The Tesla Cybertruck has finally arrived, and after months of anticipation, real-world reviews are pouring in. We got our hands on the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Cybertruck in March 2024 and embarked on a 3,000-mile road trip to put this futuristic vehicle to the test. This review summarizes our comprehensive driving experience, comparing it to a long-term Tesla Model S and traditional trucks.
Driving the Cybertruck: A Paradigm Shift
Despite its imposing size and a scale weight of 6,669 pounds, the 2024 Tesla Cybertruck defies expectations. It doesn’t drive like a typical truck; it drives better than a 2016 Tesla Model S. The ride quality is remarkably smooth and quiet, a significant upgrade from the Model S. Steering is effortless, almost unbelievably easy, even with one finger during parking maneuvers. The Cybertruck’s acceleration is on par with the Model S, effortlessly overtaking vehicles even on steep mountain inclines.
The innovative steer-by-wire system, coupled with a uniquely shaped steering wheel and a short lock-to-lock range, contributes to the Cybertruck’s exceptional maneuverability. The four-wheel steering further enhances this, making tight turns and parking surprisingly easy for such a large vehicle. On winding highways, even at posted speeds of 80 mph, the Cybertruck feels planted and stable, unlike traditional trucks like the Ford F-150, Dodge Ram, and Toyota Tundra, which often exhibit body sway and bounciness. The always-on rear camera view, displayed on the touchscreen, proved invaluable, so much so that we, all four drivers, found the traditional rearview mirror redundant.
Lane Changing Confidence with Advanced Technology
Tesla’s technology shines when it comes to lane changes in the Cybertruck. Activating the turn signal seamlessly brings up the side camera view on the touchscreen, temporarily replacing the rear camera display. A red vertical stripe acts as a clear blind-spot indicator, appearing when a vehicle is detected in the blind spot. While this feature is helpful, we noted a desire to see both the rear and side camera views simultaneously for even greater awareness. Adding to safety, a red light on the A-pillar also illuminates when a vehicle is in the blind spot, regardless of turn signal use. This multi-layered approach to blind-spot monitoring significantly boosts driver confidence.
Effortless Vehicle Access and Parking Prowess
The absence of traditional door handles is a welcome change, contributing to the Cybertruck’s sleek, futuristic aesthetic. The default “Entry Mode,” which lowers the Cybertruck to its lowest ride height when parked, makes ingress and egress incredibly easy, comparable to an SUV. The rear doors open to an expansive 90 degrees, simplifying rear seat access, cargo loading, and child car seat installation. Speaking of car seats, the attachment points are easily accessible, a notable improvement over earlier Tesla models.
Parking the Cybertruck, despite its size, is surprisingly stress-free. It navigates parking lots with the ease of a smaller vehicle like the Model S, thanks to the four-wheel steering and comprehensive camera system. A standout feature for front-first parking is the easily accessible button that activates the low front camera and front side cameras, providing a 180-degree view – crucial for spotting low obstacles or pedestrians. While we missed the ultrasonic sensors of the Model S that display object distances in inches, the camera system compensates effectively. Reversing into parking spaces is simplified by the clear 180-degree rear camera view. Initially, backing up to Superchargers required a spotter, but with practice, we gained confidence in using the cameras to guide us. The Cybertruck even fits, albeit snugly, into a standard 8-foot wide garage. A convenient feature is the automatic “Park” engagement when the vehicle is stationary and the driver unbuckles their seatbelt.
Stalkless Controls and Intuitive User Interface
Initially, we were concerned about missing traditional stalks for controls like wipers, turn signals, and cruise control. However, the Cybertruck’s “stalkless” design proved to be a superior experience. All essential controls are conveniently located on the steering wheel and easily operated with thumbs, eliminating the need to take hands off the wheel. After a short familiarization period, operating the controls became second nature. The massive 48-inch wiper is remarkably effective and can be activated via a steering wheel button or voice commands (“Wiper on,” “Speed up wiper,” etc.). The “Dynamics” control panel offers a wide array of ride setting adjustments, allowing for customization based on driving conditions and preferences.
Visibility: Front and Rear Perspectives
The expansive windshield offers excellent forward visibility. However, the substantial A-pillars do create blind spots that require conscious attention. Drivers need to actively move their heads to check these blind spots, especially at intersections. This is a familiar practice for Model S owners as well. The short front end enhances forward visibility, contributing to confident maneuvering.
Rear visibility is surprisingly excellent, even with the tonneau cover closed. The rear camera and side cameras provide a comprehensive 180-degree view when reversing, surpassing the rear visibility of any other vehicle we’ve driven. Side mirrors are also utilized for broader awareness. The rearview mirror is primarily reserved for checking on rear passengers.
Interior Comfort and Practicality
The Cybertruck interior is a masterclass in minimalist design, spaciousness, and comfort. All seats are exceptionally comfortable, even for long journeys. The glovebox, designed like a drawer, prevents items from spilling out upon opening. The backseat is remarkably roomy, the most spacious of any Tesla vehicle. The inclusion of 120-volt AC ports in the cabin is a practical touch. For road trips, a portable espresso machine was a welcome addition, powered by the Cybertruck’s outlets, ensuring high-quality coffee on the go. Ambient interior lighting adds a touch of sophistication and is customizable with various colors. The 15-speaker sound system delivers audiophile-grade sound quality, setting a new benchmark for in-car audio.
The expansive glass roof, while beautiful, benefits from a sunshade in intense sunlight. While a third-party sunshade proved effective, its complex installation highlighted the need for Tesla-designed accessories. A Tesla-provided sunshade, though not fully reflective, offers adequate sun protection for most conditions.
Exterior Design and Build Quality
The Cybertruck’s exterior is undeniably striking. The hardened stainless-steel panels exhibit excellent alignment and no imperfections. While some panel edges are sharp, no issues have arisen in practical use. Fingerprints on the stainless steel are a potential concern, but experienced users adapt quickly to minimize them. From a utility perspective, minor fingerprints are inconsequential for a vehicle designed for both urban and rugged environments. The Cybertruck has successfully navigated automated car washes multiple times using the dedicated “Car Wash Mode.”
Cargo and Utility: Frunk, Bed, and Versatility
The “frunk” (front trunk) is a surprisingly versatile space, functioning as comfortable outdoor seating, dubbed “Frunkgating.” The primary cargo space is the expansive 6-foot bed, which effortlessly accommodated luggage for four people, including cargo tubs, a cooler, and backpacks. The bed’s design, with a higher section near the rear window, maximizes vertical space.
The cargo bed is well-illuminated, features numerous tie-down points (including a bottle opener), and includes a spacious, watertight under-bed storage compartment. The tonneau cover is robust, nearly waterproof, and easily controlled via buttons, touchscreen, or Tesla app. The bed also houses powerful outlets – 240-volt and two 120-volt – ideal for powering equipment during camping or work. We envision using these for a portable refrigerator, slow cooker, and toaster oven on future trips.
Beyond road trips, the Cybertruck proved its utility as a work truck, hauling 2,500 pounds of sod at a time. The air suspension automatically leveled the load, maintaining consistent headlight aim even when heavily laden. The Cybertruck handled the weight with ease, even on varied road surfaces, with no stability issues.
The Cybertruck’s power capabilities extend beyond hauling; it can also function as a backup power source for a home via the 240V bed outlet, a valuable feature for off-grid living or power outages.
Baja Mode: Off-Road Capability Unleashed
Exploring off-road terrain in “Baja Mode” was a highlight. Even at 16 inches of ground clearance, the Cybertruck remained remarkably stable at speeds of 45-50 mph across varied terrain. While not seasoned off-roaders, we were impressed by the Cybertruck’s capabilities and the fun factor it delivers off-pavement. Features like “Extract Mode” (for self-rescue when high-centered) and “Wade Mode” (for water crossings up to 32 inches) further enhance its off-road prowess, though we didn’t need to utilize them on this trip.
Range, Charging, and Efficiency
The Cybertruck displayed a full charge range of 318 miles. Real-world range was slightly less due to mountainous terrain, highway speeds, and cargo weight, which is expected. However, range anxiety was never an issue. Supercharger availability was abundant, and the vehicle’s navigation system intelligently planned charging stops, predicting arrival charge and charging duration. Charging speeds were impressive, reaching up to 252 kW at 250 kW Supercharger stations, significantly faster than older Tesla models.
Level 2 home charging is capped at 48 amps, similar to other modern Teslas, which was slightly disappointing considering the Cybertruck’s large 123 kWh battery pack. A faster Level 2 charging rate would be a welcome improvement.
Accelerator Pedal Recall: A Quick DIY Fix
During the road trip, news of the accelerator pedal cover issue (now a recall) surfaced. Tesla service responded promptly to our concern via the Tesla app, demonstrating excellent customer service. As a temporary fix, duct tape was applied to the accelerator pedal – a humorous nod to Apollo 13 – proving effective until a permanent solution is implemented.
Powershare and Home Energy Integration
The Foundation Series Cybertruck includes hardware for “Powershare” – bi-directional charging capability – enabling the Cybertruck to power a home during outages. Installation is underway, and future software updates will activate this feature, promising seamless home energy integration.
Conclusion: The Cybertruck – A Futuristic Reality
The 2024 Tesla Cybertruck has surpassed all expectations. It’s an engineering marvel, a joy to drive, and a true glimpse into the future of vehicles. It blends truck utility with Tesla’s signature driving dynamics and technology in a way that redefines the segment. The Cybertruck isn’t just a truck; it’s a statement. It’s highly likely to become the best-selling electric vehicle in its class, setting a new standard for years to come.
By Mark Curtis
