Tesla Cybertruck Owner Says, “Tesla Rolled Out Free Trials of FSD, But Instead of Excitement, the Reaction Is Mixed Because Of What Didn’t Arrive”

If you're like many car buyers, you're likely filled with curiosity and have questions about Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. 

What is it, and why is it now offered free to Cyberytruck owners? Here is information that Tesla owners and those considering buying a Cybertruck or any Tesla model will want to know.

"Over the past few days, Tesla began rolling out one-year free trials of Full Self-Driving (Supervised) to Cybertruck owners. But instead of pure excitement, it's sparked a mix of reactions, mostly because of what didn't arrive alongside it."

That's what Tesla Cybertruck owner Marcus Reno says on a Tesla Cybertruck Talk Facebook post. Tesla has rolled out free Full Self-Driving (FSD) to Cybertruck owners, but not everyone is excited about the new technology. 

Full Self-Driving Is Here, But Not Without Questions

There are lots of questions that Tesla owners and car buyers are curious about. Marcus is a Tesla Cybertruck owner passionate about the electric truck's technology. 

Before I share Marcus's thoughts about it, what is Tesla's FSD?

Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) is an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) that builds upon Autopilot features. It offers features like self-parking, automatic lane changes, and traffic navigation, but still requires active driver supervision. While FSD aims to make driving easier and safer, it's not a fully autonomous system; the driver must maintain control and be ready to intervene. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• Enhanced Autopilot Features: FSD includes all the Autopilot capabilities, such as Autosteer, Traffic-Aware Cruise Control, and Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control. 
• Supervised Driving: FSD requires the driver to manage the system actively, meaning they need to be alert, keep their hands on the wheel, and be ready to take over at any time. 
• Advanced Navigation: FSD allows the car to navigate roads, including making lane changes, selecting forks to follow the route, and navigating around other vehicles and objects. 
• Self-Parking: According to Tesla, FSD can automatically park the car in a designated spot. 
• FSD is Not Fully Autonomous: Despite its name, FSD is not a fully autonomous system. It is designed to assist the driver and reduce workload, but the driver remains responsible for the vehicle's safe operation. 
• Subscription or Purchase: FSD can be purchased as a one-time upgrade or subscribed to on a monthly basis. 

Here is what Marcus Has To Say About Tesla's FSD and why it's being offered for free to Cybertruck owners. 

He says, "Full Self-Driving has already been active on the Cybertruck for months—for those with the Foundation Series, those who purchased the FSD package outright, or those who were leasing it. The new wave of emails and access applies to owners who didn't buy a Foundation Series or the FSD package outright." 

Those Cyberytruck owners who are leasing FSD or are without it entirely now get one year free.

Marcus says, "But instead of pure excitement, it's sparked a mix of reactions—mostly because of what didn't arrive alongside it."

"When Cybertruck deliveries began, many owners, especially with non-Foundation Series builds, expected adaptive cruise control and lane assist as standard features. Instead, Tesla confirmed that Autosteer would only be included as part of Full Self-Driving, not as a standalone function. That clarification didn't land well with everyone."

Tesla Offers a One-Year Free Trial

"To make up for it, Tesla offered a one-year trial of FSD to those who hadn't already purchased it. But there was no new offer for those who had paid for FSD as part of their Foundation Series or as an add-on—just more silence."

"Tesla hasn't said those features are gone forever. But for now, they're only available through FSD. And while that's frustrating for some, there's a bigger play in motion. By giving every Cybertruck owner access to FSD at no charge for a full year, Tesla massively expanded its data pool. And with FSD, more data means faster evolution."

As More Cybertruck Owners Use FSD, Tesla Is Improving It

While FSD is already impressive, the potential for it to evolve and improve over the next year is truly exciting. The version you're using today will likely seem primitive compared to what's next, and every Cybertruck on the road using it is helping shape that future, according to Marcus.

What Are Other Tesla Cybertruck Owners Saying?

Billy Ramey, another Cybertruck owner, says, "I 100% agree. I also bought FSD outright and use it daily, to and from work. I love it, because it drives way better than I do. I don't think I could live without it."

Another Cybertruck owner, KC Chen, says, "My FSD trial expired yesterday. After driving my Cybertruck without FSD for a bit, I felt that my CT was soulless. Therefore, I subscribed to FSD last night, and my CT was back!"

"I'm going with the $99/month for FSD. My take on it is like having a really experienced driver who's just moved to town. It doesn't plan ahead like we do, since we've driven these roads countless times. I do have to step in sometimes, but usually it's because FSD drives in a way I didn't expect, not because it's making a mistake."

More Cybertruck Owner Comments

Fee Chang says, "I drive between Vegas and So Cal almost weekly, so the FSD on my CT and my (monthly subscription) works well for me. My fatigue level drops considerably. I also use it through the agricultural toll booth near the border."

Sari Tyler says, "Yeah, FSD is one of the most unique things about driving a Tesla, I would hate not to have it. Tesla is the only vehicle in the U.S. that can truly drive itself now."

Not All Cybertruck Owners Agree

Gary Mazur says, "I have it now, but I'll probably cancel the subscription. I don't use it enough to justify its cost. And it does odd things that require takeovers and is slow overall. It's great on highways, but other than that, I don't use it."

Do You Want To Find Out More About How FSD Works? 

If you're considering FSD for your Cybertruck or another Tesla model, it's important to understand how it works and whether it's worth the investment and check it out yourself. Take a test drive and see firsthand how the technology works before you invest in buying a Cybertruck or any Tesla model. 

Marcus concludes, "If you've never owned a Tesla or experienced FSD firsthand, now's the time. Schedule a test drive. Find a rental. Or talk to an owner who has it. It's not hype—it'll change how you think about driving."

How About You?

Do you own a Tesla Cybertruck or another Tesla model? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know how your experience has been so far. We'd love to hear how it's going.

Check out my Tesla Cybertruck story: Tesla Owner Says, “Charging My Cybertruck Is Unfair, There’s No Line, No Pump, Or Wasted Time. Every Morning, My Truck Is Already Full While I Slept

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Tesla and Marcus Reno