There has been a lot of publicity about the Ford Maverick pickup, but we’ll gladly add to it. The Maverick is the cheapest new truck in America. Now that you know, how about we look at some of the other trucks that fall into the “more affordable” category? Their features and size may better suit your needs. 

The 2022 Ford Maverick is the cheapest, but there are advantages to this

Besides being the cheapest truck, at $21,490, there are plenty of other reasons to go for a Maverick, if you’re looking for something to do light hauling with. Like fuel economy. It has some great economy numbers coming in at 42 mpg. That is for the two-wheel-driver version, which is front-wheel drive. 

That’s the other thing, this is like a small crossover, so it is a unibody structure with the drive in front. Of course, there is an optional four-wheel drive, and also a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder. However, these extra-cost options drive up the price you’ll pay. 

Hyundai’s Santa Cruz comes in a close second for affordability

If you’re looking for a little more style, and willing to pay a few grand more, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is the next truck up from the Maverick. Both are four-door trucks, without a separate bed. Again, that’s the unibody keeping it all together. It has an MSRP of $25,215. 

They’re about the same size, which is on the smallish side. That could be an issue for some, so take a test drive before ordering either one. As with the Maverick, a more powerful upgrade from the base engine is the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Either it or the base 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four, can be ordered with four-wheel-drive, but come standard with front-wheel-drive. 

The Toyota Tacoma gives you a separate frame and bed for just a bit more

If you must have a more conventional pickup with a separate bed and frame, then the Toyota Tacoma is third on the list of most affordable trucks. It is probably what most truck buyers think of when they’re looking for a new pickup. Toyota knows how to make reliable, affordable products, and that includes its Tacoma. 

For the cheapest Tacoma, we found the SR trim, extended cab, and 4×2, which come in at $26,000. But you have to order it this way along with the Utility package. With this, there are no rear seats and sliding rear window. You also get big black front and rear fascia covers instead of paint. Wear it proud!

Ford’s Ranger is the size of past full-size pickups

Just a step up from the Taco is the Ford Ranger. Ford dropped the Ranger in 2012. Now it must be wondering what sales it lost between then, and 2019, when it reintroduced the Ranger. At $26,600, you’ll be looking at the XL extended cab model. Honestly, it is about the size of a full-size pickup from the 1980s, so it can accommodate a lot, even with the base 2.3-liter inline-four-cylinder engine. It is turbocharged, so it grunts out 270 hp, which is also comparable to 1980s trucks with V8s. 

Finally, Chevy and GMC have similar midsize pickups with the Colorado at $26,155, and the Canyon, at $27,755, respectively. For the cheapest truck version, you’ll get the rear seat-delete, extended cab models, with 4×2. They are similar to the Ford Ranger in both size and specifications. 

In these times of rapid inflation, it is nice to know that there are still pickup trucks out there for under $28,000. We wonder how long that can last?