Nowadays, finding a good truck with a budget-friendly price tag is difficult. For this reason, most buyers settle for used or under-performing options. We are here to help you avoid making a similar mistake. So, if you plan on getting a new truck soon, check out our list of the best pickup trucks under $50K. You will find different pickup sizes delivering outstanding hauling capacities. Also, we included modern trucks that perform beyond basic trucking activities. Let’s explore the truck market together.
The Best Pickup Trucks Under $50K For Budget Buyers
If you are in the market for a top-rated truck on a budget. We have reviewed the best pickup trucks under $50K in this post. These trucks are excellent and deliver value for your money. Let’s check them out together.
1. RAM 1500
The Ram 1500 is offered across seven trims for the 2024 model. Buyers get to choose between two hybrid powertrain options. The 3.6-liter V6 and the 5.7-liter V8 gasoline engines pair with the same 48-volt hybrid system to produce 305 and 395 horsepower, respectively. An eight-speed automatic transmission comes standard with the RWD configuration. Moreover, you can opt for a 4WD layout to facilitate off-road abilities.
A 5.7-liter Hemi V8 gas-only engine is also available. This trim performs with less gas mileage and utilizes the same transmission and driveline options as the hybrids. The rear suspensions for all Ram 1500s use standard coil springs or optional air springs. Hence, you can enjoy the impressive ride even in harsh road conditions. With a top speed of 118 mph, the V8 option accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The 1500’s maximum towing capacity is 12,750 pounds, with a max payload rating of 2,320.
Regarding fuel economy, The EPA estimates that Hybrid V6 and V8 options have 25 and 23 MPG gas mileages, respectively. Ram 1500s sport a roomy crew cab interior. The dashboards feature an 8.4-inch infotainment screen, although you can opt for a bigger 12.0-inch option. You also get to enjoy many impressive new-day techs in this truck. A new 2024 Ram 1500 starts at about $41,415. However, the price can be above $50K, depending on the trim and additional features.
2. Ford F150
Ford’s F150 is an iconic all-timer in the trucking segment. The latest models sport a more handsome exterior styling featuring tweaked grilles, exterior lighting elements, and a new wheel design. The base engine is a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 that produces up to 325 horsepower. For more power, you can step up to the 5.0-liter V8 or the EcoBoost engine, a 3.5-liter V6. Both generate the same 400 horsepower.
Also, the twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine pairs with an electric motor to increase production to about 430 horsepower. This hybrid model offers up to 700 miles of driving range per tank. It can also power an onboard generator to keep the power flowing with up to 7 kW of electricity during power outages. All powertrains rely on the same ten-speed automatic transmission to power the driveline. You get to pick between a RWD and a 4WD configuration. The 4WD option accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds.
For performance, the base engine has a combined gas mileage of 23 MPG, with a max tow rate of 13,500 pounds. Meanwhile, the V8 and EcoBoost options deliver at 21 MPG and can tow up to 13,000 pounds. Lastly, the hybrid delivers at 26 MPG and can tow up to 12,700 pounds. The maximum payload capacity for all trims is 2,455 pounds. Additionally, the centerpiece of this truck’s interior features is the intuitive 12.0-inch infotainment screen that offers access to lots of amazing perks.
With a starting price of $38,765, the 2024 Ford F150 XL, STX, and XLT trims are some of the best pickup trucks under $50K.
3. Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline is among great pickup trucks for off-roading, thanks to its standard AWD setup. This setup also features a 3.5-liter V-6 that generates 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It relies on a nine-speed automatic transmission to power the driveline. With a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, this truck is estimated to perform with a gas mileage of 18 MPG in the city and 24 on the highway.
This truck boasts tuned suspensions and electrically assisted steering to deliver a super comfortable ride. Speaking of comfort, the interior space is befitting of a four-door crew cab. It offers ample space as well as top-tier comfort packages for front and rear passengers. The dash features an 8.0-inch standard infotainment screen offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Also, higher-end trims have an in-bed audio system that turns the cargo bed into a huge speaker using vibrating actuators. A new 2024 Honda Ridgeline ranges between $41,145 and $47,745, depending on the trim and options.
4. GMC Sierra 1500
GMC’s Sierra 2500 is a power horse that shares many mechanical properties with Chevy’s Silverado. The interior is as good as can be, and the layout is easily navigated. It features a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument panel with an optional head-up display and power-adjustable steering column. The Denali Ultimate trim boasts a near-luxury interior with high-end materials and extra comfort-tech features. All trims enjoy the same giant 13.4-inch infotainment screen, offering standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The base Sierra 1500 runs on a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder, generating 310 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. This engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission to power the AWD driveline. Only this trim costs less than $50,000 with a max tow rate of 13,200 pounds. Also, it can carry a payload of up to 2240 pounds when properly equipped. The setup has a combined gas mileage of 27 MPG and can go from zero to 60 mph in about 5.4 seconds. Plus, it has a top speed of about 112 mph.
Some safety features coming standard in the Sierra 1500 are forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 starts at $38,345 and goes up to $84,990, depending on the trim and options.
5. Toyota Tacoma
Toyota offers a vast lineup of trims for the 2024 Tacoma. It is one of the best pickup trucks under $50K. Each trim boasts a unique set of features with a relative price tag. For every model, the standard engine is a turbocharged gasoline-powered 2.4-liter four-cylinder. The transmission options are a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic. You also get to choose between the 4WD and RWD driveline configurations. The base SR trim’s turbo-four delivers 228 horsepower. Meanwhile, other trims get more powerful iForce variations with up to 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque.
The standard Exterior is a body-on-frame setup for all trims. Also, the cheaper trims use leaf springs for their rear suspensions, while others come with coil springs. Acceleration from zero to 60 mph for the iForce engine variant takes about seven seconds. It is rated to pull up to 6,500 pounds with a maximum payload rating of 1,705 pounds. Finally, the EPA estimates combined gas mileages for the RWD and 4WD options to be 24 and 21 MPG, respectively.
Standard driver-assistance tech includes automatic high-beam headlamps, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Meanwhile, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts are featured only in the higher-end trims. The price range for a new 2024 Toyota Tacoma is between $32,995 and $53,595, depending on the trim and additional features.
6. Ford Ranger
The 2024 Ford Ranger is among the best pickup trucks under $50K. This new model boasts standard features like LED exterior lighting, 17-inch aluminum wheels, power-folding side-view mirrors, in-dash navigation, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a power outlet inside the truck bed. You can also enjoy perks from Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 suite of driver-assistance features. These include blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera system, and front parking sensors.
The base engine is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder that generates up to 270 horsepower. Moreover, power-loving truckers favor the new twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine featured in higher trims and delivers 315 horsepower. Both engines rely on the same ten-speed automatic transmission. Buyers can choose between an RWD and a 4WD, as with most trucks on this list. This truck takes about 6.5 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph.
Regarding performance, the new Ranger has a max tow rate of 7,500 pounds with a max payload rating of 1,711 pounds.
The EPA estimates the engine to deliver a combined gas mileage of 23 MPG for the RWD. The 4WD delivers 22 MPG, while the new V6 delivers 21 MPG. You can get a new 2024 Ford Ranger for between $34,265 and $45,225. The trim you want determines the actual price.
7. Chevrolet Colorado
Chevy featured variants of the same turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four engine for all Colorado trims. The WT and LT trims generate 237 horsepower. Meanwhile, the Z71, Trail Boss, and ZR2 engines are enhanced to boost up to 310 horsepower. This variant can go from zero to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. All trims rely on independent front suspensions and solid rear axles with leaf springs.
The trucks boast at least 11 inches of ground clearance across all trims. The 237-horsepower variant has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, while the more powerful one-ups it to 7,700. Colorados with rear-wheel drive earned an EPA-estimated 20 MPG in the city and 25 on the highway. While the four-wheel drive performs at 19 and 23 MPG, respectively.
Inside, Colorado is comfy and spacious enough for a crew cab. The highlight of the interior is a shallow 45-inch-wide lockable storage box in the tailgate. The 11.3-inch infotainment screen is intuitive and offers access to core tech features. This Chevy boasts all the best safety tech coming standard.
The starting price for the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado is at $31,095. Plus, some trims cost above $50,000.
8. Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is the only luxury truck featured on this list. Although its performance ratings are mundane, it is still one of the best pickup trucks under $50K. The base drivetrain setup features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission to tow up to 3,500 pounds.
Meanwhile, high-end trims rock a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This one has a maximum towing cap of 5,000 pounds. The available driveline configurations are an AWD (gas mileage drops by 1 MPG) and FWD. The FWD variant of the base engine gas mileage is rated at 22 MPG in the city and 26 on the highway. Meanwhile, the turbocharged variant performs at 19 and 27 MPG, respectively.
The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz pricing starts at $28,275 and goes up to $42,695, depending on the trim and options. The interior boasts all the best luxury features for a truck within this price range. Many buyers have praised the Blue Link feature. A feature that lets owners remotely lock, unlock, and start the Santa Cruz via an app, the Internet, or Amazon Alexa.
9. GMC Canyon
The GMC Canyon is a mechanical twin of Chevy’s Colorado. Both midsized trucks deliver impressive performances expected of a full-sized truck.
All Canyon trims feature the same turbocharged 2.7-liter inline four-cylinder engine, generating 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. This engine pairs with the standard eight-speed automatic transmission and a rear-wheel drive layout. Moreover, a four-wheel drive is available with better off-road abilities.
Regarding performance, the setup can accelerate this truck from zero to 60 mph in about 6.1 seconds. The maximum towing capacity for this truck is 7,700 pounds. However, the AT4X trim can only tow up to 6,500 pounds. You get a combined gas mileage of about 21 MPG for the RWD, while the 4WD is more thirsty with about 19 MPG.
For the 2024 model, the Canyon’s interior enjoys a complete overhaul and boasts new features like underbody cameras and a head-up display. You also get an 11.3-inch infotainment screen with Wi-Fi hotspot capability, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. 360-cameras are also available for the more expensive trims. A new 2024 GMC Canyon starts at $37,595 and can cost above $50,000, depending on the trim and options.
10. Nissan Titan SV
The Nissan Titan is a class of pickup trucks that offer power and reliability with a budget-friendly price tag. For the 2024 models, the SV trim is one of the best pickup trucks under $50,000. It features a calm interior with comfortable Zero Gravity front seats. Although many features are optional for high-end trims, all models have a spring-assisted tailgate to ease navigation. They also possess innovative add-ons like a unique bed-channel system and discreet in-bed cargo boxes.
Buyers get to choose between an 8.0- or 9.0-inch infotainment screen. Both feature Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the modern NissanConnect software. The only engine is a 5.6-liter V8, generating up to 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission to power the standard RWD layout. This setup performs with an EPA-estimated gas mileage of 16 MPG in the city and 21 on the highway.
Acceleration from zero to 60 mph is about 4.8 seconds, with a top speed of about 110 mph. Additionally, owners enjoy the responsive handling that comes with the truck. The steering wheel, braking system, and suspension configuration contribute to its amazing driving experience. All Titans can tow up to 9,240 pounds of load. A new 2024 Nissan Titan SV costs about $48,000 in today’s market.
Let’s Wrap It Up…
We considered many vital factors to pick out these as the best pickup trucks under $50K. They excel in reliability, truck-based performance, fuel efficiency, and crew safety. In addition, you get plenty of options with impressive additional features for each model on this list. Therefore, we’ve got a model to satisfy whatever properties you want from your truck.
