Nowadays, modern pickup trucks are not workhorses exclusively. The whole segment developed in a good way and now pickup trucks are true luxury vehicles with great capabilities. And while there are some premium models, you can still find affordable pickup trucks that will get the job done.
Still, luxury trucks are somewhat rare, but the all-electric models are on the way. If you are looking for cheaper solutions, there are models that will sacrifice real luxury. However, there are a lot of models that are all-around players with modern cabin designs, nice appearance, and great performances. Here’s our Top 10 Cheapest Trucks list for 2023.
2023 Ford Maverick
The first model on the list is the 2023 Ford Maverick. Interestingly, the Maverick pickup comes with a standard hybrid powertrain option. The gasoline engine is optional, which is a somewhat different approach. It is a compact model, combining styling cues from the Bronco SUV and the F-150 pickup truck. The result is an incredibly efficient and nice-looking model. The hybrid system combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor.
Together, this output provides 191 horsepower and it comes with a CVT automatic transmission. More importantly, Maverick delivers 40 mpg in the city and it can also tow around 2,000 pounds. It comes as no surprise that the Maverick model became an instant hit. The price is more than affordable and you can get the base trim level for $21,000. It is a fair offer, given how efficient this pickup truck is. On top of that, it provides a very modern interior with a lot of premium materials.
All you need to know about 2023 Ford Maverick is HERE
2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz is another compact pickup truck on the list. This model will directly rival Ford Maverick in the years to come. The Santa Cruz model comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, providing 190 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. There is also an optional 2.5-liter turbo-four engine with 275 hp and 310 a torque of 310 lb-ft. Hyundai says the Santa Cruz pickup has a towing capability of 5,000 pounds.
Moreover, a dual-clutch transmission and AWD system are available. Unfortunately, Santa Cruz does not offer a hybrid variant, like the Ford Maverick. On the other hand, Hyundai will deliver Santa Cruz Hybrid model in the near future. On top of that, we also expect to see a sportier high-performance Santa Cruz N variant. The price starts at $25,000 and it goes up to $40,000.
Find out everything about 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz HERE
2023 Toyota Tacoma
The forthcoming 2023 Toyota Tacoma is among the most popular trucks in the United States. This isn’t a surprise given Tacoma’s reliability and versatility. This model provides everything from the traditional combustion engines, to hybrid variants and the off-road-oriented TRD Pro trim level. Moreover, you can get a Tacoma pickup truck for about $30,000 or slightly below that. In 2023, Tacoma will arrive with some significant changes and improvements.
That includes dramatic visual updates and also very important interior refreshments. Under the hood, Tacoma hides a potent 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine. Furthermore, Toyota offers a smooth ten-speed automatic transmission. A hybrid powertrain will be on offer and it will provide more power and higher fuel economy ratings. Recently, we read the first reports regarding the Tacoma EV model, although this version won’t come in 2023. Overall, Tacoma is a complete package, whatever you need from your pickup truck, Tacoma has the answer for you.
HERE is everything about the next 2023 Toyota Tacoma
2023 Ford Ranger
The 2023 Ford Ranger is coming back to the United States. Moreover, this famous mid-size truck will arrive with a complete redesign. The Ford Ranger is also a global model, available in all parts of the world. The new model will provide refreshed appearance and incredibly modern cabin design, highlighted by a new vertical-oriented touchscreen. As before, Ranger will offer luxury trim levels and also off-road-oriented variants. Of course, the Raptor model is the most famous one.
However, Ranger also delivers a more affordable Tremor package and even an FX4 package. This model sits on an upgraded T6 architecture. A 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine will be standard, providing 270 horses and 310 lb-ft of torque. Of course, Ranger is available with numerous engine choices and the same is with the global Ranger. The price for the base model starts at $30,000 or slightly higher than that. It is an iconic model for a reason and you’ll be able to buy one in the second half of 2022.
Read more details about the new 2023 Ford Ranger HERE
2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Starting at $32,000, the new 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 will see minor changes, despite various rumors. Indeed, there is no need to make significant changes at the moment, although Silverado 1500 directly rivals models such as Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Toyota Tundra. Silverado truck among the top models in the segment for years now. It comes with a great tradition, reliable engine choice, and numerous trim levels and configurations. We expect to see a new Super Cruise hands-free system make its way in some of the trim levels.
If you want more luxury, you can go with the more expensive variants such as Limited or the High Country. We think every trim level will do a good job, no matter if you are seeking capability, comfort, or something else. Under the hood, the Silverado 1500 will provide 2.7-liter turbo-four gasoline and 3.0-liter turbodiesel engines. On top of that, there is also a larger 6.2-liter V8 unit. Chevrolet provides both the 8-speed and 10-speed automatic transmission. As before, this truck comes in regular, double cab, and crew cab body styles.
HERE is ours 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 review
2023 GMC Canyon
The next 2023 GMC Canyon will be something special. General Motors plans to introduce the third-gen Canyon with a complete redesign. Moreover, we should expect various mechanical upgrades and interior overhaul as well. Although the platform won’t be brand-new, it will undergo some serious changes. The new powertrain lineup is another reason why Canyon will be a popular choice in the following years.
New engine choices are likely, but at the moment, we can only confirm a 2.7-liter turbo-four engine. It uses TriPower technology and it generates 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission is available as the only gearbox option. Canyon is available in Elevation, AT4 and Denali trim levels. The AT4 is an incredibly popular choice as it is a more off-road-focused version. Expect to see at least one more powertrain option. The price of the GMC Canyon will once again start below $30,000, which is more than a fair offer in our honest opinion.
2023 Nissan Frontier
After years of minimal upgrades, the new 2023 Nissan Frontier will wear a completely new design. A completely refreshed Frontier will be more competitive with room to grow. The sales will begin later in 2022 and the price will be around $28,000. Interestingly, there is a possibility of introducing a smaller engine, so the base variant could be even cheaper. Anyway, the Frontier model currently offers only a 3.8-liter V6 engine.
It develops up to 310 hp and it is one of the most powerful engines in the mid-size segment. Unfortunately, this is the only option at the moment. Some speculations are predicting a new hybrid powertrain as well. Nissan improved almost every part of the truck, for a reason. The mid-size segment is stronger than ever, with Frontier pickup truck rivaling Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma.
Read full 2023 Nissan Frontier review HERE
2023 Ram 1500
The new 2023 Ram 1500 will cost $36,000. However, there is also a more affordable Ram 1500 Classic variant, but these two models can’t compare, unfortunately. You can see that the Ram 1500 costs more than other models on the list. This is for a good reason as the Ram 1500 is still an affordable truck, given what it has to offer. The 2023MY comes with additional optional packages, special editions, and new exterior paints.
As before, Longhorn and Limited trim levels are very premium, but those two will cost significantly more. In terms of performance, Ram 1500 still rides on a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine. However, it does offer a mild-hybrid system with it, along with an optional 5.7-liter V8 engine. The Rebel TRX variant uses a supercharged engine and can produce over 700 horsepower. As you can see, this is one very versatile model and we must say the interior build quality is simply amazing.
HERE is everything you need to know about the 2023 Ram 1500
2023 Chevrolet Colorado
The mid-size 2023 Chevrolet Colorado is an astonishing pickup truck. On top of that, this model is priced at only $27,000. It is a hard-working truck with incredible versatility. Furthermore, there is a lot of customization, so you can choose models with better towing capability or even the rock-crawling ZR2 trim level. Despite that, the Colorado truck will gain dramatic upgrades in 2023.
Interestingly, Colorado has the class-leading towing capacity. Moreover, it is also the smallest Chevrolet truck at the moment. You can choose between a standard four-cylinder engine and optional units such as turbodiesel or gasoline V6. The rear-wheel-drive configuration remains standard, although the 4-wheel-drive is available. Big changes are on the way, so Colorado is definitely a model you should consider.
Read more about 2023 Chevrolet Colorado HERE
2023 Ford F-150
Finally, this is perhaps the most popular model on the list. An iconic F-150 pickup truck is still here, dominating the segment. The 2023 Ford F-150 is a complete model. Besides various cab options and trim levels, there are also numerous engines on offer. The best-selling vehicle in the United States provides three cabin sizes, impressive interior room, and modern design. On top of that, it comes with off-road variants, luxury trim levels, and soon, it will also offer the F-150 Lightning all-electric model.
As for the engine lineup, the F-150 truck provides turbo-four, V6s, V8s, hybrids, and even a turbodiesel unit. We don’t have to mention how great the performances are. And while the Ram 1500 is perhaps a slightly more luxurious model, F-150 is better in other aspects. The base Regular Cab trim level with a room for three persons will cost $30,000. On the other hand, the range-topping trim level will cost over $80,000.
