You are right... trucks are outrageously priced.... but you can get a new truck for much less than $45k depending on what you want and need. What I have found is that the trucks (and cars) that are on the lot generally have trim levels that are more expensive than I want/need and options and accessories that I don't necessarily want to pay their exorbitant prices for so I prefer to order a vehicle equipped the way I want it.
I just bought a 2016 GMC Canyon SLE crew cab with 4WD, tow package and spray in bedliner for about $34k before trade, taxes, title and registration.
I traded in my 2005 Colorado with 122k miles that has been a great vehicle for us. I like the versatility of a truck. It's about as cool as it gets for us old guys. I prefer the midsize trucks because they get better mileage, are easier to handle in close quarters and a full-size truck would probably barely fit in my garage.
A RWD extended cab would be about $29k according to TrueCar but for an extra $5k the added versatility of a crew cab and 4WD is worth it to us and I'll get some of that back when I trade or sell.
If I didn't need a truck and wanted a cool but practical car, I've always liked the styling of the Audi A4.... or if you can go less practical the new Audi TT is attractive as well.