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So you jumped on the EV bandwagon and got yourself a Tesla Model Y. Maybe you wanted something more versatile, a family car that’s also “green.” Or maybe you just wanted to see what all the hype was about. But you’ve always been an off-road junkie, too. So now what?
Good thing is, the AWD Model Ys have an Off-Road Assist and Slippery Surface modes built into their traction control system. That means Tesla produced the vehicle with some extent of off-roading in mind.
The Details of Tesla’s Built-In Off-Road Mode
In normal driving, Tesla’s traction control and stability systems monitor the wheel slip constantly. If one wheel starts spinning faster than it should (meaning loss of traction), the system will cut torque or apply braking to that wheel to re-balance traction. In very low grip conditions, “all wheel slip” can occur, which means complete loss of movement of the vehicle, and it may dig itself in and ultimately get stuck. So Tesla provides auxiliary modes that adjust how strictly the traction control system intervenes. These aux modes are Off-Road Assist and Slippery Surface/Slip Start modes.
Image: Tesla
Off-Road Assist is a special mode intended for off-road or very loose surfaces. The mode lets the traction control to allow some wheel slip rather than intervening completely when there is a traction loss. The torque is more optimally balanced across all wheels to send power to the wheels with better grip. The accelerator pedal’s response is smoothed out for a more gradual torque delivery to avoid sudden wheel spin, which helps crawling over rocks, uneven ground, etc. Off-Road Assist helps the Model Y keep momentum and manage grip better than when traction control is fully intact.
Get Better Accelerator Control with Fukin Tuned
Tesla’s Off-Road Assist tweaks throttle response among other things. Tesla is great at software, no doubt. But factory systems are built for the whole package. And off-roading is a very small part of the whole Tesla Model Y package. The Off-Road Assist mode can be “grayed out” or unavailable in certain conditions, as some drivers report.
To get your accelerator response fully under YOUR control, Fukin Tuned accelerator response controller is your best bet. It allows you to have your traction control fully in tact but still have control on the pedal response. That way, you can smooth out the accelerator response (in the Slow mode) so you get that gradual and controlled power delivery for the times when you need all the traction. And as opposed to the stock Tesla settings, you can also boost the response to have all the power delivered instantly to power out of some off-road surfaces with Fukin Tuned's more agressive modes.
Fukin Tuned does that by re-mapping the drive-by-wire software and giving you 4 modes (Slow, Cruise, Fast, and Send It) with nine increment levels for each. Meaning, you get 36 sensitivity levels in total for complete control. This level of accelerator pedal customization also improves all aspects of your driving, not just off-roading. You can boost your range with the Slow mode, bump up daily drives with Cruise mode, or get the maximum out of your Model Y crossover in Fast or Send It modes.
Get more information and order yours HERE.
Upgrading The Model Y for Better Off-Roading
While the software tweaks make the Y more capable off the road, the vehicle is still a standard EV crossover with no dramatic ground clearance. Plus, the stock Y comes with road tires and large wheels that prioritize on-road comfort, handling, and better looks. And while the AWD Ys have a dedicated off-road driving mode, it does not make the vehicle a hardcore off-roader.
So, how about making your Model Y more capable off the road? Aside from all the gimmicky accessories online surrounding these vehicles, upgrades and packages are available to convert them into skilled off-roaders. Keep in mind, though, that the Model Y will never be able to rock crawl as well as your old body-on-frame Jeep or Toyota. But it can be made into a great “green SUV” that can still go beyond the paved road.
These Tesla Model Y upgrades give you the best mix of performance, traction, and style for every kind of terrain.
Lifting the Tesla Model Y
The built-in software gives you a good foundation for off-roading in your Tesla Model Y, but real off-road skills come down to hardware. The stock ground clearance just won’t cut it when you’re out and about, and there are different ways of lifting the suspension to give it the clearance it needs for off-roading. Plus, a lift kit also gives you more options to fit bigger off-road tires.
The budget-friendly option is a suspension lift spacer kit, installed between the dampers and chassis to add around 1.5 - 1.9 inches of lift. The mid-tier option is H&R’s Adventure Lift Spring kit, that raises the Y approximately 1.2” off the stock ride height.
Image: Unplugged Performance
If you want to go all-out and have customization depending on your needs, you can get Unplugged Performance’s Dirt & Snow coiloverer suspension that includes shocks, dampers, springs, and adjustable perches in one package. The coilovers are good for up to 2 inches of lift, and it also gives you damping adjustment to find the perfect handling off the road.
These are some of the most effective Tesla Model Y mods you can do if you plan to take your EV off pavement.
Wheels and Tires for Better Traction
The stock wheels with low-profile tires are not suitable when you’re heading out to the trails. Downsizing to 18 inches is a popular mod amongst Model Y drivers that off-road their vehicles. There are many choices when it comes to wheels, and picking which one is up to you.
Paired with 255/55 R18 all-terrain tires, 18-inchers make the Model Y way more capable off the road, increasing loose surface grip and giving you more confidence. A good off-road tire and wheel setup lets you get more out of Tesla’s built-in off-road mode. Plus, the 55-section sidewalls create enough cushion to safeguard against damage while off-roading.
Underbody Protection: Coolant Guards and Skid Plates
T Sportline offers a line of rugged bolt-on off-road protection upgrades for the Model Y, each improving protection, ruggedness, and utility. As these are engineered exclusively for Model Ys, they do not interfere with the factory sensors or require major modifications.
The coolant line guards are made from lightweight hydroformed aluminum alloy and finished in black powder coat. These guards protect the Model Y’s vulnerable coolant hoses and piping from impact damage. They replace the factory plastic panels using the same mounting points, so installation is fully bolt-on.
Image: T Sportline
T Sportline’s skid plate kit is also are hydroformed aluminum, and they replace the factory plastic underbody cladding with durable metal shielding that can handle off-road abuse and harsh road conditions. Each plate is corrosion-resistant and includes acoustic foam backing to reduce road noise. Like the coolant guards, installation is simple and bolt-on.
An Adventure-Ready Model Y is Possible
Off-roading the Tesla Model Y is possible after all. The built-in Off-Road Assist gives you a good start, but real capability comes from the right mods. With enhanced accelerator response, better tires, a lifted suspension, and some protection underneath, your Model Y can go places most EVs won’t even try. It won’t be a body-on-frame Toyota at the end of the day, but add a few Tesla Model Y mods to fine-tune your setup, and you’ll have one hell of a green machine that’s ready for dirt, snow, and everything in between.