Big and powerful trucks are functional, but they are also expensive. Its price depends on many factors, including size, equipment, engine, and of course, competition. There are no many carmakers capable to have their share in this segment. But, those who are already there are watching their rivals and try to modify the best price to be among the cheapest pickup trucks.
Well, companies are also offering high-end models, which sometimes double the base price. However, entry-level models are the measure of affordability. So, here we are – let’s try to present the cheapest pickup truck for 2018 – 2019 season.
2019 Nissan Frontier the Only Pickup Truck Priced Under $20,000
The MSRP of the 2019 Nissan Frontier will remain under the mark in the title. The current version is available for $19,000 without destination charge. This is a value of the King Cab S with 2.5-l petrol powertrain and manual gearbox. For this money, buyers are getting a towing capacity of just about 3,500 pounds. Of course, Nissan will offer different configurations with the more potent V-6 engine. For example, already in the mid-range lineup, Frontier SV costs from $24,000 without extra equipment.
2019 Chevy Colorado – Another Affordable Truck
Chevrolet is also using an inline-four drivetrain as the base unit for it a mid-size pickup truck. That cuts the price for about $5,000 compared to the cheapest V-6 model. The 2019 Chevy Colorado is not going to get any major updates, which will make the price stay put. With Extended Cab and Base trim level, this pickup will cost around $21,500. It will be pretty capable since the output reaches 200 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. This configuration does not offer AWD upgrade. Mid-range WT trim costs $3,500 more.
2019 GMC Canyon Comes Without Big Changes
The next truck on out top 10 cheapest pickups list is 2019 GMC Canyon. A mid-size vehicle from General Motors is slightly more expensive than Chevy Colorado. A 2.5-liter four-pot engine, in combination with a manual gearbox and two-wheel drive setup, costs $22,000. That is the same unit Colorado is using in 2019, so the outputs will be fair and square. For example, top of the class Canyon truck is going to be SLT version Extended cab, with price over $45,000.
2019 Toyota Tacoma Expensive Compact Truck
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma is the first model in our list that won’t cost less than $25,000. The SR is the entry-level trim with 16-inch wheels, fabric seats, and base Safety Sense features. It uses slightly larger powertrain than its rivals. A 2.7-liter 4-cylinder unit is capable to deliver 160 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. A 6-pace ECT-i automatic gearbox and 4×2 drive are standard. The combination is good if you are not going to tow over 3,500 pounds. Plenty of variations are making Tacoma very popular. At the high end, we can find the mid-size truck with TRD Pro package. However, its price will be around $45,000 making it non-competitive for the cheapest pickups list.
2019 Ford Ranger – The Return
The return of the 2019 Ford Ranger means the Blue Oval company will have a serious truck in the compact segment. However, many details about this pickup are unknown. The company presented 2019 Ranger at Detroit’s Auto Show, but info about release date and price were not announced. Also, we are still waiting for confirmation of diesel and Raptor models, but these will definitely cost above $25,000. Initial price should be around this amount, so that can make Ranger competitive on the market.
2019 Ram 1500 Star of the Next Season
We are moving on to the more serious vehicles. Full-size league of trucks is bringing more powerful and more expensive pickups. First, we present 2019 Ram 1500. This truck recently had the premiere with a new diesel unit. However, with this fuel type unit, the price is over $30,000, while buyers can find base petrol model for $28,500. In this segment, we won’t find 4-cylinder engines. Ram 1500 is using a 3.6-liter Pentastar mill that pairs with automatic gearbox and 2WD. This system is good for 6,000 lbs towing capacity rating. Also, the engine returns 16/23 mpg in the city and on the highway.
2019 Ford F-150 – The Legend Available From $30,000
The king of this segment will definitely be the 2019 Ford F-150. For this season, manufacturer stole the show with first diesel unit for the legendary truck. Next season, we can see the hybrid truck. However, we will stick up to the base trim, that is the next model on the cheapest trucks list. Entry-level pickup is offering a 3.3-liter petrol unit. A V-6 mill can return 290 hp, 265 lb-ft of torque, and 19/25 mpg. Also, this is the only drivetrain in the lineup that uses 6-speed transmission. A 2-wheel drive, regular cab, and XL trim level features are part of the truck that costs just under $30,000.
2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 A True F-150 Rival in Every Way
Chevrolet is not giving up in the battle against Ford F-150. The 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 will also get a diesel engine. Also, the base model of the half-tone truck has the similar price as its main rival. Regular cab with standard box and 5.3-liter engine will also cost around $30,000. Chevrolet is dropping 4.3-liter unit for next season. In the case they keep it, the price would be about $1,000 less. Towing capacity for the 5.3-liter unit in the base configuration is 7,000 pounds, and experts estimate fuel economy to around 17/23 mpg.
2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Keeps 4.3-liter Engine
While Chevy is dropping a 4.3-liter EcoTec3 V-6 unit, the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 will keep it as the base drivetrain. In combination with 2WD and the base trim level, this full-size truck will cost $31,000. Standard equipment for the entry-level model are both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are also many helpful features, such as cruise control and rearview camera. Higher end trucks will bring more equipment and the higher price. Of course, Denali version is again the most expensive one.
2019 Nissan Titan – Slightly More Expensive Than the Competition
Frontier is at the beginning of our list, and 2019 Nissan Titan is almost at the bottom. From the cheapest, to the most expensive trucks, this company added many extra features to be more competitive. Also, Titan is not offering a plain entry-level model just to cut the initial price. This truck is a serious rival to all models offering the same level of equipment and accessories. After additions for 2019 year model, the truck will start from above $31,000. The base S trim level will get more features, mostly inside the cabin. Nevertheless, the exterior will suffer some changes. All these are crucial factors that will make the price go up.
2019 Toyota Tundra – All Cards on Diesel Model
When details matter, and the most important thing for buyers is the price, 2019 Toyota Tundra won’t have too much chance in the market. This truck is not too much more expensive than Titan or Sierra 1500, but couple of thousand dollars could make the difference. Starting at $31,500, the truck brings a V-8 engine as the base unit. The cost of the entry-level model is the highest, but the power output is also at the top. The new Tundra will create 310 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. Nevertheless, the company is more focused on the diesel unit that should be part of 2019 season lineup.