For the most part, off-roading hasn’t been the focus of EVs, but that is quickly changing with the new truck and SUV models.
Electric models are taking the dirt trails by storm with more power per wheel than gasoline-powered vehicles. We see names we know, including the Jeep Wrangler 4xe and GMC Hummer EV, but some new names enter the mix. One of those new names is the Rivian R1T. Expected to take the place of Tesla for rugged electric driving, Rivian offers the R1T as the pickup truck that can take you everywhere.
What Does the R1T Give You?
The electric truck wins every time when you put the Rivian R1T up against some of the most hardcore off-roading trucks. Electric vehicles are set up for better power to ensure the torque you need at each wheel. This particular truck has an electric motor at each wheel, making four of them. Off-road trucks and SUVs powered by gasoline have one engine in the front of the vehicle to drive all wheels. While some can have torque vectoring to send varying power levels to each wheel, these vehicles can’t compare with the instant torque offered in an EV.
What do We Mean by Instant Torque?
The same thing that made the Tesla Model S the fastest sedan in the world makes it possible for you to experience some serious fun on the trails in an EV. Instead of waiting for the engine to spool up to the appropriate level of RPMs to experience maximum torque, an EV offers this power right away. Torque is the power that gives you acceleration and the strength to push through dirt and mud while in the trails.
By Default, EVs are Better at Off-Roading
Not only do EVs inherently have more trail qualities because of the quick torque return, but automakers are purposely giving these vehicles the adventure qualities desired. Consider the new GMC Hummer EV. Three motors power this big truck to give it plenty of power to handle any obstacle. The GMC team pushed this vehicle to its limits allowing us to have the drive and power desired out on any trail. Equipped with Crab Crawl Mode that allows the wheels to turn and the vehicle to move at an angle, the Hummer EV can move around obstacles easily.
Not all EVs are Made for Trail Driving
We can look at a list of some of the best 4WD electric vehicles and see that some can’t handle driving on trails. The names Jeep Wrangler 4xe, GMC Hummer EV, and Land Rover Defender are relatively common for off-road driving, but some others aren’t. These electric vehicles have impressive 4WD qualities but might not be suitable for off-roading.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
You’ll find AWD and 300 miles of driving in this Hyundai, making it possible to enjoy an excellent drive on any road. The low stance will keep you on the paved roads. While the AWD qualities of the Ioniq 5 makes it a possibility for off-road driving, you won’t take this vehicle on anything more than a dirt or gravel road.
BMW iX
You could take the BMW iX out on some light trails. It certainly has the chops for it, but the luxurious qualities of the iX make it hard to justify taking it places where it can get beaten up by trees and rocks. The BMW iX has an impressive AWD system, and it is one of the EVs that could be good for off-roading, but that might not be a good idea.
Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
The name alone tells you we need to keep this vehicle on the paved roads or on a track. Porsche isn’t a brand that you want to take out on the rails. The Taycan Cross Turismo is a slightly lifted electric car that pushes power to all four wheels. Let the Porsche Active Suspension Management system work right for you on the roads.
Tesla Model Y
You could take the Model Y out for some fun on light trails, but you might get stuck. Even though this is a compact crossover SUV riding on an electric platform, there isn’t much in the way of ground clearance. This small vehicle is ideal for showing off and driving around on paved roads, but not for off-roading unless you’re only on a gravel driveway.
Kia EV6
Another impressive electric crossover you could drive is the Kia EV6. Even though this is an electric SUV, you should not drive it in the wilderness. You’ll have an excellent AWD system but should not expect this to be one of the EVs that’s good for off-roading. The EV6 gives you a Kia that is easy to drive while offering you up to 300 miles of driving range, but it’s best kept on the road.
Audi Q4 e-tron
The Q4 e-tron from Audi does sit up high enough off the ground to be fun on the trails. If you don’t mind getting your Audi dirty, you’ll be pleased to take this impressive electric crossover out on the trails in your area. The AWD system is excellent, and there’s enough ground to give you some fun on the light to medium trails you find.
Jaguar I-Pace
A little more ground clearance is all that’s needed to turn the Jaguar I-Pace from a road-going vehicle into one of the EVs you want to enjoy when off-roading. There’s a motor at each axle, giving you excellent AWD wherever you want to go. Even though it’s not meant for tough trails, the I-Pace works well when you face foul weather.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
The AWD system found in the Ford Mustang Mach-E is meant for speed, not for off-road prowess. This is the SUV version of the Mustang, and it gives you more ground clearance than the muscle car version. You won’t want to take this Mustang out on the trails. This is a car made to take you to sixty mph in less than 3.7 seconds, not up a hill covered in mud and dirt.
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