Regular dude reviews his CYBERTRUCK after the first month

[Gigahorse]

Very surprised/disappointed to hear about the seats. I was very much counting on the comfort to be on par with my model Y at the very least. That's one of my favorite things about tesla is how comfortable the seats are.

Yea was surprised to hear about the seats, every Tesla I have been in has been very comfortable.

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[Kite]

Nice review, thanks.
Normally I prefer firm seats, so I hope I will like them. I assume I will have the windshield spray rebuilt if it's too weak, bug splashes in my line of sight is not comfortable as I do like to drive somewhat fast.

 

[CybertruckWraps]

Yea, rock hard seats sounds CyberFucked.....still waiting on my VIN, but sucks to hear about this! A lot of money to say seats are rock hard! Geez!

 

[beastew]

Great review. Thanks for taking the time to put it together.

 

[sharpgator]

Very surprised/disappointed to hear about the seats. I was very much counting on the comfort to be on par with my model Y at the very least. That's one of my favorite things about tesla is how comfortable the seats are.

Agree. I love the seats on my Model 3. This is the first I've heard of this issue. I'd like to hear others reviews of the seats.

 

[jditom]

Thank you sir. Very thoughtful and well written.

My VIN in hand, delivery next week!!!

 

[Cyberer]

I was really excited about the sound system from some early reviews. Now I've heard a couple times that iut is just OK. Did they maybe dial back the speaker/amplifier quality after the first few VINs or something?

 

[Bill W.]

Nicely done! Appreciate that you took the time to share your thoughts and experience with the CT.

The comment about hard seats reminds me of the older Mercedes cars. Their seats felt very firm, but you could drive all day and not have any back problems.

Enjoy your ride!

 

[Onan]

I’ve had the Cybertruck All-Wheel-Drive Dual Motor for just over a month now and have put about 800 miles on it. To be super transparent, I’m a huge fan of Tesla, and this is the 3rd Tesla that I’ve owned.

I’m just a regular dude who reserved it the moment they broke the glass on stage during the original announcement. I was lucky enough to be part of the first (non-employee/non-influencer) Foundation Series invites that went out on Dec. 8th. After taking a couple of days to make the decision, I placed an order for the Dual Motor AWD - which is what I originally had reserved. I did have the option at the time to book either the Dual or Tri-Motor and went with Dual primarily for the additional range and lower cost. The delivery estimate at the time was Dec-March for AWD and Jan-March for the Beast.

It took a bit for the VIN to be assigned and I actually discovered it within the app prior to getting an email, call or text about it. Once it was assigned though, I was able to call Tesla to find out exactly where it was and get an ETA around when it would arrive at the Tesla Center.

Delivery:

There have been a ton of delivery videos online. What you need to know is that there is massive variance in the way these are handled, and it seems like each Tesla center does their own thing. It is best to not expect anything other than your name hanging in the window – if you do, it is easy to set yourself up for potential disappointment.

A lot of these trucks are shipped via train/rail and they arrive to the Tesla centers super dirty. It looks like a massive effort so you should not expect perfection as it is possible they will miss some things.

Fit & Finish:

My trucks VIN was over 2000 so many of the super early kinks had already been worked out. It is worth taking a look for scratches, loose headliners, misaligned rubber/glass, and any obvious damage to panels inside and out. As long as you report everything within the app over the first day or so (before 200 miles) the service centers are generally super responsive and willing to help make things right. This truck is new for them too so many are learning as they go.

Drive:

As many have already said, the steering is phenomenal. The way this truck turns and navigates the roadway is super smooth and probably up there with the best that I’ve ever experienced – and I was a huge BMW fan way back. Tesla did something really great with the Cybertruck. For me, the Model Y and S always seemed a little too fast for their frames. Family members (including me) have often felt a little nauseous sitting in the passenger seat. This does not happen in the Cybertruck. This truck was built so well that it feels smooth and solid even with the rocket acceleration - it just sort of glides effortlessly and feels solid the entire time.

Parking:

The cameras are incredibly helpful. I’ve got experience driving an F-150, hauling trailers, boats etc, and the Cybertruck is by far the easiest to maneuver. While it is long, it is easy enough to adapt to the cameras which makes parking in and backing into spots, carports, and garages easy. Yes, it does fit in parking garages and underneath carports. Simply amazing to experience how it can just sneak itself under these structures with plenty of spare room.

Traffic Aware Cruise Control:

As the truck awaits FSD to be enabled, it does come with what is essentially adaptive cruise control. While not perfect, it is way better than nothing and makes highway driving just like most other cars post 2013. It does not handle railroad crossings and other stops very well but as far as highway cruising, it is just fine for now. I’ve been a regular user of Autopilot /FSD Beta and am excited for the day when it comes to the Cybertruck.

Interior Style:

The inside is just like every other Tesla. Super simplistic and very well done. The lighting and design choices made work very well together. The fact that the rear seats fold up just like an F-150 is great – makes it feel like you are not missing out on basic things that other trucks have.

Comfort:

While it is comfortable to drive on short trips, the seats are rock hard compared to other cars and even other Teslas. Great for around town, but not ideal for road trips. The seats feel super stiff and rigid after just a bit. Space wise though, there is plenty of room for people and all the stuff that you would want to move around with you.

The bed/vault:

They knocked the truck bed out of the park. When the gate is down, you’ve got the same if not more room than any other major pickup truck out there. Outlets and the storage underneath are also super convenient and well placed.

The bed cover/ tonneau:

This is easily one of the best features of the Cybertruck. Super cool to see it going up and down and very functional. If you are loading stuff up for the dump, with just a click you can cover the load. Even though it covers the rearview mirror, I always ride with it up and have gotten used to the rear-view camera on the main screen.

I’ve driven through intense rainstorms and for the most part the inside of the bed/vault stays dry. Do not expect the same going through a carwash however. If they are using a hose and spraying water on it while closed, a bit of water will come in through the front and sides though the storage area near the gate stays dry. This is to be expected though anytime you aim water at something that is not sealed.

Tires:

They are just badass. Everyone loves them even without the new caps that are still awaiting delivery. Haven’t seen them in the snow just yet, but great in the rain and on the dry road.

Wiper:

Love it and hate it. I mean, it is one of the coolest things I’ve seen on a car, but it doesn’t work anywhere near as well as regular wipers - especially if you need to clean the window. Works fine though for keeping rain out of your view while driving and is easy enough to turn on with the button on the steering wheel. It is also fun to see it in action (super fast and massive) during a rain storm. When dry out though, expect streaks through the middle of the windshield and a weak spray stream that has trouble removing the slightest amount of dirt or bugs.

Sound System:

I’ve heard all kinds of feedback about how incredible the sound is. While it sounds good, there is nothing at all incredible about it. Most high-end luxury car sound systems like Bang & Olufsen and harman/kardon are much better in my opinion. If you’ve ever sat in a newer Mercedes, you know what I mean.

Steering wheel/squircle:

Love this thing. Very comfortable to rest your hand along the top while driving and when paired with the new steer-by-wire, it feels much more like driving a small SUV/car then you would expect. The horn is great and the fact that it is heated is nice too.

Supercharging:

What an event this can be. While it doesn’t happen every time, the first time at a supercharger for me turned in a full car demo with multiple people coming up, taking videos and asking questions. Questions like, “What is this?” “Who makes it?” and “What is the range like?” are all common.

Attention:

I’m sure this will die out eventually but for now… Wow! Unlike anything I’ve ever experienced and likely a glimpse into the lives of celebrities. Everywhere you go, park, and drive, the Cybertruck is in its element and demonstrates that it is a celebrity in its own right. People take videos, pictures, call their family and friends on Facetime, and will absolutely record you driving up and down the highway. There is something about it that draws folks to it like a strong magnet.

With the exception a single on one of the first days out (from a guy in sprinter van), every other reaction, response, and gesture on the road has been overwhelmingly positive. The most common reaction seems to be jaws dropping in astonishment as you roll by. Kids, adults, teens, seniors – it doesn’t matter, everyone seems taken by it.

Frunk:

While some knock it, I think it is a great spot for groceries. The space is perfect to hold bags loaded up with food or to store things like a travel bag or an umbrella. The mechanical nature and how it automatically goes up and down is another nice touch by Tesla.

Headlights:

They seem totally normal and fine. I’ve yet to come across a situation where I didn’t have enough light. Having said that, I haven’t been in the snow or mud with it yet.

Cameras:

Absolutely incredible from every angle. They did an outstanding job.

Sun visors:

These work well enough and it is cool how they snap into place. Depending on seat placement, they can get in the way of the seat if trying to block sun from the drivers window. If you use an old-fashioned garage opener and have it clipped to the visor, be prepared to have it fall down - especially if you need to open up the extra panel on the visor to block the sun.

Keeping it clean:

Good luck and don’t worry about it. Take it through a carwash every once in a while and you’ll be fine. Bugs love the Cybertruck. They attach onto it like any other car – especially when driving through the country but it is quite a scene when looking at it on that metal finish after a drive. The metal also appears to be very porous so just expect to see everything under the sun to leave marks from fingerprints to tree sap.

Range:

The AWD Dual motor is totally fine when it comes to range. While it charges up much slower than a model Y (bigger battery) and doesn’t seem to be as efficient, the range will get you everywhere you need to go and can actually go further on a single charge vs any other Tesla I’ve owned. At a supercharger I’m seeing around 320 miles at 100% and 307 on a level 2 at home. My normal charge to 80% brings it to around 256-263 miles of range, which is plenty and more than the Model Y at 80%.

Towing:

While I have a few things that I can tow around, I haven’t yet tried and will update at a later point with my thoughts around it.

Powershare:

Install scheduled! Will update with thoughts on this too. Received the initial survey, was approved and then connected with an install team. Given that I have solar and haven't yet gone with a backup battery, the potential of this feature is exciting.

Conclusion:

If you need/want a truck, you can’t beat this thing. Absolutely incredible in every way, and seemingly only going to get better as the software updates roll out.

Thank you for your comprehensive narrative on your ownership experience!

 

[HaulingAss]

Very surprised/disappointed to hear about the seats. I was very much counting on the comfort to be on par with my model Y at the very least. That's one of my favorite things about tesla is how comfortable the seats are.

Seats are a very individual preference - it really depends upon the natural shape of your butt and how you adjust the seating position.

I knew a custom motorcycle saddle builder who had decades of experience making saddles for long-distance riders. He told me seat comfort was widely misunderstood and that he could carve a saddle out of a block of wood and that, done properly, it would be comfortable for 1000+ mile consecutive days. In other words, a saddle just needs to fit your butt, he said soft foam was the most common problem in making saddles with all-day comfort because it caused the pelvis to rotate the wrong way.

Even firm seats should have a break-in period where, over time and miles, they conform to the users butt somewhat. It's also important to adjust seat and seatback angles properly. Myself, I have always been a huge fan of very firm seats, as long as they have the proper shape and I adjust the angles to work with my body. Soft seats don't offer enough support for me, probably because I don't have a big butt.

 

[jasper7821]

I’ve had the Cybertruck All-Wheel-Drive Dual Motor for just over a month now and have put about 800 miles on it. To be super transparent, I’m a huge fan of Tesla, and this is the 3rd Tesla that I’ve owned.

I’m just a regular dude who reserved it the moment they broke the glass on stage during the original announcement. I was lucky enough to be part of the first (non-employee/non-influencer) Foundation Series invites that went out on Dec. 8th. After taking a couple of days to make the decision, I placed an order for the Dual Motor AWD - which is what I originally had reserved. I did have the option at the time to book either the Dual or Tri-Motor and went with Dual primarily for the additional range and lower cost. The delivery estimate at the time was Dec-March for AWD and Jan-March for the Beast.

It took a bit for the VIN to be assigned and I actually discovered it within the app prior to getting an email, call or text about it. Once it was assigned though, I was able to call Tesla to find out exactly where it was and get an ETA around when it would arrive at the Tesla Center.

Delivery:

There have been a ton of delivery videos online. What you need to know is that there is massive variance in the way these are handled, and it seems like each Tesla center does their own thing. It is best to not expect anything other than your name hanging in the window – if you do, it is easy to set yourself up for potential disappointment.

A lot of these trucks are shipped via train/rail and they arrive to the Tesla centers super dirty. It looks like a massive effort so you should not expect perfection as it is possible they will miss some things.

Fit & Finish:

My trucks VIN was over 2000 so many of the super early kinks had already been worked out. It is worth taking a look for scratches, loose headliners, misaligned rubber/glass, and any obvious damage to panels inside and out. As long as you report everything within the app over the first day or so (before 200 miles) the service centers are generally super responsive and willing to help make things right. This truck is new for them too so many are learning as they go.

Drive:

As many have already said, the steering is phenomenal. The way this truck turns and navigates the roadway is super smooth and probably up there with the best that I’ve ever experienced – and I was a huge BMW fan way back. Tesla did something really great with the Cybertruck. For me, the Model Y and S always seemed a little too fast for their frames. Family members (including me) have often felt a little nauseous sitting in the passenger seat. This does not happen in the Cybertruck. This truck was built so well that it feels smooth and solid even with the rocket acceleration - it just sort of glides effortlessly and feels solid the entire time.

Parking:

The cameras are incredibly helpful. I’ve got experience driving an F-150, hauling trailers, boats etc, and the Cybertruck is by far the easiest to maneuver. While it is long, it is easy enough to adapt to the cameras which makes parking in and backing into spots, carports, and garages easy. Yes, it does fit in parking garages and underneath carports. Simply amazing to experience how it can just sneak itself under these structures with plenty of spare room.

Traffic Aware Cruise Control:

As the truck awaits FSD to be enabled, it does come with what is essentially adaptive cruise control. While not perfect, it is way better than nothing and makes highway driving just like most other cars post 2013. It does not handle railroad crossings and other stops very well but as far as highway cruising, it is just fine for now. I’ve been a regular user of Autopilot /FSD Beta and am excited for the day when it comes to the Cybertruck.

Interior Style:

The inside is just like every other Tesla. Super simplistic and very well done. The lighting and design choices made work very well together. The fact that the rear seats fold up just like an F-150 is great – makes it feel like you are not missing out on basic things that other trucks have.

Comfort:

While it is comfortable to drive on short trips, the seats are rock hard compared to other cars and even other Teslas. Great for around town, but not ideal for road trips. The seats feel super stiff and rigid after just a bit. Space wise though, there is plenty of room for people and all the stuff that you would want to move around with you.

The bed/vault:

They knocked the truck bed out of the park. When the gate is down, you’ve got the same if not more room than any other major pickup truck out there. Outlets and the storage underneath are also super convenient and well placed.

The bed cover/ tonneau:

This is easily one of the best features of the Cybertruck. Super cool to see it going up and down and very functional. If you are loading stuff up for the dump, with just a click you can cover the load. Even though it covers the rearview mirror, I always ride with it up and have gotten used to the rear-view camera on the main screen.

I’ve driven through intense rainstorms and for the most part the inside of the bed/vault stays dry. Do not expect the same going through a carwash however. If they are using a hose and spraying water on it while closed, a bit of water will come in through the front and sides though the storage area near the gate stays dry. This is to be expected though anytime you aim water at something that is not sealed.

Tires:

They are just badass. Everyone loves them even without the new caps that are still awaiting delivery. Haven’t seen them in the snow just yet, but great in the rain and on the dry road.

Wiper:

Love it and hate it. I mean, it is one of the coolest things I’ve seen on a car, but it doesn’t work anywhere near as well as regular wipers - especially if you need to clean the window. Works fine though for keeping rain out of your view while driving and is easy enough to turn on with the button on the steering wheel. It is also fun to see it in action (super fast and massive) during a rain storm. When dry out though, expect streaks through the middle of the windshield and a weak spray stream that has trouble removing the slightest amount of dirt or bugs.

Sound System:

I’ve heard all kinds of feedback about how incredible the sound is. While it sounds good, there is nothing at all incredible about it. Most high-end luxury car sound systems like Bang & Olufsen and harman/kardon are much better in my opinion. If you’ve ever sat in a newer Mercedes, you know what I mean.

Steering wheel/squircle:

Love this thing. Very comfortable to rest your hand along the top while driving and when paired with the new steer-by-wire, it feels much more like driving a small SUV/car then you would expect. The horn is great and the fact that it is heated is nice too.

Supercharging:

What an event this can be. While it doesn’t happen every time, the first time at a supercharger for me turned in a full car demo with multiple people coming up, taking videos and asking questions. Questions like, “What is this?” “Who makes it?” and “What is the range like?” are all common.

Attention:

I’m sure this will die out eventually but for now… Wow! Unlike anything I’ve ever experienced and likely a glimpse into the lives of celebrities. Everywhere you go, park, and drive, the Cybertruck is in its element and demonstrates that it is a celebrity in its own right. People take videos, pictures, call their family and friends on Facetime, and will absolutely record you driving up and down the highway. There is something about it that draws folks to it like a strong magnet.

With the exception a single on one of the first days out (from a guy in sprinter van), every other reaction, response, and gesture on the road has been overwhelmingly positive. The most common reaction seems to be jaws dropping in astonishment as you roll by. Kids, adults, teens, seniors – it doesn’t matter, everyone seems taken by it.

Frunk:

While some knock it, I think it is a great spot for groceries. The space is perfect to hold bags loaded up with food or to store things like a travel bag or an umbrella. The mechanical nature and how it automatically goes up and down is another nice touch by Tesla.

Headlights:

They seem totally normal and fine. I’ve yet to come across a situation where I didn’t have enough light. Having said that, I haven’t been in the snow or mud with it yet.

Cameras:

Absolutely incredible from every angle. They did an outstanding job.

Sun visors:

These work well enough and it is cool how they snap into place. Depending on seat placement, they can get in the way of the seat if trying to block sun from the drivers window. If you use an old-fashioned garage opener and have it clipped to the visor, be prepared to have it fall down - especially if you need to open up the extra panel on the visor to block the sun.

Keeping it clean:

Good luck and don’t worry about it. Take it through a carwash every once in a while and you’ll be fine. Bugs love the Cybertruck. They attach onto it like any other car – especially when driving through the country but it is quite a scene when looking at it on that metal finish after a drive. The metal also appears to be very porous so just expect to see everything under the sun to leave marks from fingerprints to tree sap.

Range:

The AWD Dual motor is totally fine when it comes to range. While it charges up much slower than a model Y (bigger battery) and doesn’t seem to be as efficient, the range will get you everywhere you need to go and can actually go further on a single charge vs any other Tesla I’ve owned. At a supercharger I’m seeing around 320 miles at 100% and 307 on a level 2 at home. My normal charge to 80% brings it to around 256-263 miles of range, which is plenty and more than the Model Y at 80%.

Towing:

While I have a few things that I can tow around, I haven’t yet tried and will update at a later point with my thoughts around it.

Powershare:

Install scheduled! Will update with thoughts on this too. Received the initial survey, was approved and then connected with an install team. Given that I have solar and haven't yet gone with a backup battery, the potential of this feature is exciting.

Conclusion:

If you need/want a truck, you can’t beat this thing. Absolutely incredible in every way, and seemingly only going to get better as the software updates roll out.

Thank you for being so detailed, much appreciated ?

 

[cgladue]

Thank you sir. Very thoughtful and well written.

My VIN in hand, delivery next week!!!

Do you know what date yet ?

 

[jditom]

Do you know what date yet ?

Expected delivery to my service center this Sunday. Then 1-2 days after????

 

[Strykerwsu]

I was really excited about the sound system from some early reviews. Now I've heard a couple times that iut is just OK. Did they maybe dial back the speaker/amplifier quality after the first few VINs or something?

Audiofile review (ok), people who think music is OK (amazing).

 

[Borealis]

Thanks for the detail review.

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