In an era when pickup trucks are being equipped and marketed as luxury vehicles, there is some solace in that you can still get a ready-to-work pickup truck at a base price that’s lower than you might expect.
That said, don’t expect one that’s duded-up; you’ll have to live without a huge touchscreen, heated seats and leather trim. For those who eschew such fripperies, these trucks are as welcome as a cool breeze in August. And you can still nab a full-size pickup for right around $30K before options — but don’t expect opulence.
That said, you may find that a stripped version of your favorite full-size truck lacks the capability and features of smaller competitors, so it might be a better value to consider something a little smaller, unless your heart is set on a full-size rig.
Keep in mind, these trucks’ prices include destination charge, but not options, incentives or sales taxes. Also, base models may be in short supply or might have to be ordered.
10. 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: $32,095
This is as basic as a Silverado gets, a WT Regular cab with a 98.18-inch long bed, rear-wheel drive and two doors. It’s powered by a 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque through an 8-speed automatic transmission. But it boasts the best capability among the full-size trucks here.
Trailering is rated at 9,500 pounds; payload is 2,280 pounds. Power windows and doors locks, four-wheel drive and driver-assistance systems are optional. Both vinyl and cloth seats are offered. A 7-inch color touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and air conditioning is standard.
9. 2022 Ford F-150: $31,685
Opting for America’s most-popular vehicle in base form means a two-door pickup with rear-wheel drive, and a 6’5” bed. Under the hood resides a 3.3-liter V-6 and a 10-speed automatic transmission rated at 290 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque.
Trailering is rated at 5,000 pounds; payload is 1,985 pounds. But you do get an 8-inh center screen, USB ports, a vinyl floor along with manual windows and door locks. You also get air conditioning, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, automatic headlamps, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and dynamic brake support.
8. 2022 Ram 1500 Classic: $31,310
This isn’t the new Ram, but actually the fourth-generation truck with a design that debuted for 2009. But lower trims remain a decent value. A Tradesman 4×2 regular cab with a 6’4” bed and a 3.6-liter V-6 that generates 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic.
Towing is rated at 4,950 pounds; payload is 1,510 pounds. As with the Chevrolet, do not expect driver-assistance safety systems. Do expect manual windows and door locks, along with vinyl floor trim, an AM/FM radio and air conditioning. But its capability clearly trails that of both the Ford and Chevrolet for similar money, not to mention some smaller competitors.
7. 2022 Nissan Frontier: $29,565
No longer the cheapest pickup on the market, the Frontier’s all-new design makes it a strong candidate in the midsize pickup segment. Power comes from a 3.8-liter DOHC V-6 engine and a 9-speed automatic generating 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque.
Towing is rated at 6,570 pounds, payload is 1,600 pounds. Base models are rear-wheel drive, although part-time four-wheel drive system is offered. The King Cab, with a small rear door that opens once the front is open has an 8-inch color touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth is standard, as are USB ports, power windows and doors locks, remote keyless entry, and a 5-foot bed. A solid value.
6. 2022 GMC Canyon: $29,480
Like other GM brands, the Canyon has been stripped of its less-expensive base model, effectively raising its price. But there’s much to admire here. Power comes from a 2.5-liter DOHC four producing 200 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque.
Towing is rated at 3,500 pounds, although engine options can more than double that. The Canyon’s base model, the oddly-named “Elevation Standard” is an Extended Cab with a 7-inch color touchscreen is standard, as is a power driver’s seat.
5. 2022 Ford Ranger: $27,930
Ford’s midsize pickup remains a very popular choice in this segment, and with good reason, thanks to its capability vs. price relationship. Base XL models get a 2.3-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission rated at 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard.
The extended cab pickup has a 5-foot bed and a payload of 1,770 pounds. Towing is rated at 7,500 pounds. Frills are few. There are power door locks, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, air conditioning, trailer sway control, automatic headlights, automatic emergency braking and forward-collision warning with dynamic brake support.
4. 2022 Toyota Tacoma: $27,915
The top seller among midsize pickups comes in a base SR model extended cab with a 6-foot bed made of molded composite material and featuring a deck rail system. A 2.7-liter DOHC 4-cylinder provides 159 hp with 180 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission. An automatic limited-slip differential is standard.
Payload is 1,685 pounds; towing is rated at 3,500 pounds. Air conditioning, three USB ports, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, and power windows and door locks are standard. A 7-inch touchscreen comes with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility.
3. 2022 Chevrolet Colorado: $27,025
The cheapest true body-on-frame pickup you can buy is a Chevy. Like its pricier identical cousin, the GMC Canyon, the Colorado’s WT base model is an extended cab with a 6-foot box powered by a 2.5-liter DOHC four producing 200 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque.
Towing is rated at 3,500 pounds; payload is 1,400 pounds. a 7-inch color touchscreen is standard, as are two USB ports. Either vinyl or cloth seats are offered. A four-way power adjustable driver’s seat, power windows and door locks, tilt steering wheel, cargo box light, automatic headlamps, driver information center, and air-conditioning are standard.
2. 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz: $25,215
Although this is a pickup, its unibody construction and Lilliputian bed limit some of its utility. The base SE model comes with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that unleashes 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard.
Payload is rated at 1,753 pounds; towing is at rated at 3,500 pounds. Being little more than a Hyundai Tucson crossover with a different body, and coming with a standard Crew Cab body, its bed is short, just 52 inches long, but uniquely, it features a lockable tonneau cover and an under-bed trunk. In some ways, it’s not a true pickup, but rather a crossover/pickup love child.
1. 2022 Ford Maverick: $21,490
Like the Hyundai Santa Cruz, the Ford Maverick is based on front-wheel drive crossover architecture. However, the 2022 model year is sold out; Ford stopped taking orders last month.
So, what’s the fuss about? Well, its standard 4-cylinder hybrid driveline produces 162 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque through a CVT while returning 42 mpg city, 33 mpg highway according to the EPA. But careful driving will beat that.
Payload is 1,500 pounds, towing is rated at 2,000 pounds. Its 54-inch-long bed can haul 4×8 sheets of plywood with the tailgate partially raised. And its roomy crew cab body has more than enough room. It’s number one in so many ways.