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Every automaker that manufactures full-size pickup trucks has at least one option with an MSRP below $40k. But these advertised totals are often for a two-door regular cab, and many drivers need at least four doors. For 2023, the cheapest four-door full-size is currently the fourth-generaiton Ram 1500 Classic with a quad cab and staring price of $37,055. Fordā€™s 2023 F-150 SuperCab, with its rear-hinged rear doors is more expensive at $38,305. But Fordā€™s 2023 F-150 XL SuperCrew with four proper doors starts at just $40,640, while the 2023 Silverado 1500 with a compact double cab begins at $41,495. Hereā€™s a breakdown of how these trucks all differ.

What is the Ram 1500 Classic quad-cab?

2018 Ram 1500 Quad Cab | Stellantis

The cheapest four-door, full-size 2023 truck is a Ram 1500 Classic quad-cab, but what does that mean? Ram actually still builds its previous-generation half-ton truck, the fourth-generation 1500. It is badged as the ā€œRam Classicā€ to differentiate it from the current Ram trucks.

The Classic is targeted at fleet truck buyers. It doesnā€™t offer the upgraded interior, infotainment system, or mild-hybrid eTorq system you can find on the current fifth-generation Ram. It does have the same rear coil springs, eight-speed automatic, and engine options.

Unlike the current generation of the Ram 1500, you can get a classic as a two-door regular cab. This model has the lowest MSRP of any new truck: $30,695. Upgrading to Ramā€™s compact four-door ā€œquad-cabā€ increases the price to $37,055 while decreasing the bed from eight feet to 6.4-feet. If you want a crew cab, designed for two rows of adults, youā€™re looking at at least $39,755.

These totals are just MSRPs. That means they donā€™t include the $1,700 destination charge, dealer fees, and taxes/registration.

Fordā€™s 2021 F-150 SuperCab has rear-hinged doors

Black Ford Super Duty pickup truck parked on a jobsite with all four of its supercab doors open.
2018 Ford Super Duty Supercab | Ford

Remember rear-hinged pickup truck doors? They used to be a common way automakers fit a small backseat, or jumpseats, behind a big bench seat. They were a compromise between regular and full cab trucks that have mostly fallen out of fashion. (Though Ram brought rear-hinged doors back in a concept truck.)

But rear-hinged doors are alive and well at Ford. You can still pick up an F-150 SuperCab with a big front bench seat, a smaller rear bench seat, and rear-hinged doors that swing all the way open to offer access. While the 2023 Ford F-150 XL trim with a regular cab now starts at $33,695, the total for a SuperCab upgrade will be at least $38,305.

If you want to bump up to a four-door with true, front-hinged doors youā€™ll need to purchase the Ford F-150 SuperCrew configuration. A 2023 Ford F-150 XL with a SuperCrew cab carries an MSRP of $40,640. Thatā€™s right, you canā€™t get a full-size Ford with four, front-hinged doors for $40k. But itā€™s still cheaper than some automakers.

The Chevrolet Silverado has multiple four-door cabs

2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 Towing a trailer at a job site
2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 | Chevrolet

Unlike the fifth-generation Ram and the current Toyota Tundra, you can still get a General Motors pickup truck with a regular cab: the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT (work truck) and the GMC Sierra 1500 Pro. The ā€œprofessional gradeā€ GMC option will cost you at least $800 more, depending on the trim level you choose.

The two-door 2023 Chevy Silverado WT has a $35,600 MSRP, according to Edmunds. The double-cab version, the same size as Ramā€™s quad-cab, starts at $38,900 while the full-size Crew Cab option has an MSRP of $41,300.

Ram is focusing on the four-door cab for the fifth-generation of its half-ton 1500. The smallest cab you can get on this truck is the quad-cab, with an MSRP of $37,410. Toyota made a very similar choice with its double cab Tundra which has a 2023 MSRP of $37,865.

Next, find out the cheapest full-size 4WD pickup truck that you can buy or see the size of the F-150 SuperCab for yourself in the video below: