The Tesla Cybertruck has made headlines for many reasons, from its futuristic design to its groundbreaking technology. However, one of the most significant accomplishments of the electric pickup truck is its recent five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This independent verification of the Cybertruck’s safety features dispels rumors about its supposed dangers and solidifies its position as the safest pickup truck on the market.
In this blog post, we’ll break down how the Cybertruck fared in various crash tests, how its innovative design contributes to safety, and how it stacks up against the competition. Let’s dive into this landmark achievement and understand why the Cybertruck deserves its place as a top-tier vehicle in terms of safety.
The Cybertruck’s Safety Rating: What Does It Mean?
In February 2025, Tesla’s Cybertruck earned an impressive five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. This evaluation is significant for several reasons. It marks an official, independent confirmation of the vehicle’s safety features and crashworthiness. But more than that, it serves to combat misleading reports that have surfaced recently, such as one claiming the Cybertruck to be the deadliest vehicle ever made. The Cybertruck’s performance in safety tests proves that it is a highly resilient vehicle, capable of protecting its occupants in a variety of real-world collision scenarios.
The Cybertruck vs. the Critics: Debunking the “Deadliest Vehicle” Myth
Earlier this month, a report from FuelArc created a firestorm across the internet, claiming the Cybertruck was 17 times more deadly than the infamous Ford Pinto. This claim was based on a fatality rate derived from just five known deaths associated with the Cybertruck, including one that occurred when an individual shot himself inside the vehicle and then caused an explosion. It’s important to note that this was not an incident caused by the vehicle’s design but rather by the individual’s actions. Despite these glaring inconsistencies in the report, the story gained traction and stirred fear among potential Cybertruck buyers.
The NHTSA’s five-star safety rating comes at a crucial time to provide clarity and factual verification about the vehicle’s safety. This independent evaluation is based on rigorous crash tests and data, clearing up any misconceptions and confirming that the Cybertruck is, in fact, one of the safest vehicles you can drive.
NHTSA Safety Testing: How the Cybertruck Performed
The NHTSA safety rating is derived from a series of crash tests that assess a vehicle’s ability to protect its occupants in different collision scenarios. These tests evaluate structural integrity, restraint system effectiveness, and the protection offered to passengers in both frontal and side-impact crashes, as well as rollover resistance.
Here’s a breakdown of how the Tesla Cybertruck performed in each crash test:
1. Frontal Impact Test
In the frontal crash test, which simulates a head-on collision between two vehicles traveling at 35 mph, the Cybertruck earned five stars on the driver’s side and four stars on the passenger’s side. This test evaluates the structural integrity of the vehicle during a frontal impact. The Cybertruck’s stainless steel exoskeleton played a crucial role in maintaining the vehicle’s shape and protecting the occupants.
- Driver’s Side: Five stars
- Passenger’s Side: Four stars (due to marginally higher chest deflection metrics)
2. Side Barrier Test
In the side barrier test, the Cybertruck scored five stars for all passengers, both front and rear. This test replicates a situation where the vehicle is struck on the driver’s side at 38 mph by a deformable barrier. The Cybertruck’s reinforced B-pillar architecture and stainless steel frame reduced cabin deformation, ensuring that the passengers remained safe.
- All Passengers (Front and Rear): Five stars
3. Side Pole Test
In the side pole test, the Cybertruck earned five stars for all passengers. This test simulates a 20 mph collision with a rigid object at a 75° angle. In this scenario, the Cybertruck’s side airbags prevented head contact with the pole, and its angular design, often criticized for its looks, actually helped deflect crash forces away from the occupants, proving to be an asset in this situation.
- All Passengers: Five stars
4. Rollover Resistance
Rollover resistance measures how likely a vehicle is to tip over in a single-vehicle loss-of-control scenario. The Cybertruck scored four stars in this test, with a 12.4% risk of rollover. While this is higher than passenger cars, it is the lowest among all tested pickup trucks, including the Ford F-150 Lightning and the gasoline-powered F-150.
- Rollover Probability: 12.4% (compared to 12.6% for the F-150 Lightning and 19.3% for the gasoline-powered F-150)
Key Features Contributing to the Cybertruck’s Safety
The Cybertruck’s impressive performance in these tests can be attributed to several innovative design elements that set it apart from other vehicles in the market.
1. Stainless Steel Exoskeleton
The Cybertruck’s exterior is made from a 3mm thick stainless steel exoskeleton, which is designed to distribute impact forces across the vehicle’s frame, reducing localized damage. Unlike conventional vehicles that use crumple zones, the Cybertruck utilizes “crash cans” that absorb up to 35% of kinetic energy before transferring it to the main structure. This design allows for a more effective energy absorption process, leading to better protection for occupants.
2. Structural Battery Pack
The Cybertruck’s battery pack, mounted beneath the cabin floor, plays a dual role: it powers the vehicle and reinforces the chassis. This design lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity by 15% compared to traditional body-on-frame trucks, improving rollover resistance. The battery pack’s honeycomb matrix also prevents intrusion into the passenger compartment during undercarriage impacts, further enhancing safety.
3. Gigacast Subframes
The Cybertruck’s gigacast front and rear subframes are designed to absorb crash forces more efficiently. These subframes work in tandem with the vehicle’s structural battery pack to protect the passengers from harm in the event of a collision.
The Cybertruck and the Competition
While the Cybertruck’s safety ratings are impressive, it’s essential to understand how it compares to other vehicles in the pickup truck segment. The Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevrolet Silverado EV, and Rivian R1T are all contenders in the electric truck market, but none have undergone NHTSA testing at the time of writing.
Among all tested vehicles, the Cybertruck has the lowest rollover risk, which is a significant safety advantage. Additionally, its innovative design elements, like the stainless steel exoskeleton and structural battery pack, help it maintain a level of protection not typically seen in other trucks.
Tesla’s Commitment to Safety
Tesla has always prioritized safety in its vehicles, and the Cybertruck is no exception. The five-star safety rating from the NHTSA confirms that the company’s design philosophy is paying off. The Cybertruck’s unique construction and features like the crash cans, stainless steel exoskeleton, and structural battery pack show that Tesla is committed to keeping drivers and passengers safe.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Tesla’s Safety Innovations
With the Cybertruck now officially recognized as one of the safest pickup trucks on the road, Tesla is poised to continue pushing the envelope in terms of vehicle safety. As the company refines its designs and introduces new technologies, we can expect even greater advances in safety and performance. Tesla’s ability to blend cutting-edge technology with robust safety features ensures that it will remain a leader in the EV market for years to come.
Conclusion: The Cybertruck is a Safe, Reliable Investment
Despite the rumors and misconceptions that have circulated online, the Tesla Cybertruck has been thoroughly tested and verified as one of the safest vehicles on the market today. The five-star safety rating from the NHTSA serves as a testament to the vehicle’s advanced safety features and the company’s commitment to protecting its customers.
If you’re in the market for an electric pickup truck, the Tesla Cybertruck should be at the top of your list. Not only does it offer groundbreaking performance and design, but it also ensures that you and your passengers will be safe, no matter the circumstances.
FAQ
The Tesla Cybertruck received a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) after undergoing rigorous crash tests. This rating verifies that the Cybertruck is one of the safest pickup trucks on the market.
The Cybertruck outperforms other trucks in several key areas. It has the lowest rollover risk among all tested pickup trucks, including the Ford F-150 Lightning and traditional gasoline-powered models. Additionally, the Cybertruck’s design, such as its stainless steel exoskeleton and structural battery pack, enhances occupant protection.
The Cybertruck received five stars on the driver’s side and four stars on the passenger’s side in the frontal crash test. The slightly lower rating on the passenger side is due to marginally higher chest deflection metrics, though the overall performance was still excellent.
The Cybertruck was evaluated in four primary crash scenarios:
Frontal impact
Side barrier collision
Side pole collision
Rollover resistance
Each test measures structural integrity, restraint system effectiveness, and occupant protection.
The Cybertruck’s stainless steel exoskeleton and structural battery pack play a vital role in its safety. The exoskeleton distributes impact forces across the vehicle’s frame, reducing localized damage, while the battery pack’s honeycomb matrix helps prevent intrusion into the passenger cabin during undercarriage impacts.
Unlike conventional vehicles that rely on crumple zones, the Cybertruck uses “crash cans”—components designed to absorb up to 35% of kinetic energy during a collision. These crash cans are more effective than traditional crumple zones, improving occupant safety by reducing crash forces.
The Cybertruck’s battery pack is mounted beneath the cabin floor, lowering the center of gravity by 15%, which improves rollover resistance. Additionally, the pack helps reinforce the vehicle’s structure and prevents battery intrusion into the passenger compartment during impacts.
Yes, the Cybertruck features side airbags that protect passengers during side-impact collisions, especially in the side pole test. Its angular design helps deflect crash forces away from occupants, and its adaptive air suspension improves rollover resistance.
The Cybertruck earned five stars for all passengers in the side barrier test. This test simulates a collision with a deformable barrier, and the Cybertruck’s reinforced B-pillars and steel frame minimize cabin deformation, ensuring that both front and rear passengers are well protected.
While the Cybertruck’s design is already highly advanced, Tesla is constantly refining its vehicles. Future updates to the Cybertruck could further improve safety features, including enhancements to its adaptive air suspension or integration of new crash-absorbing technologies. Tesla’s commitment to safety means that they will likely continue to innovate and improve their vehicle designs over time.
Read More:
2 thoughts on “Tesla Cybertruck Achieves Five-Star Safety Rating: A Deep Dive into Its Crash-Test Performance”