The prices of pickup trucks are generally on the rise. This increase is largely driven by inflation, but previously budget-friendly models, such as the new Tacoma, are becoming more expensive. Moreover, the cost hike for budget-friendly options like the Maverick seems to be a result of manufacturers taking advantage of their unexpected popularity. Currently, it’s still possible to find affordable work trucks priced below $40,000, although the most commonly purchased trims are hovering around the $50,000 to $60,000 mark.

While price is an important factor to consider when choosing a truck, it isn’t the only one. For a deeper understanding of how different pickups compare, MotorTrend provides a proprietary algorithm that combines more than 75 years of performance, comfort, and efficiency data from over 5,000 vehicles. This data is enhanced by insights from experienced designers, engineers, and our automotive purchasing experts. Created by statisticians and refined by car specialists, MotorTrend’s Ultimate Car Rankings can help you find the vehicle that best fits your needs.

Below is a list of the most affordable trucks available in the United States.

10. 2025 GMC Sierra Pro 2WD | $39,200 (MT est.)

The base price for the 2025 GMC Sierra Pro 2WD, aimed at work purposes, seems fair. Like other affordable full-size picks, this version is stripped down for essential tasks. For example, selecting a color other than white incurs a $495 extra fee. However, this standard cab truck equipped with steel wheels is quite functional. It comes with a robust 2.7-liter turbocharged engine and offers impressive handling while providing a maximum payload of 2,240 pounds.

10. 2025 GMC Sierra Pro 2WD | Pros and cons

• Price: $39,200 (MT est.)
• Base Horsepower: 310
• Base Torque: 430
• Maximum Payload: 2,240 pounds
• Maximum Towing Capacity: 9,400 pounds

9. 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT 2WD | $38,995

The 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 stands out as one of the more affordable options among full-size pickups. The Silverado offers an impressive array of features, especially when considering higher trims like the Silverado ZR2. However, the base version isn’t quite remarkable, despite being powered by a reliable 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that delivers 310 horsepower. The interior of the basic Silverado is somewhat lacking, yet it compensates for this with strong towing and payload capabilities, making it a solid work truck for those on a budget.

9. 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT 2WD | Pros and cons

• Price: $38,995
• Base Horsepower: 310
• Base Torque: 430
• Maximum Payload: 2,260 pounds
• Maximum Towing Capacity: 9,500 pounds

8. 2025 Ford F-150 XL | $38,960

The Ford F-150 has been America’s top-selling vehicle for years and stands out as the most affordable option in the full-size truck category. It draws in a diverse range of customers thanks to its extensive range of trim options. The entry-level F-150 comes equipped with a 5.0-liter V-8 engine producing 400 horsepower, and all versions utilize a 10-speed automatic transmission. While the interior of the basic 2025 Ford F-150 may not match the luxury of higher-tier models (which can cost nearly $100,000 when fully loaded), it still offers a quality experience that surpasses many competitors, all at a more budget-friendly price.

8. 2025 Ford F-150 XL | Advantages and Disadvantages

• Price: $38,960
• Base Horsepower: 400
• Base Torque: 410
• Maximum Payload: 2,230 pounds
• Maximum Towing Capacity: 12,900 pounds

7. 2025 GMC Canyon Elevation 2WD | $38,595 (MT est.)

The 2025 GMC Canyon represents one of the most budget-friendly options for midsize trucks built on a traditional body-on-frame design. The Canyon’s recent updates have made it larger and more capable, comparable to older full-size models, yet it offers a more powerful and smaller turbocharged engine. Across all trims, the GMC Canyon is driven by the robust version of the 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque—same as the larger GMC Sierra 1500. Following updates for the 2023 model year, we’ve found that the Canyon provides a commendable ride and driving dynamics, regardless of the selected trim level.

7. 2025 GMC Canyon Elevation 2WD | Advantages and Disadvantages

• Price: $38,595 (MT est.)
• Base Horsepower: 310
• Base Torque: 430
• Maximum Payload: 1,640 pounds
• Maximum Towing Capacity: 7,700 pounds

6. 2025 Ford Ranger XL | $34,815 (MT est.)

The revamped 2025 Ford Ranger has been thoroughly redesigned and improved, offering a wider array of options compared to other midsize trucks on the U.S. market. The entry-level model retains the previous version’s engine, featuring a turbocharged 2.3-liter I-4 that produces 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The more powerful 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 found in higher trims is not available in the XL. While the Ranger is not the cheapest midsize truck, Ford asserts that the 2025 version is the most customizable right from the factory.

6. 2025 Ford Ranger XL | Advantages and Disadvantages

• Price: $34,815 (MT est.)
• Base Horsepower: 270
• Base Torque: 310
• Maximum Payload: 1,805 pounds
• Maximum Towing Capacity: 7,500 pounds

5. 2025 Nissan Frontier King Cab S 4×2 | $33,560

The 2025 Nissan Frontier is one of the more budget-friendly options in the midsize truck category, but it falls short of being a top contender. In our Ultimate Rankings, it ranks low compared to its peers, who have moved away from the Frontier’s outdated and less refined features. While it has some standard active safety elements, it lacks in driving comfort, and the transmission can struggle with gear selection. Although the Frontier has good towing capabilities, an attractive design, and is among the lowest-priced midsize trucks, these features alone do not suffice to keep up with competitors in the segment.

5. 2025 Nissan Frontier King Cab S 4×2 | Advantages and Disadvantages

• Price: $33,560
• Base Horsepower: 310
• Base Torque: 281
• Maximum Payload: 1,620 pounds
• Maximum Towing Capacity: 7,150 pounds

4. 2025 Toyota Tacoma SR RWD | $33,500 (MT estimated)

The 2025 Toyota Tacoma closely rivals the Ranger in terms of versatility and comes at a more affordable base price. This highly regarded model has received a significant update for the 2024 model year (refer to our review of the 2024 Tacoma), featuring new engine options, a fresh transmission (with a manual transmission available for the lower trims), and an updated appearance. The base Tacoma is equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces just 228 hp, making it less powerful than its midsize competitors. However, it remains competitive in several other aspects, such as interior comfort and space.

4. 2025 Toyota Tacoma SR RWD | Advantages and Disadvantages

• Price: $33,500 (MT estimated)
• Base Horsepower: 228
• Base Torque: 243
• Maximum Payload: 1,710 pounds
• Maximum Towing Capacity: 6,500 pounds

3. 2025 Chevrolet Colorado WT 2WD | $34,000 (MT estimated)

The Chevrolet Colorado has recently been recognized as our MotorTrend Truck of the Year, so expectations are high that the largely similar 2025 version will maintain this excellence. While being the least expensive option in the midsize category is appealing, its true merit lies in delivering outstanding value across all trims. The Colorado excels with a robust engine (for 2025, it features a powerful 2.7-liter turbocharged I-4 engine producing 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque), along with advanced technology and infotainment options, ensuring it meets all demands of a serious truck without the cumbersome handling of larger vehicles. The Colorado offers essential truck functionality at a more accessible price, a refreshing contrast to full-size alternatives that focus on larger towing and payload capacities.

3. 2025 Chevrolet Colorado WT 2WD | Advantages and Disadvantages

• Base Horsepower: 310
• Base Torque: 430
• Maximum Payload: 1,710 pounds
• Maximum Towing Capacity: 7,700 pounds

2. 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE | $29,895

People who love trucks often stick to tradition, which leads many to overlook the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz, an affordable and fuel-efficient but unconventional option. Unlike typical trucks, this compact model is built on a unibody platform shared with Hyundai cars and crossovers. While this design means lower towing and payload capacity, it offers enhanced fuel efficiency and car-like driving dynamics. The payload capacity stands at 1,411 pounds, but be mindful that the bed is relatively short at just 4 feet. The basic engine may not seem powerful enough for its weight, but it effectively serves its target market.

2. 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE | Advantages and Disadvantages

• Price: $29,895
• Base Horsepower: 191
• Base Torque: 181
• Maximum Payload: 1,411 pounds
• Maximum Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds

1. 2025 Ford Maverick XL FWD | $25,515

Many 2025 Ford Maverick owners describe their truck as “adorable” and “practical.” As the most affordable truck available, it features a unibody design similar to the Santa Cruz but with a more traditional appearance. It comes equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine providing 250 horsepower, while the hybrid option, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, boasts impressive fuel economy at 41/33 mpg city/highway but is an additional $1,750 on base models. Driving the Maverick is enjoyable, and its bed offers practical functionality, with a payload capacity exceeding 1,500 pounds. Although it might not be as capable in certain areas as the Santa Cruz, it better meets the needs and desires of most compact pickup buyers.

1. 2025 Ford Maverick XL FWD | Advantages and Disadvantages

• Price: $25,515
• Base Horsepower: 238
• Base Torque: 277
• Maximum Payload: 1,500 pounds
• Maximum Towing Capacity: 4,000 pounds

The Most Affordable Pickup Trucks of 2025

• 1. 2025 Ford Maverick XL | $27,890
• 2. 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz | $29,895

• 3. 2025 Chevrolet Colorado | $34,000 (MT estimated)

• 4. 2025 Toyota Tacoma | $33,500 (MT estimated)
• 5. 2025 Nissan Frontier | $33,560

• 6. 2025 Ford Ranger XL | $34,815 (MT estimated)

• 7. 2025 GMC Canyon | $38,595 (MT estimated)
• 8. 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | $38,995

• 9. 2025 GMC Sierra | $39,200 (MT estimated)
• 10. 2025 Ford F-150 | $40,605