Most Affordable Trucks for 2025
The most affordable new trucks are ranked based on our analysis of their lowest base prices, though local market conditions might push a specific model’s price above the starting MSRP for vehicles in short supply or with high demand.
The most affordable midsize truck is the Chevrolet Colorado ($29,500 starting MSRP) and the most affordable full-size truck is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Limited ($30,400 starting MSRP). Topping the list for the most affordable small and compact trucks is the Ford Maverick ($23,920 starting MSRP), while the Ford F-250 Super Duty ranks first for the most affordable heavy duty trucks ($44,970 starting MSRP).
Pickup trucks used to be the cheapest vehicle you could buy. Whether it was a business or tradesman seeking a brand new basic work truck, or a consumer scanning the used car classified ads for cheap trucks for sale, finding an inexpensive Ford F-150 XL, in regular cab, short bed configuration, was easy.
But trucks have exploded in popularity among mainstream consumers over the past two decades, and automakers have recognized the profit potential in these formerly low-cost rides. Now offered in multiple body styles and trim levels, it’s not uncommon for modern trucks to rival luxury sedans and SUVs in price. Occasionally we’ll see price drops for trucks, like when the economy struggles and fuel prices rise. But in general, don’t expect to save on your down payment and monthly payments by shopping for a truck at the local dealership.
While their prices have risen, modern trucks offer a far more appealing package than they did 20 years ago. Extended cab and crew cab models now provide room for up to 6 passengers, and the formerly bouncy ride quality of past trucks has given way to models like today’s Ram 1500, which uses coil springs instead of leaf springs to deliver a car-like ride and refinement.
Fuel efficiency has also drastically improved, with advances in drivetrain technology allowing full-size trucks to deliver over 25 mpg while still offering greater horsepower and better towing capacity than yesterday’s models. Similar improvements have occurred in four-wheel-drive tech and off-road capability. This is in addition to all the standard features included in today’s pickups, like backup cameras, Bluetooth phone pairing and advanced driver-assist technology.
The other encouraging news for today’s budget-minded truck buyers is the ever-growing, ever-improving stable of midsize and compact trucks. Longstanding favorites like the GMC Canyon and Honda Ridgeline have been joined by newer models like the updated Ford Ranger and all-new Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Unlike the rear-wheel-drive (RWD), body-on-frame trucks in the full-size and midsize categories, the compact Maverick and Santa Cruz are based on a front-wheel-drive (FWD) unibody chassis, with all-wheel drive (AWD) optional. Despite their smaller size and car-like construction, these trucks offer impressive specs, along with higher fuel economy and lower price tags than their larger counterparts. Truck buyers convinced they can only shop for used trucks should consider the Maverick and Santa Cruz as affordable new truck alternatives – if their payload and towing capabilities are sufficient.
See all of today’s new trucks, ranked by starting price and affordability, below.
How We Rank These Cars
The Most Affordable Car lists rank vehicles by their starting MSRP.
Starting MSRP is the lowest MSRP across all trims for a given new car model. In the event there is a tie, we use iSeeCars proprietary rating of the overall quality of the car (iSeeCars Score) to break the tie.
The overall iSeeCars Score is an analysis of three factors: reliability, resale value and safety. It is calculated based on the latest research and analysis by our data science team. The data analysis comes from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with NHTSA and IIHS Safety Ratings.
Vehicles are scored in three categories:
Reliability
The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.
Value Retention
The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.
Safety
The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
