Tesla’s Cybertruck has just been named “Best Tech” by MotorTrend, and it’s all thanks to one game-changing feature that has flipped industry norms on their head.
This isn’t just another electric truck—it’s a bold leap into the future. And if you’ve ever struggled with tight turns or slow steering in big trucks, this could change everything.
The Feature That Changed the Game: Steer-By-Wire
Unlike traditional trucks, the Cybertruck has no physical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels. That’s right—no mechanical column, no rack-and-pinion system that has been the standard for nearly 100 years.
Instead, Tesla has fully embraced steer-by-wire technology, creating a steering experience that’s faster, more precise, and shockingly smooth—even in a 6,900-pound stainless steel behemoth.
What Makes Steer-By-Wire So Special?
Most vehicles rely on a fixed steering ratio, meaning your steering wheel turns a set amount relative to your tires, no matter how fast or slow you’re driving. Tesla’s steer-by-wire system changes that completely:
- At low speeds (like in parking lots), you barely need to turn the wheel for a sharp turn.
- At high speeds (like on the highway), the system reduces sensitivity for better control and stability.
It’s like having the perfect custom steering experience for every situation—something no traditional truck can match.
Skeptics Became Instant Believers
MotorTrend admits they were hesitant about the steer-by-wire system at first, but after just a few minutes behind the wheel, they were hooked.
“Several of those skeptics didn’t even make it out of the parking lot without becoming believers,” MotorTrend’s Eric Tingwall wrote.
That’s a strong statement from an auto industry giant. And it highlights Tesla’s willingness to take risks and reinvent even the most fundamental vehicle features.
Cybertruck’s Lead Engineer Speaks Out
Tesla’s Lead Cybertruck Engineer, Wes Morrill, took to X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate the award and give credit to his engineering team. He also shared a detailed graphic comparing how the Cybertruck’s roadwheel and handwheel angles adjust across different terrains—proving just how intelligent and adaptable the system really is.
He previously defended steer-by-wire, saying:
“Steer by wire and modern power assist steering are both doing the majority of the work for the driver… The main difference is that steer by wire can have a variable steering ratio, which is better for low speeds.”
That means Cybertruck drivers get the best of both worlds—precision in tight spaces and stability at high speeds.
A Win for Tesla’s Innovation
Tesla is no stranger to pushing boundaries, and the Cybertruck steer-by-wire system is proof that they’re not just making bold design choices—they’re fundamentally improving how vehicles drive.
As the first mass-produced steer-by-wire truck, the Cybertruck is breaking barriers that could shape the future of automotive steering across the entire industry.
And now, with MotorTrend’s “Best Tech” award, it’s clear that Tesla’s radical reinvention of the wheel is already turning heads—and changing minds.