Tesla CEO Elon Musk took the stage four years ago to show off the automaker’s latest and greatest design—the electric Cybertruck. The angular, entirely stainless-steel pickup has been long-awaited and one of the most hyped-up models of any type for years. It’s finally trickling off the assembly line, and there’s much to discuss.
Tesla began delivering the Cybertruck in late 2023, and production will ramp up through 2024. The company says it will invite Cybertruck reservation holders to configure their vehicle when the time comes, and it’s unclear how long it will take for the automaker to clear its current order backlog.
The Cybertruck comes in three configurations, and prices are higher than initially forecast:
In addition, Tesla offers a handful of expensive options for the truck that will quickly inflate the price tag further.
Until now, Tesla styling has emphasized curves, arcs, and gentle lines that age well, but the company’s designers took a completely different approach with the Cybertruck. It is angular, sharp, striking, and polarizing, sporting full stainless-steel bodywork, a glass roof, and shatter-resistant “armor” glass. You might characterize it as an acquired taste.
Like other Tesla models, the Cybertruck’s cabin lacks traditional controls, favoring a massive center-mounted touchscreen display. Don’t worry too much about dust collecting on it because Tesla equips the truck with a built-in, hospital-grade HEPA air filter that eliminates nearly 100 percent of airborne particulates. In addition, while some new Teslas have a “yoke” tiller for steering the front wheels, the Cybertruck gets a unique steering wheel that’s half square and half circle.
Available only as a crew-cab model, the Cybertruck seats five people. You can fold the back seat to create 54 cubic feet of locked interior storage, and the cargo bed’s locking “vault” cover and its front trunk (or frunk) contribute another 67 cu-ft of protected storage.
Cybertruck competitors from General Motors offer a clever “Midgate” that creates an opening between the cab and the cargo bed for hauling longer items. While the Cybertruck doesn’t have one, Tesla says the 6-foot, 4-inch cargo bed can carry a 4-foot by 8-foot sheet of plywood. Depending on the configuration, the Cybertruck’s payload capacity measures 2,500 pounds.
The Tesla Cybertruck’s driving range, power, and capability depend on which version you choose. For example, Tesla says the base RWD model delivers a 250-mile range and accelerates to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds.
Choose the AWD model, and you’ll get 340 miles of range, 11,000 pounds of towing capacity, and a 4.1-second zero-to-60-mph time. Tesla quotes a 112-mph top speed for this model, and if you add the optional range-extending battery pack mounted in the cargo bed, it can travel an estimated 470 miles.
The Cyberbeast is the most potent Cybertruck, offering a 2.6-second run to 60 mph plus a claimed 130-mph top speed. Tesla promises 320 miles of range (more than 440 miles with a range extender), and the Cyberbeast tows 11,000 pounds.
Tesla claims the Cybertruck adds 128 miles of range after 15 minutes plugged into one of the company’s public Supercharger stations. Tesla also says you can export up to 11.5 kilowatts of power from the Cybertruck to your home, which is helpful during a power outage after a storm.
In addition, the Cybertruck features 20-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires and has an air suspension providing a maximum of 12 inches of wheel travel and 17.4 inches of Extract Mode ground clearance. Four-wheel steering helps to make the Cybertruck more maneuverable.
Tesla hasn’t announced a list of standard and available Cybertruck safety features. However, you can reasonably expect it will offer the advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) found on other Teslas, including the optional Enhanced Autopilot and Full Self-Driving Capability upgrades.
Tesla installs a massive 18.5-inch touchscreen on the Cybertruck’s dashboard, which controls nearly everything about the vehicle. The automaker also gives rear passengers a 9.4-inch display and a 15-speaker sound system is on board. Several charging points are available throughout the cabin, including 120V/240V outlets.
Unfortunately, you can’t use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in a Tesla. Instead, the company supplies its in-house interface for audio streaming. However, Tesla isn’t the only EV maker shunning Apple and Google technology: the new Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV also lack smartphone mirroring tech.
The Tesla Cybertruck will compete against a who’s-who of electric pickup trucks, including the Ford F-150 Lightning, GMC Hummer EV Pickup, and the Rivian R1T. Chevrolet and GMC will soon join the fray with the Silverado EV and Sierra EV, and the Ram REV is also on the way.
Tesla is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of January 23, 2024, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Chris Teague is an experienced writer in the automotive and technology fields. In addition to JDPower.com, his work appears at Forbes, The Drive, Your Test Driver, and others.
Although both the 2026 Toyota Corolla and Toyota Camry share Toyota engineering and many standard features, they target different buyers. To see how they compare in value, reliability, performance, ...See More
Read the Full Article
Both the 2026 Toyota Corolla and the 2026 Mazda Mazda3 come with comprehensive safety features and connected services, along with large infotainment screens and premium audio. To see how their ...See More
Read the Full Article
Touchscreens are almost universal in modern cars. However, not all display types are the same. An increasing number of the latest cars use something called an OLED display. But what exactly is OLED, ...See More
Read the Full Article
Although the 2026 Toyota Corolla and the 2026 Nissan Sentra target buyers with similar goals, they take different routes. To see how those approaches translate into real world value, reliability, ...See More
Read the Full Article