Today, we are at the Upland Tesla Service Center for a highly anticipated demo drive. Abby is finally getting behind the wheel of the Cybertruck. She’s used to the Model X. She has also driven my Rivian R1T. I wanted to see how the “Tesla Truck” compares to our current fleet.
We tested a Foundation Series model with the Tactical Gray interior and all-terrain tires. Tesla is now offering non-Foundation models with all-season tires, but this demo was the full-spec experience.
The Drive: Familiarity vs. Innovation
The biggest takeaway from the drive was how “not new” it felt to Abby—and that’s a compliment. Because it’s a Tesla, the familiarity was instant.
- Model X Vibe: Both Abby and I agreed that the Cybertruck feels remarkably like a Model X on the road. The suspension is soft. The Model X might be slightly softer. The physical presence feels similar. It has just sharper edges.
- Steer-by-Wire: This was the star of the show. The steering wheel is a “squircle” (a square with curved corners). The steer-by-wire and rear-wheel steering allow you to turn the wheel only 25-50% of the way. This lets you make a full U-turn.
- Visibility: This is the biggest adjustment. With the tonneau cover closed, the rear-view mirror is useless. You have to rely on the high-resolution 18.5-inch center screen for your rear-view camera.
The Parking Challenge: Rear-Wheel Steering Learning Curve
Abby struggled with parking, which is common for first-time Cybertruck drivers. The rear-wheel steering makes the truck pivot much sharper than a traditional vehicle.
- Pro Tip: It’s much easier to park in reverse with the Cybertruck. The cameras help you guide the back end into narrow spots. Rear-wheel steering provides more precision than pulling in forward.
- Turn Radius: Even though the Cybertruck is longer than the Model X, its turning radius is significantly tighter.
Technical Hardware: Bed and Frunk Specs
I took some time to dig into the utility of the bed and frunk:
- The Frunk (Power Frunk): It is factory-powered (unlike the R1T), but it’s shallower than I’d like. It’s great for groceries. It keeps the cabin from smelling like food. However, you won’t fit a large suitcase in there.
- The Bed: It features a NEMA 14-50 (240V) outlet and two 120V outlets. There are integrated LED light strips and an under-bed storage compartment (though it’s not for a spare tire).
- Tailgate: Unlike the Rivian, the Cybertruck’s tailgate feels lighter. It is easier to close with one hand. This is possibly due to hydraulic support.
Final Thoughts: The Boss’s Verdict
Abby’s final word? It feels “natural” to drive because it’s a Tesla. She prefers the physical buttons on the steering wheel. She favors these over the touch-capacitive ones on our Model X. While the parking takes practice, she found it much less “bulky” than the Rivian R1T.
Is there a Cybertruck in our future? The boss says it’s easier to drive than the Rivian, so the odds are looking good!
Watch the full demo drive experience here
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