All New KIA

It’s no secret that SUVs are extremely popular. That also means that the segment is highly competitive, and as such, automakers are constantly changing their product lineups to attract buyers. One doesn’t have to look far to find a slew of new or updated models, and we’ve got you covered with that.

Among the many new or updated SUVs waiting to hit the market, we’ve got a list of 20 that look particularly promising. Whether you’re looking for style, features, power, mileage, or a combination of the above, there are dozens of new crossovers and SUVs to look forward to.

Some will be available in just a few months, while others won’t be available for years. But no matter what you’re looking for in an SUV, we’re sure there will be a few on this list that will catch your eye. And your wait will be worth it.

Aston Martin Offroader

Release Date: TBD

Aston Martin is reportedly looking to make the DBX a Land Rover Defender rival. The automaker is still considering design proposals and wants to capitalize on the SUV’s success. Internally, the car is being called “Project Rambo,” and Aston is rumored to be planning to build just 2,500 of the rugged off-roader. It could also use the same 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 that powers the Mercedes-AMG G63, which produces 577 horsepower.

BMW Vision New Class SUV

Release Date: 2025

BMW’s electrified future lies on the Neue Klasse platform. The Vision Neue Klasse X concept debuted last month and previewed the electric crossovers the German automaker is expected to see in the coming years. It features a familiar design language and a cabin with visible buttons. The concept is likely a preview of the future X3, with its styling likely to influence other upcoming models. The Neue Klasse cars will use BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive system and 800-volt architecture.

Cadillac Escalade IQ

Release Date: 2024

Cadillac is leading General Motors into its electric future, which includes adding batteries and motors to the iconic Escalade. It rides on GM’s scalable Ultium platform that underpins vehicles from other brands, with the same 800-volt architecture that powers the GMC Hummer EV. The Cadillac can produce up to 750 horsepower in Velocity Max mode, propelling the big SUV to 60 mph in under 5.0 seconds. Pricing starts at around $130,000.

Cadillac Optic

Release Date: 2025

Next to the Escalade in Cadillac’s lineup is the Optiq. It will be the brand’s smallest EV when it arrives after its bigger siblings go on sale. It should be about the same size as the Chevrolet Equinox EV since both ride on GM’s Ultium platform. Cadillac will likely offer the Optiq in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations and with either 210 or 290 horsepower, which would be on par with the Chevy.

GV90 Incident

Release Date: TBD

There have been rumors that Genesis would launch a large SUV for years. However, it never materialized. However, we may be closer than ever to such a model if the Neolun concept is any indication. Genesis revealed it last month with just two rows of seats, but the production version will likely have up to three rows. It will compete with other large luxury SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz GLS, so expect more information on the upcoming model later this year.

Hyundai Ioniq 7/9

Release Date: 2025

The Ioniq Seven concept, which Hyundai may call the Ioniq 9 when it goes into production, will serve as the Kia EV9’s equivalent. The three-row SUV will share the same platform as the Kia, likely sharing the same battery and electric motor configuration. Hyundai hasn’t officially announced when the car will arrive, but all signs point to it debuting this year before going on sale sometime in mid-2025.

Scout Jeep

Release Date: 2024

The Jeep Recon will be the brand’s second electric vehicle to arrive this year, and it’s the more rugged of the two. It has a boxy design reminiscent of the Wrangler, but it’s not a replacement for the popular off-roader. It rides on the same STLA Large chassis as the Wagoneer S and will likely have the same powertrain. It’s set to enter its first full sales year in 2025, but it could launch and go on sale before the year is out.

Jeep Wagoneer S

Release Date: 2024

The Wagoneer S will be Jeep’s first electric vehicle. It will also be the brand’s fastest model, with 600 horsepower. The electric SUV is expected to hit 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and ride on Stellantis’ STLA Large platform. Inside, it will have up to four screens on the dashboard, including one for the passenger. Sales are set to begin in late 2024.

Kia EV3 Car

Release Date: 2025 (US)

The Kia EV3 will be the brand’s smallest electric product. It will have two battery pack options (at least in Europe) with either 58.0 kilowatt-hours or 81.4 kilowatt-hours and around 200 horsepower. The tiny EV will be coming to the U.S., but we likely won’t see it until at least 2025. However, it could cost as little as $30,000 when it does arrive in the United States.

Lamborghini Lanzador

Release Date: 2028

The Lanzador will be Lamborghini’s first electric vehicle. The concept the automaker unveiled last year, a 1,341-horsepower 2+2, will compete with the likes of the Ferrari Purosangue and Rolls-Royce Spectre once it goes on sale. The car won’t be available for another four years, so Lamborghini hasn’t detailed how it will make that much power, but it will feature a high-performance battery pack and two electric motors, giving it all-wheel drive and a “long range.”

Clear Gravity

Release Date: Late 2024

The Lucid Gravity is the EV brand’s first SUV. It debuted in production form last year, but we likely won’t see it in dealerships until later this year. The Lucid Gravity promises up to 440 miles of range on the top trim and a starting price of under $80,000. It will also have three rows of seating.

Nissan Leaf

Release Date: 2026

The Nissan Leaf is due for a major revival in the next few years. An all-new model is on the way, and it will take its styling cues from the 2021 Chill-Out concept—a sleek crossover with a sloping roofline and a simple fascia. The Leaf will ditch its compact hatchback design. Nissan hasn’t provided any details about the engine and battery, but it could borrow hardware from the Aryia, which slots below it in the lineup.

Rivian R1X Car

Release Date: 2026

Rivian introduced several new products this year, including the new R3X. The launch of the small, rugged crossover/hatchback along with the trademark filing for the R1X suggests Rivian will continue to expand its product lineup with an SUV and the off-road-oriented R1 pickup. There are rumors that the company will refresh the R1 lineup later this year, which would provide an opportunity to introduce new trims.

Rivian R2 Car

Release Date: 2026

The next new Rivan model to go on sale is the smaller, more affordable R2. The SUV will start at $45,000, with the brand’s signature styling cues. The SUV will have one, two, or three electric motors, with a single-motor setup driving the rear wheels. Two- and three-motor configurations drive all four wheels, and the most powerful version will be capable of propelling the R2 to 60 mph in under three seconds.

Scout Electric SUV

Release Date: 2026

There’s still a lot we don’t know about the first vehicle to arrive as part of the Scout revival, other than the fact that it will be fully electric and ride on its own platform. That’s not to say the platform couldn’t be used for other vehicles under the Volkswagen Group umbrella, but the Bronco/Wrangler competitor will be designed from the ground up as an off-roader. We could see a prototype debut later this year, but the long-term plan calls for a production version to arrive in 2026. With demand for electric vehicles plummeting, don’t be surprised if that date is pushed back even further.

Tesla Model Y

Release Date: 2025

The world’s best-selling EV is getting a refresh. When exactly that will happen remains to be seen, though. Europe will likely see the new crossover later this year, but 2025 is when U.S. buyers will get their hands on the new Model Y, which we expect to see some minor styling changes inside and out similar to those seen on the recently refreshed Model 3. For now, you can get the new rear-wheel-drive Model Y Long Range with an EPA-estimated range of 320 miles and a zero-to-60 mph time of around 6.5 seconds. Pricing starts at $46,630 including shipping.

Toyota 4Runner Car

Release Date: Late 2024

Debuting in early April as a 2025 model, the first new 4Runner in 15 years shares its platform with the Tacoma. That means it also shares its powertrain options, namely a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an i-Force Max hybrid setup that adds an electric motor to the mix. Either opt for the 326-horsepower hybrid or the standalone 278-horsepower engine, all through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The new Trailhunter trim looks especially cool for off-grid adventurers, but you’ll have to pay more than the $42,100 base price to get it. The new 4Runner won’t go on sale until later this year.

Toyota FJ Cruiser

Release Date: TBD

The FJ Cruiser name has been bandied about a lot, and in August 2023, we may get a glimpse of a new name. The boxy little SUV was previewed at the 2024 Land Cruiser launch, but there’s no official word on a production schedule. The FJ Cruiser name hasn’t even been confirmed, though Toyota recently filed a trademark for it. Either way, the evidence suggests something is coming in the FJ world, and when it does arrive, expect something that sits below the Land Cruiser with either a plug-in hybrid or fully electric powertrain.

Volkswagen ID.Buzz

Release Date: Late 2024

It’s hard to believe, but the ID. Buzz still isn’t available in the United States. That will change later this year with a longer model that will offer buyers either a single- or dual-motor layout. In single-motor trim, the ID. Buzz makes 282 horsepower. The dual-motor version has 330 hp, but all will have seating for seven. Pricing is still a mystery, but we expect it to start around $50,000.

Volvo EX90 Car

Release Date: Mid 2024

Volvo’s large electric SUV was originally supposed to debut in late 2022, but delays have pushed the production launch to mid-2024. The three-row vehicle is Volvo’s people-carrying flagship, riding on the same company’s SPA2 platform as the Polestar 3. A 111.0-kilowatt-hour battery pack powers two electric motors, producing 510 horsepower in the top trim. It has a maximum range of 300 miles, and when the EX90 finally hits dealerships, its starting price will be $76,695.

Upcoming Crossovers and SUVs

• Cadillac Escalade IQ
• Scout Jeep
• Jeep Wagoneer S
• Clear Gravity
• Toyota 4Runner Car
• Volkswagen ID.Buzz
• Volvo EX90 Car

• BMW Vision New Class
• Cadillac Optic
• Hyundai Ioniq 7/9
• Kia EV3 Car
• Tesla Model Y

• Nissan Leaf
• Rivian R1X Car
• Rivian R2 Car
• Scout Electric SUV

I ignored the flashing yellow warning light on the gauge cluster and ignored the safety warnings on the stereo. I would rather risk turning this Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio (and possibly myself) into charcoal than be forced to halt my assault on this winding two-lane back road.

Eventually I pulled over, restarted the car, and the warning magically disappeared. All was well. But being so engrossed in a vehicle that you’d rather risk life or limb for one more stretch of good paved road—that’s the essence of the Alfa Romeo experience.

Alfa’s Quadrifoglio line is destined for destruction (or at least, electrification). It’s a sad fate for one of the best performance names out there. So I wanted to take another look at what—in my opinion—is the best performance SUV under six figures. The 2024 Stelvio Quadrifoglio starts at $88,965, and costs $94,910 as tested with options.

The brainchild of Sergio Marchionne—the mad scientist and CEO behind some of Fiat-Chrysler’s most iconic cars—he asked engineers from Maranello to build a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine over espresso. And they did.

With 505 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, the Stelvio Quad rockets to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. It’s quick—but so are many of the more sophisticated SUVs in this segment. The Mercedes-AMG GLC63 will get you to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. The Jaguar F-Pace SVR will do it in 3.8 seconds. The difference lies in the application of power.

Pros: Excellent Performance, Powerful & Characterful Engine, Great Looks

The Stelvio delivers its power brutally, emotionally and effortlessly. It blasts off the line at a blistering pace while Ferrari-like music blares from the tips of its quad exhausts. Pull the column-mounted aluminum shifter and the eight-speed automatic shifts purposefully into gear. Find a long enough stretch of road, and the Stelvio Quad will cruise to a top speed of 177 mph.

For its latest tune, Alfa ditched the electric torque vectoring for a true mechanical limited-slip differential. It probably makes more of a difference in the rear-wheel-drive Giulia than in the all-wheel-drive Stelvio, but it’s still a nice thing to have when you’re pushing hard on twisty roads. They also sharpened up the performance driving mode and tweaked the ride—but the changes are barely noticeable. The Stelvio still rips through corners like a hot, tall hatchback.

Steering feel is *chef's kiss;* Fast, precise, and communicative on an atomic level. Some might say it’s so fast it’s almost unstable. Cowardly. The steering wheel itself feels great in your hands—not too thin and not too thick, with a luxurious combination of stitched leather and Alcantara.

When hit in corners, the Stelvio experiences virtually no body roll, its steering is fluid, and its suspension is predictable. “Uncertainty” is not a word in the Quadrofolio's vocabulary; everything about this vehicle is built for maximum assault.

Living with the Stelvio Quad is less than pleasant. Even with the supposedly softer suspension and adaptive dampers in their softest setting, the ride is uncomfortably stiff. The optional 21-inch wheels and low-profile tires, while nice to have on, don’t provide much in the way of relief. The standard 20-inch rims could be a little softer. The Stelvio is also noisy at highway speeds; harsh wind and tire noise seeps into the cabin, and you can hear every kicked-up pebble bouncing around under the chassis.

The transmission is also clunky at low speeds and the high-performance brakes are impossible to modulate. The big Brembos are great for spirited driving but will leave you shaking in the grocery store parking lot.

Cons: Rough ride, noisy, brakes too hard, limited cargo space

But it’s not all bad. This is still a luxury SUV, which means the interior is filled with nice materials like stitched leather and Alcantara. The 8.8-inch touchscreen is bigger and better than before, and the bucket seats are gorgeous. The leather thrones up front are eight-way adjustable and have more than enough bolstering and lumbar support to hold you in the corners.

Even with the improvements, the tech inside the cabin is still not impressive. The infotainment screen layout is cluttered with options and the touchscreen interface is less responsive than the iPhone 4. Several times I accidentally clicked too many options because I was frustrated with the slow response time.

And as far as SUV stuff goes—carrying a family and luggage, for example—there are better choices. The Stelvio’s front compartment is roomy, but the back seat is cramped and cargo space is minimal. You get just 18.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 56.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. That’s on par with the Macan but well below the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. The same goes for fuel economy; the Stelvio Quad gets just 17 miles per gallon in the city, 23 on the highway, and 19 combined.

But for hauling stuff quickly, you won’t find a better SUV in this segment. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrofiglio is all about performance with a Ferrari-sourced V-6 and a suspension designed for sports cars. Sure, you’ll have to deal with limited cargo space and less-than-stellar fuel economy—but it’s worth it, trust us.

[UPDATE] Kia has released the first teaser image of the Tasman wearing a colourful wrap.

While Kia has said the Tasman will be its first global truck, the company has yet to confirm whether the model will be sold in the United States. Officially, at least for now, the truck will only be available in South Korea, Australia, the Middle East, and Africa. Interestingly, a new spy video shows the mid-size pickup truck undergoing testing on U.S. soil. With a Michigan license plate, the heavily camouflaged prototype was caught on camera in California.

It’s not uncommon for automakers to test future vehicles in countries where they have no intention of selling them. But what if the Tasman does come to the U.S.? If it’s not going to be built in Georgia, we expect its selling price to be very high after factoring in the Chicken Tax. This is a 25 percent tariff on light trucks imported into the U.S. that dates back to the administration of President Lyndon B. Johnson, when it was first imposed in 1964.

A separate video is attached below and published on Tik Tok shows a different Tasman prototype in Australia. It is also covered in camouflage, but someone appears to have a key and can open the truck and get inside. The cabin is likely to be that of a top-spec version, judging by the amount of equipment: memory seats, a sunroof, dual screens, ambient lighting, and a wireless charging pad.

You’ll also notice the gear selector is on the steering column and the left-hand drive layout despite Australia being a right-hand drive market. The cabin looks to follow the EV9’s lead but looks a little more solid with chunky door handles. The black honeycomb mesh on the dashboard hides the air vents which can be controlled via chunky knobs. While this is a double cab, there will be other body styles available, including a single cab and a chassis cab.

The Ford Ranger rival has been spotted in metropolitan Sydney, likely to be shown privately to dealers ahead of its launch next year. Kia intends to sell the flagship in 4×4 and 4×2 configurations with a 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. A GT derivative with a V-6 is also rumored to be under consideration. A fully electric Tasman is reportedly due to launch in late 2026.

Meanwhile, the world premiere is scheduled to take place before the end of 2024. It is worth noting that the Tasman will be a ladder-frame truck that is larger than the Hyundai Santa Cruz unibody. This truck will compete not only with the Ranger, but also the Toyota Hilux and Volkswagen Amarok.

In 2017, Mitsubishi revived the iconic Eclipse nameplate and promptly slapped it on the back of an SUV. That was sad. Now we’re seeing new trademark filings for other iconic Mitsubishi names, like the Montero and Lancer Sportback, which could also end up on uninspiring models.

The old Montero name has been gone in the US since 2006, but Mitsubishi just filed a trademark for the Montero name with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The trademark mentions “car” and dozens of other uses, so it’s possible we could see the Montero name on a future Mitsubishi in the U.S.

Mitsubishi file a second trademark for “Lancer Sportback” was initially rejected by the USPTO, but is currently under appeal. The Lancer Sportback is a five-door version of the Lancer in the US that was introduced in 2010. The trademark appeal was filed in March, and specifies use for “automobiles and their structural components.”

The Lancer Sportback trademark filing is particularly interesting. We know that Mitsubishi is working with Nissan to bring a number of new hybrid and electric models to the US, including its own version of the next-generation Leaf. Rumor has it that the Lancer Sportback could be Mitsubishi’s version of the Leaf (if the patent is granted).

There are also rumors of a new Mitsubishi truck for the US and a production version of the D:X Concept (which could be the next Delica). However, we’re taking all of these details with a grain of salt. We won’t know anything for sure until the first new Mitsubishi models start rolling off the production line around 2025 for the 2026 model year.

Subaru has said it won’t be making an STI for this generation of WRX. Sad! However, the automaker is content to release another WRX model that is (slightly) improved and not quite as good as the original. Subaru is introducing the WRX TR in 2023, and today we get our first look at the new WRX tS.

Without the glasses, you might mistake the WRX tS for an STI from a distance. The exterior features the familiar blue paint, the red WRX logo on the grille, and even the upgraded brakes in Subaru’s signature bronze paint. But don’t worry, there are noticeable performance improvements.

Similar to the WRX TR, the tS is tuned by Subaru’s STI division. It features electronically controlled shocks for a sportier ride, adjustable drive modes borrowed from the GT model (complete with a Sport mode), and high-performance Brembo brakes for better stopping power. Upgraded rotors are paired with six-piston calipers up front and two-piston calipers out back. New Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires (245/35) wrap around 19-inch wheels.

What hasn’t changed is the engine. Under the hood is the same 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that powers every WRX model. It produces 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

The cabin features a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a vertically oriented 11.6-inch center touchscreen. The seats are sporty Recaro seats wrapped in black faux suede with blue accents and WRX tS logos stamped into the headrests. As with every modern WRX, you also get Subaru’s EyeSight Safety Technology suite, with things like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and more.

Subaru did not say how much the WRX tS would cost, but confirmed that it would replace the TR. The WRX tS will go on sale in early 2025.

Kia has issued a major recall for its popular Telluride SUV, affecting a total of 462,869 vehicles from the 2020 through 2024 model years. The reason is a little scary—there’s a fire risk from the electric seat motors for the driver or front passenger seats. It can happen either while the SUV is in use or parked with the ignition off, so Kia is advising people to park outside in case the seats catch fire.

The specific cause is not the seat motor, but the shift knob that controls it. The recall notice (NHTSA Recall No. 24V-407) states that an external impact can cause the rear cover of the seat switch to come off. This can cause the switch that controls the seat motor to become misaligned, and if the switch sticks, it will apply constant power to the motor. If the passenger is not aware of this, the motor can become hot enough to cause a fire.

According to documents filed with the recall, Kia is aware of one small driver’s seat fire that occurred in a 2023 Telluride while it was being driven. There have also been six confirmed incidents of components melting under the seat. Smoke in the cabin has also been reported in some incidents.

Wouldn’t it be obvious if the electric seat motor had jammed? The recall notice doesn’t address this, and Kia’s chronological report on the issue (dating back to December 2022) doesn’t mention any symptoms before the incident. However, Kia does advise that the seat moving “even after the seat shift knob is released” along with a burning smell, smoke, or an inoperable seat could indicate a problem.

The fix is ​​easy. Kia dealers will install a new bracket for the power seat switch back cover, and the seat control knob will be replaced. Owners will be notified of the recall by mail on July 30; concerned owners can also call Kia Customer Service and mention the SC316 recall. The number is 800-333-4542.

When I drove a Tesla Cybertruck recently, the owner told me he bought it because his kids thought it was cool. The kids knew their friends would like it, too. But when they showed up to school in the triangular Tesla, every student had their phone out.

The Cybertruck really is too cool for school. The kids told their father if he took them to school in the Cybertruck again, they would be dropped off at the end of the road. That's the perfect metaphor for the Cybertruck.

The Cybertruck has been a long time coming. Tesla CEO Elon Musk said in 2013 that he wanted to build a full-size pickup truck to compete with the Ford F-150, and he estimated the truck would be coming in about five years.

Six years later, in 2019, the Cybertruck debuted. People were not only wowed by its appearance—it was basically a big, sharp stainless steel box—but also by its presentation. Musk led a demo of the truck’s armored glass windows, which were not yet available on the production model, in which Tesla designer Franz von Holzhausen threw a metal ball at the truck. The window shattered, so von Holzhausen threw the ball at the other window. That window shattered, too.

Deliveries of the production Cybertruck will begin in late 2023, four years after the truck’s debut. The early models are part of the truck’s “Foundation Series,” a $20,000 package that gives buyers early delivery and a few extra features. The truck I drove was one of the Foundation Series models.

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The Cybertruck currently has three model options. The base model is a rear-wheel-drive, single-motor truck that starts at $61,000 but is slated for 2025. Tesla estimates the truck will have a range of 250 miles and a 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds.

Then there’s the all-wheel-drive, twin-engine truck—the one I drove. It starts at $80,000. Tesla estimates a range of 340 miles, with 600 horsepower, a 0-60 time of 4.1 seconds, and a towing capacity of 11,000 pounds.

Then there’s the Cyberbeast. It starts at $100,000 and Tesla estimates it has a range of 320 miles, 845 horsepower, a payload of 2,500 pounds, a towing capacity of 11,000 pounds, and a 0-to-60 time of 2.6 seconds. That’s right: a 7,000-pound truck that can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds. That’s either impressive or terrifying, depending on who you ask.

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Pros: Minimalist & Peaceful Interior, Good Maneuverability for its Size

The Cybertruck is extreme, and so are people’s feelings about it. They either love it or hate it. It’s the future or a sign of societal decline. It looks like a spaceship or a poorly built refrigerator.

The truck’s looks are its most controversial feature. Seeing it in person, I was taken aback. It looks different, and I can appreciate that—especially in an age when every American drives the same crossover or SUV. But I also can’t shake concerns about safety or the feeling that, to buy the Cybertruck, you have to be very observant. And being seen comes at a price.

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Everyone is staring at the Cybertruck, and so is the driver. You can’t tell if they’re staring with approval, disgust, or pity. You know that if you make one mistake—a late signal, a last-minute lane change, a wrong size estimate, or, God forbid, something worse—you’re the Cybertruck driver. You know everyone is rolling their eyes, thinking about how you should have just bought a Toyota Corolla, but your ego won’t let you.

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The exterior of the truck is also a grease magnet with its bare stainless steel. If you touch it, you will leave a mark. To get inside, you have to press a button on the door to open it, then hold it from the inside so your fingerprints don't show on the outside. To clean the grease off, you have to use stainless steel refrigerator cleaner. That's ridiculous.

The good news is that the Cybertruck drives better than it looks. While everyone is wowed by the steel panels sharp enough to cut through brisket, the inside feels like you’re sitting in a home theater. It’s remarkably quiet.

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Cons: Very Hard to Clean, Everyone Stares

The windshield is large, the dashboard is minimalist, and the seats are plush. There’s an interior dome light that matches the light bar on the front of the truck, and there’s a little party trick on the infotainment screen that plays audio of the windows that shattered during the Cybertruck’s debut. There are moments while driving the Cybertruck that I forget that I’m in the most eye-catching car on the road. Those moments are fun.

In “Chill” mode, the acceleration is controlled and the Cybertruck cruises at high speeds. There is a “Standard” mode that provides a thrilling full acceleration (0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds). There is a little wind noise on the highway when you go at high speeds, but road noise is very minimal.

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The Cybertruck’s ride is bouncy but not rough, and its shape initially threw off my spatial awareness. Its dimensions were hard to grasp while driving—I had to turn my head a few times when changing lanes, or slow down for parking maneuvers to make sure I was in the right spot.

The mechanics of driving the truck were tiring due to the size and feel of the pedals. The accelerator felt heavy under my foot, which didn’t match the truck’s regenerative braking.

Regen automatically slows the truck when you lift your foot off the accelerator, transferring kinetic energy back to the battery to charge it, and I usually like it. It makes stopping at traffic lights feel productive, and once you’re stopped, you can put both feet on the floor instead of slamming on the brake. But the pedal weight and regen’s slowdown make the Cybertruck feel sluggish, like it’s hard to get moving and keep moving.

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The best part about the Cybertruck is how agile it is for its size. It has two features that make it much more agile: four-wheel steering and steer-by-wire. Four-wheel steering means that all four wheels can be steered, and I liken it to the swivel wheels on a suitcase. When your wheels are swiveling, you can move better.

Steer-by-wire is the Cybertruck’s best feature, to the point where every time I’m in another truck, I miss it. In most vehicles, the steering wheel input is mechanically connected to the actual wheels via an axle. Sometimes, especially when parking or turning in tight spaces, you have to turn the wheel a few times to get where you want to go.

When the driver applies input to the steering wheel in a steer-by-wire setup, there is no mechanical connection to the road. Instead, the truck’s computer relies on sensors to measure the steering wheel’s position, wheel speed and a number of other factors, then tells the motors to steer the wheels. That allows the steering ratio to change constantly, eliminating the need to turn the wheels to control the truck at low speeds.

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Switching from manual steering to normal steering on a large vehicle feels like a chore. The Cybertruck doesn’t make it as easy to maneuver as a large vehicle, but it is easier than most. That’s a big plus.

The Cybertruck isn’t all good or all bad, as people on both sides of the debate have said. If you ignore the looks, the context, and a few problematic features, it’s actually a decent vehicle. But like the kids who own it, the attention I get while driving feels a bit too much. There’s a constant pressure not to be a jerk. Even when I drive it well, I still wonder what the people around me are thinking.

If you can tolerate—or even want—the spotlight, maybe the Cybertruck is for you.