Upgraded my 2024 to 2026 Cybertruck AWD Premium (39xxx to 93xxx) - differences / comparison review

[Nine_block]

I have had my new truck for a couple of weeks now. Decided to go for it after I checked on a trade in value and was surprised to see a number <10% less than what I paid new, 16 months ago (at a point when they had really great incentives). I had a late 24 with most of the teething issues worked out, but nevertheless I was curious about all the little improvements as they constantly iterate. The only repair I had done on my 24 was front seat replacement due to squeaking. It was a great truck and I enjoyed my time with it.

As to the new one, I am very impressed. The truck is noticeably quieter and smoother. Feels tighter in general. Less wind noise from the windshield region at highway speed. No issues with window seals leaking yet. The dentist drill noise from the front drive unit at slow speeds has been totally solved. Zero squeaks. Zero rattles. I never really thought my door panels had any resonance to them, but the new ones have zero and made it apparent I did actually have some on the 24. The new dry cathode pack does appear to have a bit more capacity, Tessie showed almost 127 kWh. Supposedly there will be less degradation with the dry cathode as well. We will see.

The only obvious downgrade that I have noticed so far is the super crappy/basic looking brake and throttle pedal set.

Overall, I’m extremely happy with the update. It’s honestly more apparent than I expected it to be

Sponsored

 

[Djinndjinn]

Nice! I’ve been trying to decide whether to do the same (29xxx VIN) - my CT is incredibly noisy. You have now made me lean towards trading in for ‘26

 

[dalton108]

Nice. I’d be interested to know if anyone has done this with the cyber beast and can report what kind of sounds they’re getting from the front end. Mine has always been very loud unlike any other Tesla we’ve ever had but I don’t mind it.

 

[Gundo]

Did the same. Vin 4,xxx to 93,xxx
3.99% + great trade in value + FSD transfer put me over the edge

and wow
Night and day difference.
Quiet and smooth, even better than I had expected, for sure.

and I really like the gray interior over the previous white

 

[RonGonRetired]

So replaced foundation series vin 5xxx exactly 2 years later with premium vin 92xxx ( foundation was totaled was ONLY reason to replace it) Tesla transferred my FSD and free 1 year premium and I moved all my foundation accessories to the new truck so pretty much a wash on $$. I have to say USAA paid me well for my old truck, I did have the 20% replacement adder so that was a good deal.
Noticeable differences after @ 2k miles: quieter but most of that I attribute to the new tires my old ones had 28000 miles and were getting kind of loud. Motor noise is less (nonexistent) at lower speeds 30-50 with acceleration. Door vibration at highway speeds and high wind situations seems
to be about the same. Maybe my foundation was a fluke but it never had an issue, the same with the new truck so far. tonneau cover alignment is the only thing, simple adjustment from the service team ohh and the new truck has the water leaking problem in the bed done.
Battery: Tessie shows new truck @ 123.78 KWH 0.00 degradation and max range @ 314.42 mi .
old truck after 28000mi 120.55 KWH 1.59% degradation max range 308.92.
That's pretty much it not a whole lot of noticeable change. So new warranty and back to 0 miles after 2 years makes this a win win even though I lost my first love :>)

 

[scjmc]

Thanks for posting this. I have been searching for threads on the differences from the earlier builds. I take delivery of my 94XXX VIN truck in a couple of weeks.

 

[vandytom]

I have had my new truck for a couple of weeks now. Decided to go for it after I checked on a trade in value and was surprised to see a number <10% less than what I paid new, 16 months ago (at a point when they had really great incentives). I had a late 24 with most of the teething issues worked out, but nevertheless I was curious about all the little improvements as they constantly iterate. The only repair I had done on my 24 was front seat replacement due to squeaking. It was a great truck and I enjoyed my time with it.

As to the new one, I am very impressed. The truck is noticeably quieter and smoother. Feels tighter in general. Less wind noise from the windshield region at highway speed. No issues with window seals leaking yet. The dentist drill noise from the front drive unit at slow speeds has been totally solved. Zero squeaks. Zero rattles. I never really thought my door panels had any resonance to them, but the new ones have zero and made it apparent I did actually have some on the 24. The new dry cathode pack does appear to have a bit more capacity, Tessie showed almost 127 kWh. Supposedly there will be less degradation with the dry cathode as well. We will see.

The only obvious downgrade that I have noticed so far is the super crappy/basic looking brake and throttle pedal set.

Overall, I’m extremely happy with the update. It’s honestly more apparent than I expected it to be

So how much extra did you pay?

 

[sharpgator]

Did the same. Vin 4,xxx to 93,xxx
3.99% + great trade in value + FSD transfer put me over the edge

and wow
Night and day difference.
Quiet and smooth, even better than I had expected, for sure.

and I really like the gray interior over the previous white

I did exactly the same and my eval of the new model is same as OP

 

[L3it3R]

my 6000 series VIN '24 is consistently gaining new rattles and squeaks - I sat in a brand new one recently and immediately could tell the difference. I haven't checked values recently, but I also don't want to pay for FSD as it came with my FS, and all our other Teslas have the pre-paid FSD as well.

 

[rhoff]

Lifetime fsd is going to keep a lot of people from upgrading but I think eventually, most everyone has to give it up if they want a new truck. Maybe tesla offers transfers in the future but with their subscription model, that seems less likely

I’ll never give it up. Trade values are crazy rn, only thing holding me back is fsd transfer.

 

[RonGonRetired]

So how much extra did you pay?

? the difference in what I received from the claim & the cost of my new truck? So order included wheel tire upgrade & white decor (was used to the original foundation) Payoff included tax & fees & the additional 20% replacement cost . Less than $1000. My only loss was running board cost & Wrap cost although they did increase the estimated value with those items included. Very happy with USAA they were very responsive and knowledgeable of Tesla vehicles. It probably helped the other party was at fault and USAA is going to recover all costs.

 

[The Tesla Guy]

So replaced foundation series vin 5xxx exactly 2 years later with premium vin 92xxx ( foundation was totaled was ONLY reason to replace it) Tesla transferred my FSD and free 1 year premium and I moved all my foundation accessories to the new truck so pretty much a wash on $$. I have to say USAA paid me well for my old truck, I did have the 20% replacement adder so that was a good deal.
Noticeable differences after @ 2k miles: quieter but most of that I attribute to the new tires my old ones had 28000 miles and were getting kind of loud. Motor noise is less (nonexistent) at lower speeds 30-50 with acceleration. Door vibration at highway speeds and high wind situations seems
to be about the same. Maybe my foundation was a fluke but it never had an issue, the same with the new truck so far. tonneau cover alignment is the only thing, simple adjustment from the service team ohh and the new truck has the water leaking problem in the bed done.
Battery: Tessie shows new truck @ 123.78 KWH 0.00 degradation and max range @ 314.42 mi .
old truck after 28000mi 120.55 KWH 1.59% degradation max range 308.92.
That's pretty much it not a whole lot of noticeable change. So new warranty and back to 0 miles after 2 years makes this a win win even though I lost my first love :>)

Please clarify
Does the new truck leak
Or is the leaking done?

“ohh and the new truck has the water leaking problem in the bed done“

Did the same.
Trading my ~9,000 vin 20,000 miles
AWD FS CT (wht interior/all terrain tires)
Delivered 5/21/24
Transferring FSD
On 2/28/26 I ordered a ‘26 Premium AWD same configuration except I added the terrestrial armor for an extra $3,000 +tax.
~$19,000 out of pocket
(So , $16k without the armor)
Delivery has been delayed
In production for over 2 weeks.
Finally in transit today.

 

[vandytom]

Please clarify
Does the new truck leak
Or is the leaking done?

“ohh and the new truck has the water leaking problem in the bed done“

Did the same.
Trading my ~9,000 vin 20,000 miles
AWD FS CT (wht interior/all terrain tires)
Delivered 5/21/24
Transferring FSD
On 2/28/26 I ordered a ‘26 Premium AWD same configuration except I added the terrestrial armor for an extra $3,000 +tax.
~$19,000 out of pocket
(So , $16k without the armor)
Delivery has been delayed
In production for over 2 weeks.
Finally in transit today.

That’s rough. If I trade in my 16 months 21k miles, that’s an extra $1k for those months. Not worth it for me.

 

[Rippin1Gear]

So if you pound on the doors in multiple areas do you get the hollow rattle sound from any of the doors? Should do a quick video to see comparison.

 

[James Cole]

How do you guys know if newer builds have the dry cathode battery pack?

Sponsored