So I Drove The Model Y And Compare It With an Unlikely Competitor, The Cybertruck, And What Surprised Me Is How Spoiled I Am By Steer-By-Wire

When it comes to comparing Tesla's lineup, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of the versatile Model Y against the avant-garde Cybertruck. Both vehicles showcase Tesla's commitment to innovation, yet they cater to distinct driving experiences and preferences. A recent discussion sparked by Jeremy Judkins on the Tesla Cybertruck Facebook page delves into these differences, offering firsthand insights that are both unexpected and enlightening.​

Judkins shared his experience:​

"I drove the new Tesla Model Y to compare it with the Cybertruck. What surprised me is how spoiled I am by steer-by-wire. The Cybertruck is bigger than the Model Y, but is effortless to control. FSD on the Model Y felt really good, though - better than on the Cybertruck. The Model Y needs an automatic frunk, but I appreciate the drain plug they added so you can fill it with ice and use it as a cooler. It’s weird that they brought back the turn signal stalk; I’m so used to buttons now. Oh! And the AC does this cool oscillating thing—it feels like a Dyson fan blowing on me..."

The Tesla community is vibrant and engaged, often sharing personal experiences that shed light on various facets of ownership. For instance, David Griffin commented on the ride quality:​

"I was blown away by the ride quality, especially the suspension and the reduced noise. Also loved the steering, but agree that Cybertruck steer-by-wire is WAY better."​

Such testimonials underscore the subjective nature of vehicle preferences and the importance of firsthand experience.

Problem: Large Trucks Are Getting Harder to Drive — Tesla's Cybertruck Might Have Just Solved That

For years, the market has been shifting toward larger vehicles — full-size trucks, lifted SUVs, off-roaders that look great but drive like oversized dinosaurs. Ask anyone who’s ever parked a Ford F-250 in a narrow Target lot or made a U-turn in a Ram 1500, and they’ll tell you: as capable as these trucks are, daily driving them can be a pain. Wide turning radii, clunky steering, and a feeling of always being one inch from tapping a mailbox — it’s the price you pay for size and utility.

This is the daily problem the Tesla Cybertruck aims to solve — not just by being electric, but by being easier to control than it looks.

Let's get back to Jeremy Judkin's post of of comparing the Tesla Model Y with the Cybertruck. Jeremy says "The Cybertruck is bigger than the Model Y but is effortless to control.”

That word - effortless - is rarely used to describe a 6,800-pound stainless-steel wedge on wheels.

If you’re curious about just how much larger the Cybertruck really is inside compared to a Model Y, especially in terms of visibility and cabin space, check out this detailed cockpit-view comparison of Cybertruck vs Model Y interiors and driving feel. It gives you a fascinating front-row perspective that makes Judkins’ steering comments even more relatable.

Steer-By-Wire: Solving Big Truck Handling Woes

The key to Judkins' praise? Tesla’s steer-by-wire system, which completely rethinks how steering works in a modern vehicle. Unlike traditional mechanical linkages, steer-by-wire uses electronic signals to control the wheels, eliminating the steering column altogether.

This allows Tesla to dynamically adjust the steering ratio based on speed and driving conditions - tight turns at low speeds, subtle adjustments at highway pace. According to Tesla’s lead Cybertruck engineer Wes Morrill, this makes a massive vehicle like the Cybertruck feel like a much smaller one, especially in urban driving.

“Shout out to the engineering team for the work that went into making steer-by-wire 'feel as natural as riding a bicycle,'" Morrill noted in a recent X (Twitter) post.

Shout out to the engineering team for the work that went into making steer-by-wire "feel as natural as riding a bicycle."

This MT article has some good technical tidbits embedded - I added a chart below that helps illustrate the variability
"The steering ratio adjusts over a… https://t.co/8TXy0UqNCA pic.twitter.com/8yXsXv0aFH
— Wes (@wmorrill3) February 25, 2025

Traditional trucks, in contrast, require wide turns and more muscle. Cybertruck’s steering system does away with that problem, making it a game-changer for drivers who need utility without sacrificing everyday usability.

The more you explore this truck, the clearer it becomes that its controversial styling is only part of the story. As this editorial recounts in depth, buying the most controversial truck in America comes with surprises that go beyond the looks — it’s about the technology beneath that stainless skin.

FSD and the Return of Confidence

But maneuverability isn’t the only daily pain point Cybertruck aims to ease. Advanced driver-assistance systems like Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) also help reduce the cognitive load of navigating city streets and long highway drives.

In his comparison, Judkins pointed out that the Model Y currently handles FSD better — a sign that the Cybertruck’s software still needs refinement — but he acknowledged that the steering system on the Cybertruck alone made it a standout.

That said, the groundwork is there. As Tesla continues to fine-tune FSD Beta in real-world Cybertruck use, its massive frame will soon match the intelligent driving behavior already available in the Model Y and 3.

But it's not all autopilot bliss. Some new Cybertruck owners are learning just how much torque and power this thing holds — and sometimes, what happens when you can’t resist punching the accelerator. One viral story reveals what occurred when a Cybertruck owner responded to a Model Y “taunting” him at a light - and ended up in a crash. The full report offers a cautionary tale for new owners.

Real Benefits Beyond Novelty: What Owners Are Saying

Do you remember David Griffin's comment, who said he was blown away by the ride quality of Cybertruck? 

These impressions aren’t coming from spec sheets - they’re from people comparing Teslas to Teslas. They expect cutting-edge performance and notice when it’s genuinely better.

What’s significant here is that the Cybertruck isn’t just a statement piece. It’s trying to solve the real, functional limitations of modern trucks, while also throwing in EV benefits like zero emissions and lower cost of ownership.

If you’re wondering how it stacks up from the perspective of someone transitioning from a gas-powered vehicle, another recent first-hand review breaks that down: One police officer drove the Cybertruck and other Teslas — and doesn’t ever want to go back to his ICE patrol car. It’s a powerful story about how comfort, tech, and silence win over muscle memory.

Bonus Solution: EV Utility Meets Practical Features

Tesla isn’t stopping at the wheel. While driving the new Model Y, Judkins highlighted a couple of features that he felt Tesla should have brought to the Cybertruck—or at least improved:

• Frunk (Front Trunk) with Drain Plug: Judkins loved that the Model Y now allows users to fill the frunk with ice, using it as a cooler. It's a party trick with actual utility for tailgating or road trips. Yet, the frunk lacks automatic opening, a small detail that becomes a usability pain over time.
• Oscillating Air Conditioning Vents: Model Y drivers are now treated to fan movement that mimics a Dyson air purifier—more comfortable airflow that moves and cools you better than static vents. It’s one of those “you don’t notice it until you miss it” upgrades that will likely roll out across other Tesla models.

If you're considering the new Model Y and want to see exactly what's changed, here’s a deep dive into the refreshed 2025 Tesla Model Y with video reviews and feature breakdowns from trusted names like Out of Spec and Carwow. It’s worth a look if you're debating between Tesla’s two most talked-about vehicles this year.

The Bigger Picture: EVs Solving Familiar Problems

Let’s zoom out.

Big trucks are only going to get more popular. So is urban congestion. So are aging roadways, limited parking, and rising fuel costs.

Tesla’s Cybertruck isn’t just an answer to “How do we make an electric pickup?” It's a bold shot at reimagining what a truck can feel like to live with. The combination of steer-by-wire, advanced driver assistance, and luxury-level refinement means the Cybertruck may finally bridge the gap between rugged utility and urban usability.

At the same time, the updated 2025 Model Y quietly reminds us that comfort and familiarity are still in high demand. With its improved frunk design, reintroduced turn signal stalk, and ventilated interior, it plays to a different kind of driver: the commuter, the family chauffeur, the road-tripper.

Tesla’s new innovations - particularly steer-by-wire in the Cybertruck - are not just about being futuristic. They address an old problem and safety issues: how to make large vehicles easier and more comfortable to drive. By solving the steering and handling challenge with tech instead of mechanics, Tesla may have built a truck that works just as well in tight city streets as it does on dusty trails.

And that, in a world of ever-larger vehicles, might be its most important feature.

Five Questions For You

• Have you had the opportunity to experience Tesla's latest innovations?
• How do features like steer-by-wire and oscillating AC vents influence your driving experience?
• Share your thoughts and personal experiences in the comments below.
• Are large trucks getting too hard to drive for everyday use?
• Would steer-by-wire in something like the Cybertruck make you more willing to switch to a full-size EV?

Let us know in the comments below.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.