5 Best Pickup Trucks for Retirees on a Budget
According to a recent Insurify study, modern vehicle preferences vary significantly across generations. While younger adults in Gen Z often gravitate towards affordable, feature-rich smaller cars, baby boomers and Gen Xers nearing retirement frequently favor pickup trucks.
Older drivers often express a preference for the Ford F-Series and Chevy Silverado. However, these full-size trucks can be expensive to purchase and maintain, and are sometimes difficult to maneuver. This article explores smaller and midsize pickup truck alternatives, offering a balance of capability, versatility, and power, all with more budget-friendly price tags, better fuel economy, and lower ownership costs to suit the needs of retirees.
For retirees on a budget, these trucks provide attractive options that blend the desired features of larger models with financial practicality. All the trucks featured have starting MSRPs under $35,000, with two starting in the $20,000s. One of the most affordable models boasts an MSRP below $24,000, making it one of the most affordable new vehicles on the market. Buying gently used models from 2022 can present even greater savings.
2025 Ford Maverick
Starting MSRP: $23,920 KBB fair market value for a 2022 model: $19,995
Compact yet powerful, the Ford Maverick offers a scaled-down alternative to the popular F-150. It provides a payload capacity of 1,500 pounds in a more manageable size. Available as a fuel-efficient hybrid, the Maverick also comes equipped with driver-assistance technologies and cabin comforts.
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Starting MSRP: $28,650 KBB fair market value for a 2022 model: $20,450
For retirees seeking a stylish and distinctive vehicle, the Hyundai Santa Cruz offers a unique profile, resembling a modern SUV from the front and incorporating a truck bed at the rear. This “sport adventure vehicle” combines the features of a truck, such as tie-down points and integrated storage, with the ride comfort and quietness of an SUV.
2025 Toyota Tacoma
Starting MSRP: $31,590 KBB fair market value for a 2022 model: $22,999
The Toyota Tacoma is a strong contender in the midsize category, balancing affordability with functionality. It delivers up to 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque; and offers up to an eight-speed automatic transmission, though a six-speed manual transmission is also available for those who prefer it.
2025 Chevrolet Colorado
Starting MSRP: $31,900 KBB fair market value for a 2022 model: $22,046
The Chevrolet Colorado, another standout in the midsize segment, offers best-in-class ground clearance and tailgate functionality. It also has a towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds and is ready for off-road adventures.
2025 Ford Ranger
Starting MSRP: $32,980 KBB fair market value for a 2022 model: $24,130
The Ford Ranger is the most expensive option on this list and starts just under $33,000. Its features and functionality will appeal to F-Series fans. The Ranger seats five and offers a towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds, closely matching the Chevrolet Colorado.
