Follow us today…
Let’s be real. Someone needs to say it. The truth about the Cybertruck isn’t glamorous, and it’s definitely not what the hype would have you believe. This thing? It’s not a truck. At best, it’s a toy. At worst, it feels like a rushed prototype.
A Tesla Cybertruck renter said this in a Tesla Cybertruck Owners Facebook post. He says he’s disappointed in the truck, but what was he expecting?
Check out what else he says in a comprehensive evaluation and then see if you agree or strongly disagree.
He says,
So, I spent 24 hours with a Tesla Cybertruck rental in LA, and after that experience, I’m genuinely shocked anyone would pay $100K for it.
For context, I’ve driven a fair share of EVs and trucks: Hummer EV, Tesla Model S, Model 3 Performance, Gladiator Rubicon, Lexus LS460 (my daily), Mercedes S-Class (W140 and W221), BMW E46, Jeep Wrangler, and pickups like the F-350 and Sierra 1500. So I know what solid performance and comfort should feel like.
Suspension
What happened here? It’s brutally stiff. Closer to a Porsche 911 than any truck I’ve ever driven. Every bump and pothole feels like a gut punch. It rides horribly, and that’s putting it kindly.
Steering
Surprisingly decent. The steer-by-wire system works fine. But the steering wheel itself? Comically small. It feels out of place and just awkward.
Sound System
It’s passable. Better than the Model S, but that’s not saying much. Nowhere near the quality of a Lexus Mark Levinson or Mercedes Burmester system. Not even close.
Headlights
Terrible. Visibility at night is shockingly poor. They’re too dim and mounted too low. It feels like no one at Tesla actually tested this in real driving conditions.
Wipers
Useless. The single wiper design doesn’t work well enough. Rain? Dust? Bugs? Forget it. You’ll be squinting through a dirty windshield.
Windshield and Glare
The glare is real. If the sun is out, you’re getting blasted. It’s distracting and, frankly, dangerous.
Visibility
This is where things get really bad. You can’t see the front corners of the truck at all, which makes tight spaces nerve-wracking. Rear visibility is even worse. There’s no proper rearview mirror display, just a tiny corner on the main screen. It feels like a cruel joke—pure cost-cutting.
Overall Build and Quality
That’s the common thread here. Cost-cutting. Everywhere. From materials to features to design decisions, nothing feels complete or premium. The truck feels cheap, fragile even. I wouldn’t dream of taking this thing off-road. It’s all show, no substance.
Advertising
I used to be a big Tesla fan. I believed in the innovation. But the Cybertruck? It broke that spell. It’s a massive letdown. I’m not anti-Tesla, and I don’t shill for Ford or GM. I’m just a lifelong car enthusiast who expected more from a $100K “truck.”
Many mainstream reviews are likely sugarcoated, as reviewers probably don’t want to lose early access to Tesla’s next launch. But that doesn’t help genuine buyers. This thing isn’t ready. And the people waiting months or years for their Cybertruck? I genuinely feel bad for them. They’re in for a rude awakening.
This Cybertruck Renters’ Bottom Line:
The Cybertruck is more marketing than machine. It’s not a workhorse, not an off-roader, and barely qualifies as a luxury vehicle. It’s a tech toy for fanboys, not a real truck.
What are Tesla Cybertruck owners saying in response?
A review of online forums and social media dedicated to Cybertruck owners and enthusiasts reveals a wide range of reactions to similar critiques. Some critics mirror the sentiments expressed by the “renter” in the provided text, and the responses from owners often fall into several distinct categories.
1. Acknowledgment and Agreement:
Some owners and enthusiasts agree with some or all of the criticisms. They acknowledge that the Cybertruck has flaws, especially concerning build quality, early production issues, and specific design choices.
Points of agreement often include:
- Stiff Ride: The suspension is a common point of contention. Some owners admit the ride is stiffer than a traditional truck and can be jarring on uneven roads.
- Visibility: Many agree that forward and rear visibility is poor due to the unique design and lack of a traditional rearview mirror.
- Build Quality: Some owners have reported issues with panel gaps, trim pieces, and other quality control problems, which they attribute to the vehicle being a first-generation product.
- Wipers and Glare: The single-wiper design is often criticized for its inefficiency, and the stainless steel interior and large windshield can indeed cause significant glare.
2. Justification and Counterarguments:
A significant number of owners defend the Cybertruck, often providing context or counterarguments to the criticisms.
- Not a “Real” Truck: Many owners agree that the Cybertruck isn’t a traditional pickup but a different kind of vehicle—a “tech toy,” as the renter states. They bought it for its unique features, performance, and aesthetics, not to haul heavy loads like a traditional work truck.
- Ride and Handling: Owners will often argue that the Cybertruck’s stiff ride is a trade-off for its high performance and handling, comparing it to sports cars rather than other trucks. They highlight the steer-by-wire system and quick acceleration as key benefits that make the ride worthwhile.
- Visibility and Technology: They might argue that the lack of a traditional rearview mirror is a feature, not a bug, as the central screen camera provides a wider and clearer view. They also point to the many cameras and advanced driver-assistance systems as a technological advantage over other vehicles.
- Quality and Durability: Owners who defend the build quality often cite the stainless-steel exoskeleton as a significant selling point for its durability and resistance to dents and scratches, which they believe outweighs minor imperfections.
- Target Audience: Many owners believe the renter’s critique is based on a misunderstanding of the vehicle’s intended purpose and target audience. They see the Cybertruck as a niche vehicle for tech enthusiasts and early adopters who appreciate its innovative design and technology, even with its imperfections.
3. Dismissal and Allegations of Bias:
Some owners are highly defensive of the Cybertruck and dismiss any negative reviews.
- “Hater” or “Shill” Accusations: Critics are often labeled as “haters,” “FUD” (fear, uncertainty, and doubt) spreaders, or shills for rival car manufacturers like Ford or GM.
- Misinformation and Inexperience: They might suggest that the renter didn’t know how to use the vehicle’s features properly or that their experience was an anomaly.
- Brand Loyalty: A strong sense of brand loyalty to Tesla leads some owners to reject any criticism, even if it is a known issue. They believe in Tesla’s mission and are willing to overlook flaws.
Conclusion:
The conversation within the Cybertruck owner community is polarized. While a few owners echo the frustrations of the “renter,” most CT owners defend the vehicle by highlighting its unique features and innovative technology.
The debate often centers on whether the Cybertruck should be judged as a traditional truck or as a new type of vehicle entirely, and whether its unique benefits outweigh its acknowledged flaws.
How About You?
What would you say to this Cybertyruck renter?
Is 24 hours long enough to give a fundamental understanding of what any vehicle is like? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
Check out my Tesla Cybertruck story: Tesla Cybertruck Owner Says, “I Don’t Just Drive, I Deploy, Because This Isn’t Just a Truck, It’s a Statement, I’m Not Here To Fit In, I’m Here To Disrupt”
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram
Photo credit: Denis Flierl
Follow us today…
Source: torquenews.com
