Cheapest trucks of 2021 (spoiler: lowest-cost model is less than $22K)

In base XL trim, with a regular cab and a 6.5-foot bed, the Ford F-150 starts at $30,635

We at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 365 wish we could drive each of the pickups on the following list to give you a first-hand account of their power, handling and aesthetics, but we’ll have to rely on the experts.

Mototrend recently released its roundup, “The Cheapest Pickup Trucks On Sale for 2021,” highlighting not only some surprising entry-level options available in the universe of pickup trucks, but also some of the old standards which are a constant on every construction job site. Good news for cost-conscious contractors who need a workhorse but can’t afford to skimp on the basics.

As Motortrend says, “Pickup trucks used to be cheap, utilitarian things - full stop. Today, there are both cheap pickups used for real work and cowboy Cadillacs that regular shoppers snap up in droves every year... We’ve gathered here the former, the inexpensive pickup trucks that you can put to work without laying out too much cash at the dealership. They may not have all the frills or even be the best pickups around, and most are pretty darn basic and lack four-wheel drive, but they’re what to look for if you’re looking to spend as little as possible on something with a cargo bed.”

Following is a teaser, showing the bottom of the list:

10. Ford F-150 - $30,635. The best-selling pickup in America offers fresh styling, a new PowerBoost hybrid powertrain, and a collection of new features on 2021 models.

9. Chevy Silverado 1500 - $30,595. In its most basic form, the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 is very affordable but it’s no-frills. There are two audio speakers; manual door locks, door-mirror adjustment, and windows; and vinyl seats and flooring fitted to a two-door regular cab body with a long bed and rear-wheel drive.

8. Ram 1500 Classic - $30,550. An all-new Ram 1500 has been on sale now for more than two years, but Ram still offers the previous-generation model as the “Classic,” a low-cost alternative.

Head on over to Motortrend for the full top 10 list with details.