--- title: "Tesla Cybertruck Loses to Model X in Towing Range Test—Again" date: "2024-06-06" modified: "2024-06-07" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/tesla-cybertruck-loses-to-model-x-in-towing-range-test-again" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Tesla News" tags: - "Cybertruck" - "Electric Vehicle" - "Tesla" --- # Tesla Cybertruck Loses to Model X in Towing Range Test—Again ![]() *Butter\_EV* Back in March, *[MotorTrend]()* tested the Tesla [Cybertruck]() against the Rivian R1T and Ford F-150 Lightning. A big part of the test involved working each truck to see which had the best range while towing. Bowlus, the company that built the trailer used in the experiment, then ran its own test with the [Tesla]() Model X and found the electric SUV performed even better than the pickup. Some Cybertruck stans were so unhappy with the result that they asked for a redo, and they just got one. Sadly for them, the results didn't change. According to the angry fans, the tests were too different for an apples-to-apples comparison. So Bowlus put both a Cybertruck and Model X to the test again, using the same trailer that *MotorTrend* used, to see which had better range. Once again, the Model X won. The test was done with the help of YouTuber [Butter\_EV](), who drove a 2024 Cybertruck AWD Dual Motor Founders Edition (124 kWh battery), while Bowlus drove a 2020 Model X Long Range Plus (100 kWh). Both used the same trailer, a 2024 Bowlus Volterra measuring just over 27 feet with a dry weight of 3,200 pounds. They also both drove the exact same 103-mile route, from Santa Barbara to Buellton, California, which included a 600-foot climb. Then, on a different day, they tested a Rivian R1S Launch Edition Quad-Motor (135 kWh) on the same route, with the same trailer, for good measure. ![]() **Bowlus** Both the Cybertruck and Rivian R1S struggled to get anywhere near the Model X's trailer efficiency. Despite being the oldest car in the test, the Model X saw 2.39 miles per kWh while towing the trailer. The Model X would get a projected total range of 238.6 miles using that figure. By comparison, the new Cybertruck, which is supposed to be Tesla's most capable workhorse, achieved just 1.86 miles per kWh. A full battery at that rate would get 228.6 miles on a charge. The Rivian was the least efficient, though, at 1.81 miles per kWh, and a 244.4 total projected range. In its defense, that specific model has the heaviest battery of the bunch and four electric motors instead of two like the others. Why was the Model X so much more efficient than the Cybertruck? Weight is likely the biggest culprit. The Model X Long Range Plus weighs 5,421 pounds, while the Cybertruck checks in at 6,603 pounds. Aerodynamics certainly played a factor, too. While the Cybertruck has a commendable 0.34 drag coefficient, the Model X's Cd is just 0.24. Combine its better aero with a half-ton drop in curb weight and the Model X's superior efficiency isn't surprising. However, it does prove that the Cybertruck—the vehicle Tesla claims to be a game-changing workhorse of a pickup—actually takes a step backward compared to a nearly 10-year-old SUV when it comes to towing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAXeQmr3J5w&t=1s *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()