Karl Furlong
2023-12-07 09:54:17
carbuzz.com
Never has a comparison between two vehicles in the same segment felt so incongruous. The Cybertruck is so utterly different from any other electric pickup that comparing it to one feels almost pointless. For better or worse, the Tesla rewrites the rulebook for pickups in design and performance.
But this is a comparison, so to help us along, we’ll look at some figures. The cheapest RWD Cybertruck model will only arrive in 2025 at a price of $60,990. By then, the base Ford F-150 Lightning will likely cost more than its current MSRP of $49,990.
The dual-motor AWD Cybertruck costs $79,990, and the tri-motor Cyberbeast costs $99,990. You can get the more powerful Lightning with the extended range battery for around $70k, but Ford has no answer to the powerful Cyberbeast, even if you spend over $90k on the Lightning Platinum.
As things stand now, the F-150 Lightning offers more value at a lower price point and more user-friendly controls. But those willing to live with the Tesla’s new-age tech and all the attention will be driving something much more exciting. The Tesla is also quicker, has more range, can tow more, and has a higher payload. Early reports suggest the steer-by-wire system makes the Tesla feel far nimbler than other pickups, so yes, the Cybertruck isn’t all flash and no substance.
We can’t make a definitive choice until we drive the Tesla, but we suspect all other electric pickups have their work cut out for them, including the F-150 Lightning.