Cheap pickup trucks are becoming a rarity, with the number available for under $30,000 shrinking each year. While this price point sits well below the average for a new vehicle in the US, it represents a more realistic budget for many Americans. For those who need a vehicle that serves as both personal transport and a tool for earning income, an affordable truck is a necessity.
In 2024, only three trucks met this affordability threshold. As of 2025, that number has reduced by a third, leaving just two options available below the $30,000 mark: the Ford Maverick and the Hyundai Santa Cruz. The Chevrolet Colorado has been priced out of the running, with its 2025 model starting at $31,900. This article has been updated with the latest information for the 2025 model year. Eligibility was based on MSRP before destination fees, taxes, options, and dealer accessories. Note that actual dealer pricing may vary depending on incentives, markups, and vehicle configuration.
2025 Ford Maverick
- Base MSRP: $26,995
- Engine: 2.0-liter Turbo 4-Cylinder / 2.5-liter Hybrid 4-Cylinder
- Power: 238 hp / 191 hp (combined)
- Torque: 277 lb-ft / 155 lb-ft (ICE only)
- Destination Fee: $1,595
The Ford Maverick has been a huge success, outselling its competition by a significant margin. Ford has updated the truck for 2025, with a notable increase in base MSRP of over $3,000. The most powerful engine option has also lost 12 horsepower. Despite these changes, the Maverick remains a bargain, starting at $26,995. Buyers can choose between the 2.5-liter hybrid or the 2.0-liter turbo models for the same base price. However, the turbo motor is only available with all-wheel drive (AWD) for 2025, adding $2,220 to the overall price on most trims, which limits the number of trims available under $30k.
2025 Maverick Trims with a Sub-$30k Price:
- Maverick XL: $26,995 (Hybrid and EcoBoost)
- Maverick XLT: $29,495 (Hybrid only)
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
- Base MSRP: $28,650
- Engine: 2.5-Liter 4-Cylinder
- Power: 191 hp
- Torque: 181 lb-ft
- Destination Fee: $1,450
While the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz had two trims under $30,000 (SE and SEL), a facelift for 2025 means you can now only get the base model for under $30k. This base price is for front-wheel drive (FWD) only. Adding AWD pushes the price to $30,150 before destination. The more affordable Maverick significantly outsells the Santa Cruz for these reasons.
For the 2025 model year, the Santa Cruz receives a new, more rugged and truck-like front fascia that has been updated from its Tucson-based design. The truck also features a fresh 18-inch alloy wheel design. Under the hood, the standard engine is a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Higher trims, including a new XRT model, get a turbocharged engine with 281 hp, which pushes the price above $40k. Even at the base level, the Santa Cruz doesn’t skimp on quality, offering cloth seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, six speakers, and full wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay functionality. Standard features include manual air conditioning, along with key safety features such as cruise control, forward collision avoidance assist, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, driver attention warning, lane-keep assist with haptic feedback, safe exit warning, and a rear occupant alert.
2025 Santa Cruz Trims With A Sub-$30k Price
- SE 2.5L FWD – $28,650
When Did Pickups Get So Expensive?
The primary culprit? The pandemic. While inflation is always a factor, the pandemic supercharged the usual trends. The chip shortage in 2020, combined with supply-chain disruptions, made it hard for automakers to meet consumer demand, driving prices up.
Although prices have eased somewhat, the effects are still being felt. At the end of 2019, the average light vehicle in the US cost around $38,948. By early 2024, that number increased to approximately $47,218.
Pickups Just Over $30,000
- 2025 Chevrolet Colorado – $31,900 – Formerly eligible, a price increase puts it over the threshold for 2025.
- 2025 Toyota Tacoma – $31,590 – While long known for affordability, the 2023 Tacoma was the last model year to be available below $30,000, with a base MSRP then of $28,600. The 2025 Tacoma starts at $31,590 and features a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 228 hp.
- 2025 Ford Ranger – $32,820 – The entry-level Ford F-150 starts at $37,065 for 2025, making the Maverick the only Ford pickup under the cut-off point. The Ranger’s starting price is slightly above the threshold.
- 2025 Nissan Frontier – $32,050 – Just slightly over the $30,000 limit, this truck is close to offering a V6 engine for under thirty grand in 2024. The base Frontier offers a 310-hp 3.8-liter engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission in the S model and can tow up to 6,720 lbs. The 2024 Nissan offers the best value with its horsepower and towing capacity.
Buying A Used Truck Is Looking More Attractive These Days
While the Maverick, Santa Cruz, and former Colorado are appealing, the options for budget work trucks are becoming limited. The used truck market is becoming a viable option. For example, a second-generation Tacoma can be found at a reasonable price and is often reliable.
Ultimately, while there are still a few excellent budget pickups available, buyers are faced with limited choices. For those seeking a truck that fully meets their needs without breaking the bank, considering older model years may provide better value.
