The Tesla Cybertruck has remained one of the most talked-about vehicles since its unveiling, and as of late 2024, it’s been in the hands of paying customers for over six months. With its polarizing design and groundbreaking features, the Cybertruck has delivered both exhilaration and frustration for early adopters, while keeping the rest of us glued to its evolving story.
Let’s explore what the past months have revealed about Tesla’s foundation series Cybertruck, its successes and challenges, and what lies ahead.
2025 Tesla Cybertruck Specs
| Feature | Single Motor | Dual Motor AWD | Tri-Motor AWD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Starting) | $39,900 | $49,900 | $69,900 |
| Towing Capacity | 7,500 lbs | 10,000 lbs | 14,000 lbs |
| Range (Approx.) | 250 miles | 300 miles | 500 miles |
| 0-60 MPH Acceleration | 6.5 seconds | 4.5 seconds | 2.9 seconds |
| Payload Capacity | Up to 3,500 lbs | Up to 3,500 lbs | Up to 3,500 lbs |
| Drive System | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) |
| Air Suspension | Standard on all versions | ||
| Features | Autopilot standard |
A Rocky Start: Recalls and Design Flaws
The Cybertruck’s journey has been marked by several early hurdles. In Q1 of 2024, reports emerged about accelerator pedals getting stuck in the floored position due to a poorly secured pedal cover. Tesla quickly addressed this with a recall of over 4,000 vehicles, fixing the issue by securing the pedal covers with rivets. This was only the beginning.
In June, two more recalls were issued, affecting over 22,000 units. One recall addressed a windshield wiper motor failure that compromised visibility in poor weather, while the other involved a loose plastic trim piece on the bed, which posed a road hazard.
Additionally, some owners reported complete vehicle failures, including defective oil pumps and HVAC system malfunctions. Despite Tesla’s free repairs or replacements, these issues left a sour taste for some buyers who spent upwards of $100,000.
A Real-World Beta Test?
Tesla’s approach with the foundation series Cybertruck can be seen as a calculated move. By charging a $20,000 premium for early access, Tesla ensured that the initial batch of vehicles reached influencers, celebrities, and Tesla enthusiasts.
This strategy amplified marketing and allowed the company to identify and address issues before mass-market rollout. Recently, Tesla offered early owners a free drivetrain swap, citing improved efficiency and reliability, raising questions about whether this reflects proactive improvements or deeper concerns.
2025 Tesla Cybertruck 0-60, 0-100 & Top Speed
2025 Tesla Cybertruck’s expected performance metrics vary based on the configuration. Here’s a summary based on comparisons with previous models and the latest updates:
0-60 mph Times:
- Single Motor RWD: Approximately 6.5 seconds.
- Dual Motor AWD: Expected around 4.5 seconds.
- Tri-Motor and Quad-Motor (CyberBeast): As low as 2.9 seconds, rivaling high-performance EVs like the Rivian R1T quad motor.
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph):
Slightly longer than the 0-60 mph times by about 0.2 seconds, placing the top Tri-Motor and Quad-Motor configurations around 3.1 seconds.
- Top Speed:
- Single Motor RWD: 111.8 mph (180 km/h).
- Dual Motor AWD: Similar range at 111.8 mph.
- Tri-Motor and Quad-Motor: Up to 129.9 mph (209 km/h), aligning with Tesla’s focus on balancing utility and speed.
The Good, the Bad, and the Bizarre
Despite the challenges, the Cybertruck has delivered on several fronts. Owners praise its nimbleness, with speed-dependent steering ratios and rear-wheel steering making the massive vehicle surprisingly maneuverable. The ride quality is smooth, the cabin is well-insulated, and the audio system is impressive.
However, quirky design flaws persist. The rearview mirror is almost useless when the tonneau cover is closed. The stainless-steel body, while robust, stains easily, and interior build quality feels inferior compared to the more affordable Model 3.
Tesla has addressed some safety concerns, such as resolving the “frunk guillotine” issue with a software update, ensuring no fingers get caught in its powerful closing mechanism.
On the performance side, the Cybertruck shines with its ability to humiliate rivals in drag races, yet videos of it being towed out of cornfields and snowy inclines have sparked debates over driver skill versus vehicle capability. And yes, the viral video of a Cybertruck resisting handgun bullets but succumbing to a .50 caliber rifle showcases its unique allure.
2025 Tesla Cybertruck Interior Features List
Design and Comfort
- Minimalist Styling: The interior adopts a futuristic and angular design, emphasizing simplicity with a gray color palette.
- Durable Materials: The focus is on practicality over luxury, offering materials suited for rugged use.
Technology
- 18.5-inch Central Display: A large touchscreen serves as the hub for controlling all vehicle functions, leveraging Tesla’s signature infotainment system.
- Advanced Autopilot Interface: Integrated Autopilot features and Full Self-Driving (supervised) capabilities are part of the Cybertruck’s offering, with ongoing updates for improved performance.
Convenience Features
- Motorized Glovebox: A unique feature that adds a touch of futuristic utility.
- Multiple 120V Outlets: Supports worksite tools and recreational devices, enhancing versatility.
Seating
- Up to 6 Seats: With spacious accommodations for passengers, the Cybertruck balances utility with comfort.
Unique Additions
- Panoramic Glass Roof: Enhances the sense of openness in the cabin.
- Tesla Software Integration: Features like navigation, media control, and over-the-air updates ensure the interior remains cutting-edge.
Variants and Availability
As of now, Tesla offers three Cybertruck variants:
- Base Rear-Wheel Drive ($61,000): Single motor, 250-mile range, and 7,500-pound towing capacity.
- All-Wheel Drive ($80,000): Dual motors, 340-mile range, and 11,000-pound towing capacity.
- Cyberbeast ($100,000): Tri-motor setup with 320-mile range, a 2.6-second 0-60 mph sprint, and 11,000-pound towing capacity.
Production is ramping up, with Tesla now building at least 200 Cybertrucks daily, translating to an annual output of 75,000 units. CEO Elon Musk has set a target of 250,000 units annually, which might be achieved by 2025.
Competitive Landscape
The Cybertruck faces stiff competition, particularly from the Rivian R1T and Ford F-150 Lightning. While the R1T offers superior build quality and off-road capability, it struggles with mass-market adoption. Meanwhile, the Lightning has strong brand loyalty and practicality on its side. Despite these contenders, Tesla’s Cybertruck leads in registrations for electric pickups, with over 8,700 units delivered in Q2 of 2024 compared to Ford’s 7,920.
Rivian R1T
- Price: Starts at ~$73,000.
- Range: Up to 400 miles.
- Performance: Quad-motor AWD setup, 0-60 mph in ~3 seconds, towing up to 11,000 lbs.
- Known for its luxury feel and off-road capabilities.
Ford F-150 Lightning
- Price: Starts under $50,000 for base, ~$91,995 for Platinum.
- Range: Up to 320 miles.
- Towing: Up to 10,000 lbs.
- Offers traditional design with practical frunk and usability.
Chevrolet Silverado EV RST
- Price: ~$105,000 for top trim.
- Range: 400 miles.
- Performance: Dual-motor AWD, 754 hp, 0-60 mph in ~4.5 seconds.
- Innovative features like a mid-gate for extended cargo.
GMC Hummer EV
- Price: ~$104,650.
- Range: 329 miles.
- Performance: Tri-motor AWD, 1,000 hp, 0-60 mph in 3 seconds, extreme off-road capability.
Ram 1500 REV
- Price: Expected ~$60,000 to $100,000+.
- Range: Up to 500 miles for extended-range trims.
- Towing: 14,000 lbs.
- Combines high towing capacity with a refined interior.
Tesla’s Cybertruck competes with its unique design, advanced steering, high-performance specs, and pricing options ranging from $61,000 to $100,000.
2025 Tesla Cybertruck Price & Release Date
2025 Tesla Cybertruck is expected to start at a base price of $50,000 for the Single Motor RWD variant, with higher-end configurations exceeding $80,000, depending on features such as motor options and range enhancements.
Tesla officially began delivering the Cybertruck in late November 2024, with broader availability anticipated in early to mid-2025.
The Cybertruck offers impressive specs, including a towing capacity of up to 11,000 pounds, ranges exceeding 340 miles (depending on the model), and rapid charging capabilities through Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network.
2025 Tesla Cybertruck Fuel Efficiency
2025 Tesla Cybertruck is projected to have varying ranges depending on its trim level. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive version offers an estimated range of 340 miles, while the performance-focused “Cyberbeast” trim slightly lowers the range to 320 miles, prioritizing speed and power. A more basic rear-wheel-drive version with a 250-mile range is expected to launch in 2025, but it isn’t yet listed for sale.
These figures are consistent with Tesla’s trend of prioritizing efficiency and performance. For comparison, the Model X, a similar heavy-duty electric vehicle, achieves ranges of up to 348 miles in its most efficient trims. Tesla’s advancements in battery technology and aerodynamics continue to push EV range boundaries.
If you’re considering Cybertruck’s range performance against competitors like the Rivian R1T or Ford F-150 Lightning, Tesla’s figures are competitive but differ based on intended use cases, such as towing or high-speed driving.
Looking Ahead
Tesla’s dominance in the EV market is undeniable, but recurring quality control issues have tarnished its reputation among some customers. With the Cybertruck poised to remain a bestseller in its segment, the question is whether Tesla can iron out production flaws and deliver a more affordable variant to fulfill Musk’s $40,000 promise from 2019. For now, the Cybertruck remains a symbol of Tesla’s audacious innovation, polarizing design, and growing pains as it reshapes the automotive landscape.
