Home » The Cheapest Rear-Wheel-Drive Cybertruck Is Finally Here, With Cloth Interior To Boot

The Cheapest Rear-Wheel-Drive Cybertruck Is Finally Here, With Cloth Interior To Boot

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The Tesla Cybertruck was announced with much fanfare all the way back in 2019. It took a long time to come to market, and when it did, something was missing. Namely, the cheaper rear-wheel-drive version with the longest possible range. Now, it seems that mystical vehicle has finally arrived.

Tesla took to Twitter to announce the news today, billing the “Long Range” rear-wheel-drive model at a price of $62,490 including the $7,500 Federal Tax Credit for EVs. Sans the credit, it’s $69,990 prior to destination fees—quite a lot more than the entry level price of $39,990 quoted by Tesla CEO Elon Musk back in 2019. Still, a lot has happened in the years since then, and the price nevertheless makes this the cheapest Cybertruck yet. By comparison, you’ll pay $79,990 for the dual-motor AWD version, and $99,990 for the triple-motor Cyberbeast (sans incentives).

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By virtue of its more efficient single-motor design, the rear-wheel-drive Cybertruck has longer legs than its more powerful siblings. Tesla estimates it achieves 362 miles of range, compared to 325 and 320 miles for the AWD and Cyberbeast trims, respectively. It’s also capable of picking up range faster while chaging—gaining up to 147 miles on a Supercharger in just 15 minutes, compared to just 135 miles for the triple-motor variant.

However, those numbers come with a caveat—you have to install the optional soft tonneau cover to achieve the aerodynamic efficiency to hit that figure. Without it, you’ll only get 350 miles of range. Notably, the soft tonneau cover is a $750 option that you have to install yourself. It appears the fancy motorized tonneau cover is limited to the higher trims—an obvious cost-saving measure to bring the new model’s price down. Worst case, without the tonnea cover and with the upgraded 20″ wheels, you’ll see range drop to 331 miles—which is admittedly still better than the higher variants.

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Other equipment has been shaved off, too. Forget air suspension—your Cybertruck rides on an adaptive coil spring setup. You don’t get the additional signature lamps on the front end, or a second-row display, and the audio system has just 7 speakers, down from 15 in higher trims. Tesla has also dropped the bed and cabin power sockets, too. You still get heated seats up front, but ventilation is gone, and the interior is listed as “textile.” We’re talking cloth here, baby! Full on fabric, rather than anything leather-feeling.

Compositor
Those smaller 18-inch wheels help boost the range by 20 miles or so. You can option 20″ wheels but base range drops to 331 miles. Credit: Tesla
Range Boosting Tonneau Tesla
The soft tonneau cover is a $750 option and is only compatible with the Long Range single-motor trim. The accessory ships in June, according to Tesla and adds 12 miles of range. Credit: Tesla

If you’re worried about your respiratory health, the Long Range model is less equipped in that regard, too. You don’t get the fancy HEPA filter as per the upper trims, just a simple particulate filter more akin to what you’d find in any other vehicle.

The single-motor truck is also slower. It takes 6.2 seconds to achieve the zero-to-60 mph sprint, versus 4.1 seconds for the AWD and 2.6 seconds for the Cyberbeast. You also give up some payload—the Long Range only carries 2,006 pounds, versus 2,500 pounds for the All-Wheel-Drive and 2,271 pounds for the Cyberbeast. As for towing, it’ll only haul 7,500 pounds, versus the 11,000-pound limit on higher trims.

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“It’s CLOTH, Jerry! CLOTH!” Credit: Tesla
Interior
Otherwise the interior looks fairly normal. Credit: Tesla

Overall, if you’ve been jonesing for a cheaper, more efficient Cybertruck, this could be the one for you. Ultimately, though, it’s not that much cheaper, and you do give up a lot of speed and equipment for the lower price.

It’s wild to think that these things were once billed to land under $40,000, which would have made them competitive on price with something like a basic Ford F-150. In the end, that just didn’t happen.

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Compositor (2)
Look at those big meats. The tires, I mean. So. Much. Sidewall. Credit: Tesla

Still, Tesla will be hoping that the long-awaited arrival of the rear-wheel-drive model will reignite sales after what has been a rather tough time for the jagged silver pickup. Whether or not it can arrest the slide remains to be seen.

Image credits: Tesla

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Stef Schrader
Stef Schrader
2 months ago

There’s nothing cheap about a vehicle this decontentented from the standard model that was announced at $40K!

More importantly, there’s nothing cheerful about funding a far-right, Nazi-saluting bunghole who’s ignorantly and gleefully destroying our federal government, distorting elections with should-be-if-not giveaway scams, amplifying Nazis and other fascists on social media and supporting far-right parties beloved by said neo-Nazis across the world.

If you buy this, you’re not just gross for your willingness to fund the rise of hateful far-right ideology at home and abroad by giving Elon Musk money, but you’re an absolute mark who’s too easily parted with their money.

Like, I wouldn’t even use the Supercharger network at this point.

Last edited 2 months ago by Stef Schrader
Peter Thompson
Peter Thompson
2 months ago

We are so, so far past the point where reporting on Tesla without mentioning the ‘problematic’ ownership is very irresponsible journalism.

Cars? I've owned a few
Cars? I've owned a few
2 months ago

I simply cannot get over how fugly these abominations are. Almost as fugly as the actions of the maker’s CEO.

Kendall Gray
Kendall Gray
2 months ago

There is an old question. If Hitler- who wanted to be a painter, but wasn’t any good at it- produced a painting that you liked, regardless of the critics, would you hang it on your wall?

No.

Because, regardless of any painting, he was Hitler. That cannot be erased or forgotten.

Tesla, all products considered?

The value doesn’t change who owns the company.

Buy one now, whichever model? Your putting money in the pockets of a nazi.

I absolutely want this site to cover Tesla. They build and sell cars. It’s certainly in bounds.

But never forgetting who gets the publicity and the money from any buyers. That this supports a nazi who is destroying large parts of our government?

Probably shouldn’t.

Stef Schrader
Stef Schrader
2 months ago
Reply to  Kendall Gray

Yeah — I’m disappointed that a car culture site isn’t covering this extremely important aspect of culture that’s being ruined by this particular car company’s main figurehead.

“Pro-car” shouldn’t be at the expense of “pro-human.”

Cheap Bastard
Cheap Bastard
2 months ago

“Notably, the soft tonneau cover is a $750 option that you have to install yourself.”

$750 for a DIY tonneau cover? How about $5 for a tarp and some rope instead?

Abe Froman
Abe Froman
2 months ago
Reply to  Cheap Bastard

Fits the look. Dumpster chic.

Derek van Veen
Derek van Veen
2 months ago

Does it come with the patented Cybertruck frame-snapping technology?

Crest07
Crest07
3 months ago

Should be a $40k truck before tax credits. That would have actually been redemption but i’m glad Elon has priced it this way. That way he get to watch it die quick.

Manwich Sandwich
Manwich Sandwich
3 months ago

Other equipment has been shaved off, too. Forget air suspension—your Cybertruck rides on an adaptive coil spring setup.”

I view that as a benefit in the long run by avoiding costly air bag failures in the future. Nor is there any air pump working away using energy.

” You don’t get the additional signature lamps on the front end”

Good. Don’t need them.

“or a second-row display,”

Don’t need that either

“and the audio system has just 7 speakers, down from 15 in higher trims.”

I’d want to hear the difference between the two to see if the difference is enough to matter.

“Tesla has also dropped the bed and cabin power sockets, too.”

Don’t need them either.

“You still get heated seats up front, but ventilation is gone,”

I dislike heated seats. I wish they removed the heating feature as well

and the interior is listed as “textile.” We’re talking cloth here, baby! Full on fabric, rather than anything leather-feeling”

Good. Cloth is BETTER than leather or faux-leather.

“You don’t get the fancy HEPA filter as per the upper trims”

There is nothing all that special about HEPA filters. You can just buy an aftermarket hepa filter and install it. I did that on past cars I’ve had.

The single-motor truck is also slower. It takes 6.2 seconds to achieve the zero-to-60 mph sprint,”

Which would still be WAAAAAY faster than anyone needs

The only feature delete that is missing is debagging it and/or offering alternative badging given how Musk/Tesla have a very negative perception these days due to politics.

Or failing that, the Tesla board needs to delete Elon Musk from Tesla.

Kommkat
Kommkat
2 months ago

Honestly, the only loss that concerns me is the outlet delete. That really isn’t an expensive part, and they provide an incredible amount of utility when working. Also, I’m sure Tesla has found a way to screw up fabric.

Michael Hess
Michael Hess
2 months ago
Reply to  Kommkat

I’m sure there’s an extra inverter board that isn’t exactly free, to back those outlets.

Michael Hess
Michael Hess
2 months ago

More like those features should be options, a couple I couldn’t do without anymore. It’s not the 90’s folks!

Stef Schrader
Stef Schrader
2 months ago

the Tesla board needs to delete Elon Musk from Tesla.

This right here is the only way they could “fix” this stupid thing. I’m with you on cloth seats being better and much of the stuff being deleted being unnecessary, but there is no way anyone should be giving Elon Musk money at this point, full stop, even if they priced this thing at a more relevant price point given how decontented it is from the previous lower trim. Musk is a cancer upon society.

MiniDave
MiniDave
3 months ago

I hate to break it to you all, but $70K is NOT cheap! yes, it’s $50K less than the “Foundation” trucks, but so what?

Manwich Sandwich
Manwich Sandwich
3 months ago
Reply to  MiniDave

It would be cheap if we just stop being poor…

Ignatius J. Reilly
Ignatius J. Reilly
2 months ago

It’s ironic, given the guy selling these is working hard to ensure everyone gets a lot poorer.

Cerberus
Cerberus
3 months ago

This thing is sold on the dumb look and too much tech. Removing the more showy tech (power tonneau cover) and the useful outside power hookup leaves just the dumb look for not really much less. It’s still not cheap and now competitors are even better equipped against it. Eh, whatever.

Rublicon
Rublicon
3 months ago

Am I the only one freaking out about the fact that the Cybertruck was originally touted as having seating for 6 (as in a front bench seat or more realistically, a center jump seat) but it didn’t show up in production versions. Now the images of this one show that front jump seat!!!! Why am I such a nerd for trucks that seat 6???

Nlpnt
Nlpnt
3 months ago

Yes, both David and Jason reviewed it.

BUT

I’m still waiting for The Bishop’s emergency-facelift article. How to give the Cybertruck a friendly face on the cheap (fiberglass frunk panel in color with round headlights, plus bumpers, flares and wheel covers matched to frunk color?)

CampoDF
CampoDF
3 months ago

I work in the construction industry and man, if some dude showed up on a jobsite with a GD Cybertruck he’d be relentlessly ball-busted for damn sure. Problem is the only one who’d buy one would be the boss…

Dinklesmith
Dinklesmith
2 months ago
Reply to  CampoDF

That’s why you unionize–then you can ball bust the boss all you want!

Michael Hess
Michael Hess
2 months ago
Reply to  Dinklesmith

If you are in a union then you can DEFINITELY afford one of these, unless of course you suck with personal finances!

Dinklesmith
Dinklesmith
2 months ago
Reply to  Michael Hess

Doesn’t buying one of these indicate someone sucks with personal finances though?

Stef Schrader
Stef Schrader
2 months ago
Reply to  Dinklesmith

Yep, and they suck as a person for increasing Elon’s profits, too.

Even without the Elon factor being the main reason not to buy this, it’s stupidly overpriced.

Last edited 2 months ago by Stef Schrader
Michael Hess
Michael Hess
2 months ago
Reply to  Stef Schrader

Check pricing on Hummer ev’s, or hell, any high end truck. Don’t be so obviously naive.

I buy Apple and Google products, their upper management isn’t any better.

If you ever owned a Ford with this logic, you are a fascist.

Now that just can’t be true or fair right?

Stef Schrader
Stef Schrader
2 months ago
Reply to  Michael Hess

The Hummer EV hasn’t put out a stripped-down version for total marks, nor are they doing so at a time when resale values of better equipped, nearly-new used examples are in the toilet. As for other high-end trucks, yeah, this stripper Cybertruck is damn near F-150 King Ranch money.

The rest of your comment is woefully out of touch given that none of those people have taken as active a role in wantonly destroying the federal government with no idea what they’re doing or in promoting hateful views and movements. They’re no angels, either, but they’re also not retweeting dumb internet nazis instead of running their companies.

Also, Henry Ford the virulent anti-semite has been dead for ages. Dead men make no profits off of current Ford truck sales. Buying a Ford in 2025 isn’t funding reprints of The International Jew. Buying a Tesla, on the other hand, funds Elon’s ability to buy influence for his hateful 4chan-brained views. Massive difference.

Last edited 2 months ago by Stef Schrader
Michael Hess
Michael Hess
2 months ago
Reply to  Stef Schrader

You are an extremist. He is taking power your family and friends gave him by electing Trump. Like any powerful CEO, evil will be done. Tesla is a watershed company. To let one person bring it’s value (not financially speaking) down, is to cut off ones head in spite of the noise.

No other single company has done as much to push renewables as Tesla. Credit were credit is due. Doesn’t mean I approve of musk, other than to thank him for turning Tesla into what it has become.

Stef Schrader
Stef Schrader
2 months ago
Reply to  Michael Hess

Caring about other people — from government employees getting irresponsibly let go to various minorities whose Elon and his Twitter buddies sure do love to bash — is not extremist. To be clear here, no one elected Elon in particular, but he quite obviously bought his way into the Trump administration by throwing obscene amounts of cash at the election and distorting democracy with his little bribery scheme in PA. I’d prefer it if Elon had less money to do things like that because of how he’s been using his wealth and influence as of late, hence my take that buying a Cybertruck is not a good thing to do.

I’m not here to rewrite history and claim that Tesla wasn’t a significant company in getting more people to adopt EVs. Overall, it’s an innovative company in need of an adult to get them back on track.

What matters to me are the hateful actions its main company figurehead is taking now, which is a stain upon the company that they really should rectify, lest their entire reputation (and profitability, for that matter) go down the crapper.

Last edited 2 months ago by Stef Schrader
Michael Hess
Michael Hess
2 months ago
Reply to  Stef Schrader

Absolutely agree with your last two paragraphs.

As to the first, of course I care about others. Assuming you’re cute is the only right one for hundreds of millions, is extremist.

Change will only happen in bite size pieces, if you are lucky. That means compromise, and more measured decisions.

Saying something needs to change, and going straight to the end game with expectations, is both irrational, and extreme.

Stef Schrader
Stef Schrader
2 months ago
Reply to  Michael Hess

The small act of not giving a very bad influence on society is a bite-size piece that everyone can do, though, and not “extremist” in the slightest.

That’s a moral stand. I don’t compromise on morals.

Michael Hess
Michael Hess
2 months ago
Reply to  Dinklesmith

Not if someone can afford it without financial consequences. Literally the same as ANY hobby. Or travel, or any other form of entertainment. Judging someone based on if they like football or basketball is just batshit stupid of those judging.

Dinklesmith
Dinklesmith
2 months ago
Reply to  Michael Hess

Oh honey those people are buying a Rolls. Cybertruck is middle-class-fancy

Michael Hess
Michael Hess
2 months ago
Reply to  Dinklesmith

Yeah, I’m middle class, and I fancied the truck. That’s my choice. Deal with it.

Dinklesmith
Dinklesmith
2 months ago
Reply to  Michael Hess

Why would I care what you did with your money? It has no bearing on my original point that the cybertruck is, in itself, a poor financial decision. Congrats on getting defensive, bro. If it’s any consolation, it’s your own fault that people make fun of you

Michael Hess
Michael Hess
2 months ago
Reply to  Dinklesmith

It’s only a poor financial decision to those that don’t want it, and/or can’t afford it. You really need to stop pushing your beliefs on others.

Dinklesmith
Dinklesmith
2 months ago
Reply to  Michael Hess

How am I pushing my beliefs on you? I didn’t stop you from buying it. I’m not out here stopping you from going to Applebee’s for your fancy date night.

If you want to be deeply underwater on a truck that’s literally glued together while panels fall off while people make fun of you, that’s completely within your purview.

Liking it doesnt make it a good financial decision. I like hookers and blow, but let’s not pretend those are wise choices

Insecurity isn’t masculine, btw

Last edited 2 months ago by Dinklesmith
Michael Hess
Michael Hess
2 months ago
Reply to  Dinklesmith

Underwater? No, vehicles aren’t assets, they are expenses. Treating them any other way is stupid.

Your opinion is what you are definitively starting is correct. That’s pushing beliefs on others.

And your generalizations are flat out wrong. But I’m sure you also believe in the second amendment and tariffs are good…

MDMK
MDMK
3 months ago

The cheapo Cybertruck’s cloth seats should help absorb their owners’ tears of regret.

CampoDF
CampoDF
3 months ago

The ship has sailed on this one. Nobody is going to by this Cyberjunk unless they are really wanting to flaunt how much they don’t GAF at looking like an asshole. Those people have already bought the more expensive ones. There’s a lot behind an old big box store near my house that has 50 or so of these things just rotting away because there’s zero demand.

MP81
MP81
3 months ago
Reply to  CampoDF

And then cry when they are, rightfully, judged hard by literally everyone.

Michael Hess
Michael Hess
2 months ago
Reply to  CampoDF

Best truck I’ve owned, hands down. And now everyone on both sides hates me equally. It’s GREAT! NOBODY WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND! I LOVE IT! ???? Seriously, people suck, enjoy what you like, not others. That’s why I bought it, I, ME, like it.

Ignatius J. Reilly
Ignatius J. Reilly
2 months ago
Reply to  Michael Hess

Your comment could only exist in this post-irony world.

Michael Hess
Michael Hess
2 months ago

That literally doesn’t even make sense.

Cheap Bastard
Cheap Bastard
2 months ago
Reply to  Michael Hess

Its not just Musk.

It’s also the “LOVE ME, LOVE MY TRUCK OR I CRUSH YOU!!!” vibe.

Scoutdude
Scoutdude
3 months ago

This will make the other versions of the CT look successful. I’m sure it would help their profit margin, if they could sell any of them, that is. It is $10k cheaper but it seems like they took out $20k of equipment. At least in my area you pretty much can’t give away a 2wd truck, and unless they specialize in fleet sales the typical dealer doesn’t stock more than one or two and those are always fleet specials for the company that needs a new truck yesterday.

Gubbin
Gubbin
3 months ago
Reply to  Scoutdude

“Anchoring” is a thing. Gotta have the crappy low-end model and the gold-plated high-end model to make the more profitable midrange models seem reasonable.

Scoutdude
Scoutdude
3 months ago
Reply to  Gubbin

This certainly does make the midrange model seem like a better value from the buyer’s perspective. However, in this case I’m not so sure that it is the more profitable version, margin wise even if it is and will continue to be the volume seller. This of course is if you can actually use “volume seller” and “Cybertruck” in the same sentence, without laughing.

Hoonicus
Hoonicus
3 months ago

Hazzah! bringing together lovers and haters albeit in distain.

Michael Hess
Michael Hess
2 months ago
Reply to  Hoonicus

Disdain.

Hoonicus
Hoonicus
2 months ago
Reply to  Michael Hess

Archaic is more fun, non putas?

RidesBicyclesButLovesCars
RidesBicyclesButLovesCars
3 months ago

Dropping the outlets in the bed and cabin are a huge turnoff. Nothing else they cut bothers me. I work with a guy who has a Lightning with the 9.6KW onboard power option. It’s one of those things that you don’t realize how handy it is until you have it.

That price though, still too high. The Lightning is a much better deal all around. This need to come in under $50k to attract buyers.

Professor Chorls
Professor Chorls
3 months ago

That’s exactly what I was thinking while reading. “All these cuts must mean they got it down to 50, right? Maybe 55holyshitwhatoneartharetheythinking”

Jason H.
Jason H.
3 months ago

Power outlets are exactly what anyone actually using this truck for work would want. Basically turning your truck into a mobile power station to power the work site, charge tools, etc

Scoutdude
Scoutdude
3 months ago
Reply to  Jason H.

Well not to many people are buying a CT as a work truck*, but even for tailgating, camping, or powering your house during a power outage, high capacity outlets in the bed are one of the better features of an electrified truck.

*I’ve read a few articles where people did buy them as a work or to promote their business where they claim it has cost them customers rather than gain them.

Stef Schrader
Stef Schrader
2 months ago
Reply to  Scoutdude

I mean, I certainly wouldn’t want to patronize anywhere that uses a Cybertruck as a promotional vehicle. It’s a big ol’ red flag on wheels.

Last edited 2 months ago by Stef Schrader
Scoutdude
Scoutdude
3 months ago

Every other EV pickup is a much better deal all around. You want a unique looking lifestyle truck the Rivian is where it is at, you want something that will tow big loads long (ish) distance GM is the answer and if you just want a regular everyday pickup but electrified the Lightning is the way to go.

Ben
Ben
3 months ago

Yeah, reading through the list of things they cut was like “don’t care, don’t care, don’t care…ooh, that sucks.”

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