Cybertruck AWD at $60,000: Tesla relaunches its electric pickup

I’ve been closely following the Cybertruck’s price evolution since 2019, and I have to admit the February 20, 2026 announcement surprised me. Tesla is finally relaunching its electric pickup with a Dual Motor AWD version at $59,990, available starting next June. After two years of disappointing sales and the resounding failure of the RWD version, the brand is trying a strategic repositioning.

Will this new version finally make this pickup with such a distinctive design more mainstream? That’s the big question. In this article, I’ll break down the technical aspects, compare prices with the competition, and above all give you my review of what it means for us European Tesla enthusiasts.

A finally coherent pricing strategy (but not the one that was promised)

The context of this announcement is simple: $59,990 for the Dual Motor AWD version, with deliveries starting in June 2026. To put things back into context, remember that in 2019, at the initial unveiling, Elon Musk announced a price of $49,990 for the Dual Motor. Seven years later, we’re looking at $10,000 more.

Honestly, with cumulative inflation since 2019, this increase remains within reasonable bounds, even if it inevitably disappoints early reservation holders. What bothers me more is the RWD fiasco: only a $10,000 difference from the Tri-Motor for far less equipment. The result? Discontinued within a few months, almost invisible on the roads.

My verdict? This AWD version finally fixes the lineup inconsistency. Tesla now offers a quality/price ratio that holds up, even if we’re still far from the initial promises. In fact, the Cybertruck already outperformed the Ford F-150 Raptor in comparative tests, which shows its potential against established competition.

How does it stack up against the competition?

• Ford F-150 Lightning: starting at around $55,000, but with a shorter driving range
• Rivian R1T: more expensive, but with premium equipment included as standard
• GMC Hummer EV: over $100,000, a completely different segment

Equipment that (almost) justifies the price

Let’s get to the concrete details. This AWD version has a driving range of 325 miles (about 523 km), which is still respectable for a pickup of this size and weight. Towing capacity reaches 7,500 pounds (about 3,400 kg), enough to haul a good-sized trailer or a boat without any trouble.

What really impresses me is the list of standard equipment included. This isn’t a stripped-down version:

• Motorized electric tonneau cover
• 3 power outlets in the bed: 2x 120V + 1x 240V, perfect for camping or the job site
• Powershare: V2G/V2H technology that lets you charge other vehicles or power your home during an outage
• Coil-spring suspension with adaptive damping
• Steer-by-wire steering + four-wheel steering, a rare technology in this segment
• Power frunk and heated front seats

The 6′ x 4′ composite bed holds up well and stays light—a good compromise. On the other hand, compared with the Tri-Motor, it obviously lacks outright performance (0–100 km/h is less impressive), about 100 km less driving range, and no air suspension. But for real-world pickup use, this equipment more than covers the needs of most users.

The mainstream bet after two rough years

Let’s be honest: despite its status as the “best-selling electric pickup,” the Cybertruck is significantly underperforming relative to Giga Texas production capacity. The initial strategic mistake? Launching the vehicle at over $100,000 at launch with only the Tri-Motor available. That targeted an ultra-premium niche market, not the core of the American pickup market.

When the configurator opening had already generated a lot of anticipation, Tesla tried to correct course with the RWD version. But this “entry-level” version was poorly equipped, with only a $10,000 gap to the AWD for far fewer features. Result: discontinued after a few months, and almost impossible to find on the roads today.

My personal analysis? Tesla has finally understood that the Cybertruck can’t be a premium-only product. This AWD version at around $60,000 targets the heart of the American pickup market, where the disappointing sales need to be turned around. The question is whether the polarizing design will remain a major obstacle, even at this more accessible price.

And for us in Europe, what does that look like?

On the timeline side, US deliveries start in June 2026—so in 4 months. The Middle East is already being served: we’re seeing Cybertrucks on the road in the UAE, where approval is easier. But for Europe, it’s a whole different story.

The obstacles are numerous and very real. European safety standards are a major issue: the stainless-steel body is too rigid and doesn’t meet pedestrian-protection rules. The weight and dimensions far exceed European standards. The bumpers and lighting aren’t compliant either.

My realistic take? I don’t expect to see the Cybertruck in Europe before 2027–2028, and even then, at best. Tesla would have to develop a market-specific version for us, which would be a major investment. And let’s be frank: the European pickup market remains marginal, especially compared with the US. Would that investment really be profitable for Tesla? I strongly doubt it, especially when you look at European automotive market data confirming the low demand for this segment.

For us in France, the Cybertruck remains an American UFO we’ll admire from afar. Or, while waiting to be able to drive one, we can always treat ourselves to the miniature version for our desk. At least that one meets all European standards!