2026 Tesla Cybertruck Review: Expert Insights, Pricing, and Trims

Motor Trend

4 hours ago

The 2026 Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup truck best known for its unconventional design. Although the well-known pickup was announced in 2019, the Tesla didn't goon sale until 2024. It is available with a choice between two EV powertrains and has access to the Supercharger network. Unlike some pickup trucks the Cybertruck is offered in only one body configuration, with a crew cab and six-foot bed. Rivals to the Cybertruck include the GMC Hummer EV, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Rivian R1T. What's New
After going on sale for 2024, the Cybertruck entered 2025 with no substantial changes, and continues into 2026 with a new base model. Here's what you need to know about the 2026 Cybertruck Long Range:
Basics RWD single-motor set-up
Slower but still decent acceleration: 0-60 mph in a claimed 6.2 seconds
Adaptive coil spring suspension instead of other models' air suspension
Towing rating of 7,500 pounds instead of 11,000 pounds on other models
Exterior Standard 18-inch wheels; 20s are optional. Range is estimated at 354 with 18s and 335 with 20s
Power tonneau cover isn't offered as it is with other, higher trims
As with all new 2026 Cybertrucks, the Long Range model has a new front-view camera
Standard taillights instead of the premium units that run the full length of the tailgate on other models
Interior Cloth seats
Heated front seats (with no ventilation feature)
Rear seats aren't heated What We Think
Who doesn't know the Cybertruck at this point? This all-electric truck has caused the most commotion of any Tesla model ever, largely due to its wildly unique design. Some will love it and some will hate it, but no one will deny that the Cybertruck looks like nothing else on the road. At the same time, that very look aligns the Cybertruck with controversial antics of Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
Setting aside any hype, the Cybertruck actually works pretty well as a pickup truck. Its bed is large and accompanied by useful utility features. The spacious cabin is high-tech in Tesla's distinctly reductive way. Its decent driving range and access to Tesla's widespread Supercharger network makes living with the Cybertruck reasonable. Then there's its astonishing performance: quicker, sportier, and more composed than almost any other truck.
As much as its design makes the Cybertruck stand out, it also compromises it in many ways. Outside visibility is awful, the stainless steel body is a sponge for smudges, the bodywork is sharp, and how the vehicle is shaped makes bed access challenging. Furthermore, Tesla's claims of self-driving capability aren't based in reality.
There's enough to say about the Cybertruck to fill a book. Divisive and dynamic, terrific yet terrifying, the Cybertruck is a vehicle like we've never seen before and potentially never will again. Dual Motor Performance, Range, and Charging
Above the new 2026 Cybertruck Long Range single-motor model, the standard AWD model has an induction front motor and permanent-magnet rear motor for electric AWD. These motors combine to produce 593 hp and 535 hp, which delivered a 0–60 mph time of 3.8 seconds in MotorTrend testing. The single-motor model is good for an estimated 6.2-second 0-60 time.
In our Road Trip Range Test, the dual-motor Cybertruck covered 224 miles with all-terrain tires, and 295 miles when using all-season tires, before needing to recharge. Regardless of tire choice, this Cybertruck battery charges from 5 to 80 percent in 42 minutes, and 5 to 100 percent in 99 minutes. Cybertruck Beast: World's Quickest Pickup?
As a high-performance option, Tesla builds the Cybertruck Beast, also known as the Cyberbeast. It has a permanent-magnet front motor and a pair of induction motors at the rear axle. This triple-motor powertrain makes 845 hp and 864 lb-ft in total.
In MotorTrend testing, the Cyberbeast's 0–60 mph launch took just 2.5 seconds—putting it in a direct tie with the Rivian R1S Quad Motor for the world's quickest pickup by this measure. However, that R1T went on to crush the Cyberbeast in the quarter-mile. Additionally, MotorTrend's independent testing revealed Tesla's claim the Cyberbeast is quicker than a Porsche 911 in the quarter-mile while towing a Porsche 911 was not true.
Our Road Trip Range Test measured a driving range of 229 miles for the Cyberbeast, slightly less than the 500 miles indicated at the vehicle's reveal in 2019. When plugged into a Supercharger, MotorTrend measured a 5 to 80 percent charge time of 43 minues, and 5 to 100 percent charge time of 42 minutes for the Cyberbeast. Cleaning the Stainless Steel Cybertruck
The Cybertruck's unvarnished, sharp-edged stainless steel body is its most striking and distinctive feature—this truck's design is like no other vehicle on the road. The material is theoretically tough-wearing, but also gets dirty very easily, and shows grime and imperfections more readily than painted vehicles.
In our experience, taking the Cybertruck through an automated car wash worked just fine, despite rumors indicating it could cause problems. Still, it's advisable to add a protective wrap to the vehicle. The Cybertruck's Award-Winning Steering
There's a lot to talk about with the Cybertruck, but perhaps its most overlooked and innovative feature is its steer-by-wire (SBW) system. Rather than a conventional steering rack, the Cybertruck's SBW system uses digital signals to translate driver inputs to the steering yoke into motions by the all-wheel steering system—that's right, there's no physical connection between the yoke and the wheels.
With SBW, the Cybertruck benefits from great handling agility for a truck and provides a direct, in-control sensation for the driver. The Cybertruck's SBW system is so good that it won MotorTrend's 2025 Best Tech Award for chassis technology. Read all about Tesla SBW here—will it be integrated into other Tesla models soon? Tesla Cybertruck Recalls
Tesla's quality has faced many criticisms over the years, and the Cybertruck continues that tradition. The truck has been subject to several recalls, including for a shoddily assembled accelerator pedal and faulty power inverter.
Later, the glue used to adhere various exterior panels to the underlying structure began to fail in certain weather conditions. Despite having built so many vehicles, it seems that quality and durability remains a problem for Tesla. Autopilot and Full Self-Driving
Like all Tesla models, the Cybertruck comes equipped with the Autopilot suite of driver-assist and active safety features. Among these features are front automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a rain-sensing windshield wiper.
The Cybertruck can also be equipped with Tesla's questionably named Full-Self Driving (FSD) software for an extra cost. With FSD, the Cybertruck can drive itself on essentially any public road with only supervision by the driver. In our experience, close supervision is necessary, given that FSD is prone to erratic and sometimes dangerous behavior. How Big Is the Cybertruck Bed?
The Cybertruck's bed measures 6 feet long and 4 feet wide. Utility is improved by its lack of wheelwell intrusions and an underbed storage compartment that contributes to its 67 cubic foot cargo capacity.
There are two 120-volt outlets and a 240-volt outlet built into the bed of all AWD models. Additionally, a rolling metal tonneau cover is equipped as standard. True to Tesla form, the Cybertruck has a front trunk ahead of the passenger compartment. Technology
As with all Tesla models, a giant infotainment touchscreen is the Cybertruck cabin's primary design feature. Here, it measures a whopping 18.5 inches diagonally and contains essentially every vehicle function, like selecting Drive or Reverse, adjusting the cabin temperature, or planning charge stops on the built-in navigation system.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not available in any Tesla vehicles, but a variety of media streaming services and entertainment connectivity features are available. Additionally, there's a 9.4-inch display in the second row that mirrors many of the main touchscreen's features. There are two wireless charging pads in the front row as well as USB-C ports in both rows of seats. A 15-speaker audio system is standard on all Cybertruck models. Other Electric Pickup Trucks: Rivian R1T
Chevrolet Silverado EV
Ford F-150 Lightning
GMC Hummer EV