>>61112287
>This is the most basic trim too
Technically the F-150 XL is a step down at $38k but your point still stands. Modern trucks are ridiculous.

Modern trucks cost so much because of a) emissions/safety requirements and b) useless features, combined with c) people willing to finance them as a vanity purchase. The average V8 pickup can tow ~10,000 lbs. and are lifted enough to do basic offroading...two things their owners never actually do. They're also stuffed to the hilt with bullshit passenger accommodations - I sat inside a RAM 1500 Big Horn, and about 40% of the interior space was an iPad screen and a place to put your fucking snacks and drinks. Don't even get me started on the Ford Raptor or Ram TRX, which is just a play toy for rich guys to look "blue collar".

The irony is modern trucks are shit at actually being trucks. They minimize bed space in favor of passenger space, and they sit so high up off the ground that loading shit into the back is a chore. I have a RAM 1500 Tradesman 4x4 (fleet truck model) and I basically have to do a box jump every time I need to get in the bed, and I'm 6' tall. Loading a motorcycle into the back requires a running start on a downhill - I'd rather have a van at this point.

The "cheap trucks" like the Ford Maverick have a uselessly small 5' bed, which means we keep buying the expensive, retarded trucks when all we want is pic related.