Our expert rates new full-size hunting pickups based on their value

By Brian Smyth | Published Jul 15, 2022 12:51 PM

The rising cost of new pickup trucks is not a secret. So, unfortunately, the cheapest new trucks out there are not actually cheap. In many cases, a base model trim carries a sticker price that is double what a new truck cost 20 years ago. The reasons for that are many, and thanks to inflation, hunters looking for a budget option this fall are going to struggle to find a pickup with a price tag under $40,000 unless they want a single cab or they’re willing to search for a used pickup truck. But if you have the financial means to afford a new truck, there are some options that are better than others for 2022. Here is a look at the most “affordable” trim levels from every major manufacturer, and a list of features included with each vehicle. I think there is one truck that stands above the rest (which I will detail later), but you can decide which 4×4 makes the most sense for how you hunt.

As with any game, rules dictate winners and losers, so it only makes sense to lay out some parameters defining which automaker makes the best entry-level trim. New full-size pickups are not cheap, but to keep costs down, all entries must have an MSRP under $45,000 (not including fees or discounts). Each truck must be a 2022 half-ton with four-wheel drive, an extended cab, a 6.5-foot bed, the base trimline, and the base powertrain (engine and transmission combo). Only new generation trucks will be considered.

With those formalities out of the way, each truck will be scored in seven categories. Tier 1 includes price, off-road features, and max payload; Tier 2 consists of horsepower, torque, max towing capacity, and maintenance and repair. To weigh  each category’s importance, all Tier 1 scores will be doubled, and Tier 2 scores will be multiplied by 1.5. After multiplication, all seven categories will be added together to determine each truck’s final score.

Except for off-road features, all categories will be scored on a scale of one to six with the highest scoring truck receiving six points for that category and the lowest receiving one. For off-road features, each truck will receive one point for every factory-installed off-road upgrade (skid plates, A/T tires, locking differentials, etc.).

Automakers in Detroit and across the Pacific entered this fray with some competitors clearly more invested in this contest than others. In total, six half-tons entered the arena, but only one came out on top. Each truck was priced in July of 2022 without incentives, delivery fees, dealer markups and other price adjustments affecting the MSRP, and each is scored using the criteria outlined above.

The Silverado 1500 WT comes with a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that, when paired with the eight-speed automatic transmission, puts out an eye-popping 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Despite the four-banger, the Silverado turns in impressive numbers, and even though the base four-cylinder doesn’t qualify for Chevy’s Z71 off-road package, a little bit of creative configuring turns out a decently capable off-roader. On the flip side, turbocharged engines can be a pain to fix should the need arise. As configured, this truck includes:

The F-150 XL is the best priced offering in this competition. While it does have a handful of towing packages available, the Ford lacks basic off-road essentials, such as skid plates, when equipped with the base 3.3-liter V6. Like Chevy and GMC, a dedicated off-road package (FX4) is only available with an engine upgrade, barring it from this competition. That said, the F-150 XL does offer respectable payload and towing numbers when equipped with the optional 3.73 rear axle. The V6 and 10-speed automatic combine to generate a paltry 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, the lowest numbers in this competition. As configured, this truck includes:

On paper, the Sierra 1500 Pro differs little from the Silverado WT, but the GMC’s base MSRP and available options diminish its potential as a value purchase. Like its corporate twin, the Sierra pro puts out impressive powertrain numbers, especially for a four-banger. Sadly, GMC’s off-road package is completely off-limits for the base engine with the four-cylinder as are skid plates. While the Sierra Pro does manage to do decently well in the equipment department, its price tag balloons a bit faster than the Chevy. As configured, this truck includes:

The Titan S generates more tons of power and torque thanks to its 5.6-liter V8 and nine-speed automatic tranny. Four hundred horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque paired with a two-speed transfer case offer a solid off-road foundation, but the S version sports minimal skid plates and lacks the option for either all-terrain tires or a locking/limited slip differential. Yes, you could take it off road, but stay on tame trails to avoid getting stuck and/or footing expensive repair bills. Mismatched off-road features combined with a higher price tag prevent the Titan S from being a great value purchase. As configured, this truck includes:

The Tradesman was designed with blue collar workers in mind, but it doubles well as a hunting truck. The optional Off-Road Group, electronic locking rear diff, and 3.55 rear axle ratio provide tons of off-road capability without inflating the final price tag too much. On the other hand, the 3.6-liter V6 produces low power, torque, payload, and towing numbers compared to the other contestants. The Off-Road Group also forces buyers to forgo vinyl seats in favor of cloth, and disappointment for those who like easy cleaning. As configured, this truck includes:

The newest generation Tundra SR is built with certain end users in mind, but budget-conscious outdoorsmen do not seem to be one of them. While this truck wins the price battle, the tradeoff is that it skimps on tires, limiting its potential. It also lacks the option for full-time four-wheel drive, and oddly, Toyota completely omitted tow hooks for all 2022 Tundras. The SR is one of the most affordable trucks on this list, but its lack of key off-road features will frustrate hunters looking for a hassle-free experience. As configured, this truck includes:

Making decisions based on stereotypes is a quick way to get yourself into hot water, but every so often, the pigeon fits perfectly into the pigeonhole. While Japanese truck manufacturers put out some impressive pickups, their relative newness to the American market has resulted in some notable blind spots. On the other hand, American automakers seem a bit better equipped to meet penny-pinching hunters. Still, we’ll let the numbers speak for themselves:

Read Next: Is the Toyota Tacoma a Real Hunting Truck?

After configuring each truck for this competition, I quickly realized that the Chevy and Ram pickups would be duking it out for the top spot. In all honesty, though, I did not expect such a close competition. With half a point separating these two sub-$45,000 pickups, I found myself with a virtual tie.

When equipped with the off-road group, The Tradesman blows its competition out of the water with 10 factory-installed off-road upgrades. The Ram’s max payload dips 355 pounds under the Silverado, and the 1,490-pound towing gap decisively tips the scales in Chevy’s favor. On the flip side, the Ram’s naturally aspirated (i.e., non-turbo) V6 should be much easier to maintain and repair over the long haul compared to GM’s turbocharged inline four. The Ram also has a nicer interior than the Chevy.

While neither truck qualifies as the ideal hunting truck, I feel the Ram 1500 Tradesman manages to generate the best bang for the buck for most hunters at a respectable $43,210.

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