If there’s one vehicle that appeals to a diverse group of buyers, it’s the pickup truck. For some, it’s a necessity to tow large trailers or transport work supplies.
For others, the convenience of a cargo bed is ideal for home improvement projects or weekend camping adventures.
The growing trend of using pickup trucks as everyday vehicles is likely contributing to the surge in new vehicle prices. However, not every pickup truck requires a hefty investment.
To assist shoppers in finding a budget-friendly option, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 most affordable models available as of April 2024, covering a range of small to full-size trucks to suit various needs and budgets.
Small and Mid-Size Pickup Trucks
When it comes to affordability in the pickup truck market, smaller models take the spotlight. Leading the pack are the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, which blend affordability with fuel efficiency.
These compact unibody trucks offer enough towing and hauling capacity for most casual users, such as weekend DIYers or adventurers.
For those needing additional space or power, stepping up to mid-size models like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma provides more capability without drastically increasing costs.
Full-Size Pickup Trucks
For buyers who require the enhanced towing and hauling abilities of a full-size pickup, three models stand out as the most affordable options: the GMC Sierra 1500, Ford F-150, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
Some base models start at less than $30,000, a noteworthy figure compared to the average price of a new vehicle. However, starting prices don’t always reflect what a typical buyer will pay.
To provide a more realistic perspective, we’ve included each model’s median listing price across Cars.com dealerships as of March 2024, encompassing all available trims.
All starting prices below include destination charges but exclude any available cash incentives or taxes.
Additionally, fuel efficiency is an important consideration as gas prices fluctuate. Each vehicle’s EPA-estimated mileage is noted to help estimate long-term ownership costs.
Cheapest New Pickup Trucks
1. 2024 Ford Maverick XL
- Starting price: $25,410 (includes $1,595 destination)
- Cars.com median listing price: $32,500
The Ford Maverick holds the title as the most affordable truck from Ford, positioned below the mid-size Ranger. The 2024 model introduces an updated standard powertrain: a 250-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, while all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional. The EPA rates the truck’s combined mileage at 26 mpg with FWD and 25 mpg with AWD.
For those prioritizing fuel efficiency, the optional hybrid powertrain is a standout. With a 191-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission, the hybrid achieves an impressive 37 mpg combined, making it the most fuel-efficient gas-powered pickup truck available.
2. 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE
- Starting price: $28,275 (includes $1,375 destination)
- Cars.com median listing price: $36,665
While Hyundai markets the Santa Cruz as a “sport adventure vehicle,” its cargo bed and competitive pricing make it a valid contender on this list.
The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generates 191 hp and pairs with a traditional eight-speed automatic transmission. For more power, a turbocharged version delivers 281 hp, coupled with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The Santa Cruz offers flexibility with FWD as standard and AWD as an option for non-turbo models. The EPA estimates its combined mileage at 23 mpg for FWD and 22 mpg for AWD with the turbo engine.
Despite its compact size, the Santa Cruz is a capable hauler, boasting a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds with AWD models and a payload range of 1,500-1,750 pounds.
3. 2024 Chevrolet Colorado WT
- Starting price: $31,095 (includes $1,595 destination)
- Cars.com median listing price: $41,174
For those seeking a more traditional pickup truck without venturing into full-size territory, the Chevy Colorado WT offers a mid-size option at an accessible price.
Redesigned in 2023, the Colorado lineup now exclusively features four-door crew cabs with a short box, offering a uniform and practical design.
Under the hood, the WT trim comes equipped with a new turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 237 horsepower and 259 pounds-feet of torque. The engine provides an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 22 mpg combined.
Buyers wanting additional power can opt for a 310-hp version of the same engine. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with four-wheel drive available for added versatility.
The Colorado’s maximum towing capacity is 7,700 pounds, and its payload tops out at 1,684 pounds.New for 2024, the off-road-focused ZR2 Bison trim returns to the lineup.
This rugged variant boasts 35-inch all-terrain tires, widened front and rear tracks, steel underbody skid plates, a winch-ready front bumper, power-locking front and rear differentials, and an impressive 12.2 inches of ground clearance.
Inside, the WT trim comes well-equipped with an 11.3-inch touchscreen, an 8-inch digital instrument panel, and a Google-powered operating system. Connectivity features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safety tech is also comprehensive, featuring forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.
4. 2024 Nissan Frontier S
- Starting price: $31,540 (includes $1,510 destination)
- Cars.com median listing price: $40,558
Following a significant redesign in 2022, the Nissan Frontier continues to deliver enhanced capabilities, modern technology, and improved comfort compared to its predecessor.
With a starting price just above $30,000, the Frontier secures its place among the most affordable mid-size trucks. The base S trim is offered in two configurations: a two-door King Cab with seating for four or a four-door crew cab accommodating up to five passengers.
For 2024, the Frontier introduces the SL trim for crew cab models, which adds luxury touches like a moonroof, leather-appointed seats, heated front seats, and a 10-speaker Fender audio system.
Additionally, the new Hardbody Edition package for 4WD crew cabs in the SV trim offers retro styling with a black grille, sport bar, bumpers, decals, and vintage-inspired wheels reminiscent of 1980s trucks.
All Frontier models are powered by a 3.8-liter V-6 engine, first introduced in 2020, which generates 310 horsepower and 281 pounds-feet of torque.
Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Frontier comes with standard rear-wheel drive, while four-wheel drive is optional.
The base S model with RWD achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined. It boasts a towing capacity of up to 6,720 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,600 pounds.
5. 2024 Toyota Tacoma SR
- Starting price: $32,995 (includes $1,495 destination)
- Cars.com median listing price: $45,670
Toyota’s 2024 redesign of the Tacoma was eagerly awaited, as the model hadn’t received a significant update since 2016.
The new Tacoma introduces fresh trims, configurations, a hybrid powertrain option, improved off-road capabilities, and enhanced technology and safety features.
The 2024 Tacoma offers two new engine options. The base model comes with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers up to 278 horsepower and 317 pounds-feet of torque; however, in the entry-level SR trim, output is reduced to 228 hp and 242 pounds-feet.
For buyers seeking more power, the optional i-Force Max turbocharged 2.4-liter hybrid engine increases output to 326 hp and 465 pounds-feet.
Transmission options include an eight-speed automatic or, for certain configurations, a six-speed manual producing 270 hp and 310 pounds-feet of torque.
The Tacoma’s towing and payload capacities vary by powertrain. The standard gas engine with the eight-speed automatic achieves the highest towing capacity at 6,500 pounds, while the hybrid can tow up to 6,000 pounds.
Payload capacity peaks at 1,709 pounds with the hybrid, an improvement over the previous model’s maximum of 1,685 pounds.
6. 2024 Ford Ranger XL
- Starting price: $34,265 (includes $1,595 destination)
- Cars.com median listing price: $43,375
For buyers seeking a mid-size pickup that bridges the gap between the compact Maverick and full-size F-150, the 2024 Ford Ranger offers a perfect balance.
Fully redesigned, the Ranger features modern updates and a slightly increased starting price. The base XL trim is configured as a four-door SuperCrew with seating for five and a 5-foot bed.
The Ranger is powered by a standard turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that produces 270 horsepower and 310 pounds-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Rear-wheel drive is standard, with four-wheel drive available as an option. With RWD, the Ranger achieves an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined.
While it may not match the towing and payload capacities of its full-size sibling, the Ranger is highly capable for a mid-size truck. It can tow up to 7,500 pounds when equipped with the available Trailer Tow Package and offers a maximum payload of 1,905 pounds.
7. 2024 GMC Canyon Elevation
- Starting price: $37,595 (includes $1,595 destination)
- Cars.com median listing price: $47,773
The GMC Canyon, a close relative of the Chevy Colorado, underwent a redesign in 2023, receiving a new engine, improved off-road capabilities, and a higher price compared to the 2022 model.
Despite the increase, the Canyon retains a place on the list of the most affordable pickups, carrying over unchanged for 2024.
Similar to the Colorado, the Canyon is exclusively available as a four-door crew cab with a short bed. It is powered by a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 310 horsepower and 430 pounds-feet of torque across all trims.
The base Elevation model features standard rear-wheel drive and an optional four-wheel-drive system. With RWD, the Canyon achieves an EPA-rated 20 mpg combined. The truck offers a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,640 pounds.
Inside, the Canyon Elevation is equipped with many of the same features found in the base Colorado. These include an 11.3-inch touchscreen display powered by a Google-based operating system, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto connectivity, and an 8-inch digital gauge cluster.
The standard safety features include forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams.
8. 2024 Ford F-150 XL
- Starting price: $38,765 (includes $1,995 destination)
- Cars.com median listing price: $59,302
The Ford F-150 received updates for the 2024 model year, including a refreshed front-end design, a versatile multifunction tailgate, a standard Class IV receiver hitch, and a more powerful standard engine.
Ford has retired the outgoing model’s naturally aspirated 290-hp, 3.3-liter V-6, replacing it with a 325-hp, twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 as the new base engine.
Additional powertrain options include a 400-hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6, a 400-hp naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8, a 430-hp hybrid version of the 3.5-liter V-6, the Raptor’s 450-hp version of the same V-6, and the Raptor R’s supercharged 5.2-liter V-8.
Rear-wheel drive is standard, with four-wheel drive available across the lineup. Properly equipped models with the 3.5-liter V-6 boast the highest towing and payload capacities, rated at 13,500 pounds and 2,445 pounds, respectively.
The base engine achieves EPA ratings of 19/25/21 mpg city/highway/combined. Most powertrains come with a standard 36-gallon extended-range fuel tank, while the hybrid version is equipped with a 30.6-gallon tank.
As one of the best-selling vehicles in the U.S., the F-150 remains an attractive option in its entry-level XL trim.
The starting price includes a two-door regular cab seating three, with optional configurations for a two-door extended cab or a four-door crew cab, both seating five. Buyers can choose from bed lengths ranging from 5.5 feet to 8 feet.
9. 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT
- Starting price: $38,795 (includes $1,995 destination)
- Cars.com median listing price: $55,369
The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT provides a cost-effective entry point into full-size trucks, with a starting price significantly below the average for new vehicles.
The base WT trim features a two-door regular cab that seats three, paired with a standard bed configuration. Buyers can also opt for a four-door double cab or crew cab, both of which seat up to six.
The Silverado received notable updates in 2022, including enhanced tech and interior features. For 2024, the base WT trim adds standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The standard engine is a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder that generates 310 horsepower and 430 pounds-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
An optional 355-hp 5.3-liter V-8 is available, paired with either an eight- or 10-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive offered as an option.
Models equipped with the 5.3-liter V-8 achieve the highest towing capacity, rated at 9,900 pounds. Trucks with the four-cylinder engine achieve an EPA-rated 20 mpg combined, while V-8 models are rated at 19 mpg.
10. 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Pro
- Starting price: $39,695 (includes $1,995 destination)
- Cars.com median listing price: $63,109
The GMC Sierra 1500, a more premium counterpart to the Chevrolet Silverado, offers many similar features at a slightly higher starting price.
Like the Silverado, the Sierra comes standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and offers a range of other powertrains, including two V-8s and a turbo-diesel inline-six.
Rear-wheel drive is standard, with several optional four-wheel-drive systems available for enhanced off-road and towing capabilities.
The Sierra Pro trim can be configured with three cab sizes and three bed lengths. Depending on the powertrain and equipment, the Sierra’s maximum towing capacity ranges from 8,700 to 13,300 pounds.
This comprehensive guide aims to help prospective buyers make an informed decision when selecting a pickup truck that meets their needs and budget.