I don't like when Cyberpunk is compared to San Andreas, as from a developmental standpoint, some of those things were possible and much easier to do because that platform is so old and not as advanced as what we have today. Doing those same things by today's standards would require much more work in the engine, programming, assets, testing, etc.
But I can compare it to other, more recent games, like FO 4, or even GTA V. Fallout at least had an immersive and relatively decent AI with settlers that actually had jobs and routines and interactions and a meaningful day/night cycle, semi-intelligent enemies that would retreat or pursue cover or pin you, an immersive world with radiant quests and events, etc. And GTA is a perfect example of how such a huge, living open world can still be stable, and that game released two console generations ago!
As it stands, at the bare minimum, to make this game meet a passable standard, CDPR is going to need to fix/add some things: Cops that don't just pop in but run and drive toward the player; traffic that reacts to their surrounding and the player, and doesn't frequently get stuck on nothing (see Jinguji); radiant quests and events that aren't just the same copy/pasted Assault In Progress; consumables that aren't just the same three effects (I've still yet to find that Kerensikov inhaler from the trailer or anything that interesting); better journal and inventory management with a favourite button and mass sell button; a litany of bugs, some of which can be game-breaking. And all of this is not including all the cut content they hyped the game up with, just the essentials.
Ultimately CDPR is going to have to forfeit a non-insubstantial part of their profit margin fixing this game if they also want to fix their reputation. They'll still be in the green but this needs to be their top priority for the next 12-18 months and prior to any other major titles. The framework for a truly great game is there, but it's patently obvious from playing it that a lot was removed and stitched together to try to release this game before the end of fiscal 2020 and on the prior generation.
PS: Looking back at the gameplay trailers, the third-person cut scenes that transitioned to first-person added sooo much to the game. Anyone else finds themselves frequently looking down at their feet just to remind themselves they're actually there?