Best New Pickup Trucks Under $30,000 for 2022
Buyers used to have to pick two characteristics when it came to trucks: cheap, good, or reliable. These days, you can have it all in one vehicle. Options like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma check all of the boxes as far as 2022 trucks go.
The 2022 Ford Ranger XL is one of the best new pickup trucks
It might come as no surprise that the 2022 Ford Ranger XL is one of the more popular midsize trucks out there. Not a compact truck and not a full-size truck, the Ranger is comfortable in between. It comes in two cab sizes: the two-door SuperCab Ranger has room for four people, while the SuperCrew version has four doors and seats five passengers. All Ford Rangers get the 2.3L EcoBoost engine. AWD is available, but RWD is standard. It can also tow up to 7,500 pounds with the Trailer Tow package.
2022 Ford Ranger XL: $26,795
The Ford Maverick XL is definitely one of the best new pickup trucks for 2022
Looking at the 2022 Ford Maverick XL, Cars.com says this pickup truck puts some expensive rivals to shame. The XL comes with the standard hybrid powertrain that returns an EPA-rated 37 mpg combined. This engine offers 191 hp, or buyers can upgrade to a 2.0 turbo EcoBoost engine with 250 hp. The Ford Maverick base engine has a 1,500 pounds payload rating and a 2,000-pound towing capacity. The 2.0L can tow up to 4,000 pounds.
2022 Ford Maverick XL: $21,490
The Hyundai Santa Cruz SE identifies as a Sport Adventure Vehicle
While the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE doesn’t subscribe to the pickup truck label, it does everything a truck might do. One of the main talking points for the Hyundai Santa Cruz is that it is a compact pickup truck. This means it is easier to park and maneuver than a full-size truck. The Santa Cruz has a bed that buyers can use for work or leisure, but it performs more like an SUV when it comes down to it. Plus, it can tow 3,500 pounds with the FWD version. The AWD model can tow 5,000 pounds.
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE: $25,385
The Chevrolet Colorado WT is under $30,000
As far as the 2022 Chevrolet Colorado WT goes, the WT stands for Work Truck. Thanks to that trim level, it fits within the $30,000 budget. The Colorado pickup truck can accommodate between four and five passengers with various cab and cargo bed options. The base engine is a 200 hp four-cylinder that gets 22 mpg combined or a 308 hp V6 that gets 21 mpg combined. Both engines come with RWD as standard but have the option of four-wheel drive. The Chevrolet Colorado WT can tow 3,500 pounds with the base engine and 7,000-pounds with the V6.
2022 Chevrolet Colorado WT: $26,630
Looking for the best new pickup trucks? Check out the Toyota Tacoma SR
The 2022 Toyota Tacoma SR is inching up to the $30,000 budget. Another midsize truck, the SR trim level has a two-door configuration that seats four or a four-door option that seats five. The Toyota Tacoma base engine gets 159 hp, or buyers can opt for a 278 hp V6. If you opt for the RWD base option, it gets an EPA-rated 21 mpg. The Tacoma SR can tow 6,400 pounds while the payload is 1,155 pounds.
2022 Toyota Tacoma SR: $27,915
2022 is definitely the year of the pickup truck. That doesn’t mean it has to be an expensive year, though. Finding a reliable truck to last you a few years might seem like a tedious task at first, but it doesn’t have to be.
