There’s never been a better time to buy a pickup truck. Almost every pickup truck maker is offering incentives and discounts, such as cash back and low interest rates. And for buyers on a budget, there’s a pickup truck for you, from basic to nicely appointed, under $40K. Adding to the lure is that incentives are usually more plentiful on lower-priced models. In researching this story, we found incentives of $1,500 to $3,000 to be quite common.
Of course, mid-size pickup trucks offer more for the money than full-size pickup trucks, but even among the big guys there are options that fall just under that $40K mark.
This story was 100% human researched and written based on actual first-person experiences, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and pickup trucks. No AI was used.
Tech and Comforts Are Standard on Most Pickup Trucks Now
This is a nice departure from the pickup truck of yore; standard features tend to include large touch screens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and driver assist and safety systems, which typically feature adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot assistance, pre-emergency braking and more.
For our comparisons, we looked at base models under $40,000 with a standard-size bed, cloth interiors and highlight any noteworthy features. And if there were multiple models under $40,000, we noted details on those trims, too. These are the most affordable, best pick up trucks on the market right now.
Chevy Colorado Midsize Pickup Truck, Starting at $31,395
The Chevrolet Colorado was one of the first in the Chevy family to get a full makeover, setting the stage for the future look and function of the brand’s models. All trims feature a great new multimedia system with an 11” touch screen and an 11” driver display, voice activated assistance and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The entry-level WT, or work truck, can be upgraded with 4WD for $3,300 and is powered by a 4-cylinder turbo engine that generates 237 HP. Buyers can upgrade to the more powerful Turbomax engine, that puts out 310 HP for $1,285. The Colorado has tow capacity of about 3,500 lbs. Read: The Redesigned 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Midsize Pickup Truck First Drive
GMC Canyon Midsize Pickup Truck, Starting at $36,300
The GMC Canyon is the elevated sibling of the Colorado; the entry level Elevation trim only offers the more powerful Turbomax engine that generates 310 HP. Buyers can add 4WD for $3,300 bringing the price in just under $40K; Elevation is the only trim in the lineup priced under $40,000.
The Canyon comes equipped with an 11” driver display and 11” center touchscreen and has a full suite of tech and safety features. Read: The 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X Makes Me Wanna Rally
Hyundai Santa Cruz Midsize Pickup Truck, Starting at $26,900
We love the Hyundai Santa Fe for its fun attitude and cute looks. And while it has a truck bed, this is more of a crossover than a true pickup truck, which is a benefit: All three trims are priced under $40K. The Santa Cruz is powered by a 4 cylinder engine generating 191 HP, has up to 3,500 lbs. towing. AWD can be added for $1,500.
Buyers can upgrade to the Night trim ($38,460) and get leatherette seating, a turbo 4-cylinder engine that generates 281 HP and can to up to 5,000 lbs. The standard 8” color touchscreen features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Read: The Hyundai Santa Cruz Is The Ideal Adventure Truck for City Driving
Ford Ranger Midsize Pickup Truck, Starting at $32,720
The Ford Ranger has a dedicated, passionate following for both its convenient size and its off-road capability. The XL base model seats 5 and features a 4-cylinder engine that generates 270 HP and comes equipped with all terrain tires, SYNC 4 multimedia system, 10” multimedia touchscreen and an 8” driver display.
Buyers can add 4WD for $3,645; the next trim up, XLT starts at $36,160 and both have up to 7,500 lbs. of tow capacity. Read: The 2024 Ford Ranger Reminds Me That Editing Is Good
Ford Maverick Midsize Pickup Truck, Starting at $23,290
This is the darling of the truck world right now for many reasons: the Ford Maverick’s very approachable price: Even the top of the line Lariat ticks in at $34,960. Add AWD to any model for $2,200 and upgrade to the more fuel efficient hybrid for $1,500.
The Maverick’s small size (it’s 8” shorter than the Ranger) makes it easy to drive, as does its standard 2.0L Ecoboost engine that generates 238 HP; the hybrid version generates 191 HP and both have a tow capacity of about 2,000 lbs. This cutie seats 5, has a standard 8” touch screen with SYNC 4 system and voice activation and features all of Ford’s driver assist and safety systems. Read: The Ford Maverick Didn’t Need to Get Better, But It Did, Adding Hybrid AWD
Jeep Gladiator Midsize Pickup Truck, Starting at $37,895
The only mid-size pickup truck that comes standard with a soft-top, 4WD and a manual transmission in this group is the Jeep Gladiator, though you can add automatic for $2,500 (if you must).
The Gladiator base model is pretty basic but has lots and lots of accessories and options, from fun paint colors to wheels, hard and soft tops, bed accessories, off-road equipment and more. The Gladiator comes standard with cloth seats and a cloth Sunrider top, a 12” multimedia touchscreen and it can tow up to about 4,000 lbs. Read: The 2024 Jeep Gladiator Pickup Truck Is Now Even More High-Tech
Toyota Tacoma Midsize Pickup Truck, Starting at $31,500
The Toyota Tacoma was just redesigned, to much celebration: This capable, fun mid-size pickup is now more modern looking, filled with great technology and has even more capability, all at a very reasonable price. The base SR model carries a 4-cylinder turbo generating 228 HP; buyers can add 4WD for $3,200 or upgrade to the SR5 trim that comes with a turbo 4-cylinder that generates 278 HP for $39,400.
And for manual transmission fans, that can be had too: The least expensive way do to this is via the double cab, 4WD version of the Tacoma SR, which takes the price to $36,295. Read: 2024 Toyota Tacoma: Feed Me Tacos and Tell Me About Crawl Control
Nissan Frontier Midsize Pickup Truck, Starting at $30,510
The Nissan Frontier, a reliable, fun pickup truck carries more old-school power than its competitors, equipped with a 6-cylinder 310-HP engine. The base model is a 4-door crew cab with seating for 5, an 8” touch screen and buyers can add 4WD for $3,000; the Frontier can to up to about 6,400 lbs. Read: Owning A 2022 Nissan Frontier Means Being Ready For Anything
Ford F-150 Full Size Pickup Truck, Starting at $38,610
The Ford F-150 is a fan favorite for good reason: Its two engine options are solid and capable, and the base model carries a powerful V8 400 HP engine.
The entry level XL model has a 2-door cab with cloth seating for 3; the middle seat folds down to provide an arm rest and cup holders. It also features a 12” touchscreen with SYNC 4, a trailer hitch and tow capacity of about 9,000 lbs. Buyers can upgrade to 4WD for $5,015. Read: The 2024 Ford F-150 Pickup Truck Got a Makeover — and a Bevy of New Benefits
Chevrolet Silverado Full Size Truck, Pickup Starting at $36,800
This is a very approachable price for an entry level Chevrolet Silverado, a two door, 3 passenger cab featuring vinyl upholstery, a 4-cylinder Turbomax engine generating 310 HP and a 7” touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Buyers can add 4WD for $4,600 taking the price just a tad over the $40K mark, but still accommodating 9,500 lbs. of tow capacity. Read: Towing While Using Hands-Free Driving Using Super Cruise in the Chevrolet Silverado Pickup Truck
GMC Sierra Full Size Pickup Truck, Starting at $36,695
It’s sort of a surprise that the GMC Sierra can be had for anything under $40K, but we’re glad it can. It is powered by a 4-cylinder Turbomax engine that generates 310 HP. The entry level model features a 2 door cab that seats 3 and offers a choice of cloth or vinyl upholstery, a 7” touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Buyers can add 4WD for $4,600. Read: 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X: Want to Feel Like Queen of the Road? Truck Yeah!
Ram 1500 Full Size Pickup Truck, Starting at $40,275
The Ram 1500 is one of the pricier entry-level pickups but we’re including it here for two reasons: First, there are a lot of incentives that will bring the price under $40K, and then, it’s getting kudos for its new 6-cylinder Hurricane engine. The entry-level Tradesman model has 4-doors, seating for 6 and is upholstered in heavy duty vinyl or cloth.
The Ram 1500 Tradesman is powered by a V6 mild hybrid engine that generates 305 HP, or buyers can upgrade to the new inline 6-cylinder Hurricane turbo engine for $2,695; it generates 420 HP and can tow up to 11,560 lbs.; 4WD is an additional $3,850. Inside the Ram Tradesman features all the basics, including an 8” touch screen. Read: We Like Luxe Trucks, We Cannot Lie! The All New RAM 1500 Pickup Truck is All That
Toyota Tundra Full Size Pickup Truck, Starting at $39,965
The fan fave Toyota Tundra underwent a full redesign a few years ago and set the stage for the redesign of all of Toyota’s SUVs and trucks. The base SR model has a 4 door cab, seating for 5 and features a V6 engine generating 358 HP. Buyers can add 4WD for $4,995 and the Tundra has a tow capacity of 8,300 lbs. Interior features include a power rear window, cloth interior, and an 8” multimedia screen with voice-activated assistance. Read: 2022 Toyota Tundra Road Test: She’s Pretty, But Can She Do the Job?
See? Pickup trucks for under $40K are a thing— a good thing. Lots of incentives, good to great power, and a nice selection of features (if you can live with cloth seats), good tow capacity and many with standard 4WD or AWD. Isn’t it time you started shopping for the pickup truck you’ve been dreaming of?
