Tesla Cybertruck Crash Test 2025: Stellar Safety, Headlights and Seat Belts Fall Short

Tesla Cybertruck Crash Test: A Safety Win Marred by Headlights and Seat Belts

I’ve been glued to Tesla forums since the Cybertruck’s wild reveal, refreshing pages late at night to catch every rumor about this futuristic pickup. As someone who’s test-driven EVs through storms and studied crash tests like a nerd with a new comic book, I couldn’t wait to see how the 2025 Cybertruck’s stainless steel exoskeleton held up in the real world. The verdict? The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it a “Good” rating in the moderate front overlap test for models built after April 2025, backed by a 5-star NHTSA overall score. It’s a beast in occupant protection and collision avoidance, but—here’s the kicker—headlight glare and a lackluster seat belt reminder kept it from snagging the IIHS Top Safety Pick. Let’s break down the highs, lows, and what it means for Cybertruck fans, all from the lens of someone who’s been rooting for this EV since day one.

Crushing the Crash Test: Stellar Occupant Protection

The IIHS moderate front overlap test is brutal—a 40 mph hit where 40% of the vehicle’s front smashes into a barrier. For Cybertrucks built after April 2025, with reinforced lower front structures, it scored a “Good,” meaning top-notch safety for occupants. The driver dummy showed low risk of injury to the head, neck, chest, and legs, while the rear passenger had a moderate chest risk but was otherwise well-protected. That’s huge for a pickup with a radical exoskeleton and gigacastings, proving Tesla’s engineering isn’t just for show. The NHTSA’s 5-star rating across frontal, side, and rollover tests backs this up, making the Cybertruck one of the safest rides on the road. Even with debates about Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (Supervised), the passive safety—think crumple zones and airbags—is rock-solid. It’s not quite at the Rivian R1T’s 2024 Top Safety Pick+ level, but it’s close, with more tests (small overlap and side) still to come.

Collision Avoidance: A Masterclass in Prevention

The Cybertruck’s real magic shines in preventing crashes altogether. In IIHS tests, it dodged collisions at 12 and 25 mph (19 and 40 km/h) day and night, and even aced nighttime tests at 25 and 37 mph (40 and 60 km/h) with moving obstacles, parallel or not. This is a big deal for pedestrian safety, silencing early worries about the truck’s sharp angles. Its advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS), like automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, are on point, leveraging Tesla’s camera-heavy tech. Compared to other electric pickups like the Rivian R1T or Chevy Silverado EV, it’s a leader, though the R1T’s overall package still edges out slightly. This performance shows why EVs are killing it in safety and reliability, making the Cybertruck a standout for families or fleet buyers who prioritize avoiding accidents.

The Big Letdowns: Headlights and Seat Belt Reminders

But every hero has a flaw, and the Cybertruck’s came in two forms: headlights and seat belt reminders. The IIHS flagged the headlights for excessive glare, which hurts visibility scores, especially on the left side and in left turns where coverage was spotty. The right side was nearly perfect, but the inconsistency cost it points. As someone who’s driven through foggy nights, bad headlights are a dealbreaker, and this kept the Cybertruck from Top Safety Pick status. The seat belt reminder system also flopped, not being persistent enough to meet IIHS standards, which is a safety risk for unbelted passengers. Tesla needs to fix these—better headlight tuning and a more annoying chime—for a shot at the top award. With pending small overlap and side tests, there’s still room to improve, but these gaps sting for a truck this advanced.

How It Stacks Up: Cybertruck in the EV Safety Race

The Cybertruck’s results fit a broader trend where EVs are shining in safety. The Rivian R1T grabbed Top Safety Pick+ in 2024 with better lighting, while the BMW i4, Chevy Blazer EV, and VW ID.Buzz also scored “Good” in moderate overlap tests. The Cybertruck holds its own, but the headlight and belt issues highlight how even cutting-edge designs face challenges. Recent recalls—like one for accelerator pedals affecting nearly all Cybertrucks—remind us that EV engineering is complex. Still, its low center of gravity from the battery and exoskeleton strength make it a safe bet. For pickup buyers, it’s a strong rival to the R1T, though Rivian’s award gives it a slight edge.

My Verdict: So Close to Perfect, But Still a Safety Star

I’ve been hyped for the Cybertruck since its armor glass demo went viral, so the “Good” IIHS rating and 5-star NHTSA score feel like a win. Its collision avoidance is flawless, and occupant protection is top-tier, but those headlights and seat belt reminders are a bummer for a truck that’s otherwise a safety beast. Tesla’s got work to do, but this is still a pickup I’d trust for my family. If you’re considering one, check for updates on these fixes. What’s your take—does the Cybertruck’s safety impress, or do the flaws hold you back? Drop your thoughts below; I’m curious to hear from fellow EV fans!