With the highly anticipated Tesla Cybertruck going into production later this year you may be wondering if it is the right car for you. With an already spacious Model Y on the market, the Cybertruck may seem like a redundant entry into the Tesla line. However, there are plenty of differences to be excited about.
Those looking for an electric car with better towing capacity and a larger storage area will prefer the Cybertruck. Those looking for an SUV for road trips and getting around town will prefer the Model Y.
In this article, we will break down each Tesla in detail. Therefore, giving you the information that you need in order to pick the car that is right for you.
What We Know So Far About the Cybertruck
Since the Cybertruck will only start to go into production in late 2021 we can only speculate what their finished consumer product will look like based on the information provided by Tesla. Let’s take a look at what we know so far.
The Cybertruck Has Three Different Configurations
Once the Cybertruck is in full production there will be three different configurations offered. They will include:
- Single Motor Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) – MRSP approximately $39,900
- Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive (AWD) – MRSP approximately $49,900
- Tri-Motor (AWD) – MRSP approximately $69,900
The expected battery range of the tri-motor configuration is anticipated to be 500 miles and it can go from 0 mph to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds. The dual-motor configuration will be able to go from 0 mph to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and travel up to 300 miles on a single charge. The single motor is expected to travel up to 250 miles without having to be recharged. The truck is expected to tow up to 14,000 pounds.
Both the dual and tri-motor Cybertrucks are anticipated to go into production in late 2021, while the since motor configuration won’t go into production until 2022.
The Cybertruck Design Will Look Futuristic
The Tesla Cybertruck will look unlike any car or truck on the road today. Its design almost looks like it came out of a futuristic sci-fi film with sharp jagged edges and a stainless-steel exterior.
The design is meant to be nearly impenetrable with every component built with durability in mind. Even the windows, which are built with Tesla armor glass, are meant to be unbreakable.
The truck bed will be 6.5 feet in length and will be covered by what is known as the “cyber vault.” The cyber vault will be removable for carrying large items, but it is perfect for anyone looking to store items without exposing them to the elements.
Anticipated Cybertruck Accessories
As the Cybertruck is released and grows in popularity, there will no doubt be the addition of several custom accessories. The following accessories have been confirmed:
- The option of adding a Cyberquad, an electric ATV, when purchasing the truck.
- A camping configuration for the bed of the truck.
- Solar panels for the roof that will charge enough for 15 miles of travel per day.
Theoretically, the solar panels would allow Cybertruck owners to commute to and from work each day without having to charge the vehicle. Undoubtedly, if the truck is a success, additional accessories will be announced in the future.
Overview of the Model Y
The Model Y is the most spacious Tesla that is currently in production and is Tesla’s version of the SUV. While the Model Y has been in production since 2020, there were some notable upgrades made to the 2021 version.
Model Y Engine Options
The Model Y offers two different engine options: a long-range option and a performance option. There was a base option at the beginning of 2021, but Tesla has removed the option to purchase this version of the Model Y.
The long-range option is the more affordable of the two with an approximated MRSP of $53,190. It offers a driving range of 326 miles while sacrificing little in performance. The long-range option goes from 0 mph to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and can hit a top speed of 135 mph.
The performance option sacrifices some of the driving range as it will only travel 303 miles on a single charge. However, what it lacks in range it makes up for in power going from 0 to 60 in 3.4 seconds and topping out at 155mph. This upgrade in performance elevates the MRSP to about $60,990.
Both options have a dual-motor all-wheel drive. Additionally, both versions give you the ability to tow up to 3,500 pounds.
The Model Y Offers Several Customization Options
The Model Y comes in five colors. The standard color is pearl white. You can opt to pay an additional $1,000 for midnight silver metallic, deep blue metallic, or solid black. The red multi-coat will cost an additional $2,000.
The Model Y comes with the ability to seat five people like most SUVs. However, for an additional $3,000 you can add a third row of seating that can seat an additional two people. The first two rows are quite spacious, but you would be tough-pressed to get two adults into the third row of seating.
Is the Model Y or Cybertruck Better for You?
Both the Model Y and the Cybertruck are high-quality cars. Therefore, which car is better for you really depends on personal preference and the intended use. The Cybertruck is better for those looking for a towing truck that can withstand anything. While the SUV has a little bit less power but is more spacious and versatile.
Design is a Key Determining Factor
While a difference of design is to be expected between an SUV and a truck the overall aesthetic of the two cars is completely different. The Model Y has more of a typical SUV look with the common Tesla flair. The Cybertruck looks more futuristic with jagged edges and no comparison on the road today.
If you enjoy colorful cars, then the Cybertruck is not your car. The Cybertruck only comes in one metallic silver color, while the Model Y has the five color options listed earlier in this article.
The seating design also is a major difference. The Cybertruck offers two rows of bench seating and seating for six. However, trying to seat six in the car may not leave much space for wiggle room.
The Model Y offers seating for five with two captain’s chairs in the front of the car and bench seating in the back. You can also add an additional row for two smaller adults or children. While fitting seven people in the Model Y may be a tight squeeze, it will fit five full-grown adults very comfortably.
Both cars have spacious cargo areas with the Cybertruck having the option for an open-air truck bed. The Cybertruck is built for carrying large loads, while the Model Y will be more advantageous for driving around a family and their things.
Performance is Designed for Utility
As to be expected each cars’ engine is customized for its intended purposes. The Model Y offers a longer driving range and can hit higher speeds than the Cybertruck. At 4,000 lbs. The towing power is more impressive on the Cybertruck; however, the Model Y holds its own with 3,500 lbs. of towing power.
Both models have a dual-motor option, but the Cybertruck offers a tri-motor option for additional power and driving range.
Pricing Can Be Considerably Different
Interestingly, Tesla has decided to price the MRSP of the base version of the dual-motor Cybertruck at about $4,000 less than the long-range version of the Model Y. However, the tri-motor of the Cybertruck is almost $9,000 more than the performance version of the Model Y. Add-ons and customizations can cancel out the price difference in either model.
While Tesla will offer a single motor RWD entry-level truck at a significantly lower price, they have stopped offering this option on the Model Y.
Which One is Right for You?
You really cannot go wrong with either the Model Y or the Cybertruck once it’s available. If you need more towing power and storage capacity goes with the Cybertruck. If you’re looking for something for road trips and getting the family around town, go with the Model Y.