Tesla’s Cybertruck AWD Trim Hits $59,990: The Ultimate Value Play That’s Set to Dominate 2026

Key Takeaways

  • Tesla launched a new Cybertruck All-Wheel-Drive trim starting at $59,990, offering superior value with more features than prior options at this price.
  • It boasts a 325-mile range, powered tonneau cover with three bed outlets, Powershare capability, and a powered frunk.
  • Key upgrades include coil springs with adaptive damping, Steer-by-wire, four-wheel-steering, a 6′ x 4′ composite bed, and 7,500-pound towing capacity.
  • Replaces the discontinued Rear-Wheel-Drive model, which lacked premium features like power tonneau and adaptive suspension for minimal savings.
  • This trim could boost Cybertruck sales, as it’s popular but previously priced out of many budgets.
  • Pricing aligns closely with 2019 announcements ($49,990 Dual Motor), adjusted for inflation, just $10,000 more.
  • Deliveries expected to begin in June 2026.

As a seasoned EV blogger who’s been tracking Tesla’s wild ride since the Roadster days, I’ve seen my share of hype cycles, delays, and triumphs. But today’s announcement from Tesla feels like a genuine pivot point for the Cybertruck lineup. Just announced, the new All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) trim starts at an eye-watering $59,990 – packing more premium features than ever before at this price point. This isn’t just a price cut; it’s a strategic masterstroke that replaces the discontinued Rear-Wheel-Drive (RWD) model and aligns eerily close to Elon Musk’s 2019 promises, adjusted for inflation. Deliveries kick off in June 2026, and if history is any guide, this could supercharge Cybertruck sales amid Tesla’s recent struggles.

In this deep dive, we’ll unpack the specs, compare it to past trims and promises, analyze the market impact, and share my expert advice on whether you should drop everything to configure one right now. Buckle up – this post is your one-stop guide to Tesla’s boldest Cybertruck move yet.

Why This Launch Matters: Bridging the Gap Between Hype and Reality

The Cybertruck has been Tesla’s most polarizing product – a stainless-steel beast that smashed windows at its 2019 unveiling but faced endless delays, supply chain woes, and softening demand. By late 2025, sales had dipped to around 5,000 units monthly, prompting Tesla to slash prices on higher trims like the Cyberbeast (now $99,990 after a $15k cut).

Enter the new Dual Motor AWD Cybertruck: Starting at $59,990 (before incentives), it’s positioned as the “ultimate contractor edition” with everyday utility upgrades that the stripped-down RWD lacked. Tesla axed the RWD in September 2025 due to lackluster demand – it saved buyers just a few grand but skipped goodies like power tonneau covers and adaptive suspension. Now, for $59,990, you’re getting AWD grip, superior range, and pro-grade features. My take? This trim finally delivers the “affordable apocalypse truck” Musk envisioned, potentially reigniting the 2 million+ reservation backlog.

Breaking Down the Killer Features: More Truck for Less Cash

What sets this AWD apart? Tesla crammed in premium specs that rival (or beat) the old $79,990 Dual Motor trim. Here’s the exhaustive list:

Powertrain and Performance

  • Dual Motor AWD: 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds, all-wheel drive for off-road prowess, and Steer-by-Wire with four-wheel steering for unmatched maneuverability in tight spots. 
  • Estimated Range325 miles EPA – solid for a truck this capable, outpacing the RWD’s 250-350 miles while matching real-world efficiency.  

Utility Upgrades for Pros and Adventurers

  • Powered Tonneau Cover: Locks your 6′ x 4′ composite bed secure, with three bed outlets (up to 240V) for powering tools on-site. 
  • Powershare Capability: Bidirectional charging to power your home or another EV (up to 30 miles/hour added). 
  • Powered Frunk: Hands-free access to extra storage.
  • Towing and Payload7,500-pound towing capacity (down from 11,000 on higher trims, but ample for most trailers) and robust payload.  

Ride and Handling Refinements

  • Coil Springs with Adaptive Damping: Smoother than air suspension on pricier models, absorbing bumps like a luxury SUV. 
  • Top Speed: Over 112 mph, with 5-star safety ratings across the board. 

Pro Tip: For contractors or overlanders, this is a no-brainer. The bed outlets and Powershare alone justify the price over gas trucks like the Ford F-150 Lightning (starting ~$50k but with less range/tech).

Pricing Reality Check: Closer to 2019 Promises Than You Think

Flashback to November 2019: Musk touted a Dual Motor AWD at $49,900 with 300+ miles range and 14,000 lb towing. Adjusted for ~20% inflation since then, that’s roughly $60,000 today – boom, $59,990 nails it (minus the towing downgrade).

Trim2019 PromiseCurrent AWD ($59,990)Delta
Price$49,900$59,990+$10k (inflation-adjusted match) 
Range300+ mi325 miBetter 
Towing14,000 lbs7,500 lbsLower, but realistic
0-60~4.5s4.1sFaster

Compared to the discontinued RWD ($60,990-$69,990), you’re gaining AWD, power features, and suspension for less money. Genius pricing psychology from Tesla.

Sales Impact: A Much-Needed Boost for Cybertruck Momentum

Tesla’s been candid: Cybertruck demand cooled post-Foundation Series hype. This $20k entry-point slash (vs. prior base) mirrors Model 3/Y strategies that exploded volumes. Analysts predict a sales surge, especially among fleets – think construction, utilities, and first responders craving the Powershare edge.

My Prediction: Q3 2026 deliveries could hit 20k+ units/month, pushing Cybertruck past Rivian R1T and neck-and-neck with Lightning. But watch for bottlenecks at Giga Texas.

Should You Buy? Expert Advice and Buying Guide

Yes, if:

  1. You need a do-it-all truck under $70k post-tax credit.
  2. Off-road/range matters more than max towing.
  3. You’re early – reservations open now, June 2026 delivery. 

Considerations:

  • Incentives: $7,500 federal EV credit likely applies (confirm eligibility).
  • Rivals: Beats Lightning Pro ($57k, 240 mi) on tech/range; F-150 PowerBoost hybrid ($55k) can’t match efficiency.
  • Wait? No – prices drop over time, but features lock in value.

Steps to Order:

  1. Hit tesla.com/cybertruck. 
  2. Configure AWD base (~$2k deposit).
  3. Trade-in gas truck for promos.
  4. Monitor app for VIN (expect 4-8 weeks post-June).

Downsides? Still polarizing looks, and 7,500 lb tow may irk heavy haulers. But for 90% of buyers, it’s perfection.

Looking Ahead: Cybertruck’s 2026 Dominance

This AWD trim cements Cybertruck as Tesla’s volume truck king. With Robotaxi teases and potential RWD revival, 2026 could be explosive. Stay tuned – I’ll update as deliveries roll.

What do you think? Game-changer or too late? Drop comments below!

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