2024 Tesla Cybertruck

Tesla’s EVs balance range, performance, and price in ways that older, established manufacturers can rarely beat. Models range from affordable sedans up to an SUVs and a pickup truck that can be optioned to cost over $100,000. One major advantage that Teslas have over other EVs is the company’s Supercharger network of charging stations. Unlike most public EV chargers, which can require brand-specific apps and accounts, in a Tesla, charging is comparatively seamless. Its software updates can provide meaningful upgrades. After a poor result in our braking test, an update reduced our Model 3’s 60-to-0 braking distance from 152 feet to 133 feet. Brand-wide issues include unintuitive controls that rely on touchscreens, average or below-average reliability, and build quality that is below what Consumer Reports finds in similarly priced EVs. Those factors can make purchasing a used Tesla a gamble.

The all-electric Cybertruck is a radical new take on pickups, with a polarizing, angular design and paintless alloy body panels. The Foundation series, the first version available, starts just under $100,000 and has an estimated 318 miles of range. The bed measures 6 feet long and 4 feet wide, and it can haul a 4x8-foot plywood sheet with the tailgate down. It has an 11,000-pound maximum towing capacity. When the powered bed cover blocks the rear window, the rear view mirror image is displayed on the center screen, which is odd. Controls are super distracting, like in other Tesla models partly due to the lack of steering wheel stalks. Directional signals, wipers, and high beams are controlled by buttons on the tiny squarish steering wheel. Side mirrors and steering wheel adjustments are done through the screen. The truck is very quick, quiet and nimble. It's surprisingly maneuverable thanks to its four wheel steering and quick steering ratio. The ride is firm yet composed.