The Real Takeaway From The Unofficial Tesla Cybertruck Crash Testing

With the new Cybertruck hitting the streets and making headlines, it’s worth mentioning its crash and safety performance (or lack thereof). There was a video shown officially by the brand during an X Tesla Cybertruck crash test event, although it didn’t show the aftermath. Through leaked videos on the internet, we’re able to see how well this massive spaceship-looking EV handles front-end crashing. With Tesla normally being on the safer side in its SUVs and sedans, it’s worth noting that between front and side testing, the crash aftermath looks about as brutal for the people inside as it does the sleek steel frame of Cybertruck.

One main cause for concern with Cybertruck, however, has been its stainless steel body. When crashing, this body doesn’t fold or snap the same way one would on an ordinary truck or SUV, which resulted in even the rear axle of Cybertruck snapping during a FRONT end test. You read that correctly. The back section of the Cybertruck blew right off, and the side crash testing wasn’t any more favorable.

Overall, this *unofficial* crash testing has shown us the Cybertruck may not be indestructible like we initially were told to believe. So, here’s what the crash test results truly mean for the Cybertruck owners.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Tesla and other authoritative sources, including the NHTSA and Road and Track.

Here’s What The Crash Test Shows Us

• An unofficial video of the Tesla Cybertruck crash test has shown the truck handling front and side accident damage marginally well.
• Rear damage can be seen even during a front-end collision with Cybertruck.

Although Tesla did technically post a crash test video of its new Cybertruck on X, this didn’t show what truly happened after impact. Recently, the *unofficial* crash testing videos were released/leaked to the internet, sending everyone into a panic. That’s because of the somewhat shocking front-end crash results, with the Cybertruck only traveling a mere 35 miles per hour into a wall. During the test, we see Cybertruck buckle in the front, as well as the rear axle blow clean off.

This isn’t what we wanted to happen, especially considering the sheer size and advertising Cybertruck has seen as being one of the best options for drivers. Even during the 38-mile side crash test, we saw extreme buckling and damage to the steel frame/body, which is not amazing news for owners.

Crash Testing Doesn’t Always Give Us A Perfect Perspective

One of the first things to remember when watching a crash test video is that although these are made to give automakers a better idea of how safe (or unsafe) their model is, these tests often exacerbate the situation. In Cybertruck’s case, however, you see a pretty significant amount of damage for not going that fast while hitting a wall, leading many of us to wonder how safe this would be in the event of a real accident.

The Cybertruck weighs over 6,500 pounds and boasts a stainless steel body, which to many people, is why it performs poorly during crash testing. It’s heavy and, quite frankly, a pretty fragile model that looks scarier than it is.

• Tesla Cybertruck weight: 6,603 to 6,843 pounds.

Cybertruck’s Stainless Steel Body May Not Be Helpful In Crashes

• Tesla Cybertruck uses a stainless steel material for its exoskeleton.
• During the Tesla Cybertruck crash test, we see this material respond aggressively to impact.

One of the first things we noticed during the Tesla crash video is how reactive the stainless steel material is when put under immense pressure. In an accident, most models have “buckle zones,” which essentially pancake around a stronger frame to keep people inside alive. In Cybertruck, the front caves in, the back jolts quite a bit, and pieces of the pickup truck go flying in all directions: And that’s only hitting something head-on going under 40 MPH.

The side collision part of the video also shows the doors and frame of Cybertruck buckle under pressure, which for such a massive truck, should not be the case. Stainless steel, although pretty to look at, may not be ideal for crash-safe manufacturing.

Per Tesla, the Cybertruck uses “an exterior shell made for ultimate durability and passenger protection. Starting with a nearly impenetrable exoskeleton, every component is designed for superior strength and endurance, from Ultra-Hard 30X Cold-Rolled stainless-steel structural skin to Tesla armor glass.”

Most Pickup Trucks Don’t Perform Well In Crash Testing

• Most pickup truck models are not as safe as people believe.
• In collisions, those driving pickup models have a 23 percent higher fatality rate than those driving regular passenger vehicles.

Before even continuing to mention how lackluster the Tesla Cybertruck crash test was, pickup trucks are not known to be as safe as you’d think. A somewhat morbid fact about driving pickup trucks is that in crashes, there is a 23-percent higher fatality rate among those in trucks versus standard passenger vehicles. Very few pickup models earn NHTSA Safety Pick titles because of their fragile designs.

With the Cybertruck being closer to a street-legal tank above all else, you want to remember it’s not necessarily built to be as safe as your average family SUV. Much of Cybertruck’s allure is that it is big, boisterous, and ready to take on every terrain. That said, even during off-road testing, this pickup truck has not done seemingly well, which puts a lot of doubt into people’s minds when debating on purchasing one.

After all, you’re spending $60,000+ for a Cybertruck. If it promises added safety AND amazing off-roading, and neither is fully accurate, what’s the point of purchasing one? It’s cool to look at and fun to drive, but for the hype it’s been getting: Cybertruck needs to be a beast across all categories.

Most pickup truck models are not safe overall in crash testing and rarely receive NHTSA Top Safety Pick titles. The way they’re made often creates more danger at the time of collision. The Cybertruck isn’t necessarily unsafe, but it’s not a vehicle that is necessarily ‘ultra-safe’ either.

Bigger May Not Always Be Better (Especially For Crash Testing)

• Crash test results from Cybertruck are not as good as we wanted.
• This model is more for looks than actual durability in time of collision.

What this unofficial Tesla Cybertruck crash test taught us is that although a vehicle may look and feel intimidating, its crash testing can reveal major flaws in its design. With the Cybertruck, you see significant damage in front and side crash tests, essentially sending various components of the EV flying in all directions at even a medium-pace collision. Cybertruck’s stainless steel body can be partially blamed for its aggressive reaction to crashing, although the model shouldn’t be advertised as being a beast on and off-road if it isn’t in all regards.

There may be other videos released by Tesla and others to prove this point right or wrong, but the most important thing is that buyers are safe. For a $60,000 super-truck that the world has been waiting so long for, Cybertruck’s crash testing results proved what we’ve all worried about: It’s not an indestructible, untouchable vehicle. Aesthetic-wise, it trumps the competition, but in safety, it certainly does not. Of course, the official crash and safety rating will soon be available across various websites for everyone to dissect, so we’ll patiently wait for final ratings.

Onwards and upwards.