Tesla Releases Stripped RWD Cybertruck: So Much Worse for Not Much Less Money

Design and Aesthetics

• Strong split: many commenters find the Cybertruck extremely ugly, some calling it “the ugliest car ever,” while a minority think it looks “super cool” and love the distinctiveness.
• Several argue the original pitch—stainless exoskeleton, origami-folded structural panels, bulletproof, no paint—could have justified the radical look.
• Instead, people say Tesla abandoned the exoskeleton, ended up with a conventional unibody plus heavy non-structural panels, so the flat, angular styling now feels like a failed engineering concept turned gimmick.
• Some describe the visual language as “wireframe sci‑fi tank” / “rule of cool,” but note it missed the timing window as hype faded before production.

Engineering and Utility as a Truck

• Repeated claim: it’s not a “real truck” but a lifestyle unibody closer to a Ford Maverick / Hyundai Santa Cruz, at several times the price.
• Critics say towing and payload are weak for the segment, with concerns that the hitch may be overrated; one cites reports of costly damage when loading big motorcycles due to tailgate design.
• Others respond it does what it’s officially rated for, arguing expectations are inflated by marketing.
• Multiple comments slam basic dynamics and software, especially traction / stability control, comparing it unfavorably to decades‑old ICE systems.

Price, Value, and Market Positioning

• Anger at the gap between hyped sub‑$35–40k starting price and current ~$72k reality; pre‑sale prices are described as “hilarious.”
• Many see poor value: for the same money one could buy two used Model Ys or a solid EV plus a conventional pickup.
• Some liken it to historical flops (Edsel, Yugo, Aztek), saying it’s beta‑quality at luxury pricing.

Status, Politics, and Social Perception

• Consensus that a major buying motive is conspicuous display: it’s a rolling status symbol, just at the “extremely unconventional/ugly” end.
• Owner behavior and the CEO’s polarizing image are seen as part of the stigma; several commenters describe open social hostility toward Cybertruck drivers.
• A few predict eventual collector value due to distinctiveness, but others counter that software lock‑in, questionable durability, and lack of a cultural “Back to the Future”-style boost will keep values low.