HUMMER EV vs. Cybertruck: Which EV Pickup Works for You?

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Written by Nick Versaw

Updated May 25, 2022

Heading off-road but don’t want to deal with the high gas prices and maintenance costs of a conventional vehicle? Then you might be in the market for an electric pickup truck. EV trucks offer better fuel economy and performance without the internal combustion engine. Instead, they rely on high-tech battery packs and driver assistance technology.

The GMC HUMMER EV Pickup and Tesla Cybertruck are two top contenders, but these electric vehicles are worlds apart in price and appearance. The HUMMER EV Pickup takes an iconic vehicle and updates it for the electric car era. The yet-to-be-released Cybertruck is a futuristic vehicle that’s unlike anything else in the auto industry.

If you put the HUMMER EV vs. Cybertruck in a head-to-head contest, which EV would win? That depends on your budget and driving habits. Let’s compare these two EVs in terms of price, miles of range, and other features.

HUMMER EV vs. Cybertruck Overview

If you’re choosing between the HUMMER EV vs. the Cybertruck, there are several key differences to consider. The first is that the HUMMER EV is available in two versions: an EV pickup and an electric SUV. We’ll be focusing on the HUMMER EV Pickup in this article unless otherwise noted.

The Cybertruck, on the other hand, will only be available in one body style, although you will be able to choose between single-motor, dual-motor, and tri-motor AWD editions.

Let’s take a closer look at what sets these two EVs apart.

Exterior Design

When it comes to design, the HUMMER EV Pickup looks like a traditional pickup truck. There’s not much to visually distinguish it from the gas-powered trucks in GMC’s lineup.

The Tesla Cybertruck has a more unusual exterior, with a stainless steel exoskeleton to protect it from corrosion and road damage. While the HUMMER has an open truck bed and 81.8 cubic feet of cargo space, the Cybertruck has a “magic tonneau cover” and 100 cubic feet of cargo space.

The HUMMER EV Pickup has 35-inch tires for impressive ground clearance, while steel plates and optional “underbelly armor” keep the battery pack safe in off-road environments.

Both EV trucks have adaptive air suspension: You can raise and lower the Cybertruck by 4 inches, while the HUMMER EV Pickup can handle 6 inches.

Range and Performance

When it comes to range, you’ll get up to 500 miles of range in the Tesla Cybertruck vs. 350 in the HUMMER EV Pickup. It’s worth noting that the automakers provided these estimates and these figures haven’t been evaluated by the EPA.

Although Tesla may have the edge when it comes to electric vehicles with the longest range, GMC’s new Ultium battery pack has more overall capacity at 210 kWh.

General Motors will be using the same battery technology in other upcoming EVs, like the Chevy Silverado, so Elon Musk may have some catching up to do: Currently, Tesla’s largest battery pack tops out at 95 kWh. 

The HUMMER EV Pickup and Cybertruck are on a more level playing field in terms of payload and towing capacity: the HUMMER EV Pickup can carry 1,300 pounds and tow 7,500. Tesla claims to offer 3,500 pounds of payload capacity and 14,000 pounds of towing capacity, but only if you buy the most expensive tri-motor version.

HUMMER EV vs. Cybertruck Features

The HUMMER EV Pickup and Tesla Cybertruck stand out from other contenders in the EV truck market with their state-of-the-art features, including their off-road capabilities and driver assistance technology. Here’s what you can expect when you get behind the wheel.

Interior Features

The HUMMER EV Pickup has a spacious cabin that seats five, while the Cybertruck has room for one more passenger with seating for six.

They both offer a version of hands-free driving in some conditions, with Tesla’s Full Self-Driving Capability available for an additional fee, and GM’s new Super Cruise technology included in all vehicle variants.

The Cybertruck will have a 17-inch touchscreen, and the HUMMER EV Pickup has a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 13.4-inch infotainment screen in the center console.

The HUMMER offers plenty of storage, with a power eTrunk and rear seats that fold down. The Cybertruck has a different set of storage compartments, including a frunk and “sail pillars” that are tucked into the exterior panels of the vehicle.

With its Infinity Roof, the HUMMER is the only convertible EV truck currently available. Each version of the HUMMER gets four removable transparent Sky Panels for open-air off-roading. But if you are looking for a more rugged option, the Cybertruck has a fully transparent panoramic sunroof made from bullet-proof Armor Glass.

Off-Road Capabilities

If you’re looking for a powerful EV that can double as an electric off-roader, these trucks can do the job. The HUMMER EV Pickup has a “Watts to Freedom” mode that can launch the truck from 0 to 60 miles per hour in three seconds.

It also has a CrabWalk mode that can move the vehicle diagonally and an Extract mode to help you ford water or get you out of difficult terrain.

The Cybertruck isn’t nearly as versatile, but sports similar (estimated) acceleration specs of 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds. It also has a 35-degree approach angle and 28-degree departure angle.

Both trucks use a system of cameras and sensors to avoid obstacles, with up to 18 cameras on the HUMMER EV Pickup and 8 projected to be on the Cybertruck.

HUMMER EV vs. Cybertruck Pricing and Availability

Electric pickup trucks may be the next big thing, but how soon can you drive one? Unlike electric SUVs and hatchbacks, there aren’t a lot of EV trucks on the market yet, so that means placing a pre-order and getting on the waiting list.

Unfortunately for Tesla fans, details are sparse regarding the Cybertruck’s trims and release date. Currently, you can pre-order one on the Tesla website for $100, but you can’t customize it yet. If previously released data is accurate, we can expect the following prices and variants when the Cybertruck finally launches:

At that price, the base model would be the cheapest Tesla currently on the market, but the price jumps quickly if you want the dual- or tri-motor powertrain.

As for the HUMMER EV Pickup, it’s more than twice the price, but the release date is already in sight. Although reservations are full for the first edition, three additional models are in the works for release over the next two years.

Here’s what you can expect to pay for the HUMMER EV Pickup:

With the first edition selling for well over $100,000, the HUMMER EV Pickup isn’t an entry-level EV. Unless you’re serious about off-roading and ready to make a big investment in an electric truck, you may be better off buying a hybrid pickup truck instead.

While a hybrid won’t be as fuel-efficient as an electric vehicle, it could help you reduce your fuel costs and bide your time until more EV trucks arrive on the scene.

More EVs on the Horizon

The contest between GMC’s HUMMER EV vs. Cybertruck from Tesla is just one of the rivalries to watch in the electric car industry. You may also want to compare the Ford F-150 Lightning vs. the Rivian R1T, or consider one of these electric cars with all-wheel drive instead.

The main downside to buying a new electric car is the wait time. If you don’t want to pre-order a new EV only for it to take years to arrive, you may be better off buying a used electric car from a private seller or dealership. You’ll find plenty of Tesla alternatives and off-road vehicles without the high price tag of a HUMMER.

Our search tool makes it easy to compare the best EVs for sale all in one place. Just enter your ZIP code here and start comparing:

Nick Versaw Insurance Managing Editor

Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.