"Tesla has launched a stripped-down, entry-level Cybertruck at a significantly lower price—but does the reduced cost justify the missing features and compromises?"

Tesla has launched a new rear-wheel-drive Cybertruck Long Range model, boasting an estimated 362-mile range and a reduced starting price of $72,235 (including destination fees), though analysts argue its affordability and overall appeal remain questionable.

A major advantage is the Long Range variant’s $10,000 price reduction compared to the former base dual-motor All-Wheel Drive (AWD) model—a significant cost reduction, period. Eliminating the front motor (and adding an optional soft tonneau cover) boosts the maximum estimated range by 37 miles. Even the least-efficient Long Range configuration outperforms the highest-rated AWD by 6 miles and exceeds the top Cyberbeast trim by 30 miles. While sharing peak charging speeds with other models, the Long Range adds range faster, recovering up to 147 miles in 15 minutes on a Supercharger versus 135 miles for the AWD and 127 miles for the Cyberbeast. These benefits, however, come with compromises: the lower price reflects notable reductions in included features.

The rear-drive Long Range Cybertruck sacrifices the front motor, eliminating all-wheel drive—a feature standard on every rival electric truck (all of which match or undercut its price). While AWD isn’t essential for all buyers, dropping to a single motor also reduces acceleration, increasing the 0–60 mph time from 4.1 seconds (AWD variant) to 6.2 seconds. Independent tests show even quicker results for multi-motor versions: 3.7 seconds for dual-motor AWD and 2.5 seconds for the tri-motor Cyberbeast.

Further drawbacks emerge in the details. To achieve the advertised 362-mile range, buyers must purchase and install a $750 soft tonneau cover themselves, as the powered version included on higher trims is omitted. Without it, range drops to 350 miles, and upgrading to the optional 20-inch Cyber Wheels reduces it further to 331 miles. Notably, third-party evaluations reveal the Cybertruck consistently underperforms its official range claims in real-world conditions.

The Long Range variant sacrifices some utility features seen in other models. While it retains the standard tow hitch and trailer brake controller, its towing capacity drops to 7,500 pounds—a significant decrease from the 11,000-pound limit of higher-tier configurations. Payload capacity also falls to 2,006 pounds (from up to 2,500 pounds on the All-Wheel Drive version), though even this reduced figure requires opting for the $3,500 20-inch wheels, which compromise range. Tesla omits payload specifications for the default wheel setup.

Additionally, the Long Range swaps adaptive air suspension for coil springs paired with adaptive dampers, potentially altering ride comfort. Ground clearance diminishes to 9.57 inches, far below the 16-inch maximum in Extract mode on other trims. However, the locking rear differential remains a standard feature.

The power tonneau cover isn’t the sole exclusion in the truck bed. The Long Range model omits the 120- and 240-volt outlets, which are bundled into the Premium Bed package offered as standard on other trims. This package also features the bed locker and enhanced “premium” in-bed lighting—neither of which are included here. Instead, the Long Range substitutes premium lighting with a simpler “standard” version and removes the “L-Tracks” tie-down system.

Lighting sees further reductions: The Long Range uses headlamps without “signature lamps” (a design element present on other trims) and replaces the “premium taillamps” (potentially the full-width lightbar) with basic units. These changes highlight cost-saving adjustments in both functionality and aesthetics for this variant.

To achieve its $70,000 starting price, Tesla’s Cybertruck Long Range model sacrifices numerous interior comforts and features. Cloth seats replace leather options, heated seating is limited to the front row, and ventilated seats are eliminated. The center console is simplified, likely losing the rear touchscreen, while basic pedal covers replace premium ones. The audio system drops from 15 speakers (including four subwoofers) with noise cancellation to seven speakers (two subwoofers) without noise reduction. Additional omissions include the HEPA air filter and dual 120-volt cabin outlets.

Tesla’s $8,000 "Full Self-Driving" add-on remains available but still demands driver vigilance.

Prospects for a $40,000 base model, initially promised, appear increasingly unrealistic. The Long Range version already strips away most non-essential features, leaving only a smaller battery as a potential cost-saving measure—a risky move given Tesla’s history of poor sales for low-range models. Temporary discounts on pricier variants might emerge, but a truly budget-friendly Cybertruck seems improbable.