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Car and Driver
02-08-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Tesla Cybertruck Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview The Tesla Cybertruck is perhaps the most polarizing vehicle on the road, both in its design and in the statement it makes, being the norm-busting brainchild of the brand's ever-controversial CEO. But whether you give Cybertruck drivers a thumbs-up or a dirty look, there's much to appreciate about the product itself. This full-size electric pickup currently comes in three specs, all of which top 300 miles of range and boast clever maneuverability-aiding steer-by-wire and rear-wheel-steering systems. The lineup-topping tri-motor Cyberbeast is also the quickest truck out there, with a 60-mph sprint time of just 2.6 seconds. And while that stainless-steel shell needs different kinds of care than your average car paint, it's highly dent-resistant and recognizable from afar. Expert Tip: If splotchy fingerprints on your fridge bother you, steer clear of the Cybertruck. The Rivian R1T, on the other hand, comes with a normal coat of paint, and depending on the trim and powertrain, it's nearly as quick and capable as the Tesla. What's New for 2026? Tesla doesn't really do model-year updates. Instead, it introduces, deletes, and revises features at will and often without warning. So, who knows? A rear-wheel-drive model—called the Cybertruck Long Range—arrived mid-year in 2025. No changes have been announced for 2026, though the in-bed range extender we expected is officially dead. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Tesla Cybertruck starts at $72,235 and goes up to $102,235 depending on the trim and options. Long Range $72,235 All-Wheel Drive $82,235 Cyberbeast $102,235 0 $25k $50k $75k $100k $125k $150k $175k If you're buying a Cybertruck because you like the way it looks, the base model is all you need, and it gets the best range of the lot. If you're after a performance machine or an off-roader, the Cybertruck AWD makes sense. It's significantly less expensive than the Cyberbeast but still plenty quick and capable. This content is imported from Third party. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. EV Motor, Power, and Performance EV Motors: 315-hp single-motor (Long Range), 593-hp dual-motor (AWD), 834-hp tri-motor (Cyberbeast) 315-hp single-motor (Long Range), 593-hp dual-motor (AWD), 834-hp tri-motor (Cyberbeast) Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive The Cybertruck Long Range propels only two wheels with a single motor at the back. The dual-motor AWD model's propulsion system generates a combined 593 horsepower. Those looking for mind-bending performance will want the Cyberbeast, which features a trio of motors making a combined 834 horses. The Cybertruck AWD and Cyberbeast have an adjustable air suspension that can raise or lower the EV on the fly to provide up to 16 inches of ground clearance. Add that to the truck's 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 Cyberbeast and found its combination of rear-wheel steering and variable-ratio steer-by-wire tech made for easy maneuvering in urban environments. 0–60-MPH Times C/D 60-mph Tests: 2.6 seconds (Cyberbeast), 3.9 seconds (All-Wheel-Drive) In Comparison: The tri-motor Cyberbeast's 2.6-second 60-mph time makes it quicker than the quad-motor Rivian R1T, which needed 3.0 seconds to get to the same speed. View Photos Tesla Towing and Payload Capacity The dual- and tri-motor Cybertrucks have a maximum towing capacity of 11,000 pounds, while the single-motor rear-driver is rated to tug 7500 pounds. Payload varies by model and tire choice, but an all-terrain-shod Cybertruck AWD can haul the most, carrying 2500 pounds in its six-by-four-foot composite cargo bed. Range, Charging, and Battery Life C/D Range Test: 250 miles (Cyberbeast) 250 miles (Cyberbeast) Claimed EV Range: 320-325 miles The Tesla Cyberbeast's battery capacity is approximately 122.4 kWh. Tesla claims the Long Range model can recoup 147 miles in 15 minutes when hooked up to a Supercharger. In the same timeframe, the AWD model can restore 136 miles while the Cyberbeast adds back 128. In our testing, it took 50 minutes to charge the Cyberbeast's battery from 10 to 50 percent. The electric truck's driving range varies with the number of motors, but Tesla estimates that the single-motor Long Range will travel up to 366 miles per charge, while the dual-motor AWD and tri-motor Cyberbeast will go 325 miles and 320 miles, respectively. Those numbers are pretty optimistic: In our hands, the Cyberbeast covered just 250 miles—70 miles short of Tesla's claim. That said, we've noticed similar quoted-versus-real-world range discrepancies among other electric trucks we've tested. 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 fuel-economy figures to the government agency. We observed 55 MPGe in mixed driving with the Cyberbeast. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo First Row: Those who thought the Tesla Model 3's interior was minimalistic will relive that reaction when they see the Cybertruck's spartan cabin. The base model boasts heated front seats and one touchscreen, while the other two have seat heating and ventilation, plus a second screen for rear-seat passengers. Second Row: Headroom is surprisingly generous in the rear seat given the truck's dramatically sloped roofline, but riders over six feet tall may find it snug. Cargo Capacity: In our testing, we found that the truck's front trunk (frunk) holds just one carry-on suitcase, but the interior will fit 22 with the rear seats folded. The Cybertruck's cargo bed offers 121 cubic feet of volume, and inside the bed is a hidden underfloor storage compartment that's large enough to fit an additional suitcase. View Photos Tesla Infotainment and Connectivity Infotainment: 18.5-inch center touchscreen and 9.4-inch rear touchscreen 18.5-inch center touchscreen and 9.4-inch rear touchscreen Connectivity: Bluetooth Bluetooth Audio Systems: 7-speaker stereo (standard), 15-speaker stereo (optional) Every Cybertruck has a big 18.5-inch touchscreen mounted in the center of the dashboard. In the Cybertruck AWD and Cyberbeast, 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. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Every Cybertruck comes standard with Tesla's controversial Autopilot driving feature. The brand's Full Self-Driving system is optional. Neither system yet enables fully autonomous driving, something Tesla has long promised. The company also provides other, more basic driver-assistance technology. Standard Safety Features: Adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, blind-spot monitoring Adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, blind-spot monitoring Optional Safety Features: Automatic lane changing, advanced parking tech For information about the Cybertruck's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Tesla provides a comprehensive warranty on its current models, however it doesn't include any complimentary maintenance. Limited Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain Warranty: eight years or 150,000 miles eight years or 150,000 miles Battery-Components Warranty: eight years or 150,000 miles eight years or 150,000 miles Complimentary Maintenance: none C/D Test Results and Specs We test every vehicle we can. Data in the chart below may be for a different model year if the model remained unchanged from when we last tested it. Specifications Specifications 2024 Tesla Cybertruck Beast Vehicle Type: front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door pickup PRICE Base/As Tested: $101,985/$121,985 Options: Foundation Series (20-inch Cyber wheels with 35-inch tires, White décor, off-road light bar, premium accessories, Powershare home backup, Powershare mobile adapter, universal wall connector, Full Self-Driving capability, lifetime premium connectivity), $20,000 POWERTRAIN Front Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 276 hp, 320 lb-ft Rear Motor: induction AC, 284 hp, 544 lb-ft Combined Power: 834 hp Combined Torque: 740 lb-ft Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 123.0 kWh Onboard Charger: 11.5 kW Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 250 kW Transmissions: direct-drive CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: control arms/control arms Brakes, F/R: 13.8-in vented disc/14.0-in vented disc Tires: Goodyear Wrangler Territory RT LT285/65R-20 123/120H M+S TO DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 143.1 in Length: 223.7 in Width: 80.0 in Height: 68.5–76.6 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 62/57 ft3 Front Trunk Volume: 7 ft3 Underbed Storage Volume: 3 ft3 Curb Weight: 6901 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 2.6 sec 100 mph: 6.9 sec 1/4-Mile: 11.0 sec @ 119 mph 130 mph: 14.5 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 2.8 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 1.5 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 1.8 sec Top Speed (gov ltd): 131 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 176 ft Braking, 100–0 mph: 367 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.75 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY AND CHARGING 75-mph Highway Range: 250 mi DC Fast-Charge Time, 10–90%: 50 min C/D TESTING EXPLAINED More Features and Specs
The Drive
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Drive
How Rivian Is Future-Proofing Its EVs 7-10 Years Out
The latest car news, reviews, and features. Buy a Rivian today or tomorrow and it will gain new features, functionality, and different software interfaces for years to come unlike a Toyota or Honda. Rivian Chief Software Officer Wassym Bensaid told The Drive 'we like to think about 7 to 10 years' in terms of how long the automaker will upgrade the software within its vehicles. And Rivian's baking that plan into the development of its vehicles. Bensaid said the electrical architectures developed, which the automaker's now buttoning up its third that will debut in the smaller R2 electric crossover in 2026, are designed with that 7 to 10 year timeline in terms of headroom for upgradeability. A functional concept not seen anywhere else in the automotive industry outside of Tesla to date. But updates won't stop after just 7 to 10 years, as that timeline is simply limited to functional feature updates. Bensaid said 'for anything related to safety or security, it would go beyond those 7 to 10 years.' Bensaid noted that Rivian is developing its own operating system that runs on multiple sets of hardware and that the beauty of doing things this way, the hard way, is it's flexible and modern enough to run on different versions. 'It's not easy, it requires a lot of work,' Bensaid said. Staying far away from software updates that enable fart noises, Rivian's have gained Soft Sand mode along with low and high regenerative braking settings since the R1T and R1S launched. That's in addition to a myriad of other software updates, including one that redesigned the 15.6-inch touchscreen's user interface. Ford has updated the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E's software multiple times enabling bits of extra functionality through the touchscreen. But the automaker's limited by its electrical architectures and outsourcing of components to simple tweaks. No Ford EV on sale today is going to suddenly ride better because of a free over-the-air (OTA) software update. The same can be said about most EVs on sale in the U.S. for the same reasons. The vertical integration and in-house developed electrical architecture at Rivian has paid dividends in this arena. Rivian R1S Quad performing a Kick Turn Joel Feder Joel Feder The upgradeability will be put further on display later this year. In September the Rivian RAD Tuner software and Kick Turn function will both arrive via a free (OTA) software update, but only for the 2026 R1T and R1S Quad. Cars are expensive. The average transaction price of a new car in May was $48,799 according to Cox Automotive . Trucks and large SUVs cost even more. Bensaid acknowledged cars aren't like smartphones stating, 'this is a big purchase and a lot of our customers will keep their cars for a long time, it's important for us that those cars feel fresh.' Bensaid is right about consumers keeping cars for a long time. The average age of a vehicle on U.S. roads today is 12.8 years, according to a S&P Global report. Sticking to the smartphone comparison, Apple typically provides consistent software updates for 5 to 7 years before deeming a phone obsolete, but it too continues to provide security updates after that timeframe. Addressing concerns of how a software-defined vehicle will operate in 12 years (sticking to that average age of a vehicle on the road today timeline), Bensaid said Rivian's will 'it will absolutely work' but that 'it just will not necessarily get new features.' 'I think that's the point where sometimes people don't necessarily get it, which is like, there will be no degradation, it will not be a brick, it will be a perfectly functioning car,' Bensaid said. Bensaid is open to evolving the mindset. 'We own our own destiny,' the exec said. Today's goal is to continue to update the automaker's vehicle software about every month, but things change. 'Maybe we'll change our opinion,' Bensaid said while noting maybe the automaker shifts its 7 to 10 year software upgradability to '9 to 11 (years).' At least Bensaid went up in terms of years and not down in his theorizing, which is great news for Rivian buyers. Got tips? Send 'em to tips@
Auto Blog
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
The Toyota RAV4 Just Showed The Tesla Model Y Who's Boss
Tesla Model Y Falls To Second Place It seems like just the other day that the world was readjusting to the idea that an electric vehicle could be the best-selling car in the world, but that's exactly what happened in 2023, when the Tesla Model Y outsold the Toyota RAV4 by almost 150,000 units, with over 1.2 million EVs sold that year. Since then, it's been less than smooth sailing for Tesla, and despite strong sales numbers for the Model Y in 2024, Toyota's crossover has reclaimed the crown, according to JATO Dynamics automotive analyst Felipe Munoz. It was a close battle, though, with the RAV4's 1,187,000 sales only beating the Model Y's numbers by roughly 2,000 units. 0:05 / 0:09 Rivian R1T delivers on this EV feature that Tesla forgot Watch More The RAV4 Wasn't Toyota's Only Big Winner The RAV4's sales are especially impressive when you consider that the current generation is about to be replaced. The 2026 RAV4 has already been revealed, which might have caused some prospective buyers to hold out for more tech and fresh styling. On the other hand, some of that same buyer group might be disappointed by the new RAV4 only being available as a hybrid, particularly since the all-new Tacoma has been less than stellar in terms of reliability. Whatever the reason, strong demand for Toyota products is not limited to crossovers. As noted by The Drive, Munoz's analysis reveals that Toyota claimed five of the top 10 spots in the 2024 sales rankings, with the Corolla Cross (Frontlander in some markets) coming in third behind Tesla's Model Y, the Corolla/Levin sedan snagging fifth place, the Hilux pickup managing sixth, and the Camry taking eighth position. The other positions were filled by the Honda CR-V (fourth), the Ford F-150 (seventh), and BYD's Qin (10th), which has been a strong seller for over a decade. Our Take While we don't want to take the shine off Toyota's achievement, it must be noted that these results were achieved in an unusual year, one in which Tesla CEO Elon Musk became a more controversial figure than ever, drawing ire from both sides of the political aisle. Coupled with public protests and vandalism targeting the brand and some of its customers, it's plain to see that these sales figures are atypical; many prospective buyers doubtless reconsidered buying a new Tesla, so the figures could easily have been higher. The automaker may need a new approach, so Musk has reportedly fired Tesla's sales and manufacturing boss over the sales slump, which has now reached its fifth straight month in Europe, and new Model Y variants have been teased by other execs. We'll have to see how things turn out when 2025's numbers are crunched, but the battle for the sales crown could easily swing either way in a year from now. Or it could be usurped by the Chinese… Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. About the Author Sebastian Cenizo View Profile
Auto Blog
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Scout Exec Sees Opportunity In Rivian Layoffs
Rivian last week laid off 140 employees, representing about 1% of its workforce, prompting Jacopo Marzetti, head of logistics at Scout Motors, to encourage them to apply at the Volkswagen Group brand, which aims to launch its first electric vehicles in 2027. 'Sympathy and support to the employees impacted by the latest Rivian layoffs,' Marzetti wrote Monday in a LinkedIn post. 'Have a look to the Scout Motors career website and apply directly to join our team.' Rivian R1T delivers on this EV feature that Tesla forgot Watch More The post included a link to the Scout career site, which listed 127 job openings at the time of publication covering areas ranging from sales and management of parts supplies, to software development and vehicle engineering. TechCrunch reported last week that most of the Rivian layoffs affected the automaker's manufacturing team, and that employees were being encouraged to apply to other open positions within the company. Two EV Brands Ramp Up Source: Eric Anderson/Rivian Both Rivian and Scout are in the midst of production ramp-ups. Rivian is looking to start manufacturing its R2 electric SUV in 2026. First shown in 2024, the R2 is a smaller model with a targeted base price of $45,000 that could open up a wider audience for Rivian, making it key to the automaker's continued development. Scout, meanwhile, is trying to get its first products to customers. A revival of the classic International Harvester Scout name and ethos under the Volkswagen Group aegis, Scout plans to offer an SUV called the Traveler and a pickup truck called the Terra with a choice of all-electric or plug-in hybrid powertrains. The latter, dubbed Harvester, will use a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine to extend total range from the estimated 350 miles of all-electric Scout models to about 500 miles. Concept versions of both the Traveler and Terra were shown in late 2023, with designs expected to mostly carry over to production, which would create the closest rivals to the Rivian R1S and R1T we've seen so far. In addition to completing development work on the vehicles themselves, Scout must complete construction of a $2 billion South Carolina factory, which targets up to 200,000 vehicles a year, the brand has said. Some Common Ground Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. True to its name, Scout will take a different approach to Rivian—and other VW Group brands—with a body-on-frame platform for maximum authenticity. But Scout will have access to Rivian's zonal electrical architecture and software under a $5.8 billion joint venture between Rivian and the VW Group announced in late 2024. It's still unclear which production vehicles will benefit from this partnership, but Rivian's tech will be in the toolbox Scout can rummage through as it looks to complete development of its rugged new vehicles. About the Author Stephen Edelstein View Profile
Miami Herald
28-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
MegaRexx Builds a $180K Diesel Super Truck Based on Ford F-250
There are plenty of off-road trucks on the market right now, each catering to a different kind of buyer. If you want an electric truck with hipster vibes, there's the Rivian R1T. If you're after a tough-looking daily driver, the F-150 Raptor fits the bill. And if you want something to match your stainless steel kitchen, Tesla offers the Cybertruck. But if you're chasing something unhinged, something so over-the-top it makes everything else look tame, MegaRexx has exactly what you're after. MegaRexx, a brand under Signature Autosports, builds the kind of trucks you draw while daydreaming in your school notebooks. Their specialty is taking Ford's Super Duty lineup and transforming it into something that looks like it escaped from a Baja race. They typically start with an F-250 Tremor and go wild with it - lifting the suspension even more, swapping in wider bodywork, and making everything look and feel more trophy truck-like. In essence, it's like giving the Super Duty the Raptor treatment, then tossing in a little extra just for fun. Believe it or not, MegaRexx doesn't mess around much with the drivetrain. Instead of the standard gas-powered 7.3-liter V8, they opt for Ford's 6.7-liter High Output Power Stroke V8 turbo-diesel, which makes 500 horsepower and a ridiculous 1,200 lb-ft of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission and both differentials are left mostly untouched, apart from a new 4.88:1 gear ratio to help put all that power through its even larger wheels and tires. Its suspension, on the other hand, gets a very unnecessary, but undoubtedly cool, overhaul. The truck sits 4.5 inches taller than an ordinary Super Duty, and just about every suspension component gets a high-performance replacement. Fox Racing supplies remote-reservoir shocks and track rods. Icon provides new 4.5-inch coil springs up front, leaf springs out back, and a set of steering stabilizers. MegaRexx even fabricates the radius arms themselves. The result isn't just more ground clearance; it should also handle better than you'd expect from something this humongous. But the cherry on this all-terrain conquering Super Duty is its wheels, tires, and bodywork. With ZXL Michelin tires nearly twice as tall as the smallest person in the world (yes, we fact-checked that), measuring at 46 inches, and 20-inch three-piece aluminum wheels typically used by military trucks, it's a bona fide off-road monster. To accommodate its newfound girth, MegaRexx crafts wider fiberglass body panels that widen the Super Duty by 18 inches. Obligatory steel bumpers at the front and rear, complemented by LED light bars on each side, electronic side-steps, and a metal skid plate, round off the upgrades. None of this comes cheap. A base Ford Super Duty F-250 starts at around $45,000, and that number climbs quickly once you add the $12,995 torque-healthy diesel engine and the $4,500 Tremor Off-Road package. A well-optioned factory F-250 can push past $100,000. MegaRexx takes things much, much further, with this particular build, finished in Rapid Red Metallic. They call it the F250 Original Super Duty Crew Cab, and it's priced at a steep $179,950. That's a lot of money for a truck, but it's also a lot of truck. If your dream is a go-anywhere diesel beast that towers over traffic, MegaRexx might be your kind of crazy. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
