Skip to main content

After years of waiting, the Tesla Cybertruck is finally here. We don’t know if that’s a good or terrible thing yet, but we did find a few disappointing aspects. It seems like Elon Musk failed to deliver a few different promises with the Tesla Cybertruck

5 Ways the Tesla Cybertruck comes up short 

The Tesla Cybertruck driving around a track
Tesla Cybertruck | Tesla

We’ve been waiting for the Tesla Cybertruck for years. Literally it first emerged back in 2019 and kept being pushed back due to various delays. Covid-19 and supply chain constraints are mostly to blame. 

But Elon Musk never stopped repping the Cybertruck and its alleged abilities. Some could argue that the delays gave him extra time to deliver on more range and stout off-roading capabilities, but it comes up short. 

1. The Tesla Cybertruck can tow up to 14,000 pounds. 

This was a hefty goal that the Cybertuck fails to deliver. It can tow up to 11,000 lbs, which is pretty good. The Ford F-150 Lightning maxes out at 10,000 lbs. But we haven’t seen any towing tests to see how the Cybertruck performs while towing. 

2. The Cybertruck will be an excellent off-roader. 

This could be false, as a few different off-roading tests don’t make the Cybertruck look so great. It struggles up sandy inclines. 

Also, we found a recent video where the Cybertruck is totally outgunned by 1996 Toyota RAV4. It blew past the Cybertruck on the same obstacles. But perhaps the comparison is unfair due to the extra weight of the Cybertruck. But maybe it’s too heavy to conquer the wild. 

3. The Cybertruck will have 500 miles of range. 

Is it actually a surprise for the Cybertruck to fall short? The model with the best range can go up to an estimated 370 miles on a single charge. Equip a model with the range extender that can go up to an estimated 470 miles. 

We can’t wait for the EPA to officially test the range. Also, details about the range extender are unclear. Most setups would use a gas-powered generator, but Musk claims his vehicles will never use fossil fuels. 

4. The Tesla Cybertruck will start at $30,000 

With the way prices have risen for every vehicle since 2019, the higher starting price for the Tesla Cybertruck is no surprise. The base model with RWD and 250 miles of range starts at $60,990. 

That’s a 50% increase from 2019. The Tesla Cyberbeast is the top trim with 845 hp and 320 miles of range. It takes the price up to $99,990.

5. The Tesla Cybertruck will have a proactive frame 

The Tesla Cybertruck driving in water
Tesla Cybertruck | Tesla

The Cybertruck has an interesting frame that’s made of stainless steel. It is a durable material, but Elon Musk said it was made of something new. Anyways, the panels are welded together and don’t have the best quality. 

Recently, several Cybertruck models have been spotted in the wild with misaligned panels and gaps that could allow wind and water to enter the cabin. It could also be susceptible to rust, so take care of your truck. 

During a crash safety video, the camera cuts out right before the truck slams into a wall. How safe is this truck? Please don’t use it as a boat as advertised or shoot at it. Hopefully, the IIHS will run safety tests soon.