The wheels on the new base Tesla Cybertruck are the first feature I actually appreciate about the ridiculous vehicle.

The wheels on the new base Tesla Cybertruck are the first feature I actually appreciate about the ridiculous vehicle.

      Tesla

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      The new Tesla Cybertruck Long Range, a rear-drive base model, is now being promoted on X as “available now” with a starting price of “$62,490 after a $7,500 Federal Tax Credit.” This puts the total at $69,990 plus destination fees, and of course, taxes, title, and registration fees just like any other vehicle. We are quite a distance from the initially promised starting price of $40,000 (even accounting for inflation), but this aligns with recent speculations. On a positive note, I do like the wheels.

      In 2023, Reuters reported that “the least expensive rear-wheel drive [Cybertruck], estimated to start at about $61,000, will be available in 2025.” Tesla’s website clearly incorporates the U.S. federal tax incentive into the price; as of April 11, that’s the figure displayed on the company’s homepage. Given that Tesla’s configurator previously included “estimated gas savings,” this is not new for the company.

      It is uncertain whether that incentive will remain indefinitely or vanish at any moment. The federal government has been less supportive of EVs while favoring Tesla amid tariffs impacting the auto industry overall (that you may have heard about), making it impossible to predict how long the posted price of any car will remain accurate.

      Screenshot of the Tesla Cybertruck landing page from April 11. Tesla

      Anyway, I've been fluctuating between anxiousness about car price changes and attempts to overlook them. What drew my attention to the Cybertruck Long Range are its 18-inch wheels. They’re the first aesthetic feature of the Cybertruck that I genuinely like: Wheel covers resembling large bolt heads or Lego pieces. Regardless, it’s a unique cyberpunk design that I appreciate. Colleagues have humorously criticized them, off the record, as resembling hubcaps, but I think they look pretty cool.

      It's also good that the truck is finally getting some sidewall. Most Cybertrucks feature a 20-inch wheel with special Goodyear all-terrain tires in size 285/65R20, which are roughly 35 inches in diameter. These Long Range models will come with 18-inch wheels fitted with all-season tires. I couldn't determine the exact tire size or sidewall dimensions, and since Tesla lacks media contacts, I turned to Grok—X’s AI chatbot, which is also highlighted on the automaker's website—for information. Unsurprisingly, it was unaware that 18-inch wheels were available.

      Tesla

      In any case, drivers of the Long Range Cybertruck might enjoy the comfort of taller, softer sidewalls, even if this results in slightly reduced handling sharpness and puncture resistance. The lighter-duty tires accompanying the 18-inch wheels should also help improve this version's efficiency. If you still prefer the larger rims, you can opt for them at an additional cost of $3,500.

      Regarding other specifics for this model, it features a single rear-mounted motor with a locking differential and an estimated range of 350 miles. This base truck includes cloth seats, coil-spring suspension instead of adaptive air suspension, and, of course, the smaller 18-inch wheels.

      Tesla

      My acquaintances at InsideEVs noted that “the lower price comes with many downgrades compared to the All-Wheel Drive version,” expressing disappointment that this model has a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds and a payload rating of 2,006 pounds. In my view, those remain impressive specifications. A towing capacity of 7,500 pounds is sufficient for trailers with cars, various boats, or even a couple of horses. Additionally, any payload capacity exceeding 1,500 pounds is more than adequate for most consumer needs.

      Other Cybertrucks outperform this model (with towing capabilities of 11,000 pounds and maximum payloads of 2,500 pounds) and are considerably quicker. An all-wheel-drive Cybertruck boasts a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.1 seconds; the insane Cyberbeast claims a neck-snapping 2.6 seconds to reach 60; whereas this model takes 6.2 seconds. While technically not as impressive as its counterparts, it is still more than fast enough for a pickup truck.

      This “least expensive” Cybertruck also lacks a rear screen, front seat ventilation, a less sophisticated audio system than the other models, and does not have 120-volt power outlets, unlike the all-wheel-drive and 'Beast models.

      Tesla

      I'm sure Tesla hopes that this lower-cost variant boosts sales, as it seems to be realizing that everyone willing and able to pay six figures for a Cybertruck has already made their purchase. As I mentioned, this base model's towing and payload specifications are reasonable, but unless gas prices reach $10 a gallon, I don't see much value in a rear-drive electric pickup priced at $70,000

The wheels on the new base Tesla Cybertruck are the first feature I actually appreciate about the ridiculous vehicle. The wheels on the new base Tesla Cybertruck are the first feature I actually appreciate about the ridiculous vehicle. The wheels on the new base Tesla Cybertruck are the first feature I actually appreciate about the ridiculous vehicle. The wheels on the new base Tesla Cybertruck are the first feature I actually appreciate about the ridiculous vehicle. The wheels on the new base Tesla Cybertruck are the first feature I actually appreciate about the ridiculous vehicle. The wheels on the new base Tesla Cybertruck are the first feature I actually appreciate about the ridiculous vehicle. The wheels on the new base Tesla Cybertruck are the first feature I actually appreciate about the ridiculous vehicle. The wheels on the new base Tesla Cybertruck are the first feature I actually appreciate about the ridiculous vehicle. The wheels on the new base Tesla Cybertruck are the first feature I actually appreciate about the ridiculous vehicle.

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The wheels on the new base Tesla Cybertruck are the first feature I actually appreciate about the ridiculous vehicle.

A base-model Cybertruck priced at $70,000 is now offered, featuring rear-wheel drive, cloth seats, and smaller, more attractive wheels with thick sidewalls.