At Edmunds, a significant investment was made to acquire a 2024 Tesla Cybertruck AWD Foundation Series for long-term testing, a testament to our commitment to providing authentic, owner-centric reviews. This isn’t just any Cybertruck; it’s the one we purchased outright, allowing for unbiased and thorough evaluation. As seen in the accompanying video, our journey with this highly anticipated electric truck has been anything but conventional, presenting a unique blend of impressive performance and perplexing reliability challenges right from the outset.
Our long-term ownership experience began a month ago, and already, our editors have accumulated a wealth of impressions. The primary goal is to provide a comprehensive look at what it’s truly like to live with a Cybertruck, pushing it through rigorous tests on both the track and public roads. This approach allows us to uncover not just the headline-grabbing specs, but also the subtle nuances and critical issues that only emerge with extensive use.
Cybertruck Performance: Numbers That Impress, Mostly
Before the recurring issues began to overshadow our track time, we managed to collect some crucial performance data. The Cybertruck’s acceleration figures stand out, demonstrating its potent electric powertrain. In our tests, the vehicle sprinted from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a mere 4 seconds.
It completed the quarter mile in just 12.3 seconds, reaching a speed of 110.2 miles per hour. While these numbers position the Cybertruck as faster than the F-150 Lightning, it still trails the quad-motor Rivian R1T in outright acceleration, acting like a sprinter that’s fast but not the fastest on the track.
Braking performance was also put to the test, with the Cybertruck stopping from 60 mph in 126 feet. This indicates slightly better stopping power compared to the other two electric trucks we’ve tested. However, its lateral grip on the skidpad registered 0.76 G, a figure that falls short of its rivals, suggesting it’s more of a straight-line marvel than a cornering champ.
Real-World Range: Consistent and Capable
One of the most critical metrics for any electric vehicle is its real-world range. We subjected our Cybertruck to the rigorous Edmunds EV range test, replicating the conditions of our previous borrowed Cybertruck. Both tests involved the identically spec’d dual-motor Foundation Series truck, run without the wheel aero covers.
Remarkably, the results were precisely the same: 334 miles on a full charge. This consistency is a positive indicator, confirming the Cybertruck’s ability to deliver on its range estimates under real-world driving conditions. We anticipate retesting once updated aero covers are installed, as these could potentially influence efficiency.
Unforeseen Challenges: The Cybertruck’s Reliability Rollercoaster
Despite its impressive performance numbers, the most striking aspect of our Cybertruck experience has been its unexpected reliability issues. Within the span of a single week, the truck threw critical errors not once, but twice during our testing regimen. It began with an error that limited power output and speed, which initially seemed fixable by turning the vehicle off and on again.
However, the situation escalated during car-to-car footage filming, when the truck repeatedly issued powertrain error messages. These messages soon escalated to include disabled rear-wheel steering, non-functional adaptive cruise control, and a severe reduction in power, ultimately rendering the vehicle unable to shift out of park. It became a digital brick, much like a computer freezing mid-task, unresponsive to commands.
This wasn’t an isolated incident. Previously, our director of testing experienced a similar “critical steering issue” that forced the truck into a debilitating limp mode after just a lap and a half on the handling course. The most recent failure mirrored this, leaving the Cybertruck in a crawl, moving at a glacial pace of 3-4 miles per hour, essentially stranding it on our track. Adding to the discomfort, the low voltage battery also indicated issues, causing the air conditioning to blow hot air on a warm day—a truly frustrating combination for a premium vehicle.
Understanding Limp Mode and Powertrain Errors
When a vehicle enters “limp mode,” it’s typically a self-preservation function activated by the onboard computer to prevent further damage. It severely restricts power and speed, allowing the driver to “limp” to a safe location or service center. For a brand-new, high-performance electric vehicle like the Cybertruck, experiencing this repeatedly during routine testing is a significant concern.
Powertrain errors, especially those leading to a complete inability to shift out of park, point to fundamental issues within the vehicle’s propulsion and control systems. It’s akin to a complex machine having its central nervous system malfunction, affecting multiple critical functions simultaneously. For a vehicle that cost us $101,985 as tested, these are not minor inconveniences; they are potential deal-breakers for prospective owners.
Driving the Cybertruck: An Unconventional Experience
Beyond the breakdowns, the Cybertruck offers a unique driving experience. On public roads, the vehicle is surprisingly easy to maneuver once acclimated to its distinctive steering. Unlike traditional steering systems, the Cybertruck’s setup, reminiscent of the Tesla Model S Plaid’s yoke, features a variable ratio that constantly adapts.
Lock-to-lock travel is minimal, and while it requires some adjustment—especially for slower turns where overshooting is possible—most drivers will likely get used to it within a week. It’s an analogy for a digital camera where the focus changes automatically, sometimes requiring a manual nudge in specific situations.
The ride quality, even on large all-terrain tires, is commendable for a truck, offering a comfortable experience that could easily accommodate long-distance travel. Cabin noise is well-managed, contributing to a serene environment. However, the Cybertruck’s futuristic design introduces challenges in terms of visibility, with notable blind spots that require drivers to be extra vigilant.
These driving impressions, gathered at speeds higher than the 3 mph limp mode, suggest that the Cybertruck, when fully operational, delivers on its promise of a distinctive, comfortable, and relatively intuitive driving experience. The core mechanical and software issues, however, cast a long shadow over these positive attributes.
The Edmunds Approach: Uncovering the Real Story
Edmunds invests its own money in purchasing these long-term vehicles precisely to uncover such real-world ownership experiences. This is not about being irresponsible or pushing a vehicle beyond its limits; it’s about evaluating how a vehicle performs under typical, albeit rigorous, use. The situations encountered with the Cybertruck, from track testing to basic driving, are well within the bounds of what hundreds of other vehicles have handled without issue in our hands.
The recurring failures highlight the importance of long-term testing, especially for vehicles introducing groundbreaking technology and unique designs. Our experience with the Tesla Cybertruck serves as a critical case study, offering invaluable insights for consumers considering this unconventional electric truck. It underscores the distinction between theoretical performance and practical, day-to-day reliability.
Beyond the Breakdown: Your Cybertruck Questions Answered
What is Edmunds doing with the Tesla Cybertruck in this article?
Edmunds purchased a Tesla Cybertruck for long-term testing to provide an unbiased review of its real-world performance and reliability.
How quickly can the Tesla Cybertruck accelerate?
The Cybertruck can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 4 seconds, demonstrating its powerful electric engine.
What is the real-world driving range of the Cybertruck?
In Edmunds’ tests, the Cybertruck consistently achieved a real-world range of 334 miles on a full charge.
Did the Cybertruck experience any problems during the testing?
Yes, the Cybertruck repeatedly had critical errors, including limiting power and speed, and even becoming unable to shift out of park.