I Sold My Cybertruck and Got This 2025 Chevy Silverado LT Trail Boss, If Tesla Made A Truck Like This, Their Cybertruck Sales Would Be Off the Rails

A devoted Tesla fan ditched his Cybertruck for a Chevrolet Silverado Trail Boss, declaring Tesla's radical truck design is the reason they'll never dominate the mass market. What do you think?

Marc Benton on his X account (@marc_benton) says, 

"Well, I went and did a thing today. I sold my Cybertruck a few months ago. The reasons were many, and I didn't go into it (and still won't on the personal side, and no, I didn't go through a divorce or bankruptcy ), but it was the right decision at the time." 

"Not only was it for personal reasons, but I knew it didn't fit our needs going forward. I didn't want to continue to pay two large truck payments for a vehicle (the Cybertruck) that I barely drove."

Fast forward to now..

"I just bought this 2025 Chevy Silverado LT Trail Boss. I got an insane deal on it, probably because I've bought so many vehicles, and I was patient and did my research. This truck's MSRP was $59,445. I bought it for $47500 (before taxes). I basically got 20% off MSRP. So much cheaper and useful than the Cybertruck (for my needs)."

"Yes, I will have to pay for gas, but I also won't have to worry about fueling when traveling with our kart trailer. We also have a Model Y that I can (and will) drive much of the time. So now I have the best of both worlds."

"I forgot to mention one of the main reasons I also jumped on the deal was that they delayed my payments for 90 days. Once my payments start, my Rivian lease will essentially be complete. So it was a win/win."

"So, in 3 months, I will probably see what the rates are and refinance it through my local credit union (if they have a better rate)."

"If Tesla made this, their truck sales would be off the rails. They would truly be making a difference in taking truck market share. Right now, Cybertruck sales don't matter. A range of 300-350 miles and $65k-$70k (with the tax credit) would have been a slam dunk. They would not have been able to keep up with production. The average price of a gas truck is about $65k."

"It's not a price issue, it's a design issue."

"People argue, 'Well, what about Ford and the Lightning sales?'. My response is this: Ford can't touch Tesla in terms of UI/Software and FSD.  Sitting in a Lightning doesn't feel much different than a gas F-150. Tesla could have made a slight variation on a normal truck and changed the market with their software, just like they did with Model 3 and Model Y."

"Tesla could have changed everything, but instead, they made a niche truck that will never be mass market because of the design. And to be clear, I like it; it grew on me. But I am also a big Tesla fan; the mass truck market will never accept the design."

From the Tesla Cybertruck to a Chevy Silverado

Marc Benton's decision to move from a Cybertruck back to a traditionally styled pickup—specifically, a 2025 Chevy Silverado LT Trail Boss—was more than a personal preference; it was a real-world test of market utility, flexibility, and value. 

While my reasons for selling the Cybertruck were personal and needs-driven, the subsequent purchase reveals a massive disconnect in Tesla's strategy to conquer the heart of the U.S. vehicle market.

He secured the 2025 Silverado LT Trail Boss for $47,500, which is 20% off the MSRP of $59,445. 

This immediate, steep market flexibility and discount don't exist in the current electric truck niche. 

This cost differential alone highlights a major practical takeaway: established truck manufacturers offer tangible, immediate value that Tesla cannot yet match, making the Silverado instantly more useful for Marc's daily and towing requirements.

He acknowledged the reality of transitioning from electric to a gasoline truck, but this choice was driven by utility. When towing his kart trailer on long trips, the gas engine provides seamless, anxiety-free fueling access, complementing the daily use of his Model Y. 

Furthermore, the negotiation included a 90-day payment delay, perfectly aligning the start of the Silverado payments with the end of his Rivian lease—a savvy financial maneuver that maximizes cash flow.

In the crucial Cybertruck vs. traditional truck comparison, Marc says Tesla's failure rests on design and price, not technology. Given the average gas truck costs around $65,000, a conventionally styled Tesla truck, offering 300-350 miles of range at a similar price point (with the credit), would have been a guaranteed, runaway success. 

This demonstrates how Tesla could dominate the truck market by leveraging its core strengths. Instead, the polarizing design is why the Tesla Cybertruck is not a mass-market vehicle. 

What About the Ford Lightning?

While some argue the Ford Lightning is struggling, its conventional styling is not the problem; it's the lack of revolutionary software. The Tesla software advantage in the truck segment, its UI, and its FSD potential, is leagues ahead. 

They built a niche product when they had the keys to the kingdom.

Marc says that if Tesla had put that software in a truck body that the mass market already accepts, they would have changed the industry overnight, just as they did with the Model 3. 

Conclusion:

The lesson here is simple: Tesla misread the truck market's priority. They overemphasized radical design and underemphasized traditional utility and mainstream acceptance. While the Cybertruck is an engineering marvel, its design severely limits its volume and market share potential. 

Marc's move back to the Chevy Silverado Trail Boss wasn't a rejection of electric technology, but a choice for maximum practicality and superior financial value.

What Do You Think?

Based on this analysis of price, utility, and market strategy, if Tesla suddenly announced a conventionally designed pickup featuring their software and a 350-mile range for $68,000, would you consider trading in your current truck for it? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Check out my Tesla Cybertruck story: I Just Had a 48-Hour Tesla Cybertruck Demo, Now I’m Thinking Of Selling My Ford F-150 To Get A Cybertruck, But I Have Questions

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 Marc Benton