Cybertruck Has Ruined Me, I Used To Enjoy My Model Y, Now It Feels Like Riding In a Bathtub Feeling Every Little Bump, My CT Feels Like Driving On Clouds

Is the ride quality gap really that massive between the Model Y and Cybertruck?

As the automotive landscape shifts dramatically toward electric propulsion, we are witnessing a fascinating evolution in drivers' expectations for vehicle ride quality. For years, the industry standard for comfort was set by luxury sedans, but Tesla's introduction of the Cybertruck has thrown a wrench into the machinery of comparison.

Mark Gillund, a recent Cybertruck owner, is now finding that the technological leap forward in his new truck has cast a harsh light on his previous favorite, the Model Y.

Mark took to the Cybertruck owners page to discuss a phenomenon I am hearing more often: the stark contrast between Tesla's flagship truck's adaptive air suspension and its best-selling crossover's traditional coil suspension.

Here is what Mark Gillund on the Cybertruck Owners Only Facebook page says:

"My Cybertruck has ruined the Model Y for me. I used to enjoy riding in the Model Y. Now the Y feels like riding in a bathtub, and I'm feeling every little bump and crack in the road. The air suspension in my Cybertruck feels like driving on clouds!"

The Suspension Divide

The Model Y has long been criticized for its stiffer, sport-tuned suspension, which delivers precise handling but often transmits road imperfections directly into the cabin. In my analysis of the EV market, this is a common trade-off manufacturers make to manage the heavy curb weight of battery packs while maintaining stability. 

However, the Cybertruck utilizes an advanced adaptive air suspension system with 12 inches of travel, designed to handle rugged terrain while smoothing out pavement irregularities. It is not surprising that transitioning between the two vehicles is jarring. The "bathtub" analogy Gillund uses effectively captures the sensation of wallowing or harsh resonance that can occur in unibody crossovers with stiffer springs when compared to a vehicle actively damping every undulation.

We are seeing a growing number of enthusiasts echoing similar concerns in the same thread. Several members pointed out that after experiencing the "magic carpet" ride of the Cybertruck or even the refreshed Model 3 "Highland," the pre-refresh Model Y feels significantly dated in its ride dynamics. 

One user, identified as "Mike T.," noted that his wife refuses to drive their 2021 Model Y anymore because the Cybertruck has spoiled her with its isolation from potholes. You can read more about similar suspension discussions in my recent report, I Was Shocked When the Dealer Told Me $10K To Fix My Ram 1500 Limited's Air Suspension, Lucky For Me I Got the Extended Warranty, where I break down the high stakes of modern air ride systems.

The Cybertruck is the Future

To understand why this disparity exists, we have to look at the engineering goals behind the Cybertruck. It was not merely built to be another pickup; it was designed to be a paradigm shift in automotive utility.

• To Redefine Utility: Tesla aimed to create a vehicle with the utility of a truck and the performance of a sports car, necessitating a suspension system capable of extreme versatility.
• To Showcase Technology: The inclusion of standard adaptive air suspension was a strategic move to demonstrate that a heavy steel exoskeleton vehicle could still offer premium comfort.
• To Disrupt the Market: By ignoring traditional body-on-frame constraints, Tesla could integrate a suspension geometry that offers high ground clearance without the "truck-like" bounce.
• To Create a Halo Product: The Cybertruck serves as a technological flagship, introducing 48-volt architecture and steer-by-wire, features that naturally make older models like the Model Y feel a generation behind.

The "Cloud" Effect

The "driving on clouds" sensation Gillund describes is the result of active damping algorithms that adjust milliseconds before the wheel hits a bump. The Model Y, particularly pre-2023 models, relies on passive dampers. When you drive them back-to-back, the difference in unsprung mass control is understandable. 

I have covered this suspension technology extensively, and it is clear that air suspension is the great equalizer for heavy EVs. Another member of the thread, Sarah J., mentioned that her Cybertruck makes speed bumps "virtually disappear," whereas her Model Y would "crash" over them. It is this daily accumulation of minor impacts that leads owners to feel their other cars are "ruined."

Interestingly, this situation brings to mind a different segment of the market I cover closely. In a recent story, I discussed how a 2024 Toyota Prius owner laments, "One of Life's Cruelties is That the New Prius Looks Genuinely Stunning, Yet They Fitted it With a Drivetrain Duller than American Chocolate". Much as Cybertruck owners have realized the Model Y's flaws, Prius owners are discovering that stunning new designs can highlight deficits in other areas, such as drivetrain excitement.

The Toyota Prius Parallel

The situation Mark Gillund is dealing with is not unique to the Tesla ecosystem; it is a symptom of rapid automotive advancement that we also see with the Toyota Prius. Just as the Cybertruck has reset the bar for ride comfort in the truck segment, the new Toyota Prius has redefined what we expect from a hybrid in terms of aesthetics and handling. 

However, just as the Cybertruck makes the Model Y feel harsh, the new Prius's sporty looks are making its reliable hybrid powertrain feel lackluster to some enthusiasts. It is a game of shifting baselines. When a manufacturer releases a product that punches significantly above its weight class, be it the Cybertruck in comfort or the Prius in style, it inevitably exposes the age of the vehicles around it.

I recently analyzed a story where a Cybertruck owner says, "150K", and adds, "I'll Save $27K Over My Toyota Tundra in Gas, and Oil Changes Alone", highlighting how owners are constantly doing the math between comfort, utility, and cost. For the Cybertruck owner, the "cost" is the loss of enjoyment in their Model Y. 

For the Prius owner, the cost is the realization that their efficient commuter doesn't drive as fast as it looks. Both are dealing with the reality that their "perfect" car has compromised their satisfaction with other vehicles they own or have driven.

Ultimately, Gillund's experience serves as a warning to multi-Tesla households: progress comes at the price of perspective. The Model Y remains a fantastic vehicle, dominating global sales charts. Yet, as I noted in my article So, I Pre-Ordered a 2025 Toyota Tacoma Off-Road, and To Say This Whole Process Has Been One Big Frustrating Harang, Would Be An Understatement, the pursuit of the "next best thing" often leads to frustration with the status quo. 

If you plan to add a Cybertruck to your garage, be prepared for your faithful Model Y to suddenly feel a lot more like a bathtub and a lot less like the future.

Denis Flierl is a Senior Reporter for Torque News. You can follow his daily coverage of the automotive industry on X @DenisFlierl.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Mark Gillund