Overview
The 2025 Tesla Cybertruck is a groundbreaking all-electric, full-size pickup truck that redefines the heavy-duty segment with its futuristic design, stainless-steel exoskeleton, and impressive performance. Competing with electric trucks like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, and Chevrolet Silverado EV, as well as traditional heavy-duty trucks like the Ram 3500, the Cybertruck offers a maximum towing capacity of 11,000 pounds when properly equipped. With its blend of innovative technology, breakneck acceleration, and robust towing capabilities, it appeals to tech enthusiasts, adventurers, and those seeking a sustainable alternative to gas-powered trucks. This blog post, crafted for Antich Auto Eureka, explores the Cybertruck’s towing capacities, configurations, and features to help you determine if it’s the right truck for your towing needs.
Towing Capacity by Configuration
The 2025 Tesla Cybertruck’s towing capacity varies by motor configuration and drivetrain. It is available in three variants: a single-motor Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), a dual-motor All-Wheel Drive (AWD), and a tri-motor AWD “Cyberbeast.” Below is a detailed breakdown of towing capacities based on data from Tesla’s official website and reputable sources like Car and Driver and MotorTrend.
Motor Configurations
- Single-Motor RWD: Expected to produce approximately 400 horsepower (exact figures not yet specified by Tesla), paired with a single-speed transmission. Offers a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds.
- Dual-Motor AWD: Delivers 600 horsepower and approximately 1,000 lb-ft of torque, paired with a single-speed transmission. Achieves the maximum towing capacity of 11,000 pounds.
- Tri-Motor Cyberbeast AWD: Produces 834 horsepower and over 1,000 lb-ft of torque, also paired with a single-speed transmission. Matches the AWD’s 11,000-pound towing capacity.
Towing Capacity by Configuration
The maximum towing capacity of 11,000 pounds is achieved by the Dual-Motor AWD and Cyberbeast AWD models, while the RWD model is limited to 7,500 pounds. All configurations come standard with a tow hitch assembly, but additional accessories like a ball mount may be required.
| Trim Level | Motor Configuration | Drivetrain | Towing Capacity (lbs) | Payload Capacity (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RWD (Long Range) | Single-Motor | RWD | 7,500 | Not specified (est. 2,500) |
| AWD | Dual-Motor | AWD | 11,000 | 2,500 |
| Cyberbeast AWD | Tri-Motor | AWD | 11,000 | 2,500 |
Note: The RWD model’s payload capacity is not yet specified by Tesla, but it is assumed to be similar to the AWD models’ 2,500 pounds. Always consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual or a Tesla dealership for precise towing limits.
Trim-Specific Highlights
- RWD (Long Range): Priced at $69,990, this entry-level model offers a 350-mile range and is suitable for light towing tasks like jet skis or small trailers. Available starting April 2025.
- AWD: Priced at $79,990, this model balances range (340 miles) and towing capability (11,000 pounds), making it ideal for most towing needs.
- Cyberbeast AWD: Priced at $99,990, this top-tier model offers blistering performance (0–60 mph in 2.6 seconds) and the same 11,000-pound towing capacity, appealing to buyers seeking both power and utility.
What Affects Towing Capacity?
Several factors influence the Tesla Cybertruck’s towing performance, blending electric vehicle innovation with traditional truck capabilities.
Motor Specs
- Single-Motor RWD: While exact specs are undisclosed, this motor is expected to deliver around 400 horsepower, sufficient for towing up to 7,500 pounds, such as small boats or utility trailers.
- Dual-Motor AWD: With 600 horsepower and approximately 1,000 lb-ft of torque, this configuration provides robust pulling power for the 11,000-pound maximum, suitable for larger travel trailers or small construction equipment.
- Tri-Motor Cyberbeast AWD: Offering 834 horsepower and over 1,000 lb-ft of torque, it matches the AWD’s towing capacity but excels in acceleration and off-road performance.
Transmission and Axle Ratio
- Single-Speed Transmission: All Cybertrucks use a single-speed transmission, typical for electric vehicles, delivering instant torque for smooth and powerful towing. Unlike traditional trucks, EVs lack multiple gear ratios, relying on motor efficiency.
- Axle Ratio: Tesla does not specify axle ratios, as the Cybertruck’s electric drivetrain integrates power delivery differently. The dual- and tri-motor setups optimize torque distribution for towing via software and all-wheel drive.
Towing Package and Drive Modes
- Standard Tow Hitch: All Cybertrucks include a tow hitch assembly behind the rear bumper, but a ball mount must be purchased separately from Tesla’s accessories catalog.
- Drive Modes: The Cybertruck offers on-road and off-road modes, adjustable via the 18.5-inch touchscreen. Off-road modes (e.g., Overland, Baja) optimize traction for towing on uneven terrain, while on-road modes prioritize efficiency or performance.
- No Dedicated Tow/Haul Mode: Unlike traditional trucks, the Cybertruck lacks a specific tow/haul mode, but its regenerative braking and traction control adapt dynamically to towing loads.
Suspension, Chassis, and Braking System
- Adaptive Air Suspension: Provides up to 17 inches of ground clearance and 12 inches of lift, adjustable via the touchscreen, ensuring stability and ease of trailer hookup. It enhances ride comfort and handling when towing.
- Stainless-Steel Exoskeleton: The unibody design, made of ultra-hard stainless steel, offers exceptional torsional stiffness, contributing to stability under heavy loads.
- Regenerative Braking: Remains active while towing, reducing reliance on friction brakes and improving efficiency. However, heavy towing in mountainous terrain may reduce regenerative braking capacity due to thermal limits.
- Integrated Trailer Brake Controller: Managed via the touchscreen, it allows brake gain adjustments but lacks physical controls, which some testers found less intuitive.
Smart Towing Technology
- Rear-Wheel Steering: Enhances maneuverability, reducing the turning circle to 43.5 feet, comparable to full-size trucks, making trailer handling easier in tight spaces.
- 360-Degree Camera System: Provides visibility around the truck and trailer, aiding in alignment and parking.
- Trailer Sway Control: Uses traction control to stabilize the trailer, improving safety in crosswinds or on uneven roads.
- Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) Power: Offers up to 9.6 kW through four 120V outlets (two in the cabin, two in the bed) and 11.5 kW for vehicle-to-home (V2H) applications, powering trailer accessories or tools.
Payload Capacity and Its Impact
Payload capacity is the maximum weight a vehicle can carry, including passengers, cargo, and the trailer’s tongue weight (typically 10–15% of the trailer’s weight). The 2025 Cybertruck has a maximum payload capacity of 2,500 pounds for AWD and Cyberbeast models, surpassing competitors like the Ford F-150 Lightning (2,235 pounds) and Rivian R1T (1,764 pounds). The RWD model’s payload is not yet specified but is estimated to be similar.
Payload affects towing capacity, as both contribute to the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). For example:
- Towing an 11,000-pound trailer (1,100-pound tongue weight) with 1,000 pounds of passengers/cargo leaves 400 pounds of remaining payload in an AWD Cybertruck.
- Exceeding payload limits reduces towing capacity to stay within the GCWR, ensuring safe handling and braking.
Always check the vehicle’s GVWR (6,603–6,843 pounds for AWD models) and owner’s manual to avoid overloading.
Insights From the Web and Social Media
Real-world towing tests and owner feedback provide valuable insights into the Cybertruck’s performance:
- MotorTrend tested the AWD Cybertruck towing a 3,170-pound Bowlus trailer, noting effortless pulling but a significant range reduction to about 159 miles (half its 318-mile EPA rating). They praised the regenerative braking but criticized the touchscreen-based trailer brake controller for lacking physical buttons.
- The Fast Lane Truck towed a 7,500-pound travel trailer, achieving a 115-mile range at 1.1 miles/kWh, calling it “better than expected” but noting the hitch’s awkward positioning under the bumper. They appreciated the comfortable ride and maneuverability with four-wheel steering.
- JerryRigEverything on YouTube towed an 11,000-pound Hummer in sub-freezing temperatures, covering only 90 miles at 1,193 Wh/mile, highlighting the severe range drop when towing at maximum capacity. They noted a refueling cost of $13, a significant savings over diesel trucks.
- On X, an owner shared, “Towed a 6,000-pound trailer with my Cybertruck AWD. Range dropped to ~120 miles, but the power and stability were unreal. Just plan your charging stops carefully.” Another user remarked, “The Cybertruck’s hitch is a pain to access, and range tanks when towing heavy. Not ideal for long hauls.” These comments emphasize the need for strategic charging when towing.
Common praises include the Cybertruck’s power, smooth ride, and innovative features, while criticisms focus on range reduction and the hitch’s design.
Best Configurations for Towing
Choosing the right Cybertruck configuration depends on your towing needs:
- Light-Duty Towing (Under 7,500 lbs): The RWD (Long Range) model, available in 2025, is ideal for towing small trailers, jet skis, or ATVs, offering a 7,500-pound capacity and a 350-mile range for efficiency. It’s a cost-effective option for occasional towing.
- Mid-Range Towing (7,500–11,000 lbs): The Dual-Motor AWD model is the best choice, providing 11,000 pounds of towing capacity, a 340-mile range, and strong performance for boats, travel trailers, or small construction equipment. It balances cost and capability at $79,990.
- Heavy-Duty Towing (Up to 11,000 lbs): The Cyberbeast AWD matches the AWD’s towing capacity but offers superior acceleration and off-road prowess, ideal for buyers prioritizing performance while towing large trailers.
- Essential Towing Accessories:
- Safety Tips:
- Verify towing and payload weights against the vehicle’s GVWR and GCWR using Tesla’s owner’s manual.
- Plan routes with Tesla Superchargers, as towing significantly reduces range (e.g., 90–150 miles when towing heavy loads).
- Use trailer brakes for loads over 7,500 pounds, especially in mountainous terrain, to avoid over-reliance on friction brakes.
- Check trailer tire pressure and hitch connections before each trip to ensure safety.
Conclusion
The 2025 Tesla Cybertruck is a revolutionary electric truck that delivers a maximum towing capacity of 11,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 2,500 pounds, making it a strong contender in the full-size pickup segment. While it outpaces electric competitors like the Ford F-150 Lightning (10,000 pounds) and Rivian R1T (11,000 pounds), it falls short of heavy-duty gas trucks like the Ram 3500 (36,610 pounds). Its advanced features, including adaptive air suspension, rear-wheel steering, and regenerative braking, make towing smooth and manageable, though significant range reduction (as low as 90–150 miles) requires careful planning. For Antich Auto Eureka customers, the Cybertruck is an excellent fit for tech-savvy buyers needing mid-range towing for recreational trailers or equipment, but it’s less suited for long-distance heavy towing due to charging constraints. Visit our dealership to explore the Cybertruck and discover if its futuristic capabilities align with your towing and lifestyle needs.
How Far Can a Tesla Cybertruck ACTUALLY Tow? We Compare It To a Diesel Truck!
FAQ
How much can you tow with a Cybertruck?It can tow 11,000 lbs for 90 miles and that’s 100% down to 2% battery life.
How much can the Cybertruck tow compared to the f150?Truck stuff
These trucks’ towing specs are pretty comparable; as tested, the Cybertruck and Rivian can pull 11,000 pounds, while the F-150 Lightning can handle 10,000.
Is the Cybertruck a 3/4 ton truck?payload capacity also places the Cybertruck in the middle of the half-ton pickup class, outdoing nearly all EV competitors and several fossil-fuel-powered trucks.
Reference
https://www.facebook.com/JerryRigEverything/posts/should-you-tow-with-a-cybertruck-catastrophic-tongue-weight-test-vs-dodge-ram-th/1202521564569336/
https://www.tesla.com/cybertruck
