Let’s face it. Driving around with the power of a nice big V8 is satisfying. But the cost of vehicles equipped with a V8 engine is increasing. Pickup trucks are already expensive, and buying one with a V8 adds to the expense. What is the cheapest truck you can buy with a V8?

Brands like Ford, Chevy, and Ram all offer a work truck trim level with an available V8. Of all the pickup trucks on the market, however, the least expensive pickup truck you can get with a V8 is the Ram 1500 Tradesman. There are affordable V8 trucks out there, you just have to know where to look.

The Ram 1500 vs the Competition

The Chevy Silverado offers a Silverado 1500 work truck equipped with a 5.3 liter V8 for $29, 895. Then there is the Ford F-150 XL for $30,740, with a 5.0 liter V8. GMC offer this Sierra, its version of the 5.3 liter V8 Silverado, for $30,995.

There is also the Toyota Tundra double cab with a 5.7 V8 starting at $33,575 and the Nissan Titan with a 5.6 Liter V8 starting at $36,190. The most expensive base trim with a V8 is the RAM 1500. The Tradesman model equipped with a 5.7 liter V8 starts at $36,440.

Interestingly enough, however, RAM trucks also offers the cheapest truck available with V8. The RAM 1500 Classic Tradesman is also equipped with a 5.7 liter V8. Except the 1500 Classic Tradesman starts at just $29,650.

What you get for $29,650

The Tradesman trim level for the RAM 1500 Classic is basic as they come. But if the V8 engine is your make it or break it and you’re on a budget, this pickup truck is a great option. But is the low price point worth the trade off?

What comes standard on a V8 RAM Classic Tradesman?

For this bargain starting price of under 30 grand you get a bare bones truck. A regular cab with a long box is the configuration for this price bracket. In all respects it is the perfect work truck. You get to choose between vinyl or cloth for the bench seat. According to Edmunds, the truck comes in standard rear wheel drive, but you do have the option for four wheel drive as well.

You’ll also get vinyl floors, which are great for a pickup truck. Additionally, a class four receiver hitch which includes integrated towing technology. That’s a nice perk for a truck that’s ready to tow up to 8,230 pounds. Plus, it includes two USB ports and rides on a nice smooth suspension.

The least expensive V8 pickup truck

You can get a full size truck with a V8 from any brand. But the 1500 Classic in the Tradesman trim is the cheapest pickup on the market equipped with a V8. If you’re searching for an affordable truck with an available V8, you’ll want to check out the 2020 1500 Classic tradesman. This RAM truck stands out as the cheapest pickup truck you can buy with a V8.