Why is the Model S 15K more than the Cybertruck?
Setting aside the lazy comments of “two totally different cars” and “supply and demand”—from a pure technologies and materials standpoints, it’s tough for me to understand why the standard AWD Model S is $15K more than the standard AWD Cybertruck.
CT has arguably more technology (steer by wire, 4 wheel steering, etc.) and takes more raw material to create (it’s just bigger and made of steel). It also has some of the same tech that makes the Model S unique over the 3/Y—i.e., air suspension.
But per Tesla’s existing demo inventory today, I can get a new CT for $77K while a new Model S costs $92K. Moreover, I can lease a CT for $848 with zero down, while leasing the equivalent Model S costs more than double that—$1,919 with mandatory minimum of $2,614 down.
What am I missing? Is it just that the CT looks are that polarizing? Do people really care about being able to do 0-60 in 3.2 sec over 4.1 seconds that much? Because absent some compelling reason I don’t understand, it seems to me like the cybertrucks are a fantastic deal right now.
Posted Dec 1, 2025, 8:18 PM UTC