Man who did Wile E. Coyote test with Tesla did the same with LiDar Lexus and the results were vastly different
- A YouTuber put the Tesla Model Y through the Wile E. Coyote test
- The Tesla faced off against a Lexus RX to see if they could spot objects
- The results between the two were very different
Published on Mar 18, 2025 at 8:28 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Mar 18, 2025 at 9:53 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
A YouTuber from America put the Tesla Model Y through the Wile E. Coyote test versus a Lexus RX and the results were very different.
The test aimed to show if the Tesla, which hasn’t got LiDar sensors, could define a fake road versus a real one.
The Lexus RX does have LiDar sensors, which means it should be able to work out what is real and what isn’t.
However, the YouTuber wasn’t expecting the results of the test to be so different.
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Tesla won’t fit its cars with LiDar sensors
Tesla controversially refuses to fit its EVs with LiDar sensors.
That has led to experts claiming the reliance on cameras makes their cars less safe than many of its rivals.
YouTuber Mark Rober wanted to put that to the test, conducting a series of experiments comparing a Model Y with the LiDar-equipped Lexus RX.
The tests involved dummies placed on the road, as well as screens with a fake road to see if the cars could work out which was which.
The Lexus spots the dummy in the first test, doing so at 40MPH and coming to a stop.
However, the Tesla fails to do the same, as it plows right into the dummy when relying on just its automatic emergency brakes.
However, when run with autopilot, the Model Y was able to stop in time.
Further tests showed the issues with the Model Y
The next tests saw the cars deal with a dummy that ran out from behind a parked car, and both managed to pass this.
With the child dummy obscured by fog in the next two tests, the Model Y once again slipped behind the Lexus.
However, it did avoid the collision against the blinding lights simulating a low sunset.
The final test though was to see if the cars stopped when driving towards a foam wall painted to look like the road behind it.

The LiDar sensors excelled with the Lexus, the SUV easily pulling up to a stop.
The Model Y however ploughed straight through the wall like it didn’t exist.
Clearly, the experts were right to be worried about the Tesla’s safety ratings.
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.