Tesla Cybertruck Owner Says, “Ford, Rivian, and GMC’s Only Breakthrough Is Slapping a Battery Into a Few Trucks, While the Cybertruck is the Rookie MVP"

Which EV truck wins Rookie MVP?

We've all seen a rookie come on the scene and make a big splash in sports like football, basketball, baseball, and hockey. But can they do it again? 

All-star contributor Marcus Reno on the Tesla Cybertruck Talk Facebook page sounds off on his 2024 Tesla Cybertruck. I've covered Marcus's comments before, and he makes some valid points. But he also makes some bold predictions and statements. 

Marcus says, "See, some folks are out here hyping up their (electric) trucks like they've made the big leagues. Hummer EV. Rivian R1T. The Ford Lightning. Even a few flashy newcomers from legacy brands."

"They can dribble. A few can shoot. Some even put points on the board. But over here? We're running plays. We're stacking wins."

"We're balling out—and the Cybertruck is changing the game."

Is the Cybertruck the Rookie MVP?

He says, "The Cybertruck is the obvious MVP of its rookie season—and with the kind of tech it's carrying into 2025, every other brand is just trying to stay on the roster. And what's their plan? Probably more ads. More marketing. More noise."

By the Numbers

How does the Tesla Cybertruck stack up against the electric pickup rivals from Ford, Rivian, Hummer, and GMC? 

GreenCarCongress says, 

In 2024, Tesla sold more Cybertrucks than Ford's F-150 Lightning pickups, Rivian R1T, Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, and HUMMER EV (both SUV and pickup), according to data from the California Energy Commission.

For the full U.S. Truck EV sales (including California), the 2024 sales figures were:

1. Tesla Cybertruck: Approximately 38,965 units
2. Ford F-150 Lightning: 33,510 units.
3. GMC Hummer EV (including both truck and SUV): 13,993 units
4. Rivian R1T: 11,085 units
5. Chevrolet Silverado EV: 7,428 units
6. GMC Sierra EV: 1,788 units

The sales figures would substantiate what Marcus says about the Cybertruck being the MVP of electric trucks. 

He says, "Just because you can dribble doesn't mean you can play in the NBA. And the Cybertruck? It's already signing autographs with rings."

Whoa, Wait a Minute

The Cybertruck outsells all other electric trucks but hasn't won a championship yet. One year does not make for a championship ring. 

You've heard of the "sophomore slump."  

In sports, the term "sophomore slump" (also known as a "sophomore jinx") suggests that a player, after a strong rookie debut, experiences a drop in performance in their second season. 

Reddit says, "The media and fans may hype up a player or team after a successful rookie year, creating unrealistic expectations for the second season." 

If you're still on the fence about whether the Cybertruck really lives up to all the hype - especially compared to other Tesla models - you might enjoy this firsthand comparison from a Tesla Model Y driver who put both vehicles to the test. In this unexpected side-by-side, the author explores how the Cybertruck stacks up against what might seem like an unlikely competitor. The real surprise? It wasn’t the size, power, or even tech that stood out—it was something much more subtle and surprising.

Speaking of the Media

The Cybertruck is in the news a lot these days. The negative press is affecting Tesla and Cybertruck sales. 

A report from Automotive News says, "Tesla's 2023 sales hit a record of nearly 672,000 before a 5.6 percent decline in 2024. A further drop is expected this year," according to Cox Automotive data, the report said.

AN says, "Tesla's newest vehicle, the 16-month-old Cybertruck, has flopped compared with Musk's forecast."

Elon Musk Addresses the Slump In Sales

Musk says, "There are times when there are rocky moments," Musk said at a March 21 gathering with employees that was broadcast on his social media platform X. "What I'm here to tell you is that the future is incredibly bright and we're going to do things that I think no one has even dreamed of."

Whether it's a sophomore slump, it doesn't affect the Tesla Cybertruck faithful owners.

Marcys says, "The Cybertruck is Jordan in his rising years. Lighting up the court. Making legends nervous. Not even in his prime yet."

"While legacy automakers were spending the last decade changing grille shapes and selling chrome packages, their only breakthrough has been slapping a battery into a few truck frames. And yet, somehow, none of them can bring home the Win like Cybertruck."

Have You Ever Seen A Tesla Cybertruck TV Ad?

"Meanwhile, the Cybertruck's never aired a single commercial—and it's still the most talked-about vehicle on Earth, " Marcus says confidently. 

"Tesla hasn't even broken a sweat yet. OTA updates roll out regularly, unlocking new features while competitors push out recall notices. There are things inside the Cybertruck we haven't even seen turned on yet. This isn't a tight match. It's not going to overtime. We're talking mercy rule."

"This truck wasn't just built to wow people on Instagram. It was built for reliability. Built for rugged use."

Wait, What About Cybertruck's Reliability and Recalls?

When it comes to reliability and recalls, the Cybertruck has had its share of challenges. Since its launch in late 2023, the Tesla Cybertruck has been recalled eight times , with the most recent recall involving a potential issue with exterior panels detaching while driving. This information is crucial to get MVP votes. 

It doesn't look good for the rookie MVP

Here's a breakdown of the recalls from CNET data. 

• Recall 1-7: The first seven recalls occurred in 2024, covering issues like accelerator pedals that could become stuck and a fault in an electric inverter that could cause the drive wheels to lose power. 
• Recall 8: The eighth recall, announced in March 2025, involves a potential issue with exterior panels, specifically the stainless steel trim panel that runs along the top of the windows, detaching while driving. 
• Vehicles Affected: The latest recall covers nearly all Cybertrucks produced, with over 46,000 affected vehicles. 

 What About the Cybertruck's Technology?

Marcus brings up some strong points. 

"Some trucks have cool features. We get it," he says. "Cybertruck's four-wheel steering turns tighter than most sedans. Steer-by-wire is smoother and smarter than anything on the road."

Wait There's More

The Tesla Cybertruck is a marvel of modern engineering. Cybertruck boasts a range of innovative technologies that are are impressive. From Tesla's Autopilot to a PowerShare feature for bidirectional charging and home backup, a unique stainless steel exoskeleton, and armor glass.

Marcus says, "Some people are still trying to compare specs—checking boxes, circling torque numbers, arguing frunk sizes like it's fantasy league draft day. They just found out the Cybertruck has a bed."

And, There's More To Come

"The base Cybertruck model hasn't even dropped yet. The price point for the masses? Still loading. But once the Cybertruck runs the score up in 2025, it won't be a debate anymore. It'll be game over."

Back to the Rookie MVP and Sophomore Slump. 

Marcus concludes, "Cybertruck is an "everyday MVP" that shows up to work and delivers without needing applause. We haven't even seen it play out yet. Cybertruck isn't a one-season wonder. It's a dynasty in the making."

Conclusion: Can Cybertruck be the GOAT?

We won't know for many years. To be the greatest of all time requires decades of top performance in sales, reliability, and dependability.

Marcus says Cybertruck will someday be the GOAT. He concludes,

"Now sure, some folks say it's just a Cybertruck fanboy club making noise. The Cybertruck will keep proving itself—mile by mile, update by update—while others (Ford Lightning, Rivian RT1, and Hummer EV) are still rebooting their infotainment systems."

What About You?

Do you own a Tesla Cybertruck, Ford Lightning, Rivian RT1, Hummer EV, or GMC EV truck? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and join the EV truck MVP debate.

Check out my Tesla Cybertruck story: Tesla Owner Says, “Charging My Cybertruck Is Unfair, There’s No Line, No Pump, Or Wasted Time. Every Morning, My Truck Is Already Full While I Slept

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl