Imagine the thrill of unboxing a highly anticipated new gadget, only for it to sputter and stop working just when you need it most. That’s a bit like the experience of taking a cutting-edge vehicle, bought with your own hard-earned money, to its limits on a test track. Here at Edmunds, we recently aimed to push our new **Tesla Cybertruck** to its full potential, only to encounter an unexpected and frustrating hiccup – not once, but twice in rapid succession. This experience highlights the critical importance of real-world testing, especially for revolutionary vehicles like the Cybertruck, which promise so much.
Our goal with purchasing our own Cybertruck was to provide an unfiltered look at what it’s truly like to live with and drive. While we’ve previously put a borrowed Cybertruck through its paces for a three-way comparison and our world-famous EV range test, owning one allows us to conduct deeper, more rigorous evaluations right on our test track. This direct ownership ensures our insights are grounded in genuine experience, reflecting what any owner might encounter. Our editors have been living with this unique vehicle for about a month now, gathering a wealth of impressions that are too significant not to share.
Cybertruck Performance: Raw Power and Track Numbers
Before the unexpected issues arose, we managed to capture some impressive performance data for the **Tesla Cybertruck**. The acceleration, in particular, stands out for such a substantial vehicle. Our tests revealed a blistering 0 to 60 miles per hour sprint in just 4 seconds, putting it firmly in sports car territory rather than typical truck performance. Furthermore, it completed the quarter-mile in a swift 12.3 seconds, crossing the line at 110.2 miles per hour. These figures confirm the Cybertruck’s status as a formidable performer on the drag strip, outclassing many conventional vehicles.
When placed against its closest competitors, the Cybertruck carved out its own niche. It proved quicker than our long-term F-150 Lightning in acceleration, demonstrating Tesla’s prowess in electric powertrain delivery. However, it was slightly slower than the quad-motor Rivian R1T, which often sets a high bar for EV truck performance. Beyond straight-line speed, braking performance is equally crucial for any vehicle, particularly one with this much mass. The Cybertruck brought itself to a halt from 60 to 0 miles per hour in 126 feet, a commendable figure that even edged out the other two electric trucks in our comparison. On the skidpad, it achieved 0.76 lateral G, which, while decent, was a slightly less impressive showing compared to its rivals, hinting at a handling characteristic unique to its design.
Verified EV Range: Consistency on the Road
A key concern for any electric vehicle buyer is range, and the **Tesla Cybertruck** is no exception. We meticulously put our Cybertruck through the Edmunds EV range test once again, aiming to verify our initial findings from a previously borrowed unit. The earlier identically-spec’d dual-motor Foundation Series truck achieved an impressive 334 miles on a full charge. Remarkably, our newly acquired Cybertruck, subjected to the same rigorous testing protocol, delivered an identical 334 miles.
This perfect match in range results provides strong confidence in the Cybertruck’s stated capabilities, at least under our specific testing conditions. It’s important to note that both tests were conducted without the aerodynamic wheel covers. While Tesla has reportedly begun installing an updated version of these covers that won’t damage tires, our truck has yet to receive them. Once we do get the updated covers, we plan to re-run the range test to see if they yield any further improvements in efficiency. This continuous testing ensures we provide the most current and accurate information possible, adapting to vehicle updates as they become available.
The Unexpected Turn: Cybertruck Breaks Down During Testing
The real drama unfolded when we transitioned from performance metrics to dynamic impressions. The plan was straightforward: capture stunning car-to-car footage on our handling course while sharing insights into the Cybertruck’s driving dynamics on both the track and public roads. However, after just a lap or two, the dream scenario quickly turned into a nightmare. Our **Tesla Cybertruck** began throwing a barrage of critical error messages, dramatically limiting its capabilities and effectively halting our filming.
This wasn’t an isolated incident; it was the second time in a single week that our Cybertruck succumbed to such a significant failure. The errors varied but converged on a severe power limitation and powertrain issues. Initially, the hope was that a simple restart—turning the car off, exiting, and re-entering—might clear the system. Unfortunately, upon attempting this, the truck refused to shift out of park, compounding the frustration. The display illuminated with warnings: “power has been reduced,” “powertrain requires service,” “rear-wheel steering has been disabled,” and “adaptive cruise control won’t work.” To top it all off, on a warm testing day, the air conditioning began blowing hot air, making the cabin increasingly uncomfortable. This cascade of failures left us in a tricky situation, facing the prospect of contacting roadside assistance for a vehicle less than a month old.
Navigating Limp Mode: A Glimpse into the Future?
Faced with a non-responsive vehicle, we attempted to override the system to at least move the Cybertruck, hoping to coax it into what’s known as “limp mode.” This critical steering issue, which was identical to the prior failure, allowed the truck to move, but at an excruciating pace of only three to four miles per hour. It felt like an automotive version of a slow-motion struggle, a stark contrast to the rapid acceleration we had just witnessed. This experience brought home the reality of owning a highly advanced, software-dependent vehicle; when its complex systems fail, even basic mobility can be severely compromised.
Adding to the list of woes, the low-voltage battery also began showing issues, further complicating the situation on an already hot day without working air conditioning. The irony wasn’t lost on us: a vehicle touted as the future of personal transport was struggling to move more than a few feet per minute. Edmunds invested in this **Tesla Cybertruck** to truly understand the ownership journey, including these unforeseen challenges. These repeated, catastrophic failures during relatively light track use underscore why comprehensive, long-term testing is invaluable for consumers considering such a significant investment. It provides a vital perspective beyond initial impressions or marketing claims.
Driving Impressions: Street Manners and Unique Controls
Despite the track day debacle, our time living with the **Tesla Cybertruck** has allowed us to form comprehensive opinions about its street driving manners. Surprisingly, for a vehicle of its size and unconventional design, the Cybertruck is quite user-friendly in everyday situations. It shares a familiar Tesla feel, though with distinct steering characteristics that demand a brief adjustment period. The steering system, reminiscent of the Model S Plaid’s yoke, features a short lock-to-lock range and variable ratios, meaning the steering response changes depending on speed and input.
While this unique steering might initially lead to slight overcorrection in slow turns, such as pulling out of a stoplight, drivers tend to adapt quickly. After about a week of regular driving, most of our editors felt comfortable predicting the truck’s responses. The ride quality proved to be another pleasant surprise. Despite riding on large all-terrain tires, which can often introduce considerable road noise, the Cybertruck maintains a relatively quiet and comfortable cabin. It absorbs bumps and imperfections with a composure that makes long-distance driving quite tolerable, a quality not always found in pickup trucks. However, visibility is perhaps the most significant practical challenge, with notable blind spots that require extra caution and reliance on cameras and sensors. Even with these quirks, adapting to the Cybertruck’s unique interface and driving feel on the street is a relatively smooth process for most drivers.
Cybertruck Quandaries: Your Questions on What Broke (Again)
What is the Tesla Cybertruck?
The Tesla Cybertruck is a new electric truck from Tesla known for its unique design and promises of high performance. Edmunds purchased one to conduct real-world testing.
How fast is the Cybertruck?
The Cybertruck is very fast for a truck, achieving 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 4 seconds during tests. This places its acceleration in sports car territory rather than typical truck performance.
What is the electric driving range of the Cybertruck?
During Edmunds’ rigorous EV range test, the Cybertruck consistently delivered an impressive 334 miles on a full charge. This result provides confidence in its stated capabilities under those testing conditions.
Did the Cybertruck have any problems during testing?
Yes, the Cybertruck experienced critical breakdowns twice during testing, displaying multiple error messages and significantly limiting its power. It even entered a ‘limp mode’ at one point, making it difficult to move.
Is the Cybertruck easy to drive on regular roads?
Despite its large size and unique steering system, the Cybertruck is surprisingly user-friendly for everyday driving after a brief adjustment period. It also offers a relatively quiet and comfortable ride that absorbs bumps well.