Tesla is preparing to deliver the more affordable $59,990 Cybertruck, with several customer-ordered units spotted at Tesla service centers nationwide. The first sighting was shared by Chris Zednanref in the Cybertruck Owners Only Facebook group, who reported seeing the vehicle in Florida. The truck features 18-inch “Molten” wheels, a design choice that has sparked mixed reactions among owners. Some praise the futuristic look, while others question its practicality.
Tesla’s production ramp-up appears to be gaining momentum. The company has already sold out of the Standard All-Wheel-Drive (SAWD) model through 2027, according to internal records. However, not all customers are thrilled with the compromises made to cut costs. Zednanref, who previously owned a Premium Cybertruck, noted the absence of air suspension and a lower-end sound system in the cheaper model. “It’s a different experience,” he said, though he acknowledged the price point makes it “hard to complain.”
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Patrick, a Tesla enthusiast in North Carolina, confirmed seeing two SAWD units on a dealership lot. He sat in one and described the interior as “clean and modern,” though the cloth seats and smaller wheels caught his eye. “The seats don’t look bad in person,” he wrote. “I was impressed for the money.” Other owners echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that the truck’s core features—like 4-wheel steering, FSD, and a robust exoskeleton—remain intact.
Some Tesla fans argue the SAWD model’s value proposition is strong. Darien Rizo, a regular in the Cybertruck community, highlighted the adaptive coil suspension, which he said is “more than adequate” and cheaper to maintain than air suspension. “The only downside is the sound system,” he added, “but that’s easy to upgrade.” George Philips, another owner, joked that the 18-inch wheels “look more like they’re from Mars,” but he praised the overall design.
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Christopher Turner, who placed an order in February, expressed cautious optimism. “I hope I can take delivery this year,” he wrote. “The truck feels like a good value for what it offers.” Others, like Tim Turner, noted the SAWD’s independent suspension and similar range to the Premium model. “It’s a solid compromise,” he said. “I’ll take it over a gas truck any day.”
Tesla’s strategy of offering tiered models has drawn praise from analysts. The SAWD version retains most of the Cybertruck’s signature tech, including steer-by-wire, a vault, and 4-wheel steering, while trimming costs on luxury features. Some owners see this as a way to attract buyers who might otherwise hesitate at the Premium price tag. “For $60K, you’re getting a truck with all the essentials,” said Christopher Rizo. “It’s an incredible deal.”
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Not all feedback has been positive. A few owners expressed concerns about the cloth seats’ longevity and the smaller wheels’ impact on ride quality. However, these critiques are largely overshadowed by enthusiasm for the truck’s capabilities. One fan joked, “If this is the future of EVs, I’m all in.”
Tesla’s production timeline remains unclear, but the growing number of sightings suggests the company is on track to meet demand. With deliveries expected to begin in 2024, the SAWD model could play a key role in expanding the Cybertruck’s market reach. For now, owners are focusing on the practicality of the vehicle, with many agreeing it’s “a great truck for the money.”