The Tesla Cybertruck, introduced in 2024 and carried over with minimal changes into 2025, is a polarizing all-electric pickup truck that blends futuristic design with impressive performance but comes with notable drawbacks. Here’s a comprehensive review based on expert insights, owner feedback, and testing data from various sources:
Pros
- Distinctive Design: The Cybertruck’s angular, stainless-steel exoskeleton is unlike any other vehicle, drawing intense attention. Its “bulletproof” body (resistant to small arms fire) and glass that can withstand a 70-mph baseball impact add to its unique appeal. Many reviewers, like those at Top Gear, praise its sci-fi aesthetic, noting it delivers on the 2019 concept’s bold vision.
- Performance: Available in dual-motor All-Wheel Drive (AWD, 600 hp, 0-60 mph in 3.7-3.9 seconds) and tri-motor Cyberbeast (845 hp, 0-60 mph in 2.6 seconds), the Cybertruck is among the fastest trucks ever tested. Its steer-by-wire system and rear-wheel steering enhance maneuverability, making it surprisingly agile for its 6,669-pound weight.
- Towing and Payload: With an 11,000-pound towing capacity and 2,500-pound payload, it matches or exceeds rivals like the Rivian R1T and Ford F-150 Lightning. The 6-foot bed is the deepest among EV pickups and can carry a 4×8 plywood sheet with the tailgate down.
- Ride Quality: The adaptive air suspension provides a smooth, composed ride over uneven surfaces, with up to 17 inches of ground clearance and strong off-road capability thanks to locking differentials and adjustable power splits.
- Tech and Features: The 18.5-inch touchscreen, 15-speaker audio system, and panoramic glass roof are highlights. Features like a power tonneau cover, multiple power outlets (including a 50-amp bed outlet), and Tesla’s Supercharger network access add utility. Owners like Quinn Nelson of Snazzy Labs praised the quiet cabin and excellent sound system.
- Safety: The Cybertruck earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, a rare achievement for a pickup, enhancing its appeal for safety-conscious buyers.
Cons
- Visibility: Outward visibility is poor, especially with the tonneau cover closed, which blocks the rear window. The rearview mirror is nearly useless, forcing reliance on a small camera feed on the touchscreen, which some find distracting and unsafe.
- Interior Quality: The minimalist interior feels cheap to some, with creaks, rattles, and lower build quality compared to Tesla’s Model S or X. Owners like Quinn Nelson noted the lack of premium features like auto-opening doors or a tilting touchscreen, and a tiny gap in the sun visor lets in glare.
- Steering and Controls: The steer-by-wire yoke and lack of physical stalks for turn signals, wipers, and high beams are divisive. At low speeds, the variable-ratio steering can feel unpredictable, and controls require excessive interaction with the touchscreen, reducing driver focus.
- Range and Efficiency: The AWD model offers 325-340 miles of range, while the Cyberbeast gets 318-320 miles, but real-world tests (e.g., Car and Driver’s highway test) yielded only 250 miles, midpack among EV trucks. The optional $16,000 range-extender battery (adding 120-130 miles) occupies bed space and requires professional installation.
- Build Quality: Panel gaps, especially on early models, and fingerprint-prone stainless steel are common complaints. Sharp panel edges can be hazardous, and the lack of traditional door handles (using a button or app) is inconvenient for some.
- Price and Value: Starting at $79,990 (AWD) and $99,990 (Cyberbeast), with Foundation Series models near $102,000, the Cybertruck is pricier than promised ($40,000 in 2019). It’s less practical than competitors like the Rivian R1T or Ford F-150 Lightning, which offer similar capabilities at lower prices.
- Full Self-Driving (FSD): Tesla’s FSD is still in beta, with inconsistent performance and frequent errors, raising concerns about its reliability.
Owner and Reviewer Sentiment
- Positive: Owners like @AlexFinnX on X called it “the greatest car I’ve ever driven,” praising its safety, smoothness, and FSD, while @cybrtrkguy highlighted the steer-by-wire and public attention. CleanTechnica’s owner review after a 3,000-mile trip lauded its smooth ride, quiet cabin, and spacious interior, outperforming a 2016 Model S.
- Negative: A critical review on Tesla Motors Club, deleted from another forum, called it a “toy truck” with a cheap interior, stiff suspension, and dangerous visibility issues, feeling it’s overpriced at $100,000. Throttle House’s review echoed concerns about bumpy rides, poor visibility, and distracting controls.
- Polarized Reception: The Autopian noted that reviewing the Cybertruck is “pointless” due to its divisive nature, with fans and critics blinded by admiration or hatred for Tesla and Elon Musk. Social media reactions range from awe (@TheAppleCore) to disappointment over unmet expectations.
Comparison to Rivals
- Rivian R1T: Offers similar performance (up to 835 hp) and a 352-410-mile range with larger battery packs, starting at $69,900. It’s more polished but less attention-grabbing.
- Ford F-150 Lightning: Starts at $49,995 with a 240-mile range, feeling more like a traditional truck but less innovative.
- Chevrolet Silverado EV: Matches towing capacity but is heavier and less agile, with a 400+ mile range option at a lower price point.
Verdict
The Tesla Cybertruck is a technological marvel with unmatched acceleration, towing capability, and a bold design that turns heads. Its engineering, like the steer-by-wire and 48-volt architecture, sets it apart, and its NHTSA 5-star rating adds credibility. However, poor visibility, a spartan interior, inconsistent build quality, and a high price tag make it less practical than competitors for traditional truck buyers. It’s best suited for Tesla enthusiasts, tech lovers, or those seeking a statement vehicle, but mainstream buyers may prefer the Rivian R1T or Ford F-150 Lightning for better value and usability. If you’re considering one, test-drive it to weigh its quirks against its strengths, and expect a mid-2025 range-extender option to boost utility at the cost of bed space.
