Most Affordable Trucks
Car and Driver's rankings are arrived at from the results of our extensive instrumented testing of several hundred vehicles each year and from our expert editors' subjective impressions gained in real-world driving. We've ranked the cheapest pickup trucks based on their respective manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), and gave each truck a rating based on roughly 200 data points encompassing acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, value, and how enjoyable they are to drive. All of these trucks have a starting price of under $45,000.
Top Ranked Most Affordable Trucks at a glance
1
2026 Ford Maverick
10
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$29,990
EPA MPG
23–38 combined
C/D SAYS: Not everyone needs an F-150, and that's where the 2026 Ford Maverick comes in, with its small stature, fuel-efficient powertrains, and practical design. Learn More
2
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz
9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$31,350
EPA MPG
20–25 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a compact pickup that's designed for user-friendly utility rather than image-making pretense. Learn More
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3
2026 Toyota Tacoma
9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$33,840
EPA MPG
20–23 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Toyota Tacoma pickup offers a body style and trim to fit any need, each packed with competitive features and capability. Learn More
4
2026 Nissan Frontier
8
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$33,845
EPA MPG
19–21 combined
C/D SAYS: The Nissan Frontier fulfills its mission as an affordable mid-size pickup that is highly configurable and capable, though it lacks some interior polish. Learn More
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5
2026 Chevrolet Colorado
9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$34,495
EPA MPG
17–21 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado mid-size pickup truck is a more manageable Silverado. Learn More
➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.
Shop the Top 5 Most Affordable Trucks
6
2026 Ford Ranger
9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$35,245
EPA MPG
22 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Ford Ranger mid-size pickup delivers competitive towing and payload figures, but doesn't sacrifice a complaint ride and decent road manners in the process. Learn More
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
8.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$38,345
EPA MPG
17–20 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickup is not the most up-to-date of the domestic pickups, but it's plenty capable and offers a wide range of configurations. Learn More
Video: Truck Buyer's Guide
8
2026 GMC Sierra 1500
8.5
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$39,745
EPA MPG
16–24 combined
C/D SAYS: The 2026 GMC Sierra works just as hard as its Chevy Silverado sibling but adds a layer of refinement and luxury on top. Learn More
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9
2026 Ford F-150
9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$39,885
EPA MPG
19–22 combined
C/D SAYS: Ford’s F-150 pickup comes in enough permutations to handle just about any vehicular assignment, from job sites to off-road trails to just cruising around. Learn More
10
2026 GMC Canyon
9
/10
C/D RATING
Starting at
$40,995
EPA MPG
17–20 combined
C/D SAYS: The GMC Canyon brings some class to the mid-size pickup segment, offering brawny-chic styling, well-crafted cab environs, and class-leading towing capabilities. Learn More
View More Car and Driver Rankings
Trucks With the Best Gas Mileage
Best Full-Size Pickup Trucks
Fastest Pickup Trucks
Best 6-Seater Pickup Trucks
Best 2-Door Pickup Trucks
Best Off-Road Pickup Trucks
Best Compact Pickup Trucks
Best Pickup Trucks Under $40,000
Best Electric Pickup Trucks
Best Pickup Trucks for Families
Best Pickup Trucks Built in America
Best Heavy Duty Pickup Trucks
Best Hybrid Trucks
Safest Trucks
Best Diesel Trucks
Best Pickup Trucks Under $35,000
Best Pickup Trucks Under $50,000
Best 4-Door Pickup Trucks
Trucks with the Best Towing Capacity
Best Mid-Size Pickup Trucks
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below












