I Didn’t Buy a Sierra or Lightning EV Even With Better Truck Stuff Than Cybertruck, and Tesla Isn’t Luxurious Like Denali or Higher F-150 Trims, But CT’s Eco Is Hands Down Better

Should you buy an electric pickup, and which one is the best? Here is what EV truck buyers need to know. Let's check in with Andres Acosta on the St Louis Tesla Enthusiasts Facebook page. He gives valuable insight for truck shoppers. 

He says,

"So I decided and went with Cybertruck. Yes, the Sierra and Lightning have some good traditional truck stuff better than Cybertruck, I admit, like tailgates, midgate for the GMC Sierra and Chevy, traditional looks, bigger frunks." 

"But the ecosystem on a Tesla is like no other. It's like going from an iPhone or an Android back to a BlackBerry or a Sidekick." 

"Tesla's FSD autopilot is, hands down, better than all other driver-assist suites. The Supercharger network is hands down better. I am used to the simplicity of a Tesla interior, and no, it's not as posh or luxurious as the Denali or higher trims of the F-150 Lightning."

"Looks are subjective...Although I agree that Cybertruck is cool and ugly. I hope this Cybertruck gives me the same great experience as my Model 3 and Model Y have given us." 

"Oh, and one last thing." 

"The buying experience of a Tesla alone is enough to convince me..I don't miss sitting in a dealership for 4+ hours and getting sold every extra type of stuff."

What's the Takeaway For Truck Buyers?

In the highly competitive and rapidly evolving landscape of electric trucks, the battle for consumer attention often boils down to a checklist of familiar features. We see manufacturers like Ford and GM vying for dominance by offering vehicles like the F-150 Lightning and the GMC Sierra EV, which promise to deliver on the traditional virtues of a pickup while embracing an electrified future. 

They boast tried-and-true designs, familiar functionality, and an appeal that resonates with decades of truck-buying tradition. But the recent post from Andres Acosta on the St. Louis Tesla Enthusiasts Facebook page offers a compelling counter-narrative, revealing a profound shift in consumer values. His decision to choose a Tesla Cybertruck over established electric rivals isn't just a quirky choice; it's a profound statement about the future of vehicle ownership.

Andre's honesty is refreshing. 

He readily admits that the Ford F-150 Lightning and the GMC Sierra offer what he calls "good, but better traditional truck stuff." This includes familiar features like tailgates, a bigger frunk on the Lightning, and the innovative Multi-Pro Midgate on the Sierra, which can expand the bed to nearly 11 feet of usable space. These are tangible, practical features that have long defined the utility of a pickup. 

To see more about how the Multi-Pro Midgate can turn an electric pickup into a highly practical vehicle, check out this video: How to Use Your Multi-Pro Mid-Gate and Your Multi-Pro Tailgate on Your GMC Sierra EV.

But for Andres, these traditional benchmarks were outweighed by a more powerful force: the Tesla ecosystem. This is the core of his argument and gives a new paradigm of ownership.

The concept of a vehicle as part of an integrated ecosystem is what sets Tesla apart, according to Andres. 

He uses a striking analogy: "It's like going from an iPhone or Android back to a BlackBerry or Sidekick." This comparison perfectly encapsulates the feeling of moving from a seamless, interconnected network of technology to a more fragmented, less intuitive experience. 

Owning a Cybertruck is more like managing a mobile device than operating a piece of machinery.

The Tesla ecosystem is not just the vehicle itself; it's a cohesive web of software, hardware, and services that work together harmoniously. It's the instant, over-the-air software updates that improve the vehicle. At the same time, it's parked in the garage, featuring a single-screen interface that consolidates all controls, and an intuitive mobile app that allows for everything from climate control to remote diagnostics. This integrated approach fundamentally changes how an owner interacts with their truck, making the experience more like managing a mobile device than operating a piece of machinery.

1. Superior Driver Assistance Tech

The first key pillar of this ecosystem is the superior driver-assistance technology. Andres declares that Tesla Cybertruck Full Self-Driving is hands down better than other driver assistance systems. While competitors like Ford's BlueCruise and GM's Super Cruise have made significant advancements, Tesla's system, despite its controversial "beta" label, continues to operate on a vast range of roads without the geofencing limitations of its rivals. 

This freedom to engage the system beyond a pre-mapped highway network is a major selling point for those who want a more comprehensive hands-free experience. 

However, it's worth noting that while Tesla's system is widely available, some Consumer Reports gives higher safety ratings to GM's Super Cruise and Ford's BlueCruise due to their reliance on driver-monitoring cameras and high-definition mapping data. This highlights a critical distinction for a new owner: do you value a wider range of operability or the structured, data-driven security of a geo-fenced system?

2. The second critical component of the Tesla ecosystem is its formidable charging infrastructure. 

Andres is adamant: "Supercharger network is hands down better." Countless EV owners echo this sentiment. Tesla's Supercharger network, compared to other electric vehicle charging networks, is often cited as the gold standard for reliability and ease of use. The network's density on major travel corridors makes long-distance travel anxiety a thing of the past. 

The plug-and-charge functionality, where the vehicle automatically authenticates and initiates charging without the need for an app or credit card, is a seamless experience that other networks are only now beginning to emulate. For a new truck owner, this reliability and convenience translate directly to saved time and reduced stress, offering a practical takeaway for anyone considering a long-range EV.

3. And then there's the final, and perhaps most impactful, point: the buying experience. 

Andres states that the benefits of Tesla's direct-to-consumer sales model for truck buyers were enough to seal the deal. For many, the traditional dealership model—with its hours of negotiation, pressure to buy unnecessary add-ons, and sometimes opaque pricing—is a source of frustration.

Tesla's approach eliminates this friction. 

The price you see online is the price you pay, and the transaction is handled digitally, without the need for high-pressure sales tactics. It's a transparent and streamlined process that many consumers, especially digital natives, find far more appealing than the traditional way of doing business. This radical shift in how vehicles are sold has been a disruptive force in the industry and is clearly a significant factor for buyers who prioritize convenience.

However, this doesn't mean the Cybertruck is without its flaws. 

Acosta acknowledges the trade-offs, mentioning that the traditional trucks have better frunks and the Sierra's midgate, as well as more conventional looks. This highlights a key tension in the market: balancing the Cybertruck's polarizing design with traditional truck features. Its angular, stainless-steel exoskeleton is not for everyone, and as Acosta notes, its looks are "subjective." 

The Cybertruck's design demands a different perspective on what a truck should be, prioritizing durability and a futuristic aesthetic over the familiar curves and lines of its competitors. The trade-off in traditional utility, such as a smaller frunk compared to the F-150 Lightning, is a conscious decision by the buyer to prioritize a different set of values.

Ultimately, Acosta hopes that his new truck will provide the same great experience as his Model 3 and Model Y.

This speaks to a larger truth about the Cybertruck ownership experience and the advantages of the Tesla ecosystem. The loyalty of Tesla owners extends not just to a single vehicle but to the brand's promise of continuous improvement and a seamless digital experience. 

This is the new front in the electric truck wars: a battle not just over towing capacity and horsepower, but over the long-term relationship between the owner and the vehicle. This is about long-term experiences with the Tesla Cybertruck versus traditional pickups, and Andre's story is still in the early stages.

In The End

As a senior reporter at Torque News, I've watched countless vehicles come and go, each promising to be the next big thing. But Andres Acosta's decision is one of those stories that gives us a clear look at what's really happening on the ground. It's not about the spec sheet; it's about the entire ownership experience.

The actionable insight here is that for a growing segment of buyers, the seamless, integrated, and hassle-free nature of the Tesla ecosystem is more valuable than traditional truck features. 

The practical takeaway is this: you may love a vehicle's design or utility, but if the ownership experience is a constant source of friction, it will ultimately be outdone by a more streamlined alternative.

I think Andres Acosta's story is a wake-up call for the truck industry. It's not just about building a good pickup anymore; it's about creating a good user experience from the moment a customer considers a purchase to their daily life with the vehicle. The dealership model, with its complexity and lengthy wait times, is a clear disadvantage in this new era.

What about you? What is the most critical factor that would make you choose an electric truck that looks unconventional but offers a superior ownership experience? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Check out my Tesla Cybertruck story: My Tesla Cybertruck Just Drove Itself Back To the Dealer Because of the Heavy Debt I Owe, Come Back Cybertruck

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Andres Acosta