My wife Becky and I eagerly awaited the arrival of our All-Wheel Drive (AWD) dual-motor Cybertruck, and on March 29th, 2024, the day finally came at the Seattle Tesla Service Center. The pickup process was seamless and enjoyable, setting a positive tone right from the start.
Cybertruck Delivery Experience in Seattle, Washington
Excited to put it to the test, I was particularly keen to compare the Cybertruck to my trusty 2016 Model S, which has served me well for 116,000 miles. Just a few days later, on April 8th, I embarked on a 10-day, 3,000-mile road trip adventure with my brother Scott and our close friends, Steve and Kevin. Our destination: the stunning landscapes of Moab, Utah, and the iconic Monument Valley in Arizona. This review encapsulates our collective driving experiences and initial impressions of the groundbreaking Cybertruck.
Driving Dynamics and Handling
The Cybertruck is officially listed at a substantial 6,669 pounds, a figure that might suggest a cumbersome driving experience. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Astonishingly, the Cybertruck surpasses my 2016 Model S in driving feel and refinement. The ride quality is noticeably smoother and quieter, providing a serene cabin experience even on rougher roads. Steering is remarkably light and responsive, even more so than in my Model S, making maneuvering effortless.
Despite its size, the Cybertruck boasts acceleration comparable to my Model S, effortlessly overtaking even large trucks on steep mountain inclines. The innovative steer-by-wire system, coupled with the uniquely shaped steering yoke, the minimal lock-to-lock steering range, and the advanced four-wheel steering, contribute to the vehicle’s exceptional maneuverability. Parking and tight turns become surprisingly easy, often manageable with just one hand on the wheel.
On winding, mountainous highways, even at speeds reaching 80 mph in areas like Eastern Oregon, Idaho, and Utah, the Cybertruck exhibits remarkable stability and composure. Unlike traditional trucks I’ve driven, such as the Ford F-150, Dodge Ram, and Toyota Tundra, the Cybertruck exhibits none of the body roll, “jiggling,” or bounciness typically associated with these vehicles.
A particularly appreciated feature was the constant rear camera view displayed on the touchscreen while driving forward. All four of us drivers found this so useful that we unanimously agreed the traditional rearview mirror was essentially redundant – a testament to the effectiveness of the Cybertruck’s advanced camera system.
Lane Changes and Blind Spot Monitoring
The Cybertruck’s suite of technology instilled confidence during lane changes. Activating the turn signal seamlessly brings up the side camera view on the central touchscreen, temporarily replacing the rear camera display. A clear red vertical stripe overlay appears on the side camera image whenever a vehicle or object enters the blind spot. While this is helpful, we felt that ideally, the rear camera view could be maintained as a smaller window alongside the side camera view for even greater situational awareness.
Enhancing safety further, a red indicator light illuminates on the A-pillar whenever an object is detected in either side blind spot, regardless of whether the turn signal is activated. This proactive blind spot monitoring system provides an extra layer of security and awareness.
Vehicle Entry and Accessibility
The absence of traditional door handles on the Cybertruck is a design choice we quickly embraced. We found ourselves not missing them at all. The automatic Entry Mode, which lowers the Cybertruck to its lowest ride height when parked, is a brilliant feature. It makes ingress and egress remarkably easy, comparable to stepping into and out of a standard SUV. The rear doors open to an expansive 90-degree angle, significantly improving rear seat access, simplifying cargo loading, and making child car seat installation much easier. The car seat attachments themselves are also notably more accessible compared to my older Model S.
Parking and Maneuverability in Tight Spaces
Despite its imposing dimensions, parking the Cybertruck proved surprisingly stress-free. I no longer experience the parking lot anxiety I used to have with my previous Chevrolet Suburbans, vehicles of similar size. The Cybertruck can navigate and fit into almost any parking space I could manage with my Model S, a feat largely attributed to the four-wheel steering and comprehensive camera system.
My favorite parking aid is the easily accessible button, positioned for thumb operation, that activates the low front camera and dual front side cameras. This provides a comprehensive 180-degree view, invaluable when pulling forward into parking spots, especially in situations where spotting small children is a concern. These cameras effectively eliminate this potential hazard.
However, one minor drawback compared to the Model S is the absence of ultrasonic sensors that display object distances in inches when moving forward. This omission feels like a slight step back in terms of parking precision. Reversing into parking spaces is a breeze thanks to the exceptional 180-degree, three-camera view displayed on the touchscreen when in reverse. In fact, we found the rearview mirror completely unnecessary for parking maneuvers.
During our road trip, navigating Supercharger stations required a bit of initial adjustment. Initially, we needed a spotter to guide the driver when backing up to avoid hitting the charging pedestal. However, with practice and familiarity with the camera perspectives, I can now confidently back up to Superchargers, understanding the camera views that indicate optimal proximity for charging without collision. Fitting the Cybertruck into my garage is a tight squeeze. My garage measures 8 feet wide and 20 feet, 10 inches deep (to the back shelves).
Cybertruck Garage Fit – Barely Fits!
A convenient feature is the automatic Park engagement: when stationary, unbuckling the driver’s seatbelt automatically shifts the vehicle into Park mode.
Streamlined Controls and User Interface
Initially, all four drivers anticipated missing the traditional stalks for controlling functions like shifting gears, windshield wipers, turn signals, and cruise control. However, we were unanimous in our preference for the Cybertruck’s “stalkless” control system. All essential controls are intuitively located on the steering yoke and easily accessible with either thumb, eliminating the need to take hands off the wheel. After a day or two of driving, operating these controls became second nature, requiring no visual attention.
The massive 48-inch windshield wiper performs exceptionally well. It’s activated by a steering wheel button, which then brings up further wiper controls on the touchscreen. Voice commands also provide wiper operation – “Wiper on,” “Wiper off,” “Speed up wiper,” and “Slow down wiper” all function reliably. The “Dynamics” menu offers a comprehensive suite of ride setting adjustments, allowing for fine-tuning of the driving experience.
Visibility – Front and Rear
The expansive windshield offers excellent forward visibility. However, the substantial A-pillars do create blind spots that require attention. I’ve adopted a habit of moving my head side-to-side to check these blind spots and double-checking intersections, a practice I’m accustomed to from my Model S, which also has sizable A-pillars. The short front end of the Cybertruck contributes to good overall forward visibility.
Rear visibility, a pre-delivery concern, especially with the tonneau cover typically closed, has been a pleasant surprise. In fact, I experience better rearward visibility in the Cybertruck than in any car I’ve previously driven. As mentioned, the reversing camera system provides a 180-degree view using the rear and rear side cameras, displayed on the touchscreen. I also utilize the side mirrors. The only time I use the rearview mirror now is to maintain eye contact with my three-year-old granddaughter when she’s in her car seat.
Interior Comfort and Features
The Cybertruck interior is a masterclass in minimalist design, yet it feels incredibly spacious and luxurious. All seats are remarkably comfortable, even for extended journeys. The glovebox, which opens like a drawer, is a thoughtful touch that prevents contents from spilling out. The backseat is exceptionally roomy, offering the most generous rear passenger space of any Tesla vehicle to date. We made good use of the two 120-volt AC power outlets in the passenger cabin.
A personal road trip essential is good coffee, and as a discerning espresso drinker, subpar coffee is simply unacceptable. Therefore, I brought along a compact Nespresso machine and a selection of recyclable coffee pods, much to the delight of my travel companions. Enjoying freshly brewed espresso while cruising at 80 mph through the Mountain West was a highlight. The interior ambient lighting is beautifully executed and customizable with various color options. The 15-speaker premium sound system delivers audio quality that surpasses any vehicle I’ve experienced.
The panoramic glass roof is visually stunning and effectively tinted to mitigate heat and glare. However, anticipating intense desert sunshine, I purchased a third-party sunshade with a highly reflective coating. While effective in reducing cabin temperature and air conditioning demand, installation proved to be a significant undertaking, requiring hours of modifications and revealing that the vendor lacked access to a production Cybertruck – a crucial detail not disclosed on their website. Tesla does provide a sunshade with the Cybertruck, which fits well but isn’t fully reflective. For most sunny trips, the Tesla sunshade will likely suffice.
Exterior Design and Build Quality
The exterior of my Cybertruck is flawless, exhibiting no imperfections. The hardened stainless-steel panels are perfectly aligned, and there are no signs of rust. While some panel edges are somewhat sharp, after over 4,000 miles of use, no one has experienced any scratches or injuries. Fingerprints are certainly noticeable to inexperienced users opening and closing the doors, but seasoned users quickly learn to minimize them. Frankly, the fingerprint concern seems somewhat overstated, especially considering this is a truck designed for utility. We perceive the Cybertruck as a versatile vehicle capable of both “city duties” and handling rugged tasks like off-roading, hauling landscaping materials, and trips to the dump. I’ve used automated car washes six times so far and found the dedicated Car Wash Mode to be very convenient.
Cybertruck Car Wash Mode in Action
Cargo and Utility
The “frunk,” or front trunk, is surprisingly versatile. Beyond cargo storage, it provides sheltered outdoor seating, ideal for “frunkgating” – a new take on tailgating, perfect for rainy Seattle days. We didn’t need to use the frunk for cargo on this trip due to the ample space in the rear cargo bed.
Cybertruck Frunkgating while Supercharging in Moab
The generous 6-foot cargo bed easily accommodated all of our personal luggage, including eight large cargo tubs, a cooler, and four full-size backpacks. The design of the bed, being taller near the rear window, allowed us to place backpacks on top of the tubs and still close the tonneau cover.
Cybertruck Cargo Bed Capacity for Road Trip
The cargo bed is well-illuminated, a significant benefit at night. Climbing in and out of the bed is reasonably easy. Numerous movable tie-down points are provided, along with a built-in bottle opener – a welcome detail after a long hike. The under-bed storage compartment is spacious and watertight. The powered tonneau cover is exceptional – robust, nearly completely waterproof even in car washes, and easily controlled from the rear corner, touchscreen, or Tesla app. Its complete retraction when fully opened is a crowd-pleaser. We didn’t utilize the bed-mounted power outlets on this trip – a 240-volt and two 120-volt outlets – but discussed their potential for future camping and hiking excursions, envisioning a small refrigerator, slow cooker, and toaster oven.
Upon returning from the road trip, I immediately put the Cybertruck to work on a landscaping project at my vacation home, hauling 2,500 pounds of grass sod at a time, twice. While we considered loading the sod pallets directly into the bed, I opted to hand-load to avoid risking scratches to the bed walls. The 50 rolls of sod exceeded the tonneau cover’s height limit, but this wasn’t an issue. The air suspension automatically adjusted to the load, maintaining a level ride height without any sagging. Returning with the final load after dark, I was impressed that the headlights remained properly aimed, illuminating the road rather than pointing skyward, a common issue with my previous heavily loaded Suburbans. The sod transport trips were 35 miles each way, mostly at highway speeds, with the last mile on a rough, gravel mountain road. The weight of the load was definitely noticeable, but the Cybertruck handled it with aplomb across varying road surfaces, exhibiting no stability concerns.
Cybertruck Loading 2500 lbs of Sod
Cybertruck Offloading Sod at Vacation Home
This photo was taken at my off-grid cabin in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State. You can see the Starlink antenna on the roof peak. The cabin’s power system consists of solar panels (7.4 kW), 2,200 pounds of batteries, and a propane generator. In case of a power outage, the Cybertruck can serve as a backup power source for the cabin using the 240V bed outlet.
Baja Mode and Off-Road Capability
Exploring the remote landscapes in Baja Mode was exhilarating. Even with the suspension raised to 16 inches of ground clearance, the Cybertruck remained remarkably stable at 45–50 mph while navigating hills, washes, rocks, and boulders. While not seasoned off-roaders, we were impressed by the Cybertruck’s inherent capability and the sheer fun it offers in off-road environments. Fortunately, we didn’t need to engage “Extract Mode,” a self-rescue feature that raises the suspension to 17.4 inches for situations where the truck becomes high-centered. Similarly, “Wade Mode,” enabling water crossings up to 32 inches deep at low speed, remained untested on this trip.
Cybertruck Baja Mode Road Trip Review
Range, Charging, and Efficiency
The Cybertruck indicated a full charge range of 318 miles. Our actual range was slightly less, as expected, due to mountain driving at highway speeds and carrying a combined weight of approximately 1,500 pounds of passengers and gear. However, range anxiety was never a concern. We likely passed two Supercharger stations for every one we stopped at. The navigation system intelligently planned our route, suggesting Supercharger stops, estimating state of charge upon arrival, and calculating the necessary charging duration before continuing. Our Supercharger stops ranged from brief 10-minute top-ups to a longer hour-long charge. These stops were welcome for restroom breaks, stretching, and meals. Charging speeds reached up to 252 kW at 250-kW stations and 151 kW at 150-kW stations, significantly faster than my 2016 Model S, which peaked at 150 kW only briefly.
Regarding Level 2 home charging, I’ve been charging my Model S at 72 amps since 2016 using a Tesla Wall Charger. I assumed the Cybertruck would charge at a similar rate. Disappointingly, the Cybertruck is limited to 48 amps for Level 2 charging, consistent with modern Tesla cars. This feels like a minor regression, especially considering the Cybertruck’s large 123 kWh battery pack.
Accelerator Pedal Issue and DIY Fix
While in Utah, we became aware of the reported issue with the accelerator pedal cover (which has since become a recall). Using the Tesla app, I contacted my local Tesla Service Center in Bellevue, WA, expressing my concern. I received a callback within two hours – commendable service. The service representative was initially unaware of the issue, as it had just surfaced. She promptly escalated it to the Cybertruck team and kept me informed as the situation unfolded. In the meantime, at our next Supercharger stop, I retrieved duct tape from the under-bed storage and secured the accelerator pedal cover with tape. Reasoning that duct tape saved Apollo 13, it should suffice for the Cybertruck!
DIY Cybertruck Accelerator Pedal Recall Fix with Duct Tape
Powershare and Home Backup Capability
As a Foundation Series Cybertruck owner, I was eligible for the Powershare program. The purchase included a bi-directional Universal Wall Connector (charger) and a Powershare Gateway. Once installed and with a future Cybertruck software update, these components will enable the Cybertruck to power my home during grid outages using the charging cable. Installation costs are my responsibility, estimated at $5,000 by my vendor. The Powershare Gateway is already installed, and we’re now awaiting the bi-directional charger from Tesla. Stay tuned for a future update on the functionality of this system.
Final Verdict: The Cybertruck Exceeds Expectations
In summary, the Cybertruck has surpassed all my expectations. It’s a remarkable feat of engineering and technology, and an absolute pleasure to drive. The adage “The future is already here – it’s just not evenly distributed” comes to mind. The Cybertruck truly feels like a vehicle from the future, because in many ways, it is. Driving a Cybertruck is like stepping into that future today.
I anticipate the Cybertruck becoming America’s best-selling electric vehicle in its class, not just in 2024, but for many years to come.
By Mark Curtis
