Shopping for a new Ford pickup truck often leads to countless hours of driving from one dealership to the next. Show of hands, who’s perused dealer lots on a Sunday when no salespeople are there to ambush you? Perhaps a better option is an online build and price tool that lets you create a truck to meet your needs without the extra stuff you don’t want.

Let’s play around with this builder to see if we can make an affordable 2023 Ford F-150.

Building the most affordable 2023 F-150 pickup truck

Ford’s online build and price tool encourages you to “choose your path.” Your first option is between building a customized F-150 and searching existing inventory for a suitable model.

Oon the model selection page, we’re presented with options ranging from the $33,695 XL to the top-trimmed Limited starting at $84,910. Since we’re looking for affordable F-150 options, we’ll resist the pull to explore the Raptor for a later date and choose the XL model. However, if you have cab or truck box size requirements, you can select those options on this page to narrow your parameters. 

The most affordable configuration is the regular cab XL with a six-foot-six-inch truck box. You’ll get six exterior color choices, including two shades of blue, two shades of gray, silver, red, white, and black, at no extra charge. 

The base engine is a 3.3-liter V6 with 290 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. There are two additional engine options, a 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 priced at $1,285 and a $2,335 5.0-liter V8. 

The most affordable drivetrain is the rear-wheel drive 4×2 option, notably opting for the 4×4 version adds $5,015. An electronic ten-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties across the F-150 lineup. The included 3.55 gear ratio non-limited slip rear axle is solid and dependable, and lower gear ratios, limited slip, and electronic locking versions add cost. 

The included XL Standard Equipment Group provides numerous standard features, the highlights of which are:

• Cruise control
• Reverse sensing system
• Power locking tailgate
• Power windows and locks
• AM/FM stereo with Sync4
• Trailer sway control
• Selectable drive modes: Normal, ECO, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery, and Trail
• A rearview camera with hitch assist

The standard features of the F-150 XL also include the following:

• 17-inch steel wheels and all-season tires
• Solar tint on the fixed-glass rear window
• Intermittent windshield wipers
• A 40/20/40 bench seat
• Day/night rearview mirror
• Tilt/telescoping steering wheel

Without any cost-added options, the estimated net price for a regular cab, standard box 2023 F-150 comes to $35,590, including the $1,895 destination charge. That’s a big ask for a pretty barebones truck.

Is the most affordable version of this truck practical owners?

While the base F-150 XL pickup truck is practical for many truck owners, adding a few options makes it even better. First, consider adding Ford’s advanced driver assistance suite, Co-Pilot 360, which requires additional upgrades to the side mirrors and privacy glass totaling $1,455. 

If you plan on towing anything substantial, consider adding the Class IV trailer hitch for $315 and the integrated trailer brake controller for $275. The optional trailer tow package for $1,325 includes the hitch, brake controller, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist. However, the trailer backup assist feature only works on XL trims with specific equipment. 

Can you build a more affordable 2023 F-150?

According to my calculations on Ford’s online tool, the most affordable 2023 Ford F-150 is a two-wheel drive, regular cab standard truck box model at $35,590. However, a more practical, and still affordable truck costs $38,765 unless you need seating for more than three people. 

Just for fun, we challenge you to build the most affordable 2023 F-150 that fits your needs. Leave a comment below with how much you’d have to pay.