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2019 Ram 1500 Classic | FCA

The Cheapest Full Size Pickup Truck of 2020

Pickup trucks are the number one most popular vehicle in America. They are versatile and come in a wide range of options. From the utilitarian work truck to the luxury top tier trims, there is a truck for any need on almost any budget –– especially if you buy used. But what about the low …

Pickup trucks are the number one most popular vehicle in America. They are versatile and come in a wide range of options. From the utilitarian work truck to the luxury top tier trims, there is a truck for any need on almost any budget –– especially if you buy used.

But what about the low end of the budget scale for new trucks? Are there many options for a cheap 2020 pickup truck? For someone who wants to get in and get out spending the least amount of cash, what is the cheapest full size pickup truck of 2020?

The cheapest 2020 pickup truck

As far as full size pickups go, there is a base model for every brand. They are advertised as the work grade bare-bones base models, and they are the cheapest trucks. Still, they can get a lot done. If you don’t have need for the niceties and you just want to get from A to B and haul a decent load, there are brand new 2020 trucks out there for under 30 grand.

2020 Chevy Silverado

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado starts at $29,895, according to MotorTrend’s list of 2020’s cheapest pickup trucks. The Silverado’s strong points include a great base engine and sophisticated steering. The standard ‘Work Truck’ trim level “has an overly Spartan interior” in the words of Kelly Lin with MotorTrend.

A Chevy Silverado on display at an auto show
A red Chevy Silverado on display | Raymond Boyd/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

But, Spartan or not, the base model 2020 Silverado is priced affordably under $30,000. For the base price, you’ll get the standard 4.3 liter V6 engine that generates 285 hp and 305 pound-feet of torque. A long bed paired with the Regular Cab is the lowest-priced configuration.

The 2020 Ram 1500 Classic

This 2020 pickup truck is the cheapest full size truck on the market today. It starts at $29,340 and comes standard with a 305 horsepower 3.6 liter V6 engine. Called the ‘Tradesman’ in its lowest trim, the Ram 1500 Classic also markets its base model as a work truck. It is the best rated truck of the year for Consumer Reports and sports the smooth suspension unique to dodge trucks.

Instead of killing off the old generation, Ram Trucks decided to keep the 1500 Classic when they introduced the all-new RAM 1500. With a mix of cloth and vinyl and heated rearview mirrors, the 1500 Classic is certainly a bit more refined than the Chevy Silverado. And its a few hundred dollars cheaper. It definitely wins the title as 2020‘s cheapest full size pickup truck.

Keep in mind, however, that this truck is still super basic in most respects. Though you will enjoy the smooth suspension and handling that is responsive for a truck, the only configuration available at this price in the regular cab. The Tradesman does have a standard spray in bed liner which is defintely a nice touch for a work truck.

Cheap pickup trucks in 2020

Though buying used will often get you more truck for a better deal, sometimes it’s the allure of having something new that people are after. If you really want a brand new truck and you don’t want to spend $70,000, it is possible to find one at an affordable price. You’ll sacrifice in configuration options and cheap trucks lack in the way of luxury.

Ram 1500 Classic Warlock
Ram 1500 Classic Warlock | Ram

But hey, it’s a pickup truck. How luxurious does it need to be? It’s hard to argue with a decent base level pickup truck that costs under 30 grand. And for its low price of $29,340 the Ram 1500 Classic in its Tradesman trim level will do the trick.

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