In the fiercely competitive US electric vehicle (EV) market of 2026, Tesla is pulling out all the stops to reverse a slowdown in demand. Amid reports of slumping sales, mounting inventory, and intensifying competition from traditional automakers like Ford and emerging players like Rivian, Tesla announced aggressive pricing moves on February 19, 2026. The company introduced a new base dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) Cybertruck starting at $59,990 (often rounded to $60K), while slashing the price of its flagship tri-motor Cyberbeast variant by $15,000 to $99,990. These changes, reported prominently by Electrek and confirmed via Tesla’s website updates, mark a significant effort to make the polarizing angular pickup more accessible to everyday buyers, contractors, and EV enthusiasts feeling the pinch from economic pressures and reduced incentives.
This isn’t Tesla’s first price adjustment on the Cybertruck—far from it. Since deliveries began in late 2023, the vehicle has seen multiple tweaks, including the brief introduction and subsequent discontinuation of a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) model due to low demand. The original 2019 promise of a $39,900 base price has long been eclipsed by higher production costs and feature-rich configurations. Yet, in early 2026, with broader Tesla sales facing headwinds from factors like the end of certain federal EV tax credits in late 2025 and shifting consumer sentiment, these cuts represent a clear pivot toward volume over premium positioning.
The New Pricing and What It Means for Buyers
The headline news is the new entry-level Dual-Motor AWD Cybertruck at $59,990 (before taxes, fees, and any applicable incentives; real-world starting around $62,235 including destination). This undercuts the previous “Premium” AWD model, which remains available at $79,990. The Cyberbeast, Tesla’s high-performance tri-motor beast, drops from $114,990 to $99,990—reversing a $15K hike from August 2025 that had bundled extras like a “Luxe Package” (including Supervised Full Self-Driving and lifetime Supercharging perks). That package has now been discontinued on the Cyberbeast to achieve the lower price.
These adjustments come as Tesla grapples with Cybertruck sales that have fallen well short of early projections. Elon Musk once envisioned ramping to hundreds of thousands annually, but real-world figures have lagged, leading to inventory buildup and production slowdowns. By lowering the entry barrier, Tesla aims to appeal to a broader audience: fleet operators, tradespeople needing a tough electric work truck, and mainstream buyers eyeing an EV pickup without the six-figure commitment.
Specs Breakdown: Battery, Range, and Performance
The new base AWD model retains core capabilities that make the Cybertruck stand out. It features a dual-motor setup delivering all-wheel drive, with an estimated EPA range of around 320-325 miles on a full charge. Acceleration hits 0-60 mph in about 4.1 seconds (slower than the Cyberbeast’s sub-3-second sprint but still blistering for a truck). Towing capacity stands at up to 7,500 lbs, payload around 2,500 lbs, and it includes practical features like a motorized tonneau cover, bed power outlets, adaptive damping suspension (coil springs rather than air in some stripped variants), 10+ inches of ground clearance, and 35-inch tires on select wheels.
The Cyberbeast, now at $99,990, keeps its tri-motor powertrain for extreme performance: over 845 horsepower, 0-60 mph in 2.6 seconds, and higher top speeds. However, buyers lose the discontinued Luxe perks, shifting focus to raw capability over bundled software extras.
Battery tech remains based on Tesla’s 4680 cells (produced in-house at Gigafactory Texas), offering fast charging up to 325 kW on V4 Superchargers. Real-world range varies with driving style, load, and conditions—off-road use or heavy towing can drop it significantly—but the Cybertruck’s efficiency has improved with software updates since launch.
Off-Road and Utility Performance Updates
Tesla has steadily refined the Cybertruck’s off-road prowess through over-the-air (OTA) updates. Features like steer-by-wire, four-wheel steering (for tighter turns), and adaptive air suspension (on higher trims) enable impressive articulation and approach/departure angles. The new base AWD model uses coil springs with adaptive damping rather than full air suspension in some cases, but it still delivers 35-degree approach, 28-degree departure, and solid underbody protection.
Compared to rivals, the Cybertruck excels in unique ways: its stainless-steel exoskeleton resists dents better than aluminum bodies, and the vault-like bed with powered cover offers secure storage. Towing and payload remain competitive, though real-world tests show it handles heavy loads well but with range penalties.
Competition Heating Up: Rivian, Ford, and Beyond
The US EV pickup segment is no longer Tesla’s alone. Rivian’s R1T has seen updates, including a refreshed 2025-2026 lineup with improved range (up to 420+ miles on larger packs), better off-road tuning, and more affordable trims starting around $70K after incentives. Ford’s F-150 Lightning continues as a volume leader, with prices from the mid-$50K range for base models and strong fleet adoption due to its familiar design and proven utility.
GM’s Silverado EV and Chevrolet’s upcoming offerings add pressure, while Ram’s REV and others loom. Tesla’s price cuts narrow the gap— the new $60K Cybertruck now competes more directly with gas-powered trucks like the Ford F-150 (starting ~$40K) or Rivian’s entry points—but it must overcome perceptions of the Cybertruck’s unconventional looks, build quality quirks (early rust reports on some units), and polarizing design.
Market Reaction and Broader EV Adoption Impact
Initial reactions to the February 19 announcement were mixed but largely positive among EV advocates. Stock watchers noted Tesla shares ticking slightly amid broader market volatility, while forums and social media buzzed with excitement over affordability. For EV adoption, this is a net positive: lowering the price of a high-profile truck like the Cybertruck could pull more buyers into the segment, especially as federal incentives wane and electricity rates stabilize.
However, affordability remains relative. At $60K, it’s still premium compared to gas trucks, though total cost of ownership (fuel savings, lower maintenance) helps. The cuts signal Tesla’s willingness to prioritize volume in a maturing market where hybrids and plug-ins gain traction.
Regulatory Notes: Autopilot and Safety
Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) suite continues evolving, with recent updates improving supervised autonomy. Regulatory scrutiny persists—NHTSA probes into Autopilot incidents—but no major Cybertruck-specific changes tie directly to these price moves. Buyers should note FSD remains optional (and costly) on base models, with ongoing debates about its readiness for unsupervised use.
Long-Term Tesla Strategy in the 2026 EV Market
Tesla’s 2026 playbook emphasizes aggressive pricing across the lineup to combat softening demand. With Cybertruck production ramped at Giga Texas, these cuts aim to clear inventory and boost deliveries. Long-term, Tesla bets on scale, software revenue (FSD subscriptions), and energy synergies. If successful, the Cybertruck could become a mainstream utility vehicle; if not, it risks becoming a niche statement piece.
Pros and Cons of the 2026 Cybertruck Lineup
Pricing
- New base starts around $60K, making it more accessible
- Cyberbeast now priced under $100K
- Still higher than the original $40K promise
- No major incentives remaining
Performance
- Blistering acceleration
- Strong towing and payload capacity
- Range drops significantly with heavy use
- Charging slower than some competitors
Design & Durability
- Iconic stainless steel body
- Unique features like steer-by-wire
- Polarizing design
- Early reports of panel gaps and rust concerns
Utility
- Versatile truck bed
- Built-in power outlets
- Strong off-road capability
- Heavier than gas trucks
- Unconventional shape limits certain uses
Technology & Updates
- Over-the-air (OTA) software improvements
- Large touchscreen interface
- Potential for Full Self-Driving (FSD)
- Software bugs still present
- FSD not fully autonomous yet
Value
- Lower operating costs compared to gas trucks
- Integrated Tesla ecosystem benefits
- High upfront cost versus competitors
- Depreciation concerns
Future Outlook for EV Trucks
The EV pickup landscape in 2026 and beyond looks dynamic. Tesla’s moves could spur price wars, accelerating adoption as batteries cheapen and infrastructure grows. By 2030, expect more affordable options under $50K, longer ranges (500+ miles), and bidirectional charging as standard. The Cybertruck, once a moonshot, now positions as a premium-yet-attainable contender—if Tesla sustains momentum.
For potential buyers: If you want cutting-edge tech, off-road fun, and Tesla’s charging network, the new $60K AWD is a compelling entry—test drive one to see if the design clicks. Wait for incentives or further cuts if budget-tight. For performance chasers, the discounted Cyberbeast delivers thrills at a (relatively) bargain price.
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