Is Tesla's new rear-wheel drive Cybertruck Long Range worth $72,235? The short answer: only if you're okay with major compromises. While the $10K price drop and 362-mile range sound impressive, you're giving up all-wheel drive, towing capacity, and premium features that make the Cybertruck special. I've driven all three Cybertruck models, and here's the truth - this base version feels like Tesla cut too many corners to hit that price point. You'll save money upfront, but you might regret missing out on features like the power tonneau cover, premium audio, and adaptive air suspension that make the more expensive models shine.
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- 1、Meet Tesla's New Rear-Wheel Drive Cybertruck Long Range
- 2、Performance Trade-Offs You Should Know About
- 3、Interior and Exterior Downgrades
- 4、Is This Really a Good Deal?
- 5、Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy This?
- 6、Beyond the Spec Sheet: Real-World Cybertruck Considerations
- 7、The Hidden Costs of Cybertruck Ownership
- 8、Cultural Impact vs Practicality
- 9、Environmental Considerations
- 10、Daily Driving Surprises
- 11、FAQs
Meet Tesla's New Rear-Wheel Drive Cybertruck Long Range
The Good: Price Drop and Extended Range
Guess what just hit the market? Tesla's rear-wheel drive Cybertruck Long Range - and it's got some interesting upgrades. The biggest headline? You're saving $10,000 compared to the dual-motor All-Wheel Drive model. That's serious cash back in your pocket!
Here's the kicker - by ditching the front motor (and adding an optional $750 soft tonneau cover), you actually gain 37 miles of range. Let me break it down for you:
| Model | Range | 0-60 mph | Supercharger Speed (miles/15min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Range RWD | 362 miles | 6.2 sec | 147 |
| All-Wheel Drive | 356 miles | 4.1 sec | 135 |
| Cyberbeast | 332 miles | 2.5 sec | 127 |
The Not-So-Good: What You're Giving Up
Now, before you get too excited, let's talk about what's missing. Tesla had to cut corners to hit that $72,235 price point. And boy, did they cut corners!
First off, you're losing all-wheel drive capability. While some folks might not need it, remember this: every other electric truck on the market comes standard with AWD. Makes you wonder - is saving $10K worth giving up that extra traction when you need it most?
The answer depends on your driving needs. If you're mostly cruising city streets and highways, RWD might be fine. But if you ever plan to haul heavy loads or drive in bad weather, you might regret this choice.
Performance Trade-Offs You Should Know About
Photos provided by pixabay
Slower Acceleration, Reduced Towing
Let's be real - 0-60 in 6.2 seconds isn't exactly slow, but compared to the AWD model's 4.1 seconds (or the Cyberbeast's insane 2.5 seconds), it feels like you're driving grandpa's pickup. Remember that time you tried to merge onto the highway in an underpowered rental car? Yeah, kinda like that.
The towing capacity takes an even bigger hit - dropping from 11,000 pounds to just 7,500. That means no more hauling your neighbor's boat while towing your RV simultaneously. Here's what changed:
- Towing capacity: 7,500 lbs (vs. 11,000 lbs)
- Payload capacity: 2,006 lbs (vs. 2,500 lbs)
- Suspension: Coil springs instead of adaptive air
Range Reality Check
Here's something funny - to actually get that advertised 362-mile range, you need to spend an extra $750 on a soft tonneau cover. Without it, you're looking at 350 miles. Upgrade to the 20-inch Cyber Wheels? Now you're down to 331 miles. It's like ordering a large pizza but only getting 10 slices instead of 12!
And let's be honest - Tesla's range estimates tend to be... optimistic. In real-world testing, these trucks typically fall short by 15-20%. So that 362 miles? More like 290-300 in everyday driving.
Interior and Exterior Downgrades
Outside: Missing Features Galore
The bed area got hit particularly hard. No power tonneau cover (that's a $750 add-on), no 120/240V outlets, and the fancy tie-down system is gone. You're basically getting a fancy metal box back there. Even the lighting gets downgraded - no more "signature lamps" (whatever those are) and standard taillights instead of premium ones.
The suspension changes might be the biggest practical difference. You lose the adjustable ride height, meaning your ground clearance drops from up to 16 inches to just 9.57 inches. That's the difference between clearing a curb and getting stuck on a speed bump!
Photos provided by pixabay
Slower Acceleration, Reduced Towing
Slide into the cabin and the cost-cutting becomes obvious. Cloth seats (no leather option), heated front seats only, and say goodbye to that fancy rear touchscreen. The center console gets downgraded too, though Tesla's being vague about what exactly that means.
The audio system takes a massive hit - from 15 speakers (including 4 subs) with noise cancellation to just 7 speakers (2 subs) without noise cancellation. That's like going from a concert hall to your kid's Bluetooth speaker!
Is This Really a Good Deal?
Comparing to the Competition
Here's the million-dollar question (or rather, the $72,000 question): is this stripped-down Cybertruck worth it? Let's look at some alternatives:
- Ford F-150 Lightning starts at $55,000 with 240 miles range
- Rivian R1T starts at $73,000 with 270 miles range
- Chevy Silverado EV starts at $77,000 with 450 miles range
See the pattern? You're paying Cybertruck money but getting less truck in many ways. Sure, the Tesla has that futuristic look, but is that worth all the missing features?
The Future of Cybertruck Pricing
Remember when Tesla promised a $40,000 Cybertruck? Yeah, that ship has sailed. With this Long Range model already stripped to the bones, there's almost nothing left to cut except maybe a smaller battery. And let's face it - nobody wants less range in an electric truck.
Could Tesla offer discounts? Maybe. They've done it before with other models. But don't hold your breath for a truly affordable Cybertruck anytime soon. This might be as cheap as it gets for the foreseeable future.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy This?
Photos provided by pixabay
Slower Acceleration, Reduced Towing
This RWD Long Range model makes sense if:
- You must have a Cybertruck but can't stretch to $80K+
- You mostly drive in warm climates with no snow
- You rarely tow heavy loads
- You don't care about luxury features
For everyone else? You might want to save up for the AWD model or look at competitors. After all, $72,000 is still a lot of money for a truck missing so many features!
Our Recommendation
If you're on the fence, we'd suggest waiting. Tesla often makes changes to their lineup, and better deals might come along. Or consider a used Model X - you'll get more features for less money, just without that angular stainless steel look.
At the end of the day, the Cybertruck remains one of the most interesting vehicles on the road. But interesting doesn't always mean smart buying. Choose wisely!
Beyond the Spec Sheet: Real-World Cybertruck Considerations
The Charging Network Advantage
You know what most competitors can't match? Tesla's Supercharger network. While other trucks might have similar range on paper, finding fast charging can be a nightmare. With Tesla, you've got over 45,000 Superchargers worldwide - that's more plugs than all other networks combined!
Here's a fun fact: during our road trip test, we added 147 miles of range in just 15 minutes. Try doing that with a Ford Lightning at an Electrify America station - you'll be lucky to get half that speed. The table doesn't show it, but charging reliability is where Tesla truly shines.
Software That Actually Works
Ever used Ford's BlueCruise or GM's Super Cruise? They're decent, but Tesla's Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (even with its quirks) feel years ahead. The Cybertruck's steer-by-wire system makes highway driving surprisingly relaxing. And the 360-degree camera views? They actually help when parking this behemoth!
Other manufacturers promise over-the-air updates, but Tesla actually delivers them. Last month, my Model Y got five new features overnight - including improved cold weather performance. That's the kind of support you won't find elsewhere.
The Hidden Costs of Cybertruck Ownership
Insurance Sticker Shock
Here's something nobody talks about - insuring this stainless steel beast costs way more than regular trucks. My quote came in at $3,200 annually compared to $1,500 for a Rivian R1T. Why? Repair shops can't fix dents - they have to replace entire body panels!
And let's talk tires. Those massive 35-inch Goodyear tires cost $450 each and wear out faster than traditional truck tires. You'll be replacing them every 25,000 miles if you enjoy that instant torque.
Accessory Addiction
Think you're done paying after the purchase? Think again! Tesla's accessory ecosystem will tempt you at every turn:
- $3,000 for the Cyberquad (that tiny ATV in the reveal)
- $2,500 for the powered tonneau cover
- $800 for the premium floor mats
Before you know it, you've added $10K in extras. Pro tip: wait for third-party options - they're usually half the price.
Cultural Impact vs Practicality
The Celebrity Effect
Here's something fascinating - the Cybertruck has become a status symbol beyond its utility. Jay-Z has one. Kim Kardashian has one. Even Elon Musk drives one daily. But does that translate to real-world benefits?
During my week with the truck, I got stopped for photos 27 times. It's like driving a rolling conversation starter. But when you just need to haul mulch from Home Depot, all that attention gets old fast.
Resale Value Mystery
Here's a question no one can answer yet: how will these hold their value? Early Model S cars depreciated terribly, but recent Teslas have been rock stars. The Cybertruck's limited production could make it a collector's item... or it could flop like the DeLorean.
One thing's certain - that stainless steel exterior won't show scratches like regular paint. So at least you won't lose value to parking lot dings!
Environmental Considerations
Battery Production Realities
We all love electric vehicles, but let's be honest - that massive battery comes with an environmental cost. Producing the Cybertruck's battery pack creates about 15 tons of CO2 compared to 6 tons for a gas truck's manufacturing. It takes about 20,000 miles of driving to break even.
The good news? Tesla's Texas gigafactory runs on 100% renewable energy. And unlike Ford or GM, they don't have legacy gas vehicles offsetting their green efforts.
Recycling Road Ahead
Ever wonder what happens to old EV batteries? Tesla's recycling program can recover 92% of battery materials - way better than the industry average. They're even using recycled nickel in new batteries already.
Compare that to traditional trucks - once that engine dies, the whole vehicle often gets scrapped. At least with the Cybertruck, most components get a second life.
Daily Driving Surprises
The Turning Radius Miracle
Here's the most shocking thing about driving this 19-foot-long monster: it turns like a golf cart! The rear-wheel steering makes parking maneuvers shockingly easy. I parallel parked it downtown on my first try - something I can't do in my wife's Subaru.
The downside? That tight turning circle eats into your range. Expect 10-15% less efficiency in city driving compared to highway cruising.
Winter Warrior or Fairweather Friend?
How does it handle snow? Surprisingly well... when equipped properly. The RWD model needs winter tires to match AWD performance, but that stainless steel body shrugs off road salt like nothing. No more rust repairs!
Battery performance does take a hit in cold weather though. On our 20°F test day, range dropped by 28%. Pro tip: precondition the battery while plugged in to minimize the impact.
E.g. ：Cybertruck – Electric Utility Truck | Tesla
FAQs
Q: How does the RWD Cybertruck's range compare to AWD models?
A: Here's the surprising part - the RWD Long Range actually beats both AWD models in maximum range... but there's a catch. You'll get 362 miles only if you buy the $750 soft tonneau cover. Without it, range drops to 350 miles. Compare that to 356 miles for the AWD model and just 332 for the Cyberbeast. But remember - in our real-world testing, Tesla's range estimates tend to be optimistic by 15-20%. So that 362 miles? Expect closer to 290-300 in everyday driving conditions.
Q: What features are missing in the RWD Cybertruck?
A: Where do I start? The list of missing features is longer than a Cybertruck's bed! You lose all-wheel drive capability, the power tonneau cover (standard on other models), bed power outlets, premium lighting, and the L-Track tie-down system. Inside, say goodbye to leather seats, rear seat heating, the 9.4-inch rear screen, and the 15-speaker audio system (downgraded to 7 speakers). Even the suspension gets downgraded from adaptive air to basic coil springs. It's like Tesla took a chainsaw to the features list to hit that price point.
Q: Is the RWD Cybertruck's towing capacity sufficient?
A: If you're planning serious towing, the RWD model might disappoint. While 7,500 pounds sounds decent (enough for most boats or small trailers), it's a big drop from the 11,000-pound capacity of AWD models. More concerning? Payload capacity shrinks to just 2,006 pounds (and that's only if you upgrade to $3,500 20-inch wheels). For comparison, an F-150 Lightning can handle up to 2,235 pounds in its base configuration. Bottom line - if towing is important, you'll want to step up to the AWD model.
Q: How does acceleration compare between RWD and AWD Cybertrucks?
A: Buckle up for some sobering numbers. The RWD model takes 6.2 seconds to hit 60 mph - nearly 50% slower than the AWD's 4.1 seconds and glacial compared to the Cyberbeast's 2.5-second rocket launch. In our testing, that difference feels even more dramatic in real-world driving. Merging onto highways or passing slower traffic requires more planning in the RWD model. It's not slow by truck standards, but after experiencing the AWD's punch, the base model feels underwhelming.
Q: Should I wait for a cheaper Cybertruck model?
A: Honestly? Don't hold your breath. With this RWD model already stripped to the bones, there's very little left for Tesla to cut except maybe a smaller battery (which would reduce range). Remember those $40K Cybertruck promises? They're looking more unlikely than ever. If you want a Cybertruck now, this might be as affordable as it gets. But if you can wait, Tesla might offer discounts on AWD models later this year - we've seen them do it before with other vehicles when sales slow down.
