Inside a Cybertruck: Why It Feels More Like a Spaceship Than a Pickup

Inside a Cybertruck: Why It Feels More Like a Spaceship Than a Pickup

Walk up to it and the thing looks like a low-resolution video game prop that somehow glitched into the real world. Seriously. But once those stainless steel doors pop open—there aren't even traditional handles, just flush buttons on the B and C pillars—you’re entering a space that feels radically different from any Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado you've ever sat in.

Inside a Cybertruck, the first thing that hits you is the sheer amount of glass. It’s a greenhouse. The windshield is massive. It stretches so far forward that the dashboard feels like a literal shelf where you could probably host a small dinner party. It’s weird at first. You feel exposed, yet shielded by that "shatter-resistant" armor glass.

Honest talk? It’s minimalist to a fault. Some people are going to call it "clean" or "futuristic," while others will probably think Tesla just forgot to finish the interior. There are almost no physical buttons. None. If you want to adjust your mirrors or change the vent direction, you’re diving into that giant 18.5-inch infinity touchscreen sitting right in the middle of the dash. It’s the brain of the beast.

The Cockpit Experience and That Squircle Steering Wheel

Forget the round wheel. Tesla went with a "squircle"—a hybrid between a square and a circle. It’s small. It feels more like a gaming controller than a truck wheel. Because the Cybertruck uses steer-by-wire technology, there is no physical steering column connecting the wheel to the tires. Instead, it’s all electronic signals.

This is a big deal. At low speeds, you barely have to turn the wheel to get a full lock, making this massive 6,600-pound tank surprisingly easy to park in a tight Costco lot.

But here’s the kicker: there are no stalks. No blinker stalks, no gear shifter. You signal your turns using haptic buttons on the left side of the steering wheel. To put it in Drive or Reverse, you slide an icon on the touchscreen. Or, if the screen fails, there’s a set of emergency capacitive touch buttons up on the ceiling near the rearview mirror. It’s a steep learning curve. You’ll definitely find yourself hitting the "high beams" button when you just wanted to signal a right turn for the first few days.

The seats are wrapped in what Tesla calls "vegan leather." It’s synthetic, but it feels premium and, more importantly, it's easy to wipe down. If you've got kids or you're actually using this for work, that matters. They are heated and ventilated, which is a godsend if you're stuck in Texas heat or a Chicago winter.

Living Inside a Cybertruck: Space, Sound, and Storage

It’s roomy. Like, surprisingly roomy. Since there’s no transmission tunnel running through the middle, the floor is completely flat. You’ve got a massive center console with enough storage to hide a laptop and a couple of burritos.

The sound system is arguably one of the best in any production vehicle right now. We’re talking 15 speakers, including two dedicated subwoofers. Because the cabin is so quiet—thanks to that thick acoustic glass—the music feels immersive. It’s like a rolling recording studio.

Back Seat Life

Passengers in the back aren't ignored. There’s a secondary 9.4-inch touchscreen mounted on the back of the center console. Kids can watch Netflix, play games, or adjust their own climate settings.

  • Legroom is generous, even for tall adults.
  • The rear seats flip up to reveal extra storage for toolbags or groceries.
  • The floor is rugged, designed for boots, not just dress shoes.

The ceiling is basically one giant pane of glass. It doesn't open, which might bum some people out, but it makes the cabin feel twice as big as it actually is. You can see the sky, the tops of skyscrapers, or the trees as you're off-roading.

That Controversial Dashboard and Visibility

Visibility is a mixed bag. Looking forward? Great. You have a wide, expansive view of the road. But looking back? That’s where things get tricky. When the motorized tonneau cover is closed over the truck bed, you cannot see out of the rear-view mirror. It’s a total blackout.

To fix this, Tesla uses a camera feed that displays on the main screen. It’s high-def, but it takes your eyes off the road for a split second longer than a traditional mirror would. You get used to it, but it’s definitely one of those "why did they do this?" moments for traditional truck owners.

The dash itself is made of a recycled paper-based material that feels like a cross between stone and hard plastic. It’s durable. It doesn't reflect glare back into your eyes, which is a smart design choice considering how much glass is surrounding you.

Power Where You Need It

If you’re actually planning to use the Cybertruck for more than just showing off at the valet stand, the interior and bed power options are legit. Inside the cabin, you’ve got USB-C ports that can pump out 65W—enough to charge a MacBook Pro at full speed.

In the bed, you’ve got 120V and 240V outlets. You could literally run a circular saw, a fridge, or even charge another EV. Tesla calls this "Powergate." It’s basically a giant power bank on wheels.

The lighting inside is also worth mentioning. There’s an ambient light strip that runs around the entire cabin. You can change the color to whatever fits your mood—cyber-red, neon blue, or just a soft white. It’s subtle, but it adds to that "living in the future" vibe.

Real World Limitations

Is it perfect? No. The minimalist approach means you’re going to be cleaning fingerprints off that 18.5-inch screen constantly. Since everything is controlled there, it gets greasy fast.

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The "A-pillars" (the bars on the side of the windshield) are quite thick for structural safety. This creates some blind spots when you’re making sharp left turns. You have to lean forward and "peek" around them sometimes.

And let’s talk about the lack of a glovebox handle. You have to tap a button on the screen to open the glovebox. If you’re in a hurry to grab your registration during a traffic stop, fumbling through sub-menus isn't exactly ideal.

Actionable Insights for Potential Owners

If you're serious about spending time inside a Cybertruck, here is how to actually prepare for the experience:

Master the Screen Early: Before you even leave the delivery center, spend 20 minutes customizing your "Quick Controls." Put the mirror adjustments and steering wheel tilt in the easy-access dock. You don't want to be searching for these while driving 70 mph on the highway.

Get a Screen Protector: Because the screen is the literal heart of the truck, a matte screen protector is a must. It cuts down on the glare from that massive glass roof and hides the fingerprints that inevitably pile up.

Check the Frunk: The "Front Trunk" is powered. It’s a great place to store muddy gear or charging cables so they don't mess up the clean interior. It even has a drain plug, so you can fill it with ice and use it as a cooler for tailgating.

Adjust Your Entry Height: The Cybertruck has air suspension. You can set it to "Entry Mode" which lowers the truck when you park. This makes getting in and out of the cabin way easier, especially if you aren't six feet tall.

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The Cybertruck interior isn't about luxury in the traditional sense—there’s no wood grain or plush carpet. It’s about utility wrapped in a high-tech shell. It’s polarizing. It’s weird. But once you’re sitting in those seats, looking through that panoramic glass, it’s hard to deny that it feels like the most significant departure from 100 years of automotive interior design.

Whether you love the "stark" look or hate the lack of buttons, the cabin is a functional space that prioritizes tech-forward users. It’s a mobile office, a gaming den, and a rugged workhorse all at once. Just keep a microfiber cloth handy for that screen. You’re gonna need it.