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The newly released Tesla Cybertruck Long Range, starting at $71,985, is the single-motor, rear-wheel-drive base model initially promised for under $40,000. While its price has significantly increased, it offers a compelling 350-mile driving range, the highest of any Cybertruck variant, positioning it as the efficiency-focused option for buyers who don't need the top-tier performance of the all-wheel-drive (AWD) or Cyberbeast models. This model makes significant feature trade-offs to hit its price point, forfeiting the AWD version's premium interior and adjustable suspension.
The Long Range model's primary advantage is its extended driving range, which is the distance an electric vehicle can travel on a single charge under ideal conditions. Tesla estimates the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Cybertruck can achieve 350 miles of range, or 362 miles with the optional soft tonneau cover installed to improve aerodynamics. This is 25 miles more than the AWD model and 49 miles more than the Cyberbeast.
Performance is adequate but not explosive. The 0-60 mph acceleration time, a standard measure of a vehicle's straight-line speed, is claimed to be 6.2 seconds. This compares to 4.1 seconds for the AWD model and a blistering 2.6 seconds for the Cyberbeast. For utility, the Long Range is rated to tow up to 7,500 pounds and has a maximum payload capacity, the weight it can carry in its bed, of 2,006 pounds. Both figures are lower than the AWD model's 11,000-pound towing and 2,500-pound payload capacities.
The table below provides a clear comparison of the core specifications:
| Specification | Cybertruck Long Range (RWD) | Cybertruck All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | Cybertruck Cyberbeast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $71,985 | ~$81,985 | ~$96,985 |
| Drivetrain | Single-Motor, RWD | Dual-Motor, AWD | Tri-Motor, AWD |
| Estimated Range | 350 miles | 325 miles | 301 miles |
| 0-60 mph Acceleration | 6.2 seconds | 4.1 seconds | 2.6 seconds |
| Max Towing Capacity | 7,500 lbs | 11,000 lbs | 11,000 lbs |
| Max Payload Capacity | 2,006 lbs | 2,500 lbs | 2,500 lbs |
Priced approximately $10,000 less than the AWD model, the Long Range version makes considerable cuts to its feature set. Based on our assessment experience, it forgoes several premium items to achieve its lower price point.
Notable omissions include:
Standard equipment instead features:
Standard safety features are comprehensive, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure prevention. Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) capability remains an expensive optional extra.
The value of the Cybertruck Long Range hinges entirely on the buyer's priorities. For those seeking the maximum possible driving range from the Cybertruck lineup and have more modest needs for towing or payload, this model is the logical choice. The performance, while the slowest in the lineup, is still quicker than many traditional gasoline-powered trucks.
However, the significant price increase from its original target and the stripped-down feature list are major considerations. The ~$81,985 AWD model offers vastly superior acceleration, greater utility, and a much more premium interior experience for a $10,000 premium. For buyers who frequently tow or carry heavy loads, the AWD model's capabilities are a necessary upgrade.
When evaluating the Cybertruck Long Range, key decision points are:
Ultimately, the Cybertruck Long Range carves out a specific niche as the efficiency leader in Tesla's pickup lineup, but its final price places it in a highly competitive segment where its trade-offs will be scrutinized.
