The Best Deals and Cheapest Pickup Trucks for 2024

Last Updated on August 15, 2024

The best deals and cheapest pickup trucks for 2024 include the Ford Maverick, Hyundai Santa Cruz, Nissan Frontier, and more. Let’s go over each option and discuss the features, utility, and cost of these budget-friendly trucks. Then you’ll be one step closer to owning one!

Compact Pickup Trucks Under $30,000

If you’re chasing the cheapest trucks that you can find under $30,000, then compact might be your ideal size. The increasing popularity of compact pickup trucks can be attributed to their practicality, better handling, and superior fuel economy compared to larger pickups. Two affordable models in this category are the 2024 Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. Both vehicles have been designed based on the needs of urban drivers who commute daily and those who may partake in light-duty hauling.

2024 Ford Maverick

You can’t talk about the cheapest truck without mentioning the 2024 Ford Maverick. Starting at the base price of $23,920, this compact truck is perfect for those who need a practical vehicle for everyday use without the hefty price tag that often accompanies larger trucks. The Maverick’s base model features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering a robust and efficient performance that stands out in its class. If you opt for the hybrid powertrain option, then the Maverick offers an impressive fuel economy, making it a cost-effective option for long-term ownership. And in the back, you can find a 4-foot-6-inch cargo box that provides ample storage space

Compared to its competitors, the Maverick is generally more affordable, providing a great entry point for new truck buyers. With its combination of affordability, efficiency, and utility, the Maverick is definitely a top contender for anyone seeking a budget-friendly pickup truck.

2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz offers a unique blend of SUV comfort and pickup utility, all for a starting price of $26,900. This compact truck caters to those who want a comfortable ride for daily commuting while still being able to haul lighter loads. It packs more towing capacity than the Ford Maverick and the Santa Cruz’s unibody design makes it particularly adept at navigating the city.

Buyers can even customize the vehicle, thanks to its choice of two engines and the option for front or all-wheel drive. This flexibility, combined with a variety of trim levels, ensures that there’s a Santa Cruz configuration for everyone. Whether you prioritize fuel economy or need a bit more power for towing, the pickup has you covered.

Mid-Size Pickup Trucks Under $40,000

Several mid-size pickup trucks are available for under $40,000. Each strikes a great balance between utility, comfort, and affordability. These trucks are ideal for buyers who need more power and space than a compact truck can provide, but still want to avoid the higher costs of full-size pickups. The 2024 Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, and GMC Canyon are all excellent examples. Whether you’re looking for off-road capability, modern safety features, or a comfortable interior, there’s a mid-size truck that fits the bill. 

2024 Nissan Frontier

Those looking for a rugged and budget-friendly option will be pleased with the 2024 Nissan Frontier. With a starting price of $30,510, the Frontier offers a bold, tough design, complemented by modern amenities that make it both functional and stylish. There’s a V6 engine beneath the hood that delivers a solid 310 horsepower, equipping it with the strength needed for more demanding tasks. This makes it a reliable option for those who need a truck that can handle heavier loads and tougher terrains. The nine-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth and responsive driving, while the optional eight speed automatic transmission provides an alternative choice for drivers, but both underscore the truck’s versatility.

2024 Toyota Tacoma

Starting at $31,500, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma is another popular choice in the mid-size segment. It comes with multiple configurations and engine choices, including the iForce Max hybrid and a base gas-only engine with an eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. Another one of the standout features of the Tacoma is its modern safety tech, which uses adaptive cruise control and proactive driving assist. These features provide added peace of mind , making the Tacoma not only a capable truck but also a safe one. The hybrid model also offers better fuel economy than the average midsize pickup.

2024 Chevrolet Colorado

You will find strong utility and impressive off-road capabilities with 2024 Chevrolet Colorado. The average price for this vehicle is $29,500. It comes with various off-road-ready trims including Trail Boss and the ZR2 package. Also featured are 35-inch mud-terrain tires and 12.2 inches of ground clearance. The design of this truck make it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts and those who need a vehicle that can handle rough terrain.

Inside, the Colorado boasts a spacious cabin with an updated infotainment system displayed on an 11.3-inch screen. This system includes standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring that drivers stay connected and entertained on the go. The truck also includes several standard safety features, such as pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking, enhancing its appeal as a safe and reliable vehicle.

2024 GMC Canyon

You can get style, durability, and a premium feel from the 2024 GMC Canyon, all for $36,000 to start. The Canyon boasts powerful engine options, advanced tech features, and reliable and enjoyable driving experience. With 18-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, this truck is ready for highway and off-road driving. There are cameras and display systems inside the vehicle to enhance safety, and the center touch screen offers an impressive 11-inches of display for easy to access information while driving.

Full-Size Pickup Trucks Under $40,000

Maybe a full-size pickup truck is what you want, along with all of its capabilities while sticking to a budget. The Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and Ram 1500 are standout models that provide robust features without breaking the bank. These four door crew cab trucks are ideal for buyers who need more power and space than mid-size models can offer. Full-size trucks give you impressive towing and payload capacities, making them suitable for a wide range of tasks, from heavy-duty hauling to family road trips.

2024 Ford F-150

The 2024 Ford F-150 is a perennial favorite among full-size pickup trucks. Ford lists the vehicle with a price tag of $36,965. It’s known to have a high quality build with impressive features and comes equipped with a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine that provides excellent performance and efficiency. This engine ensures that the F-150 can handle a variety of tasks including heavy-duty hauling. In fact, one of the F-150’s standout features is its impressive max towing capacity of 11,200 pounds. This makes it an ideal choice for those who need a reliable truck for towing trailers, boats, or other heavy loads. There are other engine options available if you choose along with other trims. Additionally, the F-150 showcases a range of technology that ensures drivers and passengers stay safe on the road.

2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has a starting price of $36,800 and is another excellent option for those seeking a full-size pickup truck on a budget. The Silverado offers a variety of engine choices, including a turbo-four, two V-8s, and a turbo diesel Duramax, ensuring that buyers can find a configuration that suits their needs. This versatility makes the Silverado a popular choice for a wide range of applications, from work to recreation.

In addition to its engine options, the Silverado boasts impressive towing capabilities, with the optional 6.2-liter engine allowing it to tow up to 13,300 pounds. This makes it a reliable choice for those who plan to handle heavy loads. The Silverado also includes standard safety features such as forward collision warning and pedestrian detection, reaffirming the vehicle’s sense of safety and dependability.

2024 Ram 1500

The 2024 Ram 1500 is a top contender in the full-size truck market because it offers a blend of luxury, power, and comfort, all for the beginning price of $39,420. If you’re looking for a truck that provides a bit more luxury and comfort than others on this list, then the Ram is a great choice.

Under the hood, the vehicle offers multiple engine options, including a V6 and a HEMI V8. If you plan on towing heavy loads or simply cruising on the highway, the Ram 1500’s performance and comfort make driving a pleasure. The advanced tech features and safety systems also included only further prove that fact. 

Considerations When Buying a Cheap Truck

As you search for an affordable truck, there’s certain information that you need to be on the lookout for. Essential things that will help you whittle your options down to one vehicle. That means looking at everything from the starting price, to the available bed lengths, to any sort of standard safety tech you would like. You don’t want to be looking for something affordable and end up with the most expensive truck. Now let’s go over some important considerations.

Intended Use

To ensure you get the best value out of your truck, first and foremost, think about your intended use. Are you looking for a workhorse to handle heavy-duty tasks, a family-friendly vehicle for everyday use, or an off-road companion for weekend ventures? Your specific needs will dictate which features and capabilities are most important. Some factors to consider are:

• Towing capacity
• Payload capacity
• Fuel efficiency
• Interior space and comfort
• Safety features
• Off-road capabilities
• Technology and connectivity options

Truck History and Reliability

Reliability is another key consideration. Checking the reliability ratings of the model you’re interested in can help you avoid frequent repairs and maintenance issues down the line. Resources like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports‘ can provide valuable insights.

Maintenance Costs

After you take into account how reliable the vehicle is, next, consider the availability of spare parts. Every vehicle requires upkeep. However, trucks with rare or hard-to-find parts can lead to higher maintenance costs and longer downtimes when repairs are needed. Opting for popular models with readily available parts can ultimately save you time and money.

Used trucks

If buying new is not your forte, then a budget-friendly alternative is opting for used trucks. The greatest depreciation in a truck’s value occurs as soon as you drive it off the lot, so purchasing a used truck can offer significant savings. Additionally, government auctions, such as those on Municibid, can be a great place to find well-maintained used trucks at bargain prices.

Compared to new trucks, whose payments often include the cost of interest and require higher premium insurance, used trucks typically have lower financing costs and insurance premiums. This makes a used truck the more affordable option overall. Even better, when you buy government surplus trucks, they are often well-maintained, come with a detailed history, and may have few service hours. Each aspect would benefit you as the next owner. Now, while all of this sounds good, it’s important not to forget the total cost of ownership and resale value when evaluating.

Total Cost of Ownership

The total cost of ownership should take into account the initial purchase price, expected and regular maintenance expenses, fuel costs, and insurance premiums. 

Maintenance costs will vary depending on the truck model and its condition, but it’s important to budget for any ongoing expenses. Insurance premiums will likewise depend on the truck’s make, model, age, and your driving history. Be sure to get insurance quotes for the models you’re considering to avoid any surprises down the road.

Resale Value

When buying a truck, the resale value is crucial if long-term financial investment is important to you. Some truck brands and models retain their value better than others, so it’s wise to look into this with resources like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds. These platforms provide detailed information on the current market value of used trucks. Choosing a truck with a high resale value can save you money in the long run because you’ll be able to recoup more of your initial investment when it comes time to sell or trade in the vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most affordable new pickup trucks for 2024?

The most affordable new pickup trucks for 2024 are the Ford Maverick starting at $23,920, the Hyundai Santa Cruz at $26,900, and the Chevrolet Colorado at $29,500..

What factors should I consider when buying a cheap truck?

When buying a cheap truck, consider the intended use, reliability ratings, and the availability of spare parts to keep maintenance costs low.

Are used trucks a good option for budget-conscious buyers?

Yes, used trucks can be a great option for budget-conscious buyers due to lower purchase prices, financing costs, and insurance premiums. However, it’s important to consider the total cost of ownership and resale value.

Which mid-size truck offers the best balance of utility and affordability?

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma is a versatile mid-size truck that offers a great balance of utility and affordability, starting at $31,500. With multiple configurations, engine choices, and modern safety features, it’s a solid option.

What are the top full-size pickup trucks for budget-conscious buyers?

If you’re looking for budget-friendly full-size pickup trucks, consider the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and Ram 1500.

Conclusion

In summary, the 2024 market offers a variety of affordable and versatile pickup trucks to suit different needs and budgets. From the compact and efficient Ford Maverick to the rugged and powerful Nissan Frontier, there’s a budget-friendly option for everyone. 

When buying a truck you should definitely do your research beforehand to save yourself

it’s important to consider factors such as intended use, reliability, and the availability of spare parts. Exploring used truck options can also be a cost-effective strategy, provided you take into account the total cost of ownership and resale value. By doing your research and considering all these factors, you can find the perfect truck that meets your needs and fits your budget.

If you are looking for older models of the aforementioned vehicles, then check out our automotive government surplus and see which pickup truck meets your needs and budget!