10 Best-Priced Full-Size Trucks

2017 Ford Raptor SuperCab 3 4 front profile ・ Photo by Ford

Full-size pickup trucks are some of the most practical vehicles available on the market today, capable of hauling people and cargo both on and off the road. Unlike the old days, today’s trucks are more powerful, more economical, more comfortable, and full of advanced new features and technology. Whether you use your truck for work, play or to haul the family, and whether you’re looking to buy the most affordable full-size truck on the market or one that costs over twice as much, the expert editors at Autobytel have got you covered. Read on to learn more and discover which of our picks of the ten best-priced full-size trucks is best for you.

Light-Duty Work Truck – 2017 RAM 1500 Tradesman

If you’re looking for a work truck, don’t mind vinyl seats and floor (cloth and carpet are optional, but vinyl is easy to clean), and aren’t interested in the extra power provided by optional engines then the 2017 RAM 1500 Tradesman is the best bang for the buck. Regular cab long and standard bed models come in at the same price, starting at $26,495 for a 4x2 and $31,095 for a 4x4. Power comes from a 3.6-liter V6 that generates 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, backed by an 8-speed automatic. Standard payload capacity is 1,880 lbs and towing capacity starts at 4,770 lbs. You get air conditioning as standard options but have to make do with manual windows, manual locks, and 17-inch steel wheels.

Photo by Ram Trucks

Four-Door Family Truck – 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT

With the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4x2 Crew Cab with a short box in LT trim you get lots of family-friendly usability at a relatively reasonable price. When optioned with the 5.3-liter V8 that makes 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque and a 6-speed automatic the manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $40,525 (4x4 is available if you have a bit more to spend). Included inside is seating for six, power windows and locks, keyless entry and the Chevrolet MyLink audio system with an 8-inch touchscreen (with navigation an available extra) while the outside includes the CornerStep rear bumper and 17-inch aluminum wheels. Unfortunately, the rear-seat entertainment package isn’t available on the LT trim, but aftermarket systems are available (and are often better and cheaper than built-in options).

Photo by Chevrolet

Short Bed 4x2 Sport Truck – 2017 RAM 1500 Express

If you’re looking for the sportiest truck you can buy for the least amount of money (and one of the cheapest way to get into a vehicle with a rear-wheel drive V8 layout) then the 4x2 regular cab standard box 2017 RAM 1500 Express with the Black RAM 1500 Express Group is the way to go. The Express Group includes 20-inch aluminum wheels, cloth seating, power locks and windows, keyless entry, the UConnect 5.0-inch infotainment system and various styling tweaks. The available 5.7-liter Hemi engine is good for 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque and is backed by an 8-speed automatic transmission. Throw in the optional 3.92 rear gears, and the anti-spin rear differential and you have a seriously quick machine that starts at just $33,370.

Photo by Ram Trucks

Luxury Truck – 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali

These days just about every pickup truck has an expensive top of the line luxury version available, but the 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali is the one that has the best features for the money. Starting at $55,655 you get a truck loaded with 20-inch wheels, a leather interior, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and a Bose audio system with subwoofer. Perhaps most importantly you also get the MagneRide Magnetic Ride Control suspension that does a great job of smoothing out the bumps. For an even more upscale ride, you can add options such as the 6.2-liter V8 that makes 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, 22-inch wheels, a power sunroof, an active noise cancellation system or the Rear Seat Entertainment Package.

Photo by GMC

Light-Duty Gasoline Max Towing / Payload – 2017 Ford F-150 XL

If you’re looking for a truck to tow with, the 2017 Ford F-150 XL Supercab with the EcoBoost engine is one of the best ways to go, especially if you spend time pulling in mountainous areas. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine delivers 375 hp and an impressive 470 lb-ft of torque, while a 10-speed automatic transmission sends power to the wheels. The Max Trailer Tow Package with the Heavy-Duty Payload Package includes 3.73 rear gears as well as a Class IV trailer hitch receiver, a 4/7-pin wiring harness, an auxiliary transmission cooler, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and a trailer brake controller. A great towing machine with an MSRP of $39,320 when equipped with these options and a few more, though the upcoming diesel model might give it a run for its money.

Photo by Ford

Light-Duty Diesel Max Towing / Payload – 2017 Nissan Titan XD S

The 2017 Nissan Titan XD straddles the line between light- and heavy-duty yet is also one of the most affordable ways to get into a diesel-powered pickup, starting at just $37,140 for a 4x2 Single Cab model. The turbocharged 5.0-liter V8 Cummins diesel motor churns out 310 hp and a stout 555 lb-ft of torque and is backed by an Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission. Standard features include cruise control, air conditioning, an audio system with a 5-inch display and Bluetooth, remote keyless entry, the NissanConnect suite of high-tech features that connects your smartphone to the truck,  Easy Clean Vinyl flooring, and 17-inch steel wheels. Payload maxes out at 2,420 lbs while max towing capacity is an impressive 12,640 lbs when properly equipped.

Photo by Nissan

Heavy-Duty Work Truck – 2017 RAM 2500 Tradesman

If you need a heavy-duty truck but don’t want to pay the heavy-duty premium that comes with diesel engines (a premium of $9,200 in the case of the RAM) and fancy interiors then the heavy-duty 4x2 RAM 2500 Tradesman is an affordable option (much like its little brother in the light-duty segment). When equipped with the optional 6.4-liter Hemi engine that puts out 410 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque and an anti-spin rear differential with a 4.10 rear-axle ratio prices start at only $32,645. That gets you everything you need but not much more, with a heavy-duty vinyl interior, air conditioning, manual windows and locks, a standard radio, 17-inch steel wheels and a locking tailgate. Payload is 3,990 lbs and max towing is 16,320 lbs.

Photo by Ram Trucks

Heavy-Duty Diesel Truck – 2017 Ford F-350 XLT

The 2017 Ford F-350 XLT is a big truck, especially in Crew Cab configuration with an 8-foot bed and dual rear wheels. Whether you plan on using the truck to plow, carry a slide-in or tow a heavy trailer, Ford has you covered in the options department, and the 6.7-liter Powerstroke diesel generates 440 hp and a locomotive-like 925 lb-ft of torque that is sent to the wheels via a 6-speed transmission. When paired with the optional 4.10 rear axle ratio pricing starts at $55,840, maximum payload is 5,003 lbs, maximum conventional towing capacity is 21,000 lbs (with a weight-distributing hitch) and maximum fifth wheel or gooseneck towing is 31,700 lbs. If that isn’t enough to get the job done, we don’t know what will.

Photo by Ford

Off-Road Rock Crawler – 2017 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro

If you need an affordable truck that can get you through the stickiest of situations, then look no further than the Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. Pricing starts at $43,495 which includes Bilstein remote-reservoir shocks, a front skid plate, an automatic limited-slip differential, dual exhaust, 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires and TRD Pro leather-trimmed front bucket seats. Power comes from the 5.7-liter i-Force V8 that makes 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque, backed by a six-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the wheels via a part-time four-wheel drive system. With 10.6-inches of ground clearance, an approach angle of 31.0 degrees and a departure angle of 17.0 degrees there aren’t many objects that will stand in the Tundra’s way.

Photo by Toyota

High-Speed Off-Road Truck – 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor

Despite being an off-road truck, the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor is one of the fastest pickup ever produced thanks to its aluminum body, 10-speed automatic transmission and high-output version of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 that makes 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. The sprint to 60 mph is completed in under six seconds (assuming you’re on pavement) and the Raptor’s excellent suspension setup means that it can hold up to just about whatever you can throw at it at high speeds off road while maintaining good ride quality and handling on the road. With a starting MSRP of $49,265 the Raptor is either a great bargain or just an expensive toy, it all depends on how you look at it.

Photo by Ford