2024 Tesla Cybertruck: Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

The 2024 Tesla Cybertruck looks like it was dropped off by an alien race, but it's said to have the capabilities to challenge top-selling pickup trucks. With a sharp-edged stainless-steel body that's also claimed to be bulletproof, Tesla's electric truck looks seriously tough. Two all-wheel-drive configurations are in the mix for 2024: a 600-hp Dual Motor model and a Beast model with three electric motors making a combined 834 horsepower. A single-motor rear-wheel-drive Cybertruck is set to join the party sometime in 2025. Tesla claims the Cybertruck can tow up to 11,000 pounds and has an estimated driving range of up to 340 miles. Hooked up to a Tesla Supercharger, the EV truck can supposedly add between 128 and 136 miles of range in 15 minutes.

What's New for 2024?

Tesla is expanding its lineup to include one of the most popular body styles in America—the pickup truck. However, it'll have to compete with the Ford F-150 Lightning, the GMC Hummer EV, and the Rivian R1T right out of the gate. Chevy is also launching an electric Silverado, and the Ram 1500 REV is nearing its initial production date too.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Until the rear-wheel-drive Cybertruck arrives for the next model year, with a starting price of $62,985, the lineup only includes the Dual Motor and Beast models. Since we think driving range is what most buyers will be concerned with the most, we'd suggest sticking with the less expensive Dual Motor model which offers slightly more real-world range and will still be plenty quick.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

The Cybertruck will eventually offer three different powertrain arrangements. At launch, dual- and tri-motor models will be available and offer all-wheel drive; a rear-wheel-drive single-motor model will join the lineup for the 2025 model year. For now, the Cybertruck Dual Motor generates a combined 600 horsepower. Those looking for the ultimate performance will appreciate the Cybertruck Beast, which features a trio of motors making a combined 834 horses. All Cybertrucks have an adjustable air suspension that can be raised or lowered on the fly and provides up to 17 inches of ground clearance. Add that to its 35-degree approach and 28-degree departure angles, and the Tesla pickup could prove to be a formidable off-road machine. On the road, the big Cybertruck feels more agile than expected. We drove a Founders Edition Beast model and found its combination of rear-wheel steering and variable ratio steer-by-wire system made for easier maneuvering in urban environments than a typical pickup truck.

0–60-MPH Times

The 600-hp Dual Motor Cybertruck will reportedly reach 60 mph in just 3.9 ticks and have a top speed of 112 mph. While we haven't had a chance to test that version, we have tested the 834-hp tri-motor Beast, which hit 60 mph in 2.6 seconds. That makes it the quickest truck—and the fourth-quickest EV—we've ever tested. It completed the quarter-mile in 11.0 seconds at 119 mph. Surprisingly, both of those test results are identical to Tesla's claims.

Towing and Payload Capacity

The dual- and tri-motor Cybertrucks have a maximum towing capacity of 11,000 pounds; the forthcoming single-motor model is capped at 7500 pounds. Every Cybertruck can also haul 2500 pounds in its six-by-four-foot composite cargo bed.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The Tesla Cybertruck Beast has a 123.0-kWh battery, which we suspect is shared with the Dual Motor model. Tesla claims the latter can add 136 miles in 15 minutes when hooked up to a Supercharger, while the tri-motor model is said to add 128 miles in the same timeframe. In our testing, it took 50 minutes to charge the Beast's battery from 10 to 50 percent. The electric truck's driving range varies with the number of motors, but Tesla estimates Dual Motor versions can travel 340 miles per charge and that the Cybertruck Beast will go 301 miles. Those claims rise to over 440 and 470 miles, respectively, with an optional range-extender battery pack that fits inside the truck's cargo bed. When the RWD Cybertruck arrives, it'll have an estimated 250 miles of range. We tested a Beast model without the range extender battery on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route and it managed a 250-mile result.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

Since the Cybertruck is technically considered a heavy-duty pickup truck by the EPA's standards, Tesla isn't required to report figures to the government agency. However, we subjected the Beast model to our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test where it went 250 miles on a full charge. Tesla's estimate is 301 miles, but while it fell 51 miles short of that mark, that's similar to other electric trucks we've tested.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Those who thought the Tesla Model 3's interior was minimalistic will relive that reaction when they see the Cybertruck's spartan cabin. Headroom is surprisingly generous in the rear seat given the truck's dramatically sloped roofline, but riders over six feet tall may still find it snug. In our testing, we found that the truck's front trunk (frunk) holds just one carry-on suitcase, but the interior held 22 with the rear seats folded up. The Cybertruck's cargo bed offers 121 cubic feet of volume, and inside the bed is a hidden storage compartment under the floor which is large enough to fit an additional carry-on suitcase.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every Cybertruck has a big 18.5-inch touchscreen that is mounted in the center of the dashboard. There's also a 9.4-inch touchscreen on the back of the center console for rear-seat passengers. SiriusXM satellite radio is included, as is a Wi-Fi hotspot, but drivers hoping for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be disappointed as those features do not appear in any Tesla model. There are also several features promised for the Cybertruck that haven't been added to the system yet; the company explains that future over-the-air updates will activate those items, which include controls for locking front and rear differentials, more controls for the truck's air suspension, and more.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Every Cybertruck will be available with Tesla's controversial Autopilot driving feature as well as other more basic driver-assistance technology. For more information about the Cybertruck's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Tesla provides a comprehensive warranty on its current models, however, it doesn't include any complimentary maintenance.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers eight years or 150,000 miles
• Battery components are covered for eight years or 150,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

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