Ford Maverick

Price — $28,145. The Ford Maverick is currently the most affordable pickup on sale in the United States. Payload stands at 680 kg, and base models are rated to tow up to 907 kg. For buyers stepping into truck ownership, that blend of capability and price is hard to argue with.

Hyundai Santa Cruz

Price — $29,500. The Santa Cruz doesn’t look like other pickups, as Hyundai leans on a distinctive design language across its current lineup. It’s a small truck, yet Hyundai says the base version can tow up to 1,587 kg. The unconventional styling reads fresh, and that tow rating adds real substance behind the form.

Toyota Tacoma

Price — $31,590. The Tacoma is the smaller sibling to the Toyota Tundra, but it doesn’t surrender capability. It can tow better than most small pickups and is also suited to off-road driving. That dual character makes it a natural fit for weekday duty and weekend trails alike.

Nissan Frontier

Price — $32,150. Every Frontier trim comes with a 3.8-liter inline six-cylinder engine rated at 310 horsepower. A single, straightforward powertrain keeps the lineup simple — a virtue many truck shoppers appreciate.

Chevrolet Colorado

Price — $32,400. The Colorado is Chevrolet’s more attainable truck, coming in almost $8,000 cheaper than the GMC Canyon built on the same platform. Paying less for essentially the same bones is a persuasive proposition.

Ford Ranger

Price — $33,350. The Ford Ranger is the brand’s midsize pickup, positioned between the Maverick and the F-150. The base 4x2 is relatively affordable, though the price can climb significantly with options. Choose wisely on the order sheet and it remains a smart value; pile on packages and the total rises quickly.