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Americans have an addiction to trucks even though most drivers rarely actually do any truck stuff. As a result, mid-size trucks keep going up in price due to demand and other economic factors. Smaller trucks are supposed to be more affordable but only one starts under $30,000 

The 2024 Chevy Colorado is the only mid-size truck that starts under $30,000 

If you want a brand new truck that starts under $30,000 then your options are pretty limited. In fact, the only mid-size truck that starts under $30,000 is the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado. 

It almost doesn’t even make the cut because it has an MSRP of $29,500. The $1,595 destination charge takes the price up to $31,095. Then those pesky dealership fees and taxes will be added. 

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma has an MSRP of $31,500, the 2024 Nissan Frontier starts at $30,510, the 2024 Ford Ranger rings in at $32,720, the rugged 2024 Jeep Gladiator $37,895, the 2024 Honda Ridgeline begins at $39,750,  and the luxurious 2024 GMC Canyon has an MSRP of $36,300,

You can go cheaper by moving down to the compact truck class, but they might not have enough power or space for your needs. 

The 2024 Ford Maverick starts at $23,920 and the 1,595 destination fee brings the total up to $25,515. It can tow up to 4,000 lbs. 

The 2024 Chevy Colorado parked in rocks
2024 Chevy Colorado | Chevrolet

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz starts at $28,235, including the $1,335 destination fee. It can tow up to 5,000 lbs. 

Meanwhile, the Chevy Colorado can tow up to 7,700 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,610. It tows more than the Frontier, Tacoma, Ridgeline, and Ranger. 

It’s pretty loaded for a standard mid-size truck as well. The 2024 Colorado starts with a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. 

Standard features include 17-inch wheels, push-button start, an 11-inch digital gauge cluster, an 11.3-inch infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a six-speaker audio system, a rear camera with hitch guidance, and a manual tilt steering wheel.

Is it a bargain? Not exactly, but it’s the cheapest mid-size truck available.

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.