Tesla Cybertruck Beginner’s Guide: Essential Features & Settings

So, you’ve got your hands on a brand-new 2025 Tesla Cybertruck. Congrats! Whether you’re a longtime EV enthusiast or making the jump from gas-powered vehicles, there’s a lot to discover. Tesla packed this beast with cutting-edge technology, powerful performance options, and a suite of customization features. But before you take it on an off-road adventure or stun bystanders at a Supercharger, it’s worth getting familiar with its essential features and settings to ensure a smooth ride.

One of the game-changing elements of the Cybertruck is its advanced off-road capabilities. This isn’t just a fancy addition. It makes a world of difference in handling rough terrain, adjusting for towing loads, or simply making it easier to get in and out of the truck.

• Ride Height Adjustments: You can raise or lower the suspension through the touchscreen, offering a range of ground clearance options. Need extra height for rocky trails? One tap and you’re set. Want to improve aerodynamics for highway efficiency? Drop it down.
• Automatic Adjustments: The system adapts based on driving conditions, keeping your ride stable and efficient. It’s seamless, so you’ll hardly notice. But your Cybertruck sure does.

And let’s not forget the rear-wheel steering, which makes this massive truck surprisingly nimble in tight spaces and gives it an edge on uneven ground.

Another standout feature is the set of customizable rocker switches on the Cybertruck’s center console. Think of these as physical shortcuts to your favorite features.

• Need quick access to off-road mode? Assign it to a rocker.
• Want an instant air compressor toggle for inflating tires after off-roading? Another rocker can handle that.
• Towing a heavy trailer? Assign trailer assist to a switch so you can activate it with a press.

These tactile buttons bring a level of control that touchscreen-only interfaces can lack, making critical adjustments faster and more intuitive.

Cybertruck’s drive settings allow you to tweak performance to match your style and needs. Whether you’re aiming for maximum range, insane acceleration, or somewhere in between, here’s how to fine-tune it:

Tesla gives you a few choices, each optimizing the truck for different conditions.

• Normal Mode – The balanced option for everyday driving.
• Tow Mode – Adjusts power delivery and suspension to handle heavy loads.
• Off-Road Mode – Optimizes traction and ground clearance, along with adjusting the suspension to handle rough terrain.
• Beast Mode (if you have the top-tier trim) – Unlocks ridiculous acceleration for those who want to experience physics-defying speed.

Like all Teslas, the Cybertruck utilizes regenerative braking, which means it captures energy when slowing down and feeds it back into the battery. You can set it to:

• Standard – Slows the truck quickly when you lift off the accelerator, maximizing energy recapture.
• Low – Reduces the braking effect, making it feel more like a traditional gas-powered truck.

For most drivers, keeping it on Standard offers both efficiency and a smoother, more controlled driving experience.

Tesla is known for its revolutionary interiors, and Cybertruck’s interface is no exception. Instead of a traditional dashboard loaded with buttons, almost everything is controlled through the center touchscreen.

Tesla vehicles get smarter over time, thanks to over-the-air (OTA) software updates. These updates can bring new driving features, interface refinements, and even performance improvements. Just like your smartphone, Cybertruck evolves. Even after you’ve driven it off the lot.

• Always keep an eye out for the notification that an update is available.
• You can schedule them for convenient times (like while charging overnight).
• Review update notes to see what’s new. Sometimes it’s just bug fixes, but occasionally, Tesla drops a game-changing feature you weren’t expecting.

Your Tesla interface is fully customizable, allowing you to place frequently used controls where they’re most convenient.

• Drag and drop icons to rearrange shortcuts on the main screen.
• Adjust climate settings directly by swiping on the temperature icon.
• Use voice commands for quick adjustments. Just press and say, “Turn on seat heaters” or “Set navigation to home.”

Before going on any long drives, take a few minutes to set up your security and driver assistance features. These ensure that your Cybertruck not only performs at its best, but also keeps both you and your passengers safe.

Tesla vehicles automatically recognize individual driver profiles, adjusting settings accordingly based on who’s entering the truck. If you share your Cybertruck with family members, this feature lets each driver have their preferred seat position, steering feel, and climate settings ready to go the moment they enter.

Cybertruck’s Sentry Mode is like having a high-tech watchdog at all times. With built-in exterior cameras, the system automatically records and alerts you if it detects suspicious activity.

• Enable it via the touchscreen under Safety & Security settings.
• Use the Tesla app to remotely check on the truck’s surroundings.
• Footage is saved to a USB drive or Tesla’s cloud service, providing evidence in case of an incident.

If your Cybertruck includes Autopilot or Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities, you’ll want to customize the settings to match your comfort level.

• Speed Adjustments – Set Autopilot to automatically match speed limits (or allow minor over/under adjustments).
• Distance Preferences – Adjust following distance when using adaptive cruise control.
• Automatic Lane Changes – Enable smoother, hands-free lane adjustments if your model is equipped with FSD.

Remember, these assistive features are powerful, but you’re still responsible for staying attentive and ready to take control when needed.

Owning a Cybertruck isn’t just about having a tough and futuristic electric truck. It’s about embracing the driving experience of the future. With its innovative features, customizable settings, and constantly evolving software, it keeps getting better over time.

Take some time to explore its capabilities, test different settings to find what works best for you, and stay engaged with Tesla’s updates to get the most out of your ride.

If you’ve discovered any Cybertruck tricks or settings that have improved your experience, share them in the comments! New owners (and even longtime Tesla fans) are always looking for great tips. Safe travels! 🚀