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Pickup trucks are gradually getting more affordable as new models are rolled out. The midsize pickup truck segment is expanding. Many small pickup trucks have affordable starting prices. Here are two new 2023 pickup trucks with starting prices under $26,000.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz is an affordable small truck

A blue 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz small pickup truck is parked.
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz | Hyundai

Hyundai knows how to bring the value. Several Hyundai nameplates have enjoyed success because of their affordability and great standard features. The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a small pickup truck with unique dimensions.

The Santa Cruz is 196 inches long, 75 inches wide, and 67 inches tall. It’s tiny compared to midsize pickup trucks like the Ford Ranger (211 inches long, 78 inches wide, 71 inches tall). Hyundai’s truck is so small that most automotive publications categorize it as a small truck rather than a midsize truck. This is important because the tiny pickup is one of just two models that occupy the small truck vehicle segment.

The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz starts at $25,450. It comes in five different trim levels. The Santa Cruz uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to make 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. It gets 22 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway.

The midsize pickup truck includes a driver attention warning, lane following assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system with individual tire indicators. The Santa Cruz also comes with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a rearview monitor with dynamic parking guidelines, and a safe exit warning.

The 2023 Ford Maverick is incredibly affordable

A blue 2023 Ford Maverick small pickup truck is driving off-road.
The 2023 Ford Maverick | Ford

The 2023 Ford Maverick starts at $22,195. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor to make 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. The Maverick gets 42 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway.

The Maverick comes standard with remote keyless entry, cruise control, and 12-volt powerpoints. It also includes an anti-theft engine immobilizer, a tire pressure monitoring system, and in-bed pre-wired 12-volt electrical leads.

The 2023 Ford Maverick is 200 inches long, 73 inches wide, and 69 inches tall. It is the smallest truck in the Blue Oval’s portfolio. Ford’s small truck is the most affordable pickup truck on the market. It’s also the most fuel-efficient truck on the market by a long shot.

Ford’s small pickup truck is only on its second model year, but it has already gained a huge following. The Maverick has become popular in large cities like LA and San Francisco. Order books for the 2023 Maverick are already closed because of high demand.

If you want a new Ford Maverick and haven’t already placed an order, chances are you’ll have to wait for the 2024 model year. Car and Driver gave the 2023 Ford Maverick a perfect overall score.

America is ready for small pickup trucks

A blue 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz small pickup truck is driving on the road.
The 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz | Hyundai

There’s a clear demand for small pickup trucks in America. The Ford Maverick is one of the most desirable nameplates that the Blue Oval has produced in recent years. Its affordable price and standard hybrid powertrain will continue to be appealing to drivers as the nameplate ages. Other automakers will likely create smaller pickup trucks to compete with the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick in the future.