Every automaker that offers V8-powered Crew Cab pickup trucks with 4WD lists this configuration’s MSRP below $50k, but some by only a few hundred dollars. One interesting phenomenon is that the pickup trucks with the highest MSRPs seem to be the cheapest to upgrade. Here’s how every 2023 pickup truck stacks up.

MSRPs can be misleading

Pickup truck manufacturers love to advertise low MSRPs. But for many automakers, these low entry-level truck prices are for stripped-down regular-cab trucks. They are all 2WD and have entry-level engines, often towing less than their midsize counterparts.

Optioning a truck can add up fast. If you have a family that needs a full four-door crew cab, you’ll find that it costs quite a bit extra. Four-wheel drive is necessary for commuting in many parts of the country, and it also costs several thousand extra. And finally, if you plan to use your pickup truck for towing and hauling and need a V8 engine, that will be an upsell as well.

Every pickup truck manufacturer advertises an entry-level truck with an MSRP below $40k. But to buy a crew cab truck with 4WD and a V8, a non-negotiable configuration for many drivers, you’re looking at totals much closer to $50k.

See why the two cheapest four-door full-size trucks are both Rams.

Expensive trucks may be cheaper to upgrade

Two of the highest half-ton pickup truck MSRPs belong to the Ram 1500 ($37,410) and the Nissan Titan ($39,700). What’s interesting is that they are also some of the cheaper to configure as a crew cab with a V8 and 4WD. What gives?

Well, the fifth-generation Ram 1500 only comes with four-door cabs, and this is part of the reason for its high MSRP. The Nissan Titan also does not offer with a single-row “regular” cab. In addition, Nissan only sells the Titan with one engine option: the 5.6-liter V8. The result? Configuring both trucks as crew cabs with a V8 and 4WD does not add much to their MSRPs.

In fact, the Nissan Titan is the cheapest V8 crew cab with 4WD you can buy, starting at just $46,475.

You cannot buy a 2023 Toyota Tundra with 4WD and a V8. That is because Toyota also only offers one powertrain. For 2022-present Tundras, this is a twin-turbocharged V6 with very similar specifications and output to the Ford EcoBoost.

How much is a crew cab 4WD pickup truck with a V8?

The cheapest 2023 crew cab pickup truck optioned with both 4WD and a V8 is the Nissan Titan with a $46,475 MSRP. The most expensive is the GMC Sierra 1500, which starts at $49,935. Most trucks fall in that $49k range.

The Ford F-150 has the lowest 2023 MSRP of any full-size truck. But that’s for the regular cab. The crew cab costs extra. Upgrading to the 5.0-liter V8 adds $2,335 to the F-150’s total. In addition, 4WD is a $3,800 charge.

Next is the Ram 1500. Adding 4WD bumps the Ram’s MSRP to $41,210. But while the Ram 1500 only comes with a four-door cab, it’s the small quad cab. Getting into a Crew Cab engineered for four adults will cost you $43,910. Adding the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 costs another $2,995. With the destination fee, this Ram will set you back at least $48,800.

With the destination fee, a crew cab Silverado 1500 starts at $43,895. GM offers two different V8s, the 5.3-liter EcoTec3, and its 6.2-liter big brother. The cheapest 5.3-liter V8, 4WD Crew Cab trim is the WT (work truck) which starts at $49,135.

The Silverado’s cousin, the “Professional Grade” GMC Sierra 1500, runs at least a few hundred dollars more at every trim level. This difference tracks with the crew cab, 4WD, 5.3-liter V8-powered variant. The GMC’s total comes to $49,935.

Here’s how all the brands of pickup trucks stack up:

Make and Model	MSRP	Crew Cab/V8/4WD
Nissan Titan	$39,700	$46,475
Ford F-150	$34,585	$49,395
Ram 1500	$37,410	$48,800
Chevrolet Silverado 1500	$36,300	$49,135.
GMC Sierra 1500	$37,100	$49,935

Next find out the one full-size American pickup truck still built in the U.S.A. or see Edmunds’ guide to the best pickup trucks under $60k in the video below: