You might think you have to spend a huge amount of money to get the best vehicle since the cost of the average new car in the United States is more than $35,000. However, U.S. News has come up with a list of vehicles that cost less than $30,000 and are all highly rated. You might not get the highest trims, but these models still offer plenty of features. Out of the 30 vehicles on the list, the Ford F-150 comes in first. Here’s a look at this great deal.

2020 Ford F-150 – the best vehicle under $30,000

The 2020 Ford F-150 has the best overall score from U.S. News of the affordable vehicles on the list. It comes in with a 9.1 out of 10 and is also the No. 1 pick on the list of full-size pickup trucks. It has a starting price of $28,745. U.S. News calls it the “total package.” It has excellent predicted reliability plus it provides comfort and technology paired with better towing and hauling capabilities than all its competitors.

Engines and body configurations for the Ford F-150

The 2020 F-150 has plenty of ways to customize it, with lots of body options and powertrain choices. The base engine is a 3.3-liter V6, which produces 290 hp. It provides a nice ride and good fuel efficiency. There are also five other powerful engines for buyers to choose from. That includes two turbocharged V6 engines, producing 325 hp or 375 hp; a high-output turbocharged V6, producing 450 hp; a V8, generating 395 hp; and a turbodiesel that produces 250 hp.

For less than $30,000, buyers can choose the F-150 XL with the regular cab and either the 6.5-foot or the 8-foot bed length. Either the standard engine or the 2.7-liter V6 engine, with 325 hp, keeps the price under $30,000. The XL trim as well as higher trims are also available at a higher price with SuperCab and SuperCrew options, a 5.5-foot bed length, and other engines.

With the standard engine, the F-150 is able to tow up to 7,700 pounds and haul up to 1,990 pounds. The F-150 can tow up to 13,200 pounds and haul up to 3,270 pounds, when properly equipped.

The interior of the Ford F-150

With the under-$30,000 price tag, this F-150 is a little more basic in the features department. The 2020 F-150 XL is the work truck trim, and it comes with cloth upholstery. U.S. News does feel that some competitors have nicer interiors. Higher trims do include more luxury finishes, like wood trim, a heated steering wheel, and leather upholstery.

Technology and safety features

The F-150 XL comes standard with an AM/FM radio, but higher trims include a lot more features, including an 8-inch touchscreen, voice-activated infotainment system, satellite radio, navigation, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

The F-150 XL has a rearview camera and it comes with automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and curve control. Higher trim levels offer adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, lane keep assist, driver drowsiness monitoring, a 360-degree camera system, and active park assist.

How much does it cost?

The F-150’s starting price of $28,495 is lower than many of its competitors, but it only goes up from there. Its top starting price of $67,485 for the Limited trim is higher than the top trim starting price of most of its competitors.

There is a version of the 2020 Ford F-150 for every buyer looking for a pickup truck. While higher trims can be quite pricey, the F-150 XL trim offers a great way to buy this truck without breaking the bank. It may not have all the luxury features, but it still provides a solid version of this highly rated truck.