Some of those higher priced models are priced so business owners and the truck manufacturer can optimize for the Business Use Depreciation Deduction [0] [1] (and also convos with family friends)
A new GMC Sierra Denali and mega cab RAM 3500 goes for around that much - though to be fair, it's often bought be people who either have more money than sense or (more commonly) by someone running a small business that requires lugging stuff (eg. Construction)
Ah, I see you're quoting the "every seat occupied, full load, with a trailer attached" weight. To be clear, the trucks you referenced weigh only ~7000 pounds.
Yep! The Towing Capacity/Gross Vehicle Weight is the measurement used in Section 179, as this is primarily meant to help smaller construction companies and taxi companies, and they don't want people abusing it to buy a Ferrari or a Lamborghini and still deduct it as business expenses.
[0] - https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/small-business-taxes/bu...
[1] - https://www.crestcapital.com/section-179-deduction-vehicle-l...