In this case it makes sense because if you needed the actual truck capabilities they'd buy a different truck because the Cybertruck wouldn't fit the criteria of others from a category that would fit. The only reason people can change between both models is they didn't need truck features in the first place and it was more of an aesthetic choice, which is fine but that's what I meant by "not needing it".
What truck things can an F150 Lightning do that a Cybertruck can't? I can't think of anything other than goose-neck towing, but that's generally an f250+ thing.
Tow without fear of shattering the frame (OK, without the snark, support more than 160 lbs downward force on the hitch). A full sized bed. Better visibility. Go offroad. Go through a carwash.
And in a purely cosmetic take: even panel gaps and a finish that doesn't require hand-cleaning after it rains.
EDIT: Fixed 150 to 160 lbs to match manual.
> support more than 150 lbs downward force on the hitch
manual says 1100 pounds
> A full sized bed.
Cybertruck's is bigger than the Lightning's
> Better visibility.
No clear win for either truck. Both have bad blind spots.
> Go offroad.
Clear win for Cybertruck after the locking diff software update.
The confusion here is that most manufacturers don't differentiate between Tongue Load (which is 1100), and vertical hitch load limits. From an alert panel in the manual's "Carrying Accessories" section:
"The hitch assembly is designed to support vertical loads up to 160 lb (72 kg). Exceeding this maximum weight can cause damage."
The CT bed is 6' by 4', the F150 has options at 5'5" (short bed), 6'5" (standard bed), and 8' (long bed). It's also universally wider than the CT's bed (albeit by only 2"), and the depth is greater at the tailgate, and consistent throughout.
As for blind spots, trucks suck, period. But the complete loss of the back window when the tonneau cover is closed is a major visibility issue. Yes, even with the rear view camera (which all vehicles have now). The A pillar in the front is also a larger issue for the CT vs the F150.
I have yet to see a single instance of a CT doing offroading that a Subaru Legacy couldn't do - I've seen more ford pickups towing CTs out of trouble to be honest. The weight and lack of articulation put the Cybertruck at an immediate disadvantage that no amount of power control can overcome.
Wait a second...I weigh more than 160 lb. Does that mean that if I stepped on the hitch of one while trying to get up into the bed it might break?
Based on the evidence, it should take more than just stepping on it - it seems to break under a big dynamic load. The cast aluminum appears to be more brittle than a steel frame.
But who knows, really. I'd say "not Tesla", but they did add that warning to the owner's manual...