for the road but not good for off-roading. A Land Cruiser pickup truck then rolls up to the ramp.
As the driver moves up the ramp, the rear of the pickup starts to get light and the truck appears to be on the verge of tipping over. This is primarily because most of its weight is centered at the front and the rear is very light. Additionally, it has far superior flex and more suspension articulation than the Model Y and while that’s not necessarily a great thing on the road, it is very handy when off-roading.
In an off-roading scenario, the characteristics displayed by the Toyota are far superior to those of the Tesla. Admittedly, they could be improved if the rear suspension articulated even more and kept one of the rear wheels on the ground.
The second is a bit more interesting and this is where we have to give the modified Model Y some credit. It shows it racing up a massive sand dune and thanks primarily to its superb levels of power and torque, it is able to speed far up the dune while a pair of Jeep Wranglers behind it had to turn around halfway up.