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tA First Look Behind the Wheel of Tesla’s Boldest Truck Yet
The Tesla Cybertruck has ignited debate since its polarizing debut—brutalist design, stainless steel exoskeleton, and specs that defy the pickup truck playbook. But how does it feel to drive? Automotive teardown expert Sandy Munro recently took the wheel for his first drive of the Cybertruck during a ride-and-drive session at Giga Texas. His raw, unscripted impressions offer a valuable glimpse into the early real-world performance of Tesla’s most ambitious vehicle to date.
In this breakdown, we explore Munro’s firsthand insights into the Cybertruck’s drivability, interior design, build quality, and off-road suitability—core concerns for engineers, enthusiasts, and investors watching Tesla’s next move closely.
Visibility and Handling: Surprising Agility for a “Big Boat”
Despite its size, the Cybertruck delivered a nimble, almost effortless driving experience. Sandy was clearly impressed, noting that the vehicle’s tight turning radius made navigating even tight parking lots a breeze. “This is a big boat,” he said, “and having it swing around as easily as it did actually caught me unawares.”
The rearview mirror has been replaced by a camera system. Though it required a quick wipe due to muddy conditions, the visibility it offered was “perfect.” Sandy highlighted that the truck had better visibility than anything he’s driven—perhaps only rivaled by a minivan. Forward and side blind spots are virtually eliminated by expansive glass and camera views.
Interior Design: Clean, Functional, and Kid-Friendly
Inside, the Cybertruck retains Tesla’s minimalist ethos. The front and rear cabins are clean and purposeful, free from clutter and unnecessary controls. Sandy pointed out the spaciousness—especially in the back seat where his colleague Grace could fully stretch out her legs.
Crucially, Tesla addressed a common complaint about rear headroom in earlier models. “Not here,” Sandy said, praising the ample space and comfortable seats for even tall passengers.
Also noteworthy is the cabin air quality system. The HEPA filter, accessible from the frunk area, is a smart inclusion for families—especially those with respiratory sensitivities.
Frunk & Storage: Practical, But Smaller Than Rivals
The Cybertruck’s frunk is not as large as that of the Ford F-150 Lightning or even Tesla’s own Model S, but Sandy framed its utility in terms of outdoor use—”a good place for guns” if you’re a hunter, he suggested.
He also uncovered a hidden lower storage area complete with a Cybertruck-emblazoned drain plug, allowing it to double as a cooler—something Sandy praised as a smart improvement over Model Y and 3, which lacked drainage. It’s a nod to Tesla’s attention to practical off-road applications and camping features.
Build Quality: It’s About Consistency, Not Perfection
Munro has long been outspoken about build gaps in early Tesla vehicles. For this first Cybertruck drive review, Sandy shifted the narrative. While not ultra-tight like a sedan, panel gaps across the vehicle were consistent—which, for an off-road vehicle, is more important than absolute tightness.
Using calibrated fingers (a signature Sandy move), he verified that the spacing from top to bottom remained steady. “If they’re all the same, then it’s right,” he asserted. He dismissed concerns about gapping compared to sedans. The Cybertruck isn’t built for showroom vanity—it’s built to perform in real terrain.
Exterior Details: Function Over Form
Sandy appreciated the door handle-less design, similar to the Ford Lightning. By reducing drag-inducing elements, Tesla improves range—a constant engineering challenge in EV design. This detail-oriented approach reflects Tesla’s lean design strategy, where every part serves a purpose.
Moreover, Sandy noted the lack of badging—apart from a single Cybertruck symbol on the drain plug. The truck makes a visual statement by not making a statement. This minimalist branding aligns with Tesla’s philosophy of letting engineering speak louder than emblems.
Performance Expectations: The Real Rivals Aren’t Who You Think
Sandy didn’t position the Cybertruck as a direct competitor to Ford’s F-150. Instead, he predicted it would more directly challenge brands like Rivian, Jeep, and GMC’s Hummer EV—all vehicles that sell lifestyle and off-road credibility rather than fleet utility.
“This is my kind of off-roader,” Sandy said. For hunters, campers, off-road enthusiasts, and weekend adventurers, the Cybertruck hits a unique niche. It blends military-grade design with consumer-focused features in a way few vehicles have attempted.
Final Thoughts: Not Just a Style Statement
Munro has long been a fan of the Cybertruck’s appearance, but his time behind the wheel affirmed that the truck delivers substance beneath the style. From its remarkably agile handling and clear visibility to its thoughtful touches—like air filtration and rear seat comfort—it’s a vehicle engineered with intentionality.
And while this early prototype wasn’t fully production-ready, the indicators are strong. Consistent build gaps, functional design features, and a user-friendly interior all signal a maturing product that’s evolving past concept hype into real-world viability.
The Cybertruck First Drive Review: Key Takeaways
- Turning Radius: The Cybertruck’s maneuverability defies its size, ideal for tight urban or off-road use.
- Visibility: Extensive camera systems and glass design virtually eliminate blind spots.
- Utility Design: Functional features like a drainable cooler bin and accessible HEPA filtration reflect use-case thinking.
- Build Philosophy: Tesla prioritizes consistency and real-world performance over showroom perfection.
- Market Positioning: Less a Ford fighter, more a disruptor to Rivian, Jeep, and the Hummer EV.
Ready for More Teardown and EV Insights?
Curious how the Cybertruck’s structural engineering compares to its competitors? Or how Tesla’s lean manufacturing practices are redefining automotive cost structures? Follow along with Munro & Associates for in-depth breakdowns and exclusive expert analysis.
And explore more teardown insights and engineering breakdowns at Munro Live. Don’t miss what comes next.