RTI measures a vehicle’s ability to flex its suspension by driving one side up a 20-degree ramp until the rear tire begins to lift. This test primarily evaluates the suspension's flexibility. Achieving a perfect score of 1000 is rare, especially for stock vehicles.
In the mid-size truck category, the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro excelled with a score of 520, thanks to its unique front anti-roll bar. However, the new Tacoma Trailhunter surpassed it with 532 points, showcasing its off-road prowess.
The Land Cruiser outpaced its sibling, the Lexus GX550, with scores of 631 and 616, respectively. The Land Cruiser benefits from a better approach angle, making it more formidable on the ramp.
In the electric category, Rivian's R1S led with 555 points, slightly edging out the Mercedes-Benz G580 EQ at 549. Notably, electric vehicles with front and rear motors exhibited different dynamics, often lifting the front tire first.
In the EV truck segment, the Rivian R1T dominated with 520 points. The F-150 Lightning, however, didn’t fare well, managing only 332 points, highlighting its limitations as an off-road EV.
The Toyota Land Cruiser and Rivian R1S set the standard in their respective categories during our RTI tests, showcasing advanced suspension designs. Meanwhile, the Ford F-150 Lightning's performance indicates a need for improvements in off-road EV dynamics.
This analysis emphasizes the diverse capabilities and innovations in today's off-road and electric vehicles.
