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In March, MotorTrend conducted a comparison of the Tesla Cybertruck against the Rivian R1T and Ford F-150 Lightning, focusing largely on the towing range of each truck. The trailer utilized for these tests was built by Bowlus, which later carried out its own assessment featuring the Tesla Model X. This second round of testing revealed that the Model X outperformed the Cybertruck in towing efficiency. Some devoted Cybertruck fans were dissatisfied with these findings and requested a repeat of the test, which Bowlus promptly arranged. Unfortunately for these enthusiasts, the results remained consistent.
The fans contesting the findings argued that the initial tests lacked uniformity for a valid comparison. In response, Bowlus retested both the Cybertruck and the Model X using the same trailer employed by MotorTrend to determine which vehicle had superior range. The outcome was once more in favor of the Model X.
The test involved YouTuber Butter_EV, who drove a 2024 Cybertruck AWD Dual Motor Founders Edition (featuring a 124 kWh battery), while Bowlus operated a 2020 Model X Long Range Plus (with a 100 kWh battery). Both vehicles towed the same trailer—a 2024 Bowlus Volterra that is slightly over 27 feet long and has a dry weight of 3,200 pounds. They traveled the identical 103-mile route from Santa Barbara to Buellton, California, which included a climb of 600 feet. On another day, a Rivian R1S Launch Edition Quad-Motor (135 kWh) was added to the mix, also using the same trailer and route for comparison.
Both the Cybertruck and the Rivian R1S struggled to match the Model X’s towing efficiency. The Model X, despite being the oldest vehicle tested, achieved an impressive 2.39 miles per kWh while towing, projecting a total range of 238.6 miles. In contrast, the new Cybertruck, which Tesla positions as their most capable work vehicle, managed only 1.86 miles per kWh, giving it a total projected range of 228.6 miles on a full battery. The Rivian displayed the least efficiency at 1.81 miles per kWh, with a projected range of 244.4 miles. However, it should be noted that the Rivian features the heaviest battery in the group and employs four electric motors, unlike the other models which have two.
So, what accounts for the Model X’s superior efficiency compared to the Cybertruck? Weight is likely the primary factor. The Model X Long Range Plus weighs in at 5,421 pounds, while the Cybertruck is heftier at 6,603 pounds. Aerodynamics also play a significant role; although the Cybertruck boasts a decent drag coefficient of 0.34, the Model X has a more impressive Cd of just 0.24. When considering its better aerodynamics along with a 1,200-pound reduction in weight, the Model X’s greater efficiency becomes less surprising. Nevertheless, this comparison highlights that the Cybertruck, touted by Tesla as a revolutionary work pickup, falls short against a nearly decade-old SUV in terms of towing capability.
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