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2019 Toyota Tacoma Sport

These Are the Best 2019 Pickup Trucks for Under $30,000

Pickup trucks are a raging segment. They are the embodiment of utility, but these days they are also possible to configure as ultra-luxury vehicles. New pickup trucks, because of this can be crazy expensive. If you go wild with the options on a high trim level it’s not unheard of for a nice new pickup …

Pickup trucks are a raging segment. They are the embodiment of utility, but these days they are also possible to configure as ultra-luxury vehicles. New pickup trucks, because of this can be crazy expensive. If you go wild with the options on a high trim level it’s not unheard of for a nice new pickup truck to go for upwards of almost 6-figure prices. Can the best 2019 pickup trucks come cheaper?

Red Level 2, orange Level 3, and blue Level 1 Ford Performance-modified Rangers in front of a mountain range
Ford Performance Ranger Packages (left-to-right: Level 2, Level 3, Level 1) | Ford

For many truck consumers, this is not what they had in mind. There are great trucks out there for less than $30,000. These trucks will serve their pickup purpose and they won’t cost an astronomical amount. It’s possible to get new pickup trucks for a more wallet-friendly price.

2019 Chevy Colorado

Although you can actually buy a 2020 model of this compact pickup truck for under $30 grand, we recommend going back a year. The 2019 Chevy Colorado has a better predicted reliability rating than the Chevy Colorado. According to US News and World Report, “it has a comfortable ride and several engines to choose from, including a potent V6 and an efficient turbodiesel.”

2019 Chevy Colorado | GM
2019 Chevy Colorado | GM

The Chevy Colorado pricing runs between $21,300 – $42,900, so you don’t even have to stick to the base model in order to keep your pickup truck purchase in the lower price range. The standard infotainment and some USB ports were added for the 2019 year. Plus, three cab configurations with two bed length options give you the ability to find the truck that best fits your needs. Extended Cab models will come with a long box 6-feet-2-inch bed. On the other hand, Crew Cab models can come configured with either the long box bed or the shorter box 5-feet-2-inch bed. AWD is an option for any trim level.

2019 Ram 1500

US News and World Report shows an MSRP of $27,645 – $57,290 for the Ram 1500 in the 2019 model year. You may not be able to add many options and remain under $30 grand. However, the Ram 1500 is ranked #2 in its class by US News. Additionally, it underwent a complete redesign for 2019. The Ram 1500 now boasts increased fuel economy, improved towing capacity, and a better interior paired with more contemporary exterior styling.

A 2019 Ram 1500 on display at an auto show.
The 2019 Ram 1500 | Scott Olson/Getty Images

The 2019 Ram 1500 was also named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The base model features the Uconnect infotainment system, a 5-inch touch screen and three USB ports. Also, The Ram 1500 2019 model year earned above average reliability ratings from J.D. Power.

2019 Ford F-150

The 2019 Ford F-150 earned the #1 spot in its class from US News and World Report. US News posts the average price paid for a 2019 Ford F-150 is $23,920 – $64,978. The 2019 F-150 earned 4 out of 5 for reliability from J.D. Power.

2019 Ford F-150 pickup truck
2019 Ford F-150 | Ford

It is a class leader in terms of hauling and towing out of all the other full-size pickup trucks from the 2019 model year. The 2019 F-150 also gained standard automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and pedestrian detection. The Ford F-150 is a great all-around pickup truck for under $30 grand.

2019 Toyota Tacoma

The price point for the Toyota Tacoma is between $26,652 – $47,016, according to US News and World Report. The Toyota Tacoma is rated #2 among all other compact pickups by US News. It also earned a 4 out of 5 for reliability from J.D. Power.

2019 Toyota Tacoma Sport
2019 Toyota Tacoma Sport | Toyota

There were no major changes to the 2019 model year for the Toyota Tacoma. However, the previous model year added standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. The Toyota Tacoma is one of the best pickup trucks you can get for less than $30,000.

2019 Ford Ranger

US News and World Report gives us a price range of $22,036 – $35,645 for the 2019 Ford Ranger. This compact pickup truck was reintroduced in the 2019 model year, and boasts powerful engine options with great fuel economy. The Ranger features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, unlike the Toyota Tacoma.

An orange 2019 Ford Ranger pickup truck at speed on a road with a mountain background
2019 Ford Ranger | Ford

It is one of the more capable compact pickup towers, with a max capacity of 7,500 pounds. The cabin materials are very truck-ish, though the ride experience features an “unusually quiet cabin for a pickup.” Overall US News says this pickup truck is “easy to live with.”

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