Despite fierce competition at the 2025 Truck of the Year awards, it's impossible to ignore the buzz around Tesla's Cybertruck. This controversial stainless-steel giant has sparked conversations, drawing both enthusiastic supporters and skeptical critics.
Hosting the event for the second time in Michigan during peak leaf-peeping season provides a colorful backdrop. Yet, it's the quirks of the Cybertruck that truly capture our attention.
This year's contenders include revamped giants like the Toyota Tacoma, updated Ram 1500, Rivian R1T, and the Cybertruck, available in tri-motor and dual-motor versions. Our testing ground is Mt. Brighton, a ski hill with complete road loops and empty parking lots.
Unexpectedly, the Rivian models struggle under load, contrasting with their impressive performance when unladen. Meanwhile, critiques of the Tacoma's extensive lineup reveal only lukewarm responses.
Technical Director Frank Markus highlights concerns about the Cybertruck's design and possible pedestrian safety issues. Photography mishaps lead to unusual experiments with Tesla's tonneau cover, demonstrating its considerable force.
The event then shifts to Holly Oaks ORV Park, where only off-road-prepped vehicles take part. Despite initial doubts, the Cybertrucks prove their mettle, impressing judges with their capabilities, though they humorously require recalibration for the steer-by-wire systems.
We conclude the tests with minimal vehicle damage and a transformative change in the judges' perceptions of the Cybertruck. While its unconventional look remains divisive, its performance unquestionably makes an impression.
The article explores the 2025 MotorTrend Truck of the Year event, with the Tesla Cybertruck capturing everyone's attention amidst strong competition. Despite concerns over design and safety, the Cybertruck impresses with its performance, igniting strong opinions and shifting perspectives.
