The Tesla Cybertruck is finally getting an off-road mode via an over-the-air software update, allowing early owners of the monstrous electric truck to finally get granular 4×4-style features that were promised from the start.
The news comes via a post by Tesla’s Cybertruck account on X, which shared an image of the Off-Road Mode screen with different settings, options for locking differentials, the ability to turn off rear steering, and more. Off-Road Mode has two main settings: Overland Mode for consistent handling and better traction on rock, gravel, snow, and sand, plus a Baja Mode that improves balance and “handles more freely.”
Big Cybertruck update https://t.co/iwSJxQGS32
— Tesla (@Tesla) April 29, 2024
Wes Morrill, whose X profile lists them as the lead Cybertruck engineer, also posted some more details about the update. Morrill notes the app allows for a quick look at the vitals of the car, on-board camera feeds you can swipe through, as well as one-touch controls for the off-road features.
Cybertruck owners can even get quick access to Wade Mode that raises the truck to handle deep water situations — which is not covered under warranty despite CEO Elon Musk’s saying for years that the Model S and the Cybertruck can act like a boat for short periods.
Tesla has also launched CyberTent mode, which levels the truck on horizon, runs the AC, keeps the tonneau cover open, and keeps the outlets powered. The feature is designed to work in conjunction with Tesla’s ugly but functional Basecamp tent add-on. Tesla was selling the $3,000 kit to Cybertruck owners for more than a month — before the software to fully utilize it was available.
Tesla’s Cybertruck was long pitched as a vehicle designed to help you survive an apocalypse Mad Max-style, but prototypes seemed to get stuck (quite literally) where a Ford F-150 or a Jeep Wrangler wouldn’t. In other situations, the Cybertruck seemed to not perform as well as its EV competition. But with the new app controls in reach, Top Gear put the Cybertruck through a rough off-road outing, and things are now looking more promising. Now, all that’s left is for the Cybertruck to live up to all of its other promises.
Umar Shakir