The Cheapest Pickup Trucks You Can Buy in 2025 Aren’t All Small
Pickup truck prices are generally increasing, largely due to inflation and recent tariff changes. Even previously budget-friendly trucks like the new Toyota Tacoma are becoming more premium, while the price rise in the most affordable pickups seems to be driven by automakers capitalizing on their unexpected popularity. For 2025, you can still find work trucks for under $40,000, though most common full-size trucks typically cost between $50,000 and $60,000.
Ranking the Cheapest Trucks
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2025 Ford Maverick XL FWD | $29,840
The most affordable truck on the market is the Ford Maverick, a unibody pickup with traditional styling and a fuel-efficient 2.5-liter hybrid engine. It offers over 1,500 pounds of payload capacity and impressive fuel economy of 41 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. -
Hyundai Santa Cruz SE | $30,700
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is another unibody compact pickup, built on a car platform. It features improved fuel economy but reduced towing and payload capabilities compared to traditional trucks. The base SE trim comes with a less powerful engine, but a turbo option is available. -
Toyota Tacoma SR RWD | $33,185
The Toyota Tacoma is a popular midsize truck with a reputation for reliability. The base model features a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine and a leaf-sprung rear axle, making it less powerful than some competitors. -
Nissan Frontier King Cab S 4×2 | $33,560
The Nissan Frontier is one of the more affordable midsize trucks but ranks lower in overall performance and features compared to its competitors. It does offer good towing capacity. -
Chevrolet Colorado WT 2WD | $33,595
The Chevrolet Colorado was MotorTrend’s 2024 Truck of the Year. For 2025, it remains largely unchanged, offering a powerful 2.7-liter turbocharged engine and solid value across its trim range. -
2025 Ford Ranger XL | $35,025
The new Ford Ranger offers mini-F-150 looks and dynamics in a midsize package. The base model comes with a 2.3-liter turbocharged engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission. -
GMC Sierra Pro 2WD | $39,145
The GMC Sierra Pro is a bare-bones work truck trim with a starting price under $40,000. It features a 2.7-liter turbocharged engine and steel wheels. -
Ford F-150 XL | $39,645
The Ford F-150 is America’s best-selling vehicle, available in various trims. The base F-150 XL features a 5.0-liter V-8 engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission. -
GMC Canyon Elevation 2WD | $40,590
The GMC Canyon is a midsize truck that’s similar in size to older full-size trucks. It comes with a powerful 2.7-liter turbocharged engine and offers a comfortable ride. -
Honda Ridgeline Sport | $41,600
The Honda Ridgeline is a unibody truck that offers a unique blend of pickup capabilities and SUV comfort. It features a smooth V-6 engine and independent suspension for a car-like driving experience.
These trucks represent the most affordable options in their respective categories for the 2025 model year, offering various balances of price, capability, and features.
