Few vehicles in automotive history have stirred as much anticipation, debate, and sheer curiosity as the Tesla Cybertruck. After years of delays and countless memes, the 2025 Cybertruck is finally rolling onto Australian soil. For ute-loving Aussies, where the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Isuzu D-MAX dominate, the Cybertruck represents a radical shift — not just another ute, but an entirely new vision of what a workhorse can be.
In this review, we’ll cover the Cybertruck’s design, performance, range, towing capability, interior tech, safety, pricing, and most importantly, whether it’s the right fit for Australian roads, worksites, and adventurous lifestyles.
Design: Breaking Every Rule
The Cybertruck is unlike any ute Australians have seen before. Its sharp, angular stainless-steel body looks more like a vehicle from a sci-fi film than a rival to the Hilux.
- Exoskeleton build: Instead of conventional panels, the Cybertruck uses ultra-hard 30X cold-rolled stainless steel, making it resistant to dents, corrosion, and even small-arms fire.
- Aerodynamics: Despite its bulk, Tesla claims the shape is more aerodynamic than most utes, helping with efficiency and range.
- Dimensions: At over 5.8 metres long and nearly 2.2 metres wide, it’s larger than a Ranger and closer in size to American full-sized pickups. Maneuvering through narrow city streets or Aussie bush tracks will be a challenge.
Where traditional utes project toughness through muscular curves, the Cybertruck shouts it through its raw geometry. You’ll either love it or hate it, but no one will mistake it for anything else.
Powertrain and Performance
Tesla offers the Cybertruck in multiple configurations, and the Australian lineup is expected to mirror the US releases.
- Dual Motor AWD: Around 447 kW (600 hp), 0–100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, range ~550 km.
- Tri-Motor “Cyberbeast”: A staggering 630 kW (845 hp), 0–100 km/h in 2.7 seconds, range ~515 km.
- Single Motor RWD: The entry-level model (if offered in Australia) may arrive later, with less performance and a shorter range.
The performance figures blow conventional utes out of the water. Even performance SUVs struggle to match the acceleration of the Cyberbeast. But beyond bragging rights, this means the Cybertruck can haul heavy loads while still outrunning most sports cars.
Range and Charging in Australia
Range anxiety is a serious consideration in a country as vast as Australia. Tesla has addressed this with large battery packs and compatibility with its expanding Supercharger network.
- Range: Between 515 km and 550 km depending on model. Real-world conditions, especially towing or off-roading, will reduce this.
- Charging: With Tesla’s V3 Superchargers (and future V4 rollout), the Cybertruck can add up to 250 km of range in about 15 minutes.
- Home charging: For urban buyers, overnight charging with a Tesla Wall Connector makes ownership practical. For rural owners, access to fast charging may be more limited.
Tesla also announced a range extender pack, essentially a supplementary battery that fits in the tray, boosting range significantly — a smart solution for long Aussie outback trips.
Off-Road Capability
Australia’s ute culture is tied to off-roading, and Tesla engineered the Cybertruck with this in mind.
- Adaptive air suspension: Adjustable ride height from 200 mm to 400 mm for tackling rough terrain.
- All-wheel drive: Instant torque to all wheels makes climbing steep tracks easier.
- Wading depth: Not yet officially rated, but early tests suggest it handles shallow rivers and creeks well.
- Approach and departure angles: Better than many rivals, giving it strong off-road potential.
The Cybertruck isn’t just an urban status symbol — it can handle rugged conditions, though its sheer size may limit access on narrow bush tracks compared to a Hilux.
Towing and Payload
Utes are bought in Australia for practicality, not just looks. The Cybertruck’s numbers are impressive:
- Towing capacity: Up to 4,990 kg (Cyberbeast), putting it on par with top diesel utes and some LandCruisers.
- Payload: Around 1,130 kg, comparable to other one-tonne utes.
- Tray (vault): 1.9 metres long, with a powered cover and lockable design. Large enough for work gear, bikes, or even an ATV.
Tesla also equips the Cybertruck with onboard power outlets, turning it into a mobile generator — ideal for tradies, campers, or anyone living off-grid.
Interior and Technology
The Cybertruck’s cabin is minimalist, in classic Tesla style, but with some practical touches for Aussie buyers.
- 15-inch touchscreen: The main control hub for everything from navigation to climate.
- Rear display: A smaller screen for passengers.
- Materials: Hard-wearing surfaces designed to take a beating.
- Seating: Five or six seats depending on configuration.
- Storage: Hidden compartments and under-seat bins, uncommon in most utes.
Tesla’s infotainment system remains industry-leading with features like Netflix streaming, gaming, over-the-air updates, and advanced driver-assistance through Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (optional).
Safety Features
Tesla vehicles consistently perform well in crash tests, and the Cybertruck is expected to do the same.
- Stainless steel frame: Provides immense strength in collisions.
- Autopilot hardware: Includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, emergency braking, and more.
- Visibility concerns: The design compromises rear visibility, but Tesla compensates with high-resolution cameras and blind-spot monitoring.
Safety is one area where Tesla’s software-first approach gives it an edge over traditional utes.
Pricing in Australia
Tesla hasn’t released official Australian pricing yet, but estimates suggest:
- Dual Motor AWD: From around AUD $110,000.
- Cyberbeast: Likely $140,000+.
- Single Motor (if available): Could start around $90,000.
This places the Cybertruck well above mainstream utes like the Hilux or Ranger, and closer to luxury imports. But for buyers chasing tech, performance, and novelty, the Cybertruck may justify the premium.
Cybertruck vs Aussie Utes: How It Stacks Up
Comparing the Cybertruck to stalwarts like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Nissan Navara highlights its strengths and challenges.
- Performance: Cybertruck wins by a mile.
- Price: Significantly higher.
- Range/Refuelling: EV charging still lags behind diesel convenience in remote areas.
- Tech: Tesla dominates.
- Practicality: Tray size and payload are competitive, but overall size may deter some buyers.
It’s unlikely the Cybertruck will replace tradies’ Hiluxes overnight, but it will appeal to early adopters, EV enthusiasts, and urban buyers wanting a head-turning ute.
Ownership and Running Costs
One of the Cybertruck’s biggest draws is lower running costs compared to diesel utes.
- Fuel savings: Electricity costs less than diesel per km.
- Maintenance: Fewer moving parts means reduced servicing. No oil changes, fewer brake replacements, etc.
- Insurance: Likely expensive initially due to high value and repair complexity.
- Resale value: Unknown — depends on how well the Cybertruck is received long term in Australia.
The Cultural Factor: Will Aussies Accept It?
Beyond specs, the biggest question is cultural. Aussies love their utes rugged, simple, and affordable. The Cybertruck is none of those things — it’s futuristic, tech-heavy, and pricey.
But times are changing. As EV adoption grows and the government pushes for lower emissions, the Cybertruck could carve out a niche. Much like the LandCruiser once did, it may evolve into a cult favourite.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Tesla Cybertruck is not just another ute — it’s a reimagining of what a workhorse can be. It offers:
- Groundbreaking performance and towing ability
- Unique design that polarises opinions
- EV efficiency with strong running cost savings
- Advanced tech unmatched by rivals
For most Aussies, a Hilux or Ranger will remain the practical choice. But for those wanting to stand out, embrace electric power, and own a piece of automotive history, the Cybertruck is a compelling option.
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