I Had to Pull a Stuck Cybertruck Out of Pismo Beach Dunes With My Rivian R1T, Here's What Actually Happened

There’s something endlessly satisfying about watching a truck perform the task it was designed for. That satisfaction multiplies when it’s one vehicle rescuing another, and that’s exactly what happened when one Redditor with a Rivian R1T pulled a Tesla Cybertruck free from the soft sands of Pismo Beach.

For onlookers, it was a scene that felt both symbolic and telling, an upstart adventure truck proving its off-road capabilities against a futuristic, polarizing rival.

Innovation, Debate & Real-World Challenges

The Tesla Cybertruck has been a source of fascination and debate since its reveal in 2019. Its stainless steel, wedge-shaped design stood as a defiant declaration of the future, promising unbreakable durability, unparalleled power, and electric innovation. But while its sci-fi styling has dominated headlines and captivated fans, the Cybertruck has struggled to live up to those lofty promises off the beaten path. On the other side of this story is the Rivian R1T, a truck that has earned its reputation as a trail-conquering workhorse, less flashy, more purposeful, and unquestionably capable in the real world.

Speaking of innovation and before we proceed I want to put things in a bigger picture for you as Tesla just made a very big move in China with a second Megafactory, aiming to change the game from a different angle. Look also this video report from the Torque News Youtube channel.

Tesla Cybertruck Key Specs

• The Cybertruck features a distinctive angular design, constructed with Ultra-Hard 30X Cold-Rolled Stainless Steel, offering both a unique aesthetic and enhanced durability. 
• The tri-motor variant of the Cybertruck boasts a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of approximately 2.9 seconds, showcasing its high-performance capabilities. 
• With a maximum towing capacity of up to 14,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 3,500 pounds, the Cybertruck is designed to handle demanding tasks.

The events unfolded under a blazing California sun, with a group of EV enthusiasts testing their vehicles on the iconic sand dunes of Pismo Beach. Among them was the Cybertruck, its bold Blade Runner-inspired design drawing attention like a magnet. Its owner wasted no time charging into the dunes, eager to demonstrate the truck’s capabilities. However, within moments, the massive stainless steel pickup was stuck, its tires spinning helplessly in the soft sand, unable to claw its way free. 

Tesla Cybertruck vs. Rivian R1T

The contrast between the two trucks couldn’t be more stark. Tesla designed the Cybertruck as a bold reimagining of the pickup, abandoning traditional forms for something futuristic and alien. Its angular stainless steel body is as polarizing as it is impractical, with critics pointing to its propensity to collect dirt and sand in its countless creases.

While it may dominate social media and turn heads on city streets, the design struggles in real-world conditions. The Rivian, by contrast, is the product of careful refinement. Its proportions strike a balance between classic truck sensibilities and modern aesthetics, with a silhouette that feels equally at home in a national park or a driveway.

Quad-Motor Power, Versatile Storage & Off-Road Prowess

• The Rivian R1T features a quad-motor setup, delivering impressive acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 3.0 seconds. 
• Designed with versatility in mind, the R1T offers multiple storage solutions, including a front trunk ("frunk"), a gear tunnel running the width of the vehicle, and a cargo bed measuring 4.5 feet in length. 
• Equipped with an adjustable air suspension, the R1T provides a ground clearance ranging from 7.9 to 14.4 inches, enhancing its off-road performance.

This practical focus extends beyond design to capability. While the Cybertruck boasts impressive on-paper specs, adjustable air suspension, 17 inches of clearance, and a 500-mile range, its off-road performance reveals its limitations. The suspension lacks articulation for uneven terrain, and its sheer size and weight make it unwieldy in soft, shifting sand.

The Rivian, on the other hand, was engineered with adventure in mind. Its quad-motor system provides precise, independent torque to each wheel, and allows it to maintain grip where others lose it. With 15 inches of suspension travel, 14.9 inches of ground clearance, and advanced software like Tank Turn, the R1T feels purpose-built for situations like the one at Pismo Beach.

How the Rivian R1T Pulled a Stuck Cybertruck from Pismo Beach Sand

When the Cybertruck became hopelessly bogged down, the R1T stepped in to save the day. Its driver engaged the truck’s off-road modes, and the Rivian confidently crawled through the sand to rescue the Tesla. With a quick tug on the tow strap, and the Rivian had effortlessly pulled its rival free.

It was a short, simple recovery, but one that spoke volumes about the trucks’ differences. The Cybertruck may be fast and futuristic, but in challenging off-road scenarios, the Rivian showed why it’s considered the more capable machine.

This encounter highlights the distinct personalities of these two EV pickups. The Cybertruck excels as a highway cruiser and technological showpiece, with its impressive range and sports car-level acceleration making it ideal for long journeys. 

The Ultimate Adventure Truck for Rough Terrain & Everyday Performance

But when the terrain gets rough, its limitations become clear. The Rivian R1T, embraces its role as an adventure truck. With thoughtful design, rugged capability, and features like its innovative gear tunnel and split tailgate, the R1T is a tool built for people who need their truck to perform in the real world. In the end, the Cybertruck’s ambition is undeniable, but ambition alone doesn’t win the day. Tesla’s stainless steel experiment is impressive in its boldness, but Rivian’s quiet competence proves that innovation doesn’t always need to shout. In the dunes of Pismo Beach, it wasn’t shock value or futuristic design that got the job done, it was capability and purpose. And when it comes to what a truck is meant to do, the Rivian R1T simply works.

What do you think about the Cybertruck? Is it overhyped? 

Noah Washington is an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia. He enjoys covering the latest news in the automotive industry and conducting reviews on the latest cars. He has been in the automotive industry since 15 years old and has been featured in prominent automotive news sites. You can reach him on X and LinkedIn for tips and to follow his automotive coverage.