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We live in a time where the sizzle matters more than the steak, where glossy keynotes and overcooked promises pass for product planning. In this spectacle-driven era, perhaps no vehicle has better symbolized the triumph of tech theater over traditional motoring values than the Tesla Cybertruck. It arrived onstage in 2019, with all sharp edges and shattered windows, a slab-sided fever dream from a company that had never built a truck before. And yet, people believed.
How Tesla’s $39,900 Cybertruck Dream Turned into a $70,000 Reality
They believed in the dream of a $39,900 electric workhorse. Among them was Jason Natalie Portalatin, a diehard fan who hit “reserve” on Day Two and settled in for the long haul. What he got, five years later, was a rude awakening, $70,000 for a single-motor disappointment with fewer features than a base Model Y and no bed cover to speak of.
Portalatin’s frustration isn’t the tantrum of an entitled shopper, it’s the slow exhale of someone who kept the faith far longer than most would.
“I have been patiently waiting since day two of the Cybertruck announcement, and yesterday’s single-motor reveal was a big letdown.”
He wrote in the Tesla Cybertruck Facebook group. This is the guy who scoured Cybertruck Reddit threads before his morning coffee, cross-checked production updates like a Wall Street analyst, and postponed other purchases in the belief that the RWD model would be the “people’s truck.” Instead, he got a luxury-priced shell of what was originally pitched, a masterclass in broken promises.
Tesla’s $39,900 Cybertruck Promise Left Over 1 Million Reservation Holders Facing Sticker Shock
- Despite the initial promise of a $39,900 base model, the entry-level Cybertruck has yet to materialize. Current models available for purchase start at significantly higher prices, with the base model priced at $60,990 and the “Cyberbeast” variant reaching up to $99,990. This substantial price increase has led to customer dissatisfaction, especially among the over one million individuals who placed reservations based on the original pricing.
- The Cybertruck has been subject to multiple recalls due to issues such as accelerator pedals becoming stuck, windshield wiper failures, and body panels detaching while driving. Additionally, safety experts have raised concerns about its rigid stainless-steel exoskeleton, which may pose increased risks to pedestrians and other vehicles in the event of a collision.
- While its futuristic design has garnered attention, the Cybertruck’s angular aesthetics and large dimensions have been criticized for practicality issues. For instance, the massive windshield and minimal sun visors can lead to visibility problems in bright conditions. Moreover, the vehicle’s size and weight exceed certain regulatory limits, restricting its availability in markets like the UK.
The original concept was beautiful, a bulletproof, electric utility vehicle with up to 500 miles of range, a vault-like bed, and a price tag that made it accessible to a broader market. At $39,900, the single-motor variant was the democratization of the EV truck. But now?
“I truly didn’t expect it to be $70,000. I was hoping for $60,000–$61,000 before the tax credit.”
Portalatin wrote. Even that lowered expectation was a compromise born of realism. And still, Tesla overshot it. If Elon Musk had revealed a $70K single-motor model in 2019, the preorder numbers would’ve flatlined.
But now, Tesla knows it has a captive audience, one that’s emotionally, financially, and ideologically invested.
The Hidden Upcharges Stripping Value from Tesla’s Cybertruck
Adding insult to injury, Tesla stripped out components that were once integral to the Cybertruck’s rugged identity.
“The removal of the bed cover was one of my biggest disappointments; I was hoping for a manual version of the hard cover, not a complete removal, and a $750 leather alternative that cheapens the look of the Cybertruck.”
Portalatin added. Gone is the “vault” that made the Cybertruck look like it belonged in a dystopian heist movie. In its place? An upcharge option that looks like a makeshift tarp from REI.
Jason isn’t alone in his disappointment. Another group member, Steve Pennington, echoed the sentiment:
“I was planning on waiting, but Tesla is so wishy washy with when things come out, so I pulled the trigger on the AWD and am very happy I did… 10k more for all that you get with the AWD is worth every penny.”
In other words, the low-spec model Tesla finally coughed up makes no economic or functional sense. It’s the car world’s equivalent of a fast-food chain quietly removing the value menu while raising the price of a small soda. Portalatin replied,
“Yeah, I almost bought the AWD with the 2% APR, but decided to wait. At least I know I can plan more accordingly.”
And maybe that’s the most tragic part: he waited. For five years. In a car culture that used to reward patience with a better deal or a faster variant, Portalatin waited for less. That’s the modern twist. We no longer wait for more, we wait for the version we were promised, only to be told it’s now a luxury item.
Tesla Cybertruck Dimensions, Towing & Payload: Real-World Specs Unpacked
- Measuring approximately 223.7 inches (5,683 mm) in length, 79.99 inches (2,032 mm) in width, and 70.7 inches (1,796 mm) in height, the Cybertruck commands a significant presence on the road. Its wheelbase spans 143.11 inches (3,635 mm), contributing to its spacious interior and stable ride
- The Cybertruck offers impressive capabilities, including a towing capacity of up to 11,000 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 2,500 pounds. Its adaptive air suspension provides up to 17.44 inches of ground clearance in Extract Mode, enhancing its off-road prowess
- Equipped with an 800-volt architecture and a 48-volt electrical system, the Cybertruck supports fast charging and efficient power distribution. It also features a 6-foot-long by 4-foot-wide bed area, offering 120.9 cubic feet of cargo space, and includes power outlets for both 120V and 240V, enabling the use of various tools and appliances on the go
Tesla isn’t the first automaker to over-promise and under-deliver, but rarely has the gulf between expectation and reality felt so vast, and so personal. It’s one thing to be disappointed by a vehicle. It’s another to feel betrayed by a narrative you helped write.
Portalatin’s final words in the post land like the last scene in a noir film.
“At this point, a used AWD is the only thing that makes sense. I’ve been so down since the RWD announcement. Between coming here, the other CT group, cyber truck reddit, and the cyber truck forum every day, I think I need a break or a new job.”
This isn’t a man angry about specs. This is someone reckoning with the loss of a long-held belief. The truck may be made of stainless steel, but his hope was not.
What the Cybertruck Teaches About Modern Buyer Disillusionment
If life has taught us anything, it’s that the American car story has always been about more than machinery; it’s about mythology. We love the story more than the product, the ideal more than the object. The Cybertruck was a new American myth, built on the chassis of belief and delivered late, bloated, and incomplete. And Jason? He was one of its truest believers. Today, he’s just another motorist watching the dream disappear in the rearview mirror. Progress, as they say, sometimes feels like being passed on the right.
Would you have purchased the Tesla Cybertruck if it were $39k? Are you currently disappointed with it?
Let us know in the comments what you think about the Cybetruck.
Image Sources: Tesla Media Center
Noah Washington is an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia. He enjoys covering the latest news in the automotive industry and conducting reviews on the latest cars. He has been in the automotive industry since 15 years old and has been featured in prominent automotive news sites. You can reach him on X and LinkedIn for tips and to follow his automotive coverage.
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Source: torquenews.com
