I Drove a Tesla Cybertruck for the Day and I Honestly Think It’s Just an Oversized Go Kart With a Tiny Steering Wheel, Poor Visibility, and Not as Fast as You Expect From a Tesla

It's rare for a vehicle to generate reactions that live on opposite ends of the spectrum, but the Tesla Cybertruck continues to do exactly that. For some, it represents a bold leap in modern design and capability, while for others, the hype dissolves the moment they actually drive one. That conflicting reality showed itself again this week when I came across a Facebook post from Brandon, who spent an entire day behind the wheel of a Cybertruck and walked away not just unimpressed, but convinced it may be the worst vehicle he has ever driven, saying the experience was nothing like the hype. 

In his words: “I drove a Cybertruck for the day. It does turn some heads, but honestly, it’s an oversized go cart. The steering wheel is square and tiny, and you can’t really see very good out of it either. It’s not really fast as you would expect from Tesla either. And if you park in a tight spot, it’s almost impossible to get out, especially with the bed cover down. I feel bad for all the people that paid upwards of $150k for one. It may be the worst car I've ever driven and it really is ugly.”

Reading that, it’s easy to see why the Cybertruck has become one of the most divisive vehicles ever made. Some owners describe it as futuristic and incredibly capable, while others echo Brandon’s frustration with its usability and driving feel. Tesla’s wedge-shaped pickup was never meant to fit the mold of a traditional truck, but that’s also what makes it so polarizing.

Visibility, Steering, and Cabin Ergonomics

One major complaint Brandon raised was how poor the visibility was inside the cabin. The angular design and high beltline create blind spots that traditional trucks rarely have. For taller drivers, that may not be a huge issue, but shorter ones often find themselves adjusting the seat just to get a better view of the road. Combined with a square steering wheel that feels more like a gaming controller than a real wheel, it’s understandable why someone would walk away calling it an “oversized go kart.”

Still, others have had the opposite experience. This 87-year-old grandpa’s last drive in a Tesla Cybertruck was the most amazing drive of his life according to him, and he found the truck surprisingly smooth and emotional to operate. The truth likely depends on what kind of driver you are and what you expect a truck to be.

Performance That Feels Different Than Expected

Brandon also noted that the Cybertruck wasn’t as quick as he imagined, something that surprises many first-time drivers. While the Cybertruck is powerful on paper, its weight and utility focus make it feel slower compared to Tesla’s sedans and crossovers. It’s not the instant-launch thrill of a Model 3 Performance or Model S Plaid, as the Cybertruck is more restrained with power calibrated for towing and stability. For drivers expecting a supercar in pickup form, it might not deliver the adrenaline rush they hoped for.

Then there’s the practicality issue. Brandon mentioned that parking in tight spaces felt nearly impossible, especially with the bed cover down. The truck’s size, limited rear visibility, and unconventional geometry make it a challenge in urban areas. Even with cameras and sensors, drivers report struggling with confidence in smaller lots or narrow parking garages. It’s a vehicle built for open roads and wide spaces, not necessarily for downtown commutes.

Community Reactions and Counterarguments

But despite Brandon’s negative experience, not everyone in the comments agreed with him. The post sparked a wide range of reactions from Tesla fans and casual drivers alike.

Talesa Jones chimed in, saying, “Not a fan of this thing or really any electric car, but the new Escalade IQ’s are fun to drive in V mode.” 

Her comment reflects a growing group of drivers who may not love every EV, but still appreciate what electrification is doing for the industry. You don’t have to be all-in on the electric revolution to admire innovations in design and quiet power delivery. Even those who prefer traditional gas models can find enjoyment in how these new systems are evolving.

Then came Mario Dublyeu, who offered a much more positive perspective. “Aw man, that’s not a fair shot. You test drove the base model. I agree that it’s not a sexy car, but the FSD is a game changer for my 30 minute to 1.5 hour commute every day. I work on emails and I’m even learning Mandarin. I had a vertigo episode 6 months ago and it took me home and parked itself in front of the house. I have pulled my boat, and I keep scuba and all of my kids’ soccer gear and tents in the back year-round. Drive the Foundation for a week and it’s a game changer. I’m surprised you didn’t try the upper end models.”

Mario’s comment highlights something Tesla has leaned on since day one: the integration of technology into everyday life. For some, features like Full Self-Driving and software updates are what make the Cybertruck special. As another owner put it, they find the Cybertruck the most enjoyable vehicle they’ve owned precisely because of its technology and driving intelligence. Even if its styling or ergonomics aren’t for everyone, the truck’s software-centered design gives it abilities few vehicles can match.

Finally, a user named Woody Belcher asked Brandon, “If you keep driving it, does the love grow on you?” Brandon responded, “Not really. The inside is pretty cool, but I can’t get past the outside.” 

The exterior is where much of the public’s divide lies. Some see it as an ugly metal wedge; others call it art on wheels. The Cybertruck’s appearance is perhaps its boldest statement and its biggest risk.

My Perspective

When I think about this as a journalist who spends most of my time analyzing the automotive industry, I see the Cybertruck as a cultural mirror more than a truck. It reflects our expectations of what modern innovation should look like and how far we’re willing to stretch aesthetics for functionality. Brandon’s complaints make sense if you’re measuring it by the standards of a conventional pickup. But if you treat it as a technology platform, the Cybertruck feels more like a test case for what Tesla wants the next decade of vehicles to become. It’s unapologetic, difficult to categorize, and absolutely unforgettable whether you love it or not.

And that’s where the lesson lies. The Cybertruck wasn’t designed to please everyone. It was designed to challenge the entire concept of what a truck could be. Some drivers, like Brandon, will walk away frustrated. Others will fall in love with its capability and presence. As another Cybertruck owner put it after months of driving, even people who hate the design can’t deny the way it performs on the road.

Key Takeaways

• Polarizing Design: The Cybertruck is meant to provoke. Its design and driving feel won’t satisfy everyone, but they create conversation and push boundaries.
• Performance Expectations: Despite its Tesla badge, the Cybertruck is not built for drag races. Its power is tuned for stability and practicality.
• Technological Innovation: Features like FSD and continuous updates set it apart from every other truck on the market.
• Emotional Divide: Every driver walks away with a different story, and that may be exactly what Tesla wanted.

What Do You Think? 

Have you driven or ridden in a Cybertruck yet? Did it feel futuristic, frustrating, or a bit of both? 

Don't hesitate to share your thoughts below. I’d love to hear whether your experience matches Brandon’s or if you found something to appreciate that others missed.

Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.

Image Sources: Brandon Reed’s Facebook post.