The magazine also tested the range of the flagship 845 hp Cybertruck variant, which achieved 250 miles on the highway
by Brad Anderson
March 10, 2024 at 08:58
The Tesla Cybertruck defies convention not only in its appearance but also in its performance. Say what you will about various other aspects of the truck – and there are many – but if there’s one thing it excels at, it’s elevating straight-line pickup truck performance to new heights.
And now, it has earned the distinction of being the fastest truck ever tested by Car and Driver. To gauge the sheer power of the Cybertruck in a straight line, the publication obtained the flagship ‘Cyberbeast’ variant with three electric motors delivering 845 hp. It recorded a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) acceleration time of just 2.6 seconds, including a 1-foot rollout.
‘But what about the Rivian R1T and GMC Hummer EV?’ we hear you ask. Well, Car and Driver has tested both the flagship R1T and Hummer EV in the past, recording 0-60 mph times of 3.0 seconds and 3.3 seconds respectively with the same 1-foot rollout. That matches Tesla’s advertised time to the dot.
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Read: Tesla’s Buyback Clause Tested As Another New Cybertruck Up For Auction
Just three EVs tested by Car and Driver are quicker off the line than the Cybertruck, namely the Tesla Model S Plaid at 2.1 seconds, the Lucid Air Sapphire at 2.1 seconds, and the Porsche Taycan Turbo S Cross Turismo at 2.4 seconds.
During the run, the Cybertruck needed just 6.9 seconds to reach 100 mph (161 km/h) and topped out at 131 mph (211 km/h). It also performed well in the rolling sprint from 5-60 mph (8-96 km/h), completing it in 2.8 seconds. In Sport mode, it recorded 30-50 mph (48-80 km/h) and 50-70 mph (80-113 km/h) times of 1.5 seconds and 1.8 seconds, respectively. All these times were achieved with Goodyear Wrangler Territory RT tires, measuring 285/65 at all four corners.
250-Mile Highway Range
Then there’s the range. According to Tesla , under the EPA testing cycle, the flagship Cybertruck can travel 301 miles (484 km) on a single charge. The magazine tested this claim on the highway, setting the climate control at 72 degrees and cruising at 75 mph (121 km/h). They managed to cover 250 miles (402 km).
While this falls short of the 290 miles (467 km) achieved by the Hummer EV, and the 280 miles (451 km) recorded for a quad-motor Rivian R1T, it’s important to note that the Rivian was equipped with street tires, not all-terrain rubber like the Cybertruck.