The Tesla Cybertruck has generated an enormous amount of buzz since its unveiling, with its polarizing design and bold promises. But when you look past the hype and flashy presentations, the Cybertruck falls short on many fronts. It’s not just an unconventional vehicle; it’s a fundamentally flawed one. Below are 12 reasons why the Cybertruck is both a terrible car and a useless truck.
1. Design Over Functionality: Aesthetic Disaster
Let’s start with the obvious—its design. The Cybertruck looks like it’s been ripped straight out of a low-budget sci-fi movie, and while that might appeal to a niche audience, it’s impractical for everyday use. The sharp, angular lines are not just ugly; they’re detrimental to the vehicle’s aerodynamics, which is crucial for an electric vehicle’s efficiency. The massive flat surfaces on the truck also make it more susceptible to wind resistance, reducing its range and increasing energy consumption.
Furthermore, the impracticality of the design extends to the interior. The sloped roofline drastically reduces headroom for rear passengers, and the sheer bulk of the vehicle makes it difficult to navigate through tight urban environments. The Cybertruck’s design is a classic case of style over substance, where form completely fails to follow function.
2. Inadequate Towing and Payload Capacity
Despite Tesla’s claims, the Cybertruck does not excel in the areas where a truck must—towing and payload. While the top-spec model boasts a 14,000-pound towing capacity, these numbers are under ideal conditions and fail to account for real-world driving scenarios. Compare this with traditional trucks like the Ford F-150, which offers similar towing capacities with proven reliability over decades of use.
When it comes to payload, the Cybertruck’s design severely limits its functionality. The high, angular sides of the bed make loading and unloading cumbersome, and the sloping rear end eats into valuable cargo space. Trucks are supposed to be practical workhorses, but the Cybertruck’s design and limited cargo accessibility make it less useful for the tasks that matter.
3. Terrible Off-Road Capabilities
Tesla touts the Cybertruck as a rugged off-road vehicle, but the reality is far from that. Its enormous size and weight make it unwieldy on anything more challenging than a dirt road. The long wheelbase and low ground clearance further compromise its ability to navigate rocky terrain, tight trails, or steep inclines.
Traditional off-road vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler or the Toyota Land Cruiser are engineered for maneuverability, durability, and reliability in tough conditions. In contrast, the Cybertruck is more of a cumbersome beast than a nimble off-roader. Its large battery pack, while great for on-road range, becomes a liability in off-road situations where ground clearance is crucial. The Cybertruck’s weight distribution, combined with its rigid body, increases the risk of getting stuck or damaging the undercarriage on rough terrain. Additionally, the heavy battery and stainless steel body result in a higher center of gravity, which negatively impacts its stability on uneven surfaces.
Off-road enthusiasts value vehicles that are agile, easy to repair, and customizable for different terrains. The Cybertruck’s unwieldy size, weight, and lack of aftermarket support make it ill-suited for serious off-roading adventures, despite Tesla’s marketing hype.
4. Excessive Weight: A Drain on Efficiency
The Cybertruck’s exoskeleton, made of ultra-hard 30X cold-rolled stainless steel, might sound impressive, but it adds significant weight to the vehicle—weight that seriously hampers its efficiency. Electric vehicles are already burdened by the weight of their batteries, and adding a heavy body only exacerbates the problem.
This excessive weight impacts everything from acceleration to braking, and most importantly, range. While Tesla claims impressive range numbers, real-world driving will likely show significant range reduction due to the Cybertruck’s weight, especially when carrying cargo or towing. The energy needed to move such a heavy vehicle around makes the Cybertruck less efficient and, ultimately, less practical than lighter electric vehicles or traditional trucks.
5. Subpar Build Quality: A History of Inconsistencies
Tesla has long been criticized for inconsistent build quality across its vehicle lineup, and the Cybertruck is poised to continue this trend. The use of stainless steel, while durable, introduces a host of manufacturing challenges. Stainless steel is difficult to work with, which could lead to poor panel alignment, inconsistent gaps, and other quality control issues—problems that have plagued Tesla in the past.
Moreover, any damage to the Cybertruck’s body is not easily repaired. Unlike aluminum or conventional steel panels, stainless steel requires specialized equipment and expertise to fix, meaning minor dents and scratches could turn into costly repairs. Given Tesla’s track record, it’s reasonable to expect that the Cybertruck will suffer from the same quality control issues that have frustrated many Tesla owners.
6. Questionable Safety Features
Safety is another area where the Cybertruck raises red flags. The hard, angular exoskeleton, while tough, might not be as safe as Tesla claims. Traditional vehicles use crumple zones—areas designed to deform in a collision to absorb impact energy and protect passengers. The Cybertruck’s rigid body may not absorb impacts as effectively, potentially transmitting more force to the occupants during a crash.
Additionally, the Cybertruck’s massive size and unconventional design could pose visibility issues for the driver, increasing the risk of accidents, particularly in urban settings where maneuverability and clear sightlines are crucial. The “shatterproof” glass that failed so spectacularly during the launch event also raises concerns about the vehicle’s ability to protect its occupants in real-world conditions.
The Cybertruck had also already faced significant challenges even before its full-scale release, including a recent recall related to a serious issue with the gas pedal. This recall was initiated due to reports that the Cybertruck’s accelerator pedal could become stuck, potentially leading to unintended acceleration. This defect poses a major safety risk, as it can prevent the driver from properly controlling the vehicle’s speed, increasing the likelihood of accidents. The recall has sparked concerns about the overall reliability of the Cybertruck, especially given Tesla’s reputation for pushing the boundaries of automotive technology. It also raises questions about the thoroughness of Tesla’s testing processes, as such a critical flaw in the vehicle’s basic functionality should have been caught well before reaching consumers. This incident adds to the growing list of concerns surrounding the Cybertruck, casting doubt on its readiness for the market and Tesla’s ability to deliver a safe, reliable product.
7. Uncomfortable and Spartan Interior
The interior of the Cybertruck, much like its exterior, is stark and minimalist to the point of discomfort. Tesla’s move towards a hyper-minimalist design philosophy leaves the Cybertruck’s cabin feeling more like a barren, utilitarian space than a comfortable environment for passengers. The lack of traditional controls may appeal to some tech enthusiasts, but for most drivers, the absence of buttons and tactile feedback will be frustrating and impractical.
The seats, which appear stiff and unsupportive, are another area of concern. Comfort is essential in any vehicle, particularly one that is marketed as both a truck and a car. Long drives in the Cybertruck could quickly become uncomfortable, making it unsuitable for both road trips and daily commutes.
8. Limited Practicality as a Truck
A truck, by definition, should be a practical, versatile vehicle capable of handling a wide range of tasks. Unfortunately, the Cybertruck’s design severely limits its practicality. The high bed sides make it difficult to load and unload cargo, and the sloping rear end reduces the effective cargo space, making it less useful for hauling large or awkwardly shaped items.
Moreover, the Cybertruck lacks many of the features that truck owners value, such as easily accessible tie-down points, a tailgate that can function as a workbench, and a bed that can be easily customized with aftermarket accessories. In essence, the Cybertruck is a truck in name only—it sacrifices practicality and functionality for a design that is more concerned with standing out than with being useful.
9. Lack of Aftermarket Support
One of the key appeals of owning a truck is the ability to customize it to meet specific needs, whether for work, recreation, or personal style. The aftermarket industry for trucks is vast, offering everything from lift kits to specialized racks, bed covers, and performance enhancements. The Cybertruck, however, with its unconventional design and unique dimensions, will likely see limited support from the aftermarket industry.
The lack of standard attachment points and the unusual shape of the Cybertruck make it difficult for aftermarket manufacturers to develop accessories. Even basic modifications, such as adding a roof rack or a custom bed cover, could prove challenging or impossible. This severely limits the vehicle’s versatility and appeal to traditional truck buyers, who value the ability to tailor their vehicle to their specific needs.
10. Overhyped Performance Metrics
Tesla is known for making bold performance claims, and the Cybertruck is no exception. However, these claims often fail to hold up under real-world scrutiny. Tesla advertises a 0-60 mph time of under 2.9 seconds for the tri-motor version of the Cybertruck, but this figure is likely to be unattainable under normal driving conditions, especially when the vehicle is fully loaded or towing a trailer.
Moreover, performance in cold weather—a common issue for electric vehicles—could drastically reduce the Cybertruck’s range and power. Tesla’s vehicles have struggled in extreme conditions in the past, and there’s no reason to believe that the Cybertruck will be any different. For those who rely on consistent performance in all weather conditions, the Cybertruck’s overhyped metrics are more marketing spin than reality.
11. Overpriced for What You Get
The Cybertruck is far from cheap, with prices starting at around $82,000 and quickly escalating for higher-spec models. For a vehicle that is supposed to be both a truck and a car, the Cybertruck fails to deliver the kind of value one would expect at this price point. Buyers could easily spend the same amount on a proven, reliable truck or SUV from established manufacturers, with better features, comfort, and aftermarket support.
Furthermore, the Cybertruck’s resale value is uncertain. Given its polarizing design and potential durability issues, the vehicle could depreciate rapidly, leaving owners with a significant financial loss. For a vehicle that is marketed as a future-proof investment, the Cybertruck offers little in terms of long-term value.
12. Polarizing and Alienating Design
Finally, the Cybertruck’s design is not just unconventional—it’s polarizing to the point of alienation. While some may appreciate its bold, futuristic look, the majority of truck buyers are likely to be put off by its radical departure from traditional truck design. Trucks are typically designed to be rugged yet stylish, blending functionality with an aesthetic that appeals to a broad audience. The Cybertruck, however, seems designed to provoke a reaction rather than to serve as a practical, everyday vehicle.
The design also raises questions about the Cybertruck’s target market. Is it meant for traditional truck owners who need a reliable workhorse? For tech enthusiasts who value innovation over practicality? Or for those who simply want to make a statement? The Cybertruck’s design alienates many potential buyers, limiting its appeal to a small, niche market rather than the broad customer base that Tesla should be aiming for.
Conclusion
The Tesla Cybertruck is a vehicle that tries to be many things but ends up failing at most of them. Its design, while eye-catching, is impractical and alienates traditional truck buyers. Its performance claims are overhyped and unlikely to hold up in real-world conditions. The interior is uncomfortable, the build quality is questionable, and the vehicle’s excessive weight undermines its efficiency. As both a car and a truck, the Cybertruck falls short of the mark, making it a poor choice for anyone looking for a reliable, practical, and versatile vehicle. In the end, the Cybertruck is more of a novelty than a serious contender in the automotive market, and buyers would be wise to look elsewhere for a vehicle that truly meets their needs.
