The Cheapest Tesla Cybertruck has officially been discontinued, marking a major change in Tesla’s electric pickup lineup. After just five months of availability, the rear-wheel-drive variant has been pulled, effectively raising the entry price by $10,000.
Tesla Ends the RWD Variant
The discontinued model was priced at $69,990, making it the most affordable Cybertruck. With its removal, the AWD model at $79,990 now serves as the base version, raising the barrier to entry by around 14%.
The rear-wheel-drive truck was already stripped down compared to its siblings. It lacked a front motor, had reduced towing and payload ratings, slower acceleration, smaller wheels, cloth seats, and fewer interior features. Essentially, it was a budget option with noticeable compromises.
Cybertruck Lineup Comparison
Tesla now offers three Cybertruck variants:
- AWD ($79,990): Dual motors, 325-mile range, 11,000 lbs towing, 4.1-second 0-60 MPH, premium interior, adaptive air suspension.
- Cyberbeast ($99,990): Tri-motor setup, 320-mile range, 11,000 lbs towing, 2.6-second 0-60 MPH, premium console, adaptive air suspension.
- Discontinued RWD ($69,990): Single rear motor, 366-mile range, 7,500 lbs towing, slower performance, stripped-down features.
The AWD version now qualifies as the cheapest Cybertruck but comes with a higher entry point than buyers expected.
Tesla’s Pricing Strategy Shift
The move fits Tesla’s broader trend of pushing customers toward higher-margin models. Recently, the Model S and X received mandatory $10,000 “Luxe Packages,” which bundle Full Self-Driving, premium connectivity, and Supercharging. Dropping the budget Cybertruck aligns with this strategy of focusing on premium offerings.
Industry watchers suggest Tesla is consolidating features across fewer models to streamline production and reduce costs. Fewer changes on the assembly line could increase efficiency, while software can limit or unlock features without altering hardware.
Declining Cybertruck Sales
The decision also comes amid disappointing sales figures. Deliveries of Tesla’s “Other Models” (including Cybertruck, Model S, and Model X) peaked in late 2024 but dropped 66% by Q2 2025. Cybertruck production once aimed at 250,000 units annually but has struggled to meet even revised goals of 120,000 units.
With competitors like the Chevy Silverado Work Truck ($52,800) and Ford F-150 Lightning ($54,780) offering lower prices, Tesla faces stiff competition in the EV pickup market. The Cybertruck’s price gap may deter buyers who prioritize utility over luxury.
Conclusion
By discontinuing the Cheapest Tesla Cybertruck, Tesla has abandoned its budget-friendly promise and shifted focus to premium models. The move underscores changing strategies as the company grapples with declining sales and growing competition. While the Cybertruck remains a bold design statement, its future as a mass-market pickup now looks uncertain.
