The Tesla Cybertruck has finally arrived, and seeing a Tesla Truck Image online doesn’t quite prepare you for the real thing. Recently, I had the chance to get up close and personal with not one, but two of these much-talked-about electric pickups. Parked near my workplace, these futuristic vehicles, one owned by early adopter Ben Levin and the other rented by YouTuber Kyle Conner, drew a crowd of curious onlookers. The atmosphere was relaxed, more like a casual car meet than a formal review event.
Driven by curiosity, I approached one of the Cybertrucks, eager to explore its interior. While everyone was engaged in their own explorations, I appreciated the opportunity to discover things independently. After all, the joy of figuring out a new car, especially one as unconventional as this, is always exciting. It quickly became apparent that the Cybertruck is unlike any vehicle I’ve encountered before. The absence of traditional door handles was just the first hint of its radical design.
To my surprise, opening the door involved tapping a subtle light on the door pillar. This simple touch caused the door to pop open, a seamless and futuristic entry. Shortly after I hopped in for a look around, I was asked to assist in parking the truck. Without hesitation, I took the wheel and backed it into a parking spot. This brief maneuver was the extent of my initial test drive, but I’m already looking forward to a more comprehensive experience behind the wheel soon, where I can share a more detailed review.
Navigating the Novel Interior and Controls
My first challenge inside the Cybertruck was locating the gear selector. Accustomed to traditional controls, I scanned the interior for buttons, levers, or a gear shifter stalk. There were none. The minimalist design extended to the driver’s area, with no driver display screen directly in front of the steering wheel and no stalks protruding from the steering column. Even basic functions like turn signals, windshield wipers, and bright lights are controlled by dials integrated into the steering wheel itself.
The only logical place for the gear selector, it seemed, was the central multimedia screen. Upon pressing the brake pedal, the Tesla Cybertruck powered on, and a graphical representation of the truck appeared on the expansive display. On the left side of the screen, I noticed a vertical bar with a truck icon – the gear shifter. The operation was intuitive: dragging the truck image upwards on the screen selected ‘Drive,’ while dragging downwards engaged ‘Reverse.’ Once I understood this screen-based gear selection, it felt remarkably simple and efficient.
Visibility, however, presented another immediate challenge. The Cybertruck’s design creates significant blind spots, making mirrors and the rear-view camera essential. Like other Tesla models, the Cybertruck features a tinted glass roof and a narrow rear window, contributing to glare and limited visibility. The tonneau cover further restricts the rear view, essentially blocking the window entirely when closed and only offering a view of the truck bed’s interior.
The Innovation of Steer-By-Wire
Even gripping the steering wheel felt unconventional. It’s a yoke, flat at both the top and bottom, instantly signaling a departure from traditional steering systems. The Cybertruck incorporates steer-by-wire technology, a fully electronic, computer-controlled steering system. Having previously experienced steer-by-wire in a Lexus prototype, I knew it offered a level of precision far beyond conventional power steering. It’s akin to the responsive steering in a video game, demanding only minimal input even for sharp turns.
Adding to its maneuverability, the Cybertruck boasts rear-wheel steering, capable of turning the rear wheels up to 7 degrees. While this might seem like a small angle, it dramatically enhances the handling of this large, angular vehicle, allowing it to maneuver into parking spots and navigate curves with surprising agility.
Putting the Cybertruck in gear and familiarizing myself with the mirrors and rear-view display, I prepared to back it up. Despite being a confident driver, reversing, especially in a new vehicle packed with unfamiliar features, was a slightly nerve-wracking prospect, especially with an audience observing.
However, the Cybertruck impressed. While the steer-by-wire system is a notable feature, the rear-wheel steering truly stood out as exceptional and, arguably, necessary. The sheer size and shape of the Cybertruck would naturally make it challenging to maneuver, a problem that rear steering effectively mitigates.
Within moments, the Cybertruck was neatly positioned between a Ford F-150 Lightning and a Rivian R1T, two other electric pickups being used for a comparison video. Its futuristic aesthetic and distinctive front light bar stood in stark contrast to the more conventional designs of its counterparts. Maneuvering it into the tight spot proved to be much easier than I had anticipated.
Inside the “Post-Apocalyptic Man-Cave”
Taking a few more moments to absorb the Cybertruck’s essence, it became clear it lives up to its design mission: a robust, almost fortress-like vehicle, perfectly embodying a “man-cave” ready for a post-apocalyptic landscape, or perhaps, just a trip to the local store.
The model I explored featured all-weather floor mats, leatherette seats, and a center console equipped with cup holders – because even in a post-apocalyptic scenario, beverage convenience remains essential. The footwells are generously sized, accommodating even large work boots, and the expansive glass roof creates a remarkably open and airy cabin feel. The rear seats appeared spacious and practical, ideal for stowing backpacks and gear.
This naturally leads to the question of storage. The truck bed, equipped with a lockable, retractable cover, provides secure storage, although items are likely to slide around during driving.
Then there’s the frunk, which in the Cybertruck, is surprisingly substantial. After the video shoot, the drivers opened the frunk to retrieve their luggage – two roll-aboard suitcases, the standard size for airplane overhead compartments, fit comfortably. This frunk capacity is genuinely impressive, adding to the Cybertruck’s practicality.
Surprising Exterior Elements and Build
Several exterior details also caught my attention. The front and rear light bars are striking, as are the prominent wheel cladding. However, the windshield wiper – or rather, wiper – was particularly noteworthy. A single, oversized wiper blade, resembling an outsized baseball bat in size and shape, is a detail I hadn’t fully appreciated in photos but stood out dramatically in person.
The electric tonneau cover, operated by a push-button, retracts smoothly into the rear of the truck bed, a convenient and refined touch.
Yet, perhaps the most defining exterior feature is the raw, unpainted stainless steel skin of the Cybertruck. At 0.071 inches thick, the steel panels feel considerably more substantial than typical appliance-grade stainless steel. It conveys an immediate sense of robustness and durability.
However, this robust steel also has sharp edges, as demonstrated in a “pinch test” conducted by Kyle and his team. Unlike the rounded, painted edges common on most vehicles, the Cybertruck’s stainless steel panels have sharp, straight edges. Similarly, the doors and frunk lid lack rubber gaskets, resulting in a less forgiving closure.
Kyle’s team used carrots and hotdogs to test the pinch points, simulating the potential for injury to fingers. The results were stark: the frunk and doors effortlessly crushed the carrot and mashed the hotdogs. This serves as a clear warning, especially for families with children, to exercise caution around the Cybertruck’s doors and moving parts.
Hype vs. Reality: The Cybertruck Experience
After spending an afternoon examining the Cybertruck, I understand the buzz. While there’s been online chatter about off-roading mishaps and towing challenges, I’m not convinced this vehicle is primarily designed for extreme off-road adventures. Its width and length, even with rear-wheel steering, might not make it as agile as dedicated off-roaders.
Despite its steel exoskeleton, the Cybertruck lacks underbody skid plates for protection against rocks and debris when venturing off-pavement. Although it lacks traditional mechanical components that skid plates typically protect, such as an oil pan or driveshaft, some form of underbody protection would still seem beneficial for off-road use.
However, for those seeking a real-life embodiment of a video game aesthetic and a truly unique driving experience, the Cybertruck delivers. It’s a bold statement and a futuristic vision brought to life, appealing to those who want to embrace a more unconventional and technologically advanced automotive future.
