Tesla has introduced a new, more accessible variant of its controversial Cybertruck: a Dual Motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) model priced under $65,000. This move effectively replaces the previously promised cheaper rear-wheel-drive option, which did not garner enough market interest to be launched. The new sub-$65,000 Cybertruck aims to broaden the appeal of the electric pickup to a wider range of buyers who may have been deterred by the higher price tags of the Premium AWD or Cyberbeast models, which command $80,000 or $100,000 respectively.

With an out-the-door price of $62,235, the new Cybertruck Dual Motor AWD positions itself competitively against top internal combustion engine (ICE) pickups. For comparison, a 2026 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCrew Hybrid 4WD (with a 6.5-foot bed) has an MSRP of $60,655. The 2026 Ram 1500 Big Horn trim with 4WD, Crew Cab, and a 6-foot, 4-inch bed, featuring a 3.0-liter twin-turbo I-6, is priced at $59,165. Meanwhile, the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado LT Trail Boss Crew Cab with a Standard Bed is closely matched at $62,795. While not the absolute cheapest option in the pickup market, the Cybertruck offers a compelling all-electric alternative at a competitive price point.

In the all-electric truck segment, the Cybertruck Dual Motor base trim holds a middle-ground position. It significantly undercuts the Rivian R1T Dual Standard by nearly $13,000, which is priced at $74,990. It also comes in almost $4,000 cheaper than the 2026 F-150 Lightning XLT, which costs $65,940. However, the 2026 Silverado EV WT offers a more budget-friendly option at $55,395, beating the Tesla by nearly $7,000. On paper, the new Cybertruck presents a decent value proposition for those seeking an all-electric pickup.

However, the sub-$65,000 price tag necessitates several compromises, starting with the suspension system. The advanced air suspension with adjustable ride height, found in premium Cybertruck trims, is replaced by a conventional coil-spring setup coupled with adaptive dampers. This change directly impacts the truck's utility, significantly reducing its payload and towing capacities. The new Dual Motor base trim can tow 7,500 pounds and carry 2,006 pounds in the bed, a substantial drop from the 11,000-pound towing and 2,500-pound cargo ratings of the Premium trim. While these revised capacities are still respectable within the truck market, they represent a notable reduction for Cybertruck buyers.

Further cost-saving measures are evident in the exterior features. The lighting in the bed and the taillamp setup receive