Sponsored

Going from Ford Lightning to Cybertruck? Thinking of trading up to the cheaper 60k CT from a Lightning, worth ~ extra 10k?

pookguy88

Member
Joined
Mar 3, 2026
Threads
2
Messages
12
Reaction score
16
Location
USA
Vehicles
Model Y
Country flag
I'm thinking of going to a CT from my Lightning, after trade in and fees I'm thinking it's probably going to be like 10-15k extra... does anyone have any experience going from Lightning -> CT?

I like the Lightning but I'm thinking I'll like the CT more
Sponsored

 

HaulingAss

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 3, 2020
Threads
28
Messages
10,329
Reaction score
20,750
Location
Western Washington, USA
Vehicles
Cybertruck DM, 2010 F-150, 2018 Performance Model 3, 2024 Performance Model 3
Country flag
It seems like a no-brainer if you can do it for $10-$15K (and you can afford it).

I'm pretty sure you are correct, you will like the Cybertuck more. Especially the way it drives and rides, including how much more maneuverable it will be parking or navigating through tighter spaces.

It will also be considerably more efficient and immeasurably more damage resistant. Have you managed to not get any paint scratches or body dents/dings yet?
 

EWELON

Well-known member
First Name
Rori
Joined
May 21, 2025
Threads
29
Messages
567
Reaction score
622
Location
Wynnewood,PA
Vehicles
2021 Model 3, 2025 Cybertruck AWD
Country flag
It seems like a no-brainer if you can do it for $10-$15K (and you can afford it).

I'm pretty sure you are correct, you will like the Cybertuck more. Especially the way it drives and rides, including how much more maneuverable it will be parking or navigating through tighter spaces.

It will also be considerably more efficient and immeasurably more damage resistant. Have you managed to not get any paint scratches or body dents/dings yet?

add ease of non-home charging to this good list of pros.
 

HaulingAss

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 3, 2020
Threads
28
Messages
10,329
Reaction score
20,750
Location
Western Washington, USA
Vehicles
Cybertruck DM, 2010 F-150, 2018 Performance Model 3, 2024 Performance Model 3
Country flag
add ease of non-home charging to this good list of pros.
True. The list of pros for a Cybertruck vs. a Lightning is much longer than I cared to type out! That would obviously include a new warranty and new tires.

The list of cons is primarily one of money.
 


Cyberkingz

Well-known member
First Name
Dustin
Joined
Jan 19, 2026
Threads
1
Messages
48
Reaction score
110
Location
Pennsylvania
Vehicles
2024 Foundation Series Cybertruck / 2021 Model Y / 2022 Ford Lightning
Country flag
I switched from a Ford Lightning to a CT 4 months ago. The two trucks are not even comparable.

The main reasons I switched -
1. There's very little to no thermal management system in the Lightning, I had to charge a nearly frozen battery multiple times.
2. Ford discontinued the truck, and I HIGHLY doubt it will receive important BMS safety updates.
3. I knew if I was going to get out of the Lightning to do it soon before the public realizes how much of a failure the truck is in comparison to any Tesla (they took a normal F150 and simply put an electric drive train on it lol).
4. The infamous range guess-o-meter of the Lightning mixed with public charging stations (wait times / fast charging PRICES / cumbersome process to begin a charge whenever it's finally your turn).. not to mention the extra ~15/mo Ford charges you to plan trips with fast charging (laughable).

Luxury focused reasons that I switched -
1. Driving sucks, FSD alone makes these trucks not even in the same playing field
2. User interface, App, update schedule etc. of the CT is miles better
3. Bought my wife a MY and adding the CT makes us fully Tesla
4. Ford CEO himself said he was humbled after their Tesla teardown months before discontinuing. It's laughable they didn't research Tesla more before going to market.
5. If Tesla didn't exist, the Lightning would be a fine electric truck. But Tesla does exist and they're miles better in every single category.
6. CT is the most fun product I've ever purchased in my life. It's the most technologically advanced vehicle that a consumer can legally buy and drive on the road - hands down.
 
Last edited:
OP
OP

pookguy88

Member
Joined
Mar 3, 2026
Threads
2
Messages
12
Reaction score
16
Location
USA
Vehicles
Model Y
Country flag
I switched from a Ford Lightning to a CT 4 months ago. The two trucks are not even comparable.

The main reasons I switched -
1. There's very little to no thermal management system in the Lightning, I had to charge a nearly frozen battery multiple times.
2. Ford discontinued the truck, and I HIGHLY doubt it will receive important BMS safety updates.
3. I knew if I was going to get out of the Lightning to do it soon before the public realizes how much of a failure the truck is in comparison to any Tesla (they took a normal F150 and simply put an electric drive train on it lol).

Luxury focused reasons that I switched -
1. Driving sucks, FSD alone makes these trucks not even in the same playing field
2. User interface, App, update schedule etc. of the CT is miles better
3. Bought my wife a MY and adding the CT makes us fully Tesla
4. Ford CEO himself said he was humbled after their Tesla teardown. It's laughable they didn't research Tesla more before going to market.
5. If Tesla didn't exist, the Lightning would be a fine electric truck. But Tesla does exist and they're miles better in every single category.
thanks for the insight, curious, how much out of pocket to pay to go from the Lightning -> CT?

I actually originally wanted the CT but it was much more expensive but with the 60k CT now, it's more realistic to compare them
 

Cyberkingz

Well-known member
First Name
Dustin
Joined
Jan 19, 2026
Threads
1
Messages
48
Reaction score
110
Location
Pennsylvania
Vehicles
2024 Foundation Series Cybertruck / 2021 Model Y / 2022 Ford Lightning
Country flag
thanks for the insight, curious, how much out of pocket to pay to go from the Lightning -> CT?

I actually originally wanted the CT but it was much more expensive but with the 60k CT now, it's more realistic to compare them
I paid $36K out of pocket. I owned the lightning outright and got 35K for it back in December and got a deal on a CT for ~$71K. AWD Foundation 28K miles.
The 60K offering is a deal for sure depending on what you value (I personally value FSD included package and could probably justify $36K for that feature alone).
 
Last edited:

JerseyMike

Well-known member
First Name
Mike
Joined
Oct 24, 2024
Threads
4
Messages
196
Reaction score
240
Location
NJ
Vehicles
2024 Cybertruck AWD with AS tires, 2022 Cadillac Escalade
Occupation
Physician
Country flag
I went from a Lightning Lariat SR to a CT just over a year ago.

I've had a number of F150's and the lightning was very much like the ICE version....I had it for almost 2 years (bought it used with low mileage).

CT is significantly better for me, I was very familiar with Tesla before though...had a model s and the lightning.

Pros for CT:
range and effeciency
4 way steering (easy to maneuver in parking lots)
FSD (it is truly remarkable at this point.....was not so great when I first bought it but really amazing now.....I loved blue cruise too but this works everywhere)
supercharging network
smaller so fits in the garage (also a negative depending on if you need something larger)


Pros for Lightning
larger (roomier inside and more bed and frunk room)
really nice interior and more traditional
inconspicuous (looks like the best selling vehicle in the US for 40+ years)


overall the CT is about 80% the size of the Lightning so keep that in mind, Lightning is a great vehicle but the CT is just amazing.

one con with CT is the political stuff but that seems to have died down

In terms of cost:

I sold my lightning for around 40k to Tesla (bought for 55k 2 years prior)
I bought the CT (lease for 7500 rebate at the time) for what amounted to $69k which was a good price for what it offers....the $60k version would have been even better for me but I did get a few extra features with the "Premium" AWD
 

BlueLightning

Well-known member
First Name
Thomas
Joined
Mar 4, 2024
Threads
1
Messages
776
Reaction score
467
Location
Oklahoma
Vehicles
Model Y, Yukon, GM 1500, Tacoma, and Road King
Occupation
Retired USA, Army
Country flag
I'm thinking of going to a CT from my Lightning, after trade in and fees I'm thinking it's probably going to be like 10-15k extra... does anyone have any experience going from Lightning -> CT?

I like the Lightning but I'm thinking I'll like the CT more
Ford Lightning is just a F150 with engine tore out, too many bugs rushing to beat Tesla. Had mine less than a year and gave it to Carvana after it sat in shop more time than in the road.

Tesla Cybertruck, is the Cybertruck!

If you can do it, get er done!!

Tesla Cybertruck Going from Ford Lightning to Cybertruck? Thinking of trading up to the cheaper 60k CT from a Lightning, worth ~ extra 10k? IMG_0805


Tesla Cybertruck Going from Ford Lightning to Cybertruck? Thinking of trading up to the cheaper 60k CT from a Lightning, worth ~ extra 10k? IMG_0806
 


CyberT

Well-known member
Joined
May 18, 2020
Threads
23
Messages
674
Reaction score
1,419
Location
Orange County, CA
Vehicles
2024 Cybertruck AWD and 2018 Model 3 LR RWD
Occupation
Service Technician
Country flag
Luxury focused reasons that I switched -
1. Driving sucks, FSD alone makes these trucks not even in the same playing field
^^^ This right here 100%. 90% of the public has no idea yet. When you know, you know.
 

Mini2nut

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 2, 2020
Threads
138
Messages
4,081
Reaction score
7,404
Location
Planet Earth
Vehicles
*Tesla MYP *SAWD Cybertruck ordered 2/20/26
Country flag
I read that Elon’s directive to his engineers was to make the best EV/GAS full size pickup truck in the segment and make it handle like a sports car, not a pickup truck. They definitely accomplished the mission but it took longer than anticipated.

Motor1.com

“During the delivery event in Austin, Musk said the Cybertruck is a "better truck than a truck, while also being a better sports car than a sports car." To justify that, he claims that the torsional rigidity is greater than that of a P1 hypercar. Some of that stiffness could be contributed to the stainless steel panels, but Musk didn’t have any official numbers or details on the chassis to back up these claims.”

NOTE: The McLaren P1 uses a bespoke Carbon Fiber MonoCage.

Tesla Cybertruck Going from Ford Lightning to Cybertruck? Thinking of trading up to the cheaper 60k CT from a Lightning, worth ~ extra 10k? IMG_2774


Tesla Cybertruck Going from Ford Lightning to Cybertruck? Thinking of trading up to the cheaper 60k CT from a Lightning, worth ~ extra 10k? IMG_2757
 
Last edited:

Cybertruck2024

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 4, 2024
Threads
11
Messages
765
Reaction score
1,240
Location
Buffalo
Vehicles
Ford Lightning and Model 3
Country flag
I went from Lightning to Cybertruck. I would say if you aren't getting a Beast, stick with the Lightning.

Cyberbeast is more fun to drive. The speed is a ton of fun, you are going slightly backwards Lightning to AWD. If performance means a lot to you, it isn't worth the change.

Other Lightning pros:
- More comfortable.
- Quieter
- Frunk is amazing!
- Better bed and tailgate

Cybertruck has one huge upgrade, steer-by-wire. I honestly can't go back to a non-SBW vehicle. If you've been a truck driver your whole life, you may not need the assistance. To be honest, I wasn't great at parking my Lightning, I can park my CT with my eyes closed.

As for FSD vs Lightning assistance, I am mad at the current state of FSD driving at erratic speeds. I rented a Hyundai Sante Fe the other day and the Adaptive Cruise Control + lane assist was a better experience than I had the last six months with FSD.

Battery and charging is also way better with CT though. If you road trip or drive for distance, this is another time you may want to change. If you mostly drive local, this is less beneficial.

You're on a Cybertruck enthusiast website. Most of the guys on here would give Elon their wives if he asked them, you're not getting an unbiased opinion here.
 

Darmie

Well-known member
First Name
Darmie
Joined
Jul 29, 2024
Threads
0
Messages
84
Reaction score
72
Location
Santa Fe Texas
Vehicles
2018 Model 3 LRRWD / 2024 CT
Occupation
Buyer
Country flag
Did you get your CT yet? Pictures?
 

TickTock

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 27, 2023
Threads
41
Messages
859
Reaction score
1,825
Location
Phoenix, AZ
Vehicles
`11 Nissan Leaf; '18 Model 3; '18 Model S; '24 Beast
Occupation
Electrical Engineer
Country flag
I'm thinking of going to a CT from my Lightning, after trade in and fees I'm thinking it's probably going to be like 10-15k extra... does anyone have any experience going from Lightning -> CT?

I like the Lightning but I'm thinking I'll like the CT more
I made the switch over a year ago for considerably more cost. The only things I miss about the Lightning are:
1) Bigger Frunk
2) Inconspicuous
I have no regrets. CT is so much more capable.
Sponsored

 
 








Top