Tesla Cybertruck: Genius or Crazy?
If you've been on social media over the last 18 months, you've probably heard of the Cybertruck. According to social media you’ve probably heard that it’s horrible, it’s great, it’s amazing, it’s the worst thing ever made. So, why write about the Cybertruck? What more is there to say? Well, surprisingly, it’s actually quite good. Not perfect, but clearly doesn’t need to be and it’s engineering under its metallic polygon skin does do some amazing things.
My daily driver is a Tesla Model Y, and on weekends, I enjoy cruising in a 1987 Land Rover Defender 90. Oddly enough, the Cybertruck feels like a mashup of both—offering great ground clearance (Defender), smart use of space (Model Y), rugged (Defender), angular styling (Defender), and (surprisingly) ease of maneuvering in city centers (Defender and to a lesser extent Model Y). It also features a fantastic sound system; the sound system alone feels like its worth the price.
Tesla Cybertruck Review
When you walk up to the Cybertruck, you feel like you’re about to go fight terminators in a future war, but once inside, it’s actually pretty relaxed, and possibly even serene once you have music playing. After driving it for 30 minutes, you’d think you’re driving around in just about any other Tesla. Yes, it’s expensive, yes, it stands out, and yes, despite the online hate, people actually like it in person. Instead of the rage induced hand gestures I was expecting, I've actually received more thumbs-ups than anything else.
One area that stands out is the Cybertruck’s functionality. It may not seem like a traditional truck at first glance, but its 6-foot bed is impressive. Sure, its angular shape makes it tricky to load from the side, but at 6'3", I didn’t have any issues. Overall, I was more pleased with the vehicle than I expected. The first time I saw one in person it was behind stanchions, almost making it feel like more of a modern art exhibit, let alone a truck. The proportions are definitely better in real life than in pictures, but it still isn’t by any means “pretty.” The best way to break down my thoughts is with a simple pros and cons list.
Pro and Con: Cybertruck Design
The design is bold and unique. Even if you don’t like it, it’s hard not to be impressed by the fact that one of the most outlandish concept vehicles ever actually made it into production with very few changes – and is selling well. This design has also seemingly sparked a trend, with other automakers now embracing more angular and daring designs that would have been unthinkable a few years ago.
That said, the exterior’s extremeness extends to the interior, which is extreme in its simplicity. Driving it makes it hard to forget just how far the design pushes boundaries.
Pro: Driver Assistance Systems
When I first tested the Cybertruck, its advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) were pretty basic—just adaptive cruise control. Thanks to Tesla’s OTA updates, while a bit delayed, it now includes the full (so-called) self-driving suite, which now even allows for hands-free driving. Having used Tesla’s ADAS on multiple road trips, I can confirm it’s an impressive system and excellent for highway driving, especially with the new hands-free capabilities. The addition of eye monitoring and hands-free steering in my personal vehicle has been a nice addition to Tesla’s ADAS offerings.
However, one of the downsides to the frequent OTA updates is that over time, some software updates have felt like two steps forward and one step back. Some changes—like UI tweaks or removing the ability to do a "California Stop"—have even felt like downgrades. While these updates are often for safety, it can be frustrating when familiar features suddenly change or disappear.
Having said that, it is amazing how elements of the driver assists have improved over time. Originally going into aggressive turns, the Cybertruck didn’t seem confident and would feel very robotic, continually make adjustments while in the corner. However, now it’s much more natural and feels like a seasoned human driver finding the apex of a turn and holding it.
Overall, I will say while I enjoy the features and am impressed with how far Tesla’s driver assist tech has come, it has yet to pass the wife test. As she still does not like to use it herself when driving.
Pro: Cybertruck Handling
For something that looks like it belongs in a quarry and comes with stock 35-inch tires, the Cybertruck handles surprisingly well. There’s some body roll in corners, but for a full-size truck, overall it handles as well as—if not better than—my Model Y.
This impressive performance is thanks to the air suspension, rear-wheel steering, and steer-by-wire system. These features combine to smooth out bumps, tighten turns, and flatten corners. Even though the steering lacks a physical column, it still offers responsive feedback, albeit with a somewhat digital, even video game-like feel.
Pro: Off-Road Performance
The Cybertruck’s off-road capability is impressive, though it comes with a caveat. The stock 35-inch tires strike a good balance for general use, but they aren’t ideal for serious off-roading. Like most trucks, it benefits from more aggressive tires when going off the beaten path. With beefier tires, the Cybertruck shines off-road, thanks in part to its locking differentials (a rarity for EVs) and precise motor control.
Pro and Con: Cybertruck Range and Efficiency
Perhaps the biggest letdown for many early fans is the Cybertruck’s range. While adequate (320 miles estimated according to the EPA), it falls short of the 500-mile range originally promised at launch. However, despite its angular shape, the Cybertruck is one of the most aerodynamic EV trucks out there. Tesla engineers have maximized range efficiency through aerodynamic design, efficient motors, and a 48-volt low-voltage system.
Tesla has also announced an additional battery pack that can be purchased that will get the Cybertruck closer to the 500 mile range (though it’s still only 470 miles in the most efficient variant). While very interesting it does come at the expense of space, roughly a third of the actual truck bed near the cab, versus being in the main battery pack area. The range extender has yet to be delivered to customers, but even at its price tag of $16,000, the take rate is allegedly fairly high at around roughly 25 percent.
Pro: Performance
Despite its hefty 6,800-pound weight, even the basic dual-motor Cybertruck offers impressive acceleration. The truck’s size amplifies the sensation of speed, making 0-60 in 4.2 seconds feel faster than expected. The tri-motor Cyberbeast variant, which can do 0-60 in under 3 seconds, must feel like being shot out of an electric ejector seat.
Pro and Con: Actual Truck Stuff
The Cybertruck holds its own in terms of traditional truck capabilities. It boasts a towing capacity of 11,000 pounds and features smart, efficient use of space.
However, one notable downside is that it doesn’t come with a spare tire from the factory—a surprising omission for a vehicle marketed as rugged and off-road capable. However, with multiple 120-volt outlets through out the vehicle, and even a 240-volt outlet in the bed, it really is a great option for the work site. Plus, with a folding second row of seats and decent frunk space. The Cybetruck is actually a very practical vehicle.
Con: Cybertruck Price
All of this functionality and tech comes at a price…a big one. Indeed, one of the most significant drawbacks of the Cybertruck is its price. Currently, the base Foundation version of the Cybertruck starts at $100,000 – and you will pay up to $120,000 for the tri-motor Cyberbeast variant.
While Tesla initially promised a more affordable starting price of $50,000 for the dual motor version when it was first announced, the reality has turned out to be quite different. Inflation definitely plays into a majority of that increase, but the final price tag places it well above what many expected, especially when you factor in options and higher trim levels.
This makes the Cybertruck less accessible to a broad audience and more of a luxury purchase than a practical work truck for the average buyer. For those looking for an affordable, rugged EV, the price point is be a deal-breaker.
Things should be improving soon. With the end of the early Foundation series of Cybertruck vehicles, Tesla has mentioned they will be lowering the starting price to $80,000, which would mean the Cybertruck qualifies for the federal tax credit – reducing the price further to roughly $72,500. Still not cheap, but closer to the original price, more competitive with high-end combustion-powered trucks and much cheaper than the current starting price of $100,000.
Tesla Cybertruck: Conclusion
In summary, the Cybertruck is a polarizing but undeniably intriguing vehicle. It may not be perfect, but it blends bold design, functionality, and surprising performance in a way that’s hard to ignore and I hate to break it to you, but if they follow through on their promises to lower the price and increase the range, expect to see many more of them, everywhere.
