Tesla Brings Back Premium Cybertruck Models: Worth the Price?

As the spotlight shifts toward the new, more affordable Cybertruck models, Tesla continues to sell the high-end Foundation Series, keeping the original, luxurious versions of the vehicle in play. Despite the introduction of cheaper variants, the Foundation Series Cybertruck—first delivered one year ago—remains a hot commodity, sparking a price-markup frenzy that mirrors the hype around limited-edition sneakers. Even though Tesla attempted to control this market with a no-resale clause, it appears that the demand—and the high price tags—are far from over.

When Tesla first released the Foundation Series, it generated a wave of excitement among Cybertruck enthusiasts, who were eager to get their hands on one of the first models. This exclusive initial batch triggered a significant price hike, similar to the craze that accompanied the release of Nike’s Air Yeezy 2. As part of an effort to prevent buyers from flipping the vehicles for quick profits, Tesla implemented a resale restriction for the first year of ownership. The goal was to curb the rapid markup of the vehicle’s price on the secondary market. However, despite this attempt, the price escalations persisted, as demand continued to outpace supply.

The original Foundation Series Cybertruck models—specifically the all-wheel-drive (AWD) and Cyberbeast versions—came with hefty price tags. The AWD Cybertruck started at a steep $99,990, while the Cyberbeast version was priced at an eye-watering $119,990. These high prices were fueled by limited availability and the exclusivity of the Foundation Series, which only made up a small portion of Tesla’s overall production for the year. However, as the year progressed, supply began to ease, and Tesla introduced more affordable options for consumers, gradually causing prices to fall.

Despite the initial high prices, used Cybertrucks still carry substantial price premiums, especially for those in the Foundation Series. According to data from CarGurus, used AWD Cybertrucks are currently averaging around $109,000, which is about $9,000 more than the price of a brand-new AWD Cybertruck direct from Tesla, which starts at $99,990. This persistent price markup, even with the introduction of cheaper models, shows that demand for the Cybertruck—especially the higher-end versions—remains strong in the resale market.

For those who may have missed out on purchasing a Foundation Series Cybertruck last year, good news has arrived: the original Foundation Series models are once again available on Tesla’s inventory page. However, availability is sporadic, with inventory fluctuating day by day. For those willing to spend extra money, these models come with some notable features not found on the standard Cybertruck versions.

While the Foundation Series models come with significant price premiums—sometimes up to $20,000 more than the standard versions—buyers receive a variety of extra features. One of the key perks of the Foundation Series is the inclusion of Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, which normally costs an additional $8,000 on the regular Cybertruck models. In addition to the FSD package, the Foundation Series offers a host of exclusive cosmetic upgrades, premium accessories, and other benefits, making it a tempting option for those looking for something more than the base model.

Tesla has detailed some of the perks and enhancements that come with the Foundation Series. For starters, these vehicles feature laser-etched Foundation Series badges and cabin graphics, adding a distinctive touch to the design. A powerful off-road light bar is also included, making the Cybertruck more suitable for outdoor adventures and enhancing its rugged look. Another standout feature is the Powershare Home Backup capability, which allows owners to use their Cybertruck as a backup power source for their homes. This feature, along with the Powershare Mobile Connector and Powershare Hardware Tesla Shop voucher, further reinforces the vehicle’s position as a multi-functional, high-tech product.

Beyond the technical upgrades, the Foundation Series also boasts a number of accessories designed to improve the overall driving experience. These include 3D all-weather interior liners, which help protect the vehicle’s cabin from dirt and debris, and gear locker dividers to help keep tools and other items organized. A glass roof sunshade offers protection from the sun while still allowing for an open, panoramic view of the sky. Additionally, the vehicle comes with practical features such as D-rings, L-track hooks, a bottle opener, and a center console tray, all designed to enhance the convenience and utility of the truck.

For those not looking to spend the extra $20,000 for the Foundation Series, Tesla still offers the standard Cybertruck and Cyberbeast models, which are priced $20,000 less than their Foundation Series counterparts. However, it’s worth noting that while these versions lack the premium accessories and FSD technology, they still come with the same rugged design and durable build that has made the Cybertruck so popular.

In summary, while the market for Cybertrucks has shifted toward more affordable versions, Tesla’s Foundation Series remains a sought-after option for those who want a premium, feature-packed version of the electric truck. The price premiums may be steep, but the perks and enhancements that come with these models make them a desirable choice for buyers willing to pay for exclusivity and advanced technology. Whether you’re looking for the full experience with Full Self-Driving and extra accessories or are simply interested in a more budget-friendly version, the Cybertruck market continues to offer options for every type of buyer.