Here Are the 10 Cheapest Pickup Trucks You Can Buy Right Now
If there’s any vehicle that draws an eclectic crowd, it’s the pickup truck — some shoppers need to tow large trailers or haul work supplies, while others just like the convenience of a cargo bed for the occasional home improvement project or weekend camping trip.
The increasing popularity of pickup trucks as daily drivers is likely a contributing factor to the rising costs of new vehicles — but not all pickups have to break the bank. We’ve compiled a list below of the 10 most affordable models as of April 2024, ranging from small to full-size, to help shoppers select the right vehicle for their needs and budget.
Related: Best Pickup Truck of 2024
Small and Mid-Size Pickup Trucks
When it comes to pickup truck affordability, “small” is the name of the game. Leading the pack of cheapest pickup trucks are the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. While not traditional, these compact unibody pickups balance affordability, fuel efficiency and just enough towing and hauling prowess to satisfy most weekend warriors. Shoppers who require more space or capability can skip to the mid-size variants like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma to tackle bigger jobs without dealing a heavy blow to the budget.
Full-Size Pickup Trucks
For shoppers who need the towing or hauling capabilities of a full-size pickup, three options make the list of most affordable pickups: the GMC Sierra 1500, Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
A couple base models fall under $30,000, which is significantly lower than the average new-vehicle transaction price. However, starting prices often don’t reflect how much a typical shopper really pays; to paint a more comprehensive picture, we also list each model’s median listing price among Cars.com dealers as of March 2024 (median prices reflect all available trim levels).
All starting prices listed below include the destination charge but not any cash incentives or taxes. As fuel prices remain volatile, a pickup’s efficiency should also be an important consideration: The EPA-estimated mileage rating is included within each vehicle’s description to assist with estimating ownership costs.
Cheapest New Pickup Trucks
1. 2024 Ford Maverick XL: $25,410
2. 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE: $28,275
3. 2024 Chevrolet Colorado WT: $31,095
4. 2024 Nissan Frontier S: $31,540
5. 2024 Toyota Tacoma SR: $32,995
6. 2024 Ford Ranger XL: $34,265
7. 2024 GMC Canyon Elevation: $37,595
8. 2024 Ford F-150 XL: $38,765
9. 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT: $38,795
10. 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Pro: $39,695
1. 2024 Ford Maverick XL
Starting price: $25,410 (including $1,595 destination)
Cars.com median listing price: $32,500
The 2024 Maverick is the Blue Oval’s most affordable pickup, slotting under the mid-size Ranger. The big news for 2024 is changes to the truck’s standard powertrain. The Maverick now comes with the previously available 250-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available. It gets a combined EPA rating of 26 mpg with FWD and 25 mpg with AWD. The powertrain replaces the previously standard 191-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid setup with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The optional FWD-only hybrid powertrain gets an EPA-rated 37 mpg combined, making the Maverick the most efficient gas-powered pickup available.
- ${price_badge()}
- ${battery_badge()}${ev_report_link()}
- ${hot_car_badge()}
- ${award_badge()}
- ${cpo_badge()}
${price_badge_description}
The EV Battery Rating is based on this vehicle's current expected range relative to the vehicles expected range when new. ${battery_badge_text}
Certified cars are manufacturer warrantied and typically go through a rigorous multi-point inspection.
This car is likely to sell soon based on the price, features, and condition.
${award_blurb}
${award_two_blurb}
Shop the 2024 Ford Maverick near you
2. 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE
Starting price: $28,275 (including $1,375 destination)
Cars.com median listing price: $36,665
Hyundai may have labeled the Santa Cruz a “sport adventure vehicle” instead of a pickup, but the model features a cargo bed, a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and an affordable price tag to earn itself a second-place spot on this list. The Santa Cruz comes with a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine good for 191 hp; a turbocharged version of the same engine is available for a more potent 281 hp. The base engine pairs with a traditional eight-speed automatic transmission, while the turbo gets an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. The non-turbo engine comes with standard FWD or optional AWD and gets an EPA-rated 23 mpg combined; the turbo is paired only with AWD and gets a combined rating of 22 mpg.
Despite its small size, the Santa Cruz is surprisingly capable when it comes to towing: FWD models can pull up to 3,500 pounds and AWD models can take on a maximum of 5,000 pounds. The Santa Cruz’s payload ranges from 1,500 pounds to 1,750 pounds.
- ${price_badge()}
- ${battery_badge()}${ev_report_link()}
- ${hot_car_badge()}
- ${award_badge()}
- ${cpo_badge()}
${price_badge_description}
The EV Battery Rating is based on this vehicle's current expected range relative to the vehicles expected range when new. ${battery_badge_text}
Certified cars are manufacturer warrantied and typically go through a rigorous multi-point inspection.
This car is likely to sell soon based on the price, features, and condition.
${award_blurb}
${award_two_blurb}
Shop the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz near you
3. 2024 Chevrolet Colorado WT
Starting price: $31,095 (including $1,595 destination)
Cars.com median listing price: $41,174
Shoppers searching for a more conventional pickup truck that still offers a prudent price tag can move up to a mid-size option like the Chevy Colorado WT. Redesigned for 2023, all trim levels of the Colorado are now available only as four-door crew cabs with a short box. Under the hood of the WT is a new base turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 237 hp and 259 pounds-feet of torque; it is EPA-rated 22 mpg. Shoppers looking for more power can upgrade to a 310-hp version of the 2.7-liter. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is available. The Colorado’s towing capacity tops out at 7,700 pounds and payload at 1,684 pounds. For 2024, the off-road-ready ZR2 Bison has been revived. This flagship variant comes with massive 35-inch all-terrain tires, a wider front and rear track, steel underbody skid plates, a winch-capable front bumper, power-locking front and rear differentials, and 12.2 inches of ground clearance.
Inside, the WT’s standard features include an 11.3-inch touchscreen, an 8-inch digital instrument panel and a Google operating system along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Standard safety tech includes forward collision detection with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and lane departure steering assist.
- ${price_badge()}
- ${battery_badge()}${ev_report_link()}
- ${hot_car_badge()}
- ${award_badge()}
- ${cpo_badge()}
${price_badge_description}
The EV Battery Rating is based on this vehicle's current expected range relative to the vehicles expected range when new. ${battery_badge_text}
Certified cars are manufacturer warrantied and typically go through a rigorous multi-point inspection.
This car is likely to sell soon based on the price, features, and condition.
${award_blurb}
${award_two_blurb}
Shop the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado near you
4. 2024 Nissan Frontier S
Starting price: $31,540 (including $1,510 destination)
Cars.com median listing price: $40,558
After a redesign for 2022, the Nissan Frontier brings improved capability, technology and comfort compared to the previous-generation model. Nissan’s mid-size pickup lands on the list of cheapest pickups with a starting price that hovers just above the $30,000 mark. The base S trim is available as a two-door King Cab with four seats or a four-door crew cab with five seats.
For 2024, the truck gets a new top-line trim level, the SL. It’s available on crew-cab variants and includes a moonroof, leather-appointed seats, heated front seats and a 10-speaker Fender audio system. Also, a Hardbody Edition design package is a new option on the 2024 Frontier. It’s available on 4WD crew cabs in the SV trim and adds a black grille, sport bar and bumpers, as well as black decals and retro-inspired wheels styled after the original 1980s’ trucks.
All models are powered by a 3.8-liter V-6 first introduced for the 2020 Frontier. The V-6 engine is good for 310 hp and 281 pounds-feet of torque; it pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission and comes with standard RWD and available 4WD. In the base S model with RWD, the Frontier gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined; that configuration also enables the Frontier to tow a maximum of 6,720 pounds with a payload that tops out at 1,600 pounds.
- ${price_badge()}
- ${battery_badge()}${ev_report_link()}
- ${hot_car_badge()}
- ${award_badge()}
- ${cpo_badge()}
${price_badge_description}
The EV Battery Rating is based on this vehicle's current expected range relative to the vehicles expected range when new. ${battery_badge_text}
Certified cars are manufacturer warrantied and typically go through a rigorous multi-point inspection.
This car is likely to sell soon based on the price, features, and condition.
${award_blurb}
${award_two_blurb}
Shop the 2024 Nissan Frontier near you
5. 2024 Toyota Tacoma SR
Starting price: $32,995 (including $1,495 destination)
Cars.com median listing price: $45,670
Toyota redesigned the Tacoma for the 2024 model year, and it was a long time coming; the pickup was last redesigned for 2016. For 2024, the Tacoma gets new trims, configurations, an available hybrid powertrain, off-road enhancements, and tech and safety features.
Under the hood are a pair of new engines that bring a boost in horsepower and payload, but reduce maximum towing capacity. Replacing the outgoing Tacoma’s base 159-hp, 2.7-liter four-cylinder is a gas-only turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes up to 278 hp and 317 pounds-feet of torque; output drops to 228 hp and 242 pounds-feet for the base SR. The optional i-Force Max turbo 2.4-liter hybrid four-cylinder boosts output to 326 hp and 465 pounds-feet. Both powertrains can be paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The gas-only four-cylinder can also be had with a six-speed manual; models with this setup make 270 hp and 310 pounds-feet of torque.
The Tacoma’s standard engine coupled with the eight-speed automatic offers the model’s highest towing capacity of 6,500 pounds, per Toyota’s estimates, while the hybrid powertrain can pull up to 6,000 pounds. For comparison, the 2023 Tacoma with the V-6 engine and a tow package tows up to 6,800 pounds. Toyota says the Tacoma has a maximum payload capacity of 1,709 pounds for the hybrid, which is an increase from the 2023 model’s 1,685-pound maximum.
- ${price_badge()}
- ${battery_badge()}${ev_report_link()}
- ${hot_car_badge()}
- ${award_badge()}
- ${cpo_badge()}
${price_badge_description}
The EV Battery Rating is based on this vehicle's current expected range relative to the vehicles expected range when new. ${battery_badge_text}
Certified cars are manufacturer warrantied and typically go through a rigorous multi-point inspection.
This car is likely to sell soon based on the price, features, and condition.
${award_blurb}
${award_two_blurb}
Shop the 2024 Toyota Tacoma near you
6. 2024 Ford Ranger XL
Starting price: $34,265 (including $1,595 destination)
Cars.com median listing price: $43,375
If the Maverick is a tad too small and the F-150 is a smidge too big, the mid-size Ford Ranger may be your Goldilocks pickup. The redesigned 2024 Ranger gets a slew of updates and a higher starting price. The base 2024 Ranger XL comes as a four-door SuperCrew that seats five and offers a 5-foot bed.
A standard 270-hp, turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine powers all Ranger models and makes 270 hp and 310 pounds-feet of torque; it’s paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and RWD, and 4WD is available. With RWD, the Ranger gets an EPA-rated 23 mpg combined. While it can’t match the capability of its full-size F-150 sibling, the Ranger can tow up to 7,500 pounds with an available Trailer Tow Package and has a maximum payload capacity of 1,905 pounds.
- ${price_badge()}
- ${battery_badge()}${ev_report_link()}
- ${hot_car_badge()}
- ${award_badge()}
- ${cpo_badge()}
${price_badge_description}
The EV Battery Rating is based on this vehicle's current expected range relative to the vehicles expected range when new. ${battery_badge_text}
Certified cars are manufacturer warrantied and typically go through a rigorous multi-point inspection.
This car is likely to sell soon based on the price, features, and condition.
${award_blurb}
${award_two_blurb}
Shop the 2024 Ford Ranger near you
7. 2024 GMC Canyon Elevation
Starting price: $37,595 (including $1,595 destination)
Cars.com median listing price: $47,773
The GMC Canyon, a cousin of the Chevy Colorado, also saw a redesign for 2023 with a new engine, more off-road capability and a significantly higher price tag than the 2022 model. Despite the price bump, the Canyon secures the final spot among the list of cheapest pickups. The truck carries over for 2024.
Like the Colorado, all Canyon variants are only available with a four-door crew-cab configuration and a short bed. A turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine is standard across all trims and makes 310 hp and 430 pounds-feet of torque. The base Elevation model comes with standard RWD and available 4WD; with RWD it gets an EPA-rated 20 mpg. The Canyon’s towing and payload capacities top out at 7,700 and 1,640 pounds, respectively.
Inside, the Canyon Elevation shares many features with the base Colorado: An 11.3-inch touchscreen display with a Google-based operating system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are standard, along with an 8-inch digital gauge cluster. Standard safety tech includes forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure warning, lane departure steering assist and automatic high beams.
8. 2024 Ford F-150 XL
Starting price: $38,765 (including $1,995 destination)
Cars.com median listing price: $59,302
Ford updated the F-150 for the 2024 model year with a new face, a multi-function tailgate, a standard Class IV receiver hitch and a more powerful standard engine.
The outgoing model’s naturally aspirated 290-hp, 3.3-liter V-6 has been dropped; for 2024, the 325-hp, twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 is the new base engine. The F-150 can also be had with a 400-hp, twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6; a naturally aspirated 400-hp, 5.0-liter V-8; a 430-hp, full-hybrid powertrain with a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6; the Raptor’s 450-hp version of the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6; or the Raptor R’s supercharged 5.2-liter V-8. RWD is standard, and 4WD is optional. The 3.5-liter V-6 offers the highest towing and payload capacities of 13,500 pounds and 2,445 pounds, respectively, when properly equipped.
The base engine is EPA-rated 19/25/21 mpg city/highway/combined. All powertrains but the hybrid now come with a standard extended-range 36-gallon fuel tank (the hybrid comes with a 30.6-gallon tank).
A long-standing top seller, the Ford F-150 remains one of the most affordable rigs on the market when you opt for the base XL trim. The pickup’s starting price gets you the two-door regular cab that seats up to three; a two-door extended cab and four-door crew cab that each seat five are optional for the base model. A variety of bed sizes ranging from 5.5 feet to 8 feet are available.
- ${price_badge()}
- ${battery_badge()}${ev_report_link()}
- ${hot_car_badge()}
- ${award_badge()}
- ${cpo_badge()}
${price_badge_description}
The EV Battery Rating is based on this vehicle's current expected range relative to the vehicles expected range when new. ${battery_badge_text}
Certified cars are manufacturer warrantied and typically go through a rigorous multi-point inspection.
This car is likely to sell soon based on the price, features, and condition.
${award_blurb}
${award_two_blurb}
Shop the 2024 Ford F-150 near you
9. 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT
Starting price: $38,795 (including $1,995 destination)
Cars.com median listing price: $55,369
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500’s base WT trim comes in thousands of dollars below the average new-vehicle price tag. That price covers the two-door regular cab with space for three and a standard bed configuration; a four-door double cab or crew cab, both of which seat six, are also available. The Silverado received significant tech and interior updates for 2022, and for 2024, the base WT trim adds standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The base WT comes with a standard turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine good for 310 hp and 430 pounds-feet of torque and an eight-speed automatic transmission; a 355-hp, 5.3-liter V-8 is available and can be paired with an eight- or 10-speed automatic. RWD is standard for all WT models, and AWD is optional. The maximum towing capacity for the Silverado 1500 WT comes in the 5.3-liter V-8-equipped models, which can pull up to 9,900 pounds. Silverado 1500 models with the 2.7-liter four-cylinder under the hood get an 20 mpg combined, which drops to 19 mpg for V-8-powered variants.
- ${price_badge()}
- ${battery_badge()}${ev_report_link()}
- ${hot_car_badge()}
- ${award_badge()}
- ${cpo_badge()}
${price_badge_description}
The EV Battery Rating is based on this vehicle's current expected range relative to the vehicles expected range when new. ${battery_badge_text}
Certified cars are manufacturer warrantied and typically go through a rigorous multi-point inspection.
This car is likely to sell soon based on the price, features, and condition.
${award_blurb}
${award_two_blurb}
Shop the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 near you
10. 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 Pro
Starting price: $39,695 (including $1,995 destination)
Cars.com median listing price: $63,109
The GMC Sierra 1500 is the more expensive sibling of the Chevrolet Silverado, but not by much. Like its twin, the full-size pickup truck comes standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and other powertrain choices include two V-8s and a turbo-diesel inline-six. RWD is standard, but the Sierra can be outfitted with a variety of 4WD systems and many features that enhance towing capacity and off-road capability. Three cab sizes and three bed lengths are available on the base Pro trim. The Sierra’s maximum towing capacity ranges from 8,700 to 13,300 pounds depending on powertrain, trim level and equipment.
- ${price_badge()}
- ${battery_badge()}${ev_report_link()}
- ${hot_car_badge()}
- ${award_badge()}
- ${cpo_badge()}
${price_badge_description}
The EV Battery Rating is based on this vehicle's current expected range relative to the vehicles expected range when new. ${battery_badge_text}
Certified cars are manufacturer warrantied and typically go through a rigorous multi-point inspection.
This car is likely to sell soon based on the price, features, and condition.
${award_blurb}
${award_two_blurb}
Shop the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 near you
More From Cars.com:
- Pickup Truck Buying Guide: How Much Truck Do You Need?
- 5 Tips for First-Time Pickup Buyers
- 5 Questions for Finding the Best Pickup for You
- Top Tips for Buying a Used Pickup
- More Pickup Truck News
Related Video:
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
