Posh pickups that break the bank
The most expensive heavy-duty hauler will set you back nearly $90,000, fully loaded
One of the fastest growing segments in the auto industry consists of large luxury pickup trucks that, while remaining burly and capable, treat their occupants to rich leather interiors and a full slate of upscale features. At least half of all pickup trucks sold in the U.S. are now upscale models that start in the $50,000-$60,000 range.
Truck-builders are attacking the top end of the full-size pickup market aggressively, with multiple models that carry evocative nameplates like Denali, King Ranch, Laramie Longhorn, High Country and Platinum Reserve. The costliest model among them — the top Platinum Crew Cab edition of the Ford F-450 heavy duty truck — approaches $90,000, which leaves the once-unimaginable notion of a $100,000 only a few additional upgrades away.
Here’s a look at the costliest full-size standard-duty luxury pickup trucks for 2018 and (where applicable) their even-pricier heavy-duty alternatives; all prices include four-wheel drive and the automaker’s destination charge.
6. Toyota Tundra 4WD Platinum CrewMax: $51,425. The top version of the Toyota Tundra full-size pickup may lack the same brand cachet as the domestic models, but it still treats its occupants to a full slate of upscale amenities that include leather heated/cooled seats. A standard 5.7-liter V8 engine generates 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet pf torque. The Tundra offers no HD alternative.
5. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country Crew Cab: $56,870. High Country is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500’s top trim level and it piles on the posh. Offered only as a Crew Cab model, 5.3-liter V8 comes standard, with a 6.2-liter V8 optional and good for 420 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. Options include power-deploying assist steps and a rear-seat Blu-Ray DVD entertainment system.
Not big or costly enough? The Silverado 3500 HD High Country version tops out with all options at $71,940.
4. Nissan Titan Platinum Reserve Crew Cab: $57,145. The most elegant of the standard-duty Nissan Titan models comes leather-clad and packs a 5.6-liter 390-horsepower V8 engine. Options are relatively minimal and include an offroad package, DVD entertainment system, and an electronic tailgate lock.
For added abilities and a sky-high price tag, the dieselpowered Titan XD version costs as much as $85,800 fully loaded.
3. GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Crew Cab: $57,550. GMC top half-ton model is large and leather trimmed, with Mercedes-like interior comfort. A 5.3-liter V8 is the standard engine, with a 6.2-liter V8 optional, and the latter includes an active noise cancellation system for an ultra-quiet cabin.
The top Sierra 3500 HD Denali version breaks the bank with all options at $74,970.
2. Ram 1500 Limited 4WD Crew Cab Tungsten Edition: $58,990. The more-urban alternative to the Ram 1500’s ranch-boss Laramie models, it’s a handsome and purposeful half-ton pickup with a clever “Rambox” bedrail storage system, and a sufficiently powerful 5.7-liter 385-horsepower “Hemi” V8 engine.
The costliest one-ton Ram 3500 HD model is the Laramie Longhorn Mega Cab; it can be fitted with a muscular 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel engine and can be equipped all the way to $70,440.
1. Ford F-150 Limited 4WD SuperCrew: $65,240. Ford beats all other automakers handily when it comes to selling expensive pickup trucks. The Limited trim is the standard-duty F-150’s top
model, just edging out the westernthemed King Ranch version, The Platinum is trimmed in rich leather, with a more urbane-looking cabin than in the King Ranch. A surprisingly energetic 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine comes standard.
But the king of hill among posh pickups is the F-450 Platinum 4WD Crew Cab Super Duty model with a turbocharged 6.7-liter diesel V8 engine and a sticker price that can reach a cool $87,545 with every box checked on the options list.