(Commonwealth_ The Tesla Cybertruck is an anomaly in the automotive world, evoking reactions ranging from admiration to outright disdain. Descriptions like “spaceship,” “dream car,” “UFO,” “dumpster,” “phenomenal,” and “abomination” have all been used to describe this vehicle during a 24-hour rental in metropolitan Detroit. These impressions came from strangers, friends, family, and even auto industry experts. One word rarely used, however, is “truck.” Despite having a pickup bed and some utilitarian features, the Cybertruck feels far more “cyber” than “truck.”
Tesla’s Cybertruck isn’t just another vehicle on the road; it represents something completely different. Like the first SUV or minivan, or even the quirky roadster pickups like the Ford Ranchero and Chevrolet El Camino, the Cybertruck has created its own unique segment in the auto industry. Whether that’s good or bad is up for debate, especially when considering traditional truck manufacturers like Ford, General Motors (GM), and Ram, which have spent decades fine-tuning their trucks to meet specific customer needs. Features like bed access, door handle sizes, and seating heights are crucial to truck buyers, but Tesla’s Cybertruck challenges these norms.
According to Edmunds.com, the top vehicles cross-shopped with the Cybertruck are Tesla’s other four models, with the Ford F-150 Lightning being the only traditional truck making the list. However, it’s in a distant fifth place, with just 7.4% of potential buyers considering it alongside the Cybertruck. This indicates that potential Cybertruck owners may not be the same people who typically buy traditional trucks; instead, they seem more drawn to Tesla’s unique brand of futuristic, electric-powered vehicles.
The driving experience in the Cybertruck is unlike anything else on the market, including other electric trucks like GM’s Hummer EV, Ford’s F-150 Lightning, and Rivian’s R1T. The closest comparison might be the Hummer EV, another oversized, extravagant vehicle that prioritizes style over practicality. However, even the Hummer feels more like a truck in terms of its driving dynamics and functionality. The Cybertruck, by contrast, feels more like a futuristic sports car with a stiff chassis, tight steering, and a design that leans heavily on form over function. Its “steer-by-wire” system and yoke further emphasize its departure from traditional trucks.
The Cybertruck’s seating position is also unusual for a pickup. Even when set to its “high” setting, which it can only maintain below 25 mph, it sits several inches lower than most electric trucks. This adds to its car-like feel, which might not appeal to traditional truck buyers accustomed to a commanding seating height.
Despite its unconventional design, the Cybertruck is still marketed as being “tough.” Tesla has demonstrated this toughness with stunts, such as shooting bullets at it and throwing steel balls at its windows albeit with mixed success. However, the vehicle tested during the rental showed some signs of wear. With just over 2,000 miles on it, there were already two pieces of trim peeling off near the rolling bed cover’s sealant and guide rails. More concerning are potential problems with the vehicle’s frame. Durability issues with the frame could be serious since the frame is the foundation upon which the entire vehicle is built. The design of the Cybertruck is polarizing to say the least. Its angular, sci-fi-inspired look makes even the bulky GMC Hummer appear conventional in comparison. While driving it, heads turned, jaws dropped, and reactions ranged from excitement to outright hostility. People from all walks of life, from schoolchildren to construction workers and even police officers, stopped to take note of the unusual vehicle. Some expressed approval, while others like one aggressive driver who gave an emphatic thumbs down were less impressed. Cybertruck drivers have reported similar experiences, with some even receiving more explicit gestures from fellow motorists
