The Tesla Cybertruck has been nothing short of a phenomenon since its unveiling, and like many, I was eager to see if the reality matched the hype. Recently, I had the chance to get up close and personal with not one, but two Cybertrucks, thanks to YouTuber Kyle Conner and one of the first owners, Ben Levin. Approaching these futuristic pickups, the air was filled with curiosity. Even before getting inside, it was clear this wasn’t just another vehicle. The absence of door handles was the first clue – this was going to be different.
Inside the Cybertruck: Gear Selection and Interior Innovation
My initial interaction with the Cybertruck began with a simple task: opening the door. A subtle tap on a small light on the door pillar, and the door gracefully popped open, a smooth introduction to its unconventional nature. Hopping inside, the cabin felt unlike any other pickup truck I’d experienced. Then came the request to park it. Simple, right? Except, locating the gear selector became an unexpected mini-puzzle. The interior was strikingly devoid of traditional controls – no buttons, no levers, no gear shifter stalk on the steering column. Even the driver display screen, a common feature in modern cars, was missing. The turn signals, windshield wipers, and bright lights were all cleverly integrated as dials on the steering yoke, a testament to Tesla’s minimalist design philosophy.
The gear selector, as it turns out, is entirely screen-based. Upon pressing the brake pedal, the Cybertruck awakens, the large multimedia screen illuminating with an image of the truck itself. On the screen’s left side, a vertical truck icon serves as the ‘gear shifter.’ Dragging this icon upwards puts the Cybertruck into drive, while dragging downwards engages reverse. Once you grasp this digital gear selection, it becomes intuitive, a seamless blend of technology and function.
Steer-by-Wire and Handling Prowess of the Cybertruck Pickup
The novelty extends beyond the gear selector. The steering wheel is replaced by a yoke, flat both on top and bottom, contributing to the futuristic cockpit feel. More significantly, the Cybertruck incorporates steer-by-wire technology, an electronic steering system that offers enhanced precision. Having previously experienced steer-by-wire in a Lexus prototype, I can attest to its responsiveness. It’s akin to video game steering – minimal input translates to significant wheel movement, making maneuvering surprisingly effortless.
Adding to its agility is the Cybertruck’s rear-wheel steering system, capable of up to 7 degrees of turning. While 7 degrees might seem modest, it’s transformative for a vehicle of this size and angular design. This feature allows the Cybertruck pickup to navigate parking spots with unexpected ease and gracefully handle winding roads. As I maneuvered the truck to back into a parking space, the combination of steer-by-wire and rear-wheel steering was immediately apparent and impressive.
Visibility Challenges and Blind Spots in the Cybertruck
However, the Cybertruck’s design does present some visibility challenges. Mirrors and the rearview camera become essential tools due to substantial blind spots. The tinted glass roof, a signature Tesla feature, extends to the narrow rear window, creating glare and limiting rearward visibility. The tonneau cover further restricts the view through the rear window, essentially showing only the truck bed when closed. While the technology compensates, drivers need to be acutely aware of these limitations, especially in tight spaces.
Exterior and Design: The Unmistakable Stainless Steel Skin of the Tesla Pickup
The Cybertruck’s exterior is arguably its most defining feature. Clad in thick, stainless steel panels – .071 inches thick to be precise – it feels significantly more robust than typical vehicle body panels. This isn’t your kitchen appliance stainless steel; it’s a statement. The sharp, straight edges of the stainless steel panels, unlike the rounded and often painted edges of conventional vehicles, contribute to its unique, almost brutalist aesthetic.
However, this striking design element also introduces a practical consideration. As demonstrated in a “pinch test,” the Cybertruck’s doors, frunk lid, and lack of rubber gaskets create potential pinch points. The edges are indeed sharp, and the closing mechanisms are unforgiving. Safety, particularly concerning fingers getting caught, especially for families with children, is a genuine consideration around the Cybertruck’s moving parts.
Practicality and Interior Space of this Electric Pickup
Stepping inside the Cybertruck reinforces its “post-apocalyptic man-cave” vibe, as the author aptly describes it. Yet, amidst this ruggedness, there’s a surprising level of practicality. The model I explored featured all-weather floor mats, leatherette seating, and a center console equipped with cupholders – even in a futuristic, robust pickup, everyday needs are met. The footwells are generously sized, accommodating even large boots, and the expansive glass roof amplifies the sense of spaciousness within the cabin. The rear seats are roomy, seemingly designed to accommodate gear and backpacks effortlessly.
Storage is well-considered. Beyond the spacious cabin, the truck bed, with its lockable, retractable tonneau cover, offers secure storage, though items might slide during driving. The frunk, however, is a standout feature. Demonstrating its capacity, the Cybertruck effortlessly swallowed two roll-aboard suitcases, the standard size for airplane overhead bins. This substantial frunk space adds a layer of practicality often missing in other pickups.
Exterior details also catch the eye. The front and rear light bars are striking, and the sheer size of the single windshield wiper – resembling an oversized baseball bat – is both surprising and memorable. The electric tonneau cover, retracting smoothly at the touch of a button, further emphasizes the Cybertruck’s blend of ruggedness and technology.
Cybertruck’s Off-Road and On-Road Appeal
While there’s been much discussion about the Cybertruck’s off-road capabilities, my brief experience suggests its strengths might lie more on the paved road. Its width and length, despite the rear-wheel steering, might limit its agility in tight off-road situations compared to more traditional four-wheel-drive vehicles. The absence of skid plates, despite its robust exterior, raises questions about undercarriage protection in rough terrain.
However, for those seeking a vehicle that feels like driving a “video game in real life,” the Cybertruck delivers. It’s a fantasy brought to life, a unique blend of futuristic design, innovative technology, and surprising practicality in a pickup form. For those drawn to its distinctive aesthetic and cutting-edge features, the Tesla Cybertruck pickup offers an unparalleled driving experience.
