Tesla Model X Plaid put to most aggressive Colorado towing challenge possible and compared to Rivian RS1
- This YouTuber put a Tesla Model X Plaid to the test
- He took it out into the Colorado mountains while towing 5,000lbs
- Its incredible performance surprised him
Published on Apr 20, 2025 at 4:37 PM (UTC+4)
by Ben Thompson
Last updated on Apr 17, 2025 at 9:02 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
The Tesla Model X Plaid was put to the most towing challenge possible and compared to the Rivian RS1.
Out of Spec Reviews were the ones facilitating the test, which would involve a lot of elevation, dirt, and tarmac.
It took place in the mountains of Colorado, so all the elevation makes sense.
How would the Model X Plaid fare in these trying circumstances?
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This Tesla Model X gets put to a towing test
For some reason, we love to see a car put to a towing challenge, and EVs are no different in this regard.
We’ve previously seen the Tesla Cybertruck go up against a Dodge 2500 in a comparison of towing might.
The Cybertruck’s prowess has also been tested with boats.
Even the Chevy Silverado has been getting some love in this regard.
But these are both substantial trucks – how would a smaller car do by comparison?
Out of Spec Reviews decided to take a look, by taking a Model X out on a ‘Rustic Ring’ towing challenge.
They put 5,000Ibs on the back of the car – its maximum tow rating – and run a 85 mile loop from Fort Collins up through the mountains.
“This is a hardcore test of thermals, stability, steering…and of course, motor power,” the host said.
It sounds like a tall order, no pun intended.
The channel had previously taken the Cybertruck into the mountains for a similar test.
How would this car get on in the mountains of Colorado?
Taking on the ‘Rustic Ring’
When they made it to Rist Canyon, the car was predicting it would be left with 73 percent charge by the time it reached the top of the hill.
It turned out that it was only off by one digit at the end of the 11-mile drive – with 74 percent being the figure.
On the whole, the car handled very well, even on dirt roads and steeper inclines.
Having 5,000Ibs on the back compared to the usual 10,000Ibs didn’t hurt either.
“It feels like a feather,” the host commented.
By the end of the descent, the Model X is on 52 percent.
With a consumption rate of 628Wh/m, it came out as the most efficient vehicle to have been put through this test.
To see the towing test for yourself, head over to Out of Spec Reviews’ YouTube channel.
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