Safety has long been central to Tesla’s identity, and the brand often finds itself defending that reputation. While there might be lingering questions around Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (Supervised) for years to come, what seems like an open-and-shut book is how these electric cars protect occupants.

More: Family Says Cybertruck Became A Fiery Trap That Killed Driver

Despite many concerns that the Cybertruck would struggle to keep up Tesla’s excellent crash-test rating, it just sailed through IIHS crash testing with flying colors. At the same time, there’s room to improve in terms of headlights and seat belt reminders.

Solid Crash-Test Credentials

Overall, the IIHS gave the Cybertruck a ‘Good’ rating in the updated moderate overlap front test. The rating applies to examples built after April of 2025, when Tesla updated the front underbody structure. The driver dummy showed low risk of injury to the head, chest, and legs. The rear passenger experienced only a moderate risk of chest injury. These results fall in line with the five-star crash-test rating that the NHTSA gave the Cybertruck.

The Cybertruck also aced collision avoidance tests, where it avoided every collision. That includes at 12 and 25 mph during the day and night. It also includes nighttime testing at 25 mph and 37 mph, where the potential obstacle is traveling in parallel with the Cybertruck. Those are great results considering how much concern there was in the past over the way this car might interact with pedestrians.

Lighting Holds It Back

The biggest thing holding the Cybertruck back from a Top Safety Pick award is its headlights. The IIHS says that “systems that create excessive levels of glare on specific road sections do not receive full credit for visibility readings in that scenario.”

Sure enough, the Cybertruck’s lights did create that glare, and they struggled in other areas too. Illumination was found lacking on the left side of the road and when turning left, leaving gaps in coverage. By contrast, the right side met almost every benchmark comfortably, creating an uneven performance overall.

More: Cybertruck Crushes Safety Tests With 5-Star Rating

That all said, this is just one more good mark for EVs when it comes to safety. The Rivian R1T scores even higher than the Cybertruck and earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award in 2024. Last year, it was still a Top Safety Pick as standards became tougher. The only ICE truck to meet that type of score is the Toyota Tundra. If the Cybertruck wants an award, it’ll need to improve its headlight situation, and the IIHS will need to submit it to small overlap and side crash tests. 

Six More EVs Tested

The Cybertruck was not alone in facing the spotlight in this latest round of IIHS safety tests. Six other electric models went through the same moderate overlap front crash test, and most came out well. The BMW i4, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Volkswagen ID.Buzz all earned good ratings, while the Tesla Model 3 was marked ‘acceptable’ due to higher chest-injury risk for rear passengers.

The F-150 Lightning and Ariya fell behind, with the Ford truck posting a poor score after rear dummy readings revealed risks of chest, head and neck injuries, and the Nissan EV receiving a marginal rating for elevated chest injury risk in the back seat.

Beyond crash protection, pedestrian crash prevention and headlight performance played a significant role in the results. The i4, F-150 Lightning, and Model 3 all earned good marks for pedestrian avoidance, with the ID.Buzz rated acceptable and the Blazer holding the same score from earlier testing.

Headlights Prove the Weak Spot Again

Headlights, however, proved to be a universal weak spot. Five of the seven electric models settled at acceptable, while the i4 and Cybertruck were marked down further for glare and poor high-beam illumination. Because of these issues, and the stricter award requirements, none of the seven EVs tested here qualified this time around for a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+.

Credit: IIHS

Tesla has a habit of introducing entry-level versions with relatively affordable sticker prices only to drop them from its line-up without warning. That’s exactly what happened with the Cybertruck, as the company has scrapped the rear-wheel-drive model that once anchored the pickup’s range.

The change appeared on Tesla’s online configurator, where the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive model is now missing. Priced from $69,990, it used to be the most affordable Cybertruck one could buy. With its demise, the range now starts at the $79,990 All-Wheel Drive and tops out with the $114,990 Cyberbeast. It’s worth noting that when it was first unveiled in late 2019, Tesla said its electric pickup truck would start at just $39,900 – something that turned out to be wide off the mark…

Read: Family Says Cybertruck Became A Fiery Trap That Killed Driver

If we had to guess, we’d say that there simply wasn’t enough demand for Tesla to keep building the most basic version of the Cybertruck in it. Not only did it rely on a single electric motor, rather than the dual and tri-motor designs of the All-Wheel Drive and the Cyberbeast, but it also lacked any 120V/240V outlets and a powered tonneau cover.

The omissions didn’t stop there. The Rear-Wheel Drive came with a seven-speaker audio system instead of the 15-speaker setup in other versions, had textile rather than leather seats, and did without a rear touchscreen.

Anyone who had their heart set on buying the single-motor Cybertruck will now have to look at the used car market. Either that, or they will need to be drop an extra $10,000 to get behind the wheel of the All-Wheel Drive.

Interestingly, Tesla only introduced the Cybertruck Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive in April. While it didn’t sport the same off-roading abilities as the All-Wheel Drive and Cyberbeast, it did have the highest driving range of any variant, as it was capable of traveling up to 350 miles (563 km) on a single charge.

The downside was that its towing capacity was reduced from 11,000 lbs (4,989 kg) to 7,500 lbs (3,401 kg), while the payload was reduced from 2,500 lbs (1,133 kg) in the All-Wheel Drive to 2,006 lbs (910 kg). These factors might have played a role in buyers choosing to skip it the entry-level variant in favor of more upscale ones, which ultimately led to its cancellation.

The rumored Tesla CyberSUV might be the talk of the town, but tuners haven’t forgotten the Cybertruck. California-based company Unplugged Performance introduced a new set of alloy wheels for the polarizing truck, aiming to improve its visual appeal.

Dubbed UP Forged Cybrnova, the wheels measure 24 inches across, placing them above Tesla’s standard 20-inch setup but a notch below the oversized 26-inch options some aftermarket shops have showcased. Buyers can pick from three satin finishes, including Bronze, Black, or Titanium.

More: Mexican Tuner Shows Off Widebody Tesla Cybertruck On 26-Inch Wheels

The wheels have nine aerodynamic spokes with an additional reinforcement ring contributing to the rugged looks and the load-bearing capabilities. According to the company, this design was inspired by the blast wave of a supernova and the “straight-edged” styling language of the Cybertruck.

The forged wheels are made of 6061-T6 aluminum and feature pocket-milled relief points behind the spokes for lower weight. The unsprung mass can be further reduced with the optional titanium lug nuts from Unplugged Performance.

Built For Heavy Duty

Each wheel has a load rating of 3,195 lb (1,450 kg), making them suitable for heavy-duty applications. As for the tire fitment, the tuner recommends the 295/45R24 Nitto Recon Grappler for those interested in retaining an adequate EV range, or a wider 315/45R24 set for an even more aggressive stance.

More: Oh Boy, Mansory Tuned The Cybertruck And Named It The Elongation

The 24-inch wheels do not require spacers, as they have been designed to clear the standard brakes and suspension components of the Cybetruck. They are compatible with all trims of the model, including the flagship Cyberbeast.

Premium Price Tag

If you fancy the UP Forged Cybrnova wheels for your Tesla, prepare to dig deep into your pockets. Pricing starts at $7,195 for a set of four, regardless of finish. Add a matching spare, and the bill climbs by another $1,798.75.

The wheels are already available to order through Unplugged Performance’s website, with first deliveries expected in the coming weeks. Buyers can also pair them with the tuner’s body kits and other accessories to create a fully customized Cybertruck.

Unplugged Performance

Tesla might have just dropped its strongest hint yet that a Cybertruck-inspired SUV could very well be on the table. In its new “Sustainable Abundance – Master Plan IV” video, clay models of the upcoming Cybercab were featured in the foreground of some frames. The real surprise, though, was in the background, where scale models sat on a shelf. They appear to be three-row Cybertruck-inspired Tesla SUVs.

More: Tesla’s New Model Y Performance Gets A Feature Once Reserved For Supercars

Elon Musk’s company is typically very secretive about its design process. While we show you leaks from automakers all over the world, it’s rare for Tesla to let something big slip. For example, the Cybertruck and the second-generation Roadster never leaked before their debuts. It’s curious then that it would publish the video below with these models in the background.

From Pickup to Family SUV

A ‘CyberSUV’ has been a point of speculation since the Cybertruck first debuted in 2019. The idea is simple but potentially game-changing. Take the rugged-looking stainless steel wedge aesthetic of the pickup and shape it into a three-row SUV.

It would essentially trade the bed for a more family-friendly interior while keeping the major bones of the Cybertruck itself. The 48-volt system, the steer-by-wire, and adaptive suspension could just carry over.

Such a model would give Tesla something that it has always lacked, a true full-size SUV to rival cars like the Cadillac Escalade IQ, Rivian R1S, and Kia EV9. The Model X is a bit too small and dainty to cover that territory, and the Model Y L is really a different proposition altogether, not to mention it might not end up in America at all. On top of that, rugged off-road vehicles are very popular, but short of the Cybertruck, Tesla doesn’t sell such a car.

That all said, there’s good reason to think the CyberSUV might end up being just a fanciful design study. Teslarati points out the company’s Q4 2024 Shareholder Deck, which explicitly stated that no future vehicles would use a stainless steel exoskeleton like the Cybertruck does.

Of course, if Tesla could find a way to repurpose the vast majority of Cybertruck chassis and structural design, it could allow the brand to better use the production capacity it thought it would need for the truck.

For now, the CyberSUV remains speculative. But if Tesla is truly considering it, the SUV could become the brand’s next breakout hit. It could even signal future design language for the entire lineup.

https://t.co/ZA7KCwX7N9

— Tesla (@Tesla) September 1, 2025

Credit: Tesla

A tragic crash involving a Tesla Cybertruck has now turned into a courtroom battle. More than a year after Michael Sheehan lost his life in a single-vehicle accident, his family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against both Tesla and a Texas bar, arguing that both share responsibility for what happened.

According to the complaint, filed in Harris County District Court, Sheehan owned the Cybertruck for just 102 days when the crash happened. He left the Barn Whiskey Bar in Cypress, Texas, and crashed about seven miles away. The Tesla left the road, hit a culvert, and burst into flames.

More: Witness Says Cybertruck Doors Wouldn’t Open In Fatal California Crash

At the time of the accident, it was unclear what caused the crash. Investigators openly admitted that just identifying the body was difficult due to the heat of the fire. Now, we have a little more insight into potentially contributing factors.

Claims Against The Bar

Sheehan’s family says that the Barn Whiskey Bar over-served Sheehan despite him being “clearly intoxicated.” In fact, the lawsuit goes as far as to say that “it was apparent to the provider that MICHAEL SHEEHAN was obviously intoxicated to the extent that he presented a clear danger to himself and others.”

Interestingly, the family also blames Tesla because it says the Cybertruck itself is dangerous. According to the lawsuit, the “battery cell chemistry used is hyper volatile and susceptible to thermal runaway.” The family says that the automaker could have used “battery cell chemistry with slower thermal propagation readily available, which allows longer time to escape post-crash.”

The family goes on to cite other things it sees as defects, like the battery modules, the packs, the location of the vents in those modules and packs, and even the door handles in the truck that are “unreasonably difficult to locate in an emergency.”

What The Family Seeks

Essentially, the family believes that if the fire had spread more slowly and if egress had been easier, Sheehan would’ve escaped. To that end, it’s seeking damages in excess of $1,000,000. All that said, it’s also worth noting that the Cybertruck has the highest safety rating (five-star) from the NHTSA.

HT: CarComplaints

When Tesla launched the Foundation Series version of the Cybertruck, it promised that it would come with a special roof-mounted LED off-road light bar. However, a newly filed lawsuit in the US contends that many owners did not receive these light bars, and says that some wouldn’t have purchased their trucks had they known the light bar wouldn’t be included.

The lawsuit was filed by plaintiff Eric Schwartz in California. He alleges that he purchased a Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast in December 2023 and paid an extra $20,000 for the Foundation Series version. These vehicles were supposed to be equipped with several upgrades, including the light bar positioned just above the windshield.

Read: Tesla’s Big Promise On Self-Driving Just Opened The Door To Lawsuits

However, according to Schwartz, his Cybertruck was delivered without the LED light bar, and while he has repeatedly contacted the automaker, it has apparently refused to give it to him.

The lawsuit contends that the plaintiff suffered an ‘injury in fact’ because Tesla took his money but did not provide the products it had promised. Through the class action, Schwartz aims to represent all Cybertruck purchasers in California who bought a model that was supposed to include the off-road light bar, but was not delivered with one.

The class action also claims that buyers may not have purchased their Cybertrucks had they known Tesla was advertising the light bars without the intention of delivering them with the vehicles.

Just Another Lawsuit

This isn’t the only recent lawsuit to be filed against Tesla in California. Earlier this week, U.S. District Judge Rita Lin said the automaker must answer to a certified class action that alleges the automaker misled drivers about the self-driving abilities of its vehicles. The lawsuit claims that Tesla failed to live up to the promises made by the company on its website, in blog posts, on social media, and in comments made by boss Elon Musk.

An American rapper by the name of Big Huey has spectacularly claimed that Tesla remotely deactivated his Cybertruck after he released a song named after the controversial electric pickup. However, the whole saga has been staged, likely concocted as a way to generate PR for the song and drive traffic to the rapper’s Instagram page.

Things started over the weekend when Big Huey posted a video to Instagram alleging that Tesla had remotely shut down his Cybertruck, leaving him stranded on the side of a highway. The rapper shows the infotainment screen of the EV displaying a bright red and white warning, reading ‘Tesla Cybertruck De-Activated’. It also says ‘Critical issue detected, contact customer service,’ and instructs the rapper to ‘Comply with cease & desist to re-activate.’

Read: Why The US Army Is Preparing To Blow Up Two New Cybertrucks

According to the rapper, he was “stranded as (explicit),” and couldn’t move the truck. The post has generated a huge amount of attention online, generating more than 112,000 likes. A comment, reading ‘U missed ur payments bro,’ has even been liked over 51,000 times.

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A post shared by Detroit (@bighuey313)

Shortly after posting this video, Big Huey also shared a video that he says shows a cease and desist letter sent to him from Tesla. In the letter, the automaker takes issue with the rapper his the Cybertruck name in his song, and imagery related to the pickup. The letter ends with the signature of Dinna Eskin. However, both this letter and the original video are fake.

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A post shared by Detroit (@bighuey313)

Tesla Sets The Record Straight

Tesla took to X and Instagram to confirm that the clip of the Cybertruck being stranded on the highway was faked, confirming that it “does NOT disable vehicles remotely.” Additionally, the claimed cease and desist letter used the old title of Eskin as the Sr. Director and Deputy General Counsel for Tesla, whereas she is now VP of Legal at Tesla.

In addition, a Redditor was able to replicate the red and white screen that shows on Big Huey’s Tesla by plugging in a laptop and typing out a message to be displayed on the screen.

Yet another Cybertruck remotely bricked by Tesla.
byu/joonatoona inCyberStuck