If you drive a truck or ever have, you know trucks have a very specific purpose. Regardless if you need a new car or truck for farm work, towing, hauling gear, or other types of labor-intensive work, no vehicle gets the job done quite as well as a truck. 

While the cheapest pickup trucks available today are usually basic, standard models, some of the following on this list provide quality safety features, powerful engines, and luxurious interiors. You can even find base models with V6 or V8 engines, the latest innovative tech (i.e., Wi-Fi hot spots, touch screens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto), and more.

Are you ready to dive in and learn more about the cheapest trucks from Ford, Dodge, GMC, and more that are available for 2021? If so, let’s get started.

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### 1. 2022 Ford Maverick – Starting at $21,490

![2022-ford-maverick-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/2y6xdJBaxrYJG26Aq15nse/0943b88d6bfe241849e30326e25741bf/2022-ford-maverick-ext.jpg)

Ignore any chatter you hear about the 2022 Ford Maverick being frowned upon in the pickup truck community because it isn’t a “real truck." It’s shaped like a truck and has a bed - this is the typical truck body style – what else could you ask for?

While it’s smaller than some of the competitors, it makes up for this with pricing that is several thousand dollars less than the Ford Ranger. To see this price point, opt for the XL trim level, which is the base option.

![2022-ford-maverick-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/74256hpMKps66TkFldG8CA/06748254558fd7643831778f68866440/2022-ford-maverick-int.jpg)

Unlike some of the other options found on this list, the Maverick XL is two-wheel drive, and the cheapest option is a hybrid (the only hybrid option on the list, in fact). It's also a unibody pickup, which makes is more unique than some of its larger truck rivals (the Hyundai Santa Cruz is also unibody, however).

The hybrid powertrain relies on a 2.5-liter inline-four engine and comes standard with front-wheel-drive. It makes 191 horsepower and 173 pound-feet of torque, and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

An optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine will make 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. 

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### 2. 2021 Ford Ranger – Starting at $24,820

![2021-ford-ranger-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/1adPgWCa70PyPr2srdLn74/0091c02672a5c2bcf7572bc5e36b8fee/2021-ford-ranger-ext.jpg)

The Ford Ranger is considered an icon in the pickup truck world. If you want the low price mentioned above, stick with the Ranger XL sports trim. It features a turbocharged, four-cylinder 2.3-liter engine that offers 270 horsepower.

![2021-ford-ranger-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/6IFt3Y66nIfSJsURiZxlMN/18c9727bce0898ffcdee82f4cc92e082/2021-ford-ranger-int.jpg)

Inside the Ranger, you will find comfortable seats, impressive hauling and towing abilities, and intuitive tech. The styling is also impressive, offering a sense of elegance without the higher price tag.

If you are looking for cheap and impressive, the Ranger should be on your radar. In fact, it has been ranked as the most affordable truck in the midsize pickup class based on the Kelley Blue Book 5-Year-Cost to-Own-Awards.

[Browse 2021 Ford Ranger listings here](https://www.autolist.com/ford-ranger#year_min=2021&year_max=2021).

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### 3. 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz – Starting at $25,175

![2022-hyundai-santa-cruz-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/3i71uciHuyhauesOE3Lvpj/1be55bccbf9af6cc99172eae5e576318/2022-hyundai-santa-cruz-ext.jpg)

The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a little truck with a sleek design and impressive power. If you want the cheapest option, be sure to choose the Hyundai Santa Cruz SE, which is the base trim level for this make and model.

This truck is built with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that has an eight-speed automatic transmission. You get 190 horsepower from this combo, which offers a solid amount of power for any base model truck.

![2022-hyundai-santa-cruz-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/5ABvkWJeu4l9e8Xb4njvwz/ae772196e21832fc6d7b7362a7b53d87/2022-hyundai-santa-cruz-int.jpg)

You have an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen that comes standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capabilities on the interior. You can also add all-wheel-drive features to this model. With the base model (the SE), you have a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds and a payload of 1,748 pounds.

The standard safety features for the base trim level include lane-keeping assistance and automatic emergency braking.

While the power may not seem significant, the Santa Cruz can tow up to 5,000 pounds. As the base model, some of the features you won’t experience include alloy wheels, proximity key entry, power-adjustable mirrors, and cruise control.  

While the powertrain is sufficient, the Santa Cruz models have a small four-foot bed, which is much smaller than what is seen with the other trucks in its class. However, what’s lacking in length is made up for in the hidden storage spaces throughout the truck, which includes an in-bed trunk, which is a feature that is well-known in the larger Honda Ridgeline.

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### 4. 2021 Chevy Colorado – Starting at $26,155

![2021-chevrolet-colorado-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/kfnwiF8LQBCNNfjKXAzYc/60a8d809ea0f22059f566e9552d5ed72/2021-chevrolet-colorado-ext.jpg)

The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Work Truck trim level starts at just over $26,000. It features an extended cab, four by two, and has no rear seat. While the Colorado is not as expensive as its GMC twin (the Canyon), it isn’t as affordable as it was in the past because of some of the updates that were made for the 2021 model.

![2021-chevrolet-colorado-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/3Kn5LGJl3w5W5kf51w6gCW/972ed8e39071701710c2bc91005ef69f/2021-chevrolet-colorado-int.jpg)

With the Chevrolet Colorado, the base trim was eliminated, so the Work Truck version is the cheapest option. This truck is designed with rear-wheel-drive and has a 2.5-liter inline-four engine. When it comes to mid-sized pickup options, this isn’t the cheapest, but it is on the affordable side of things.

[Browse 2021 Chevy Colorado listings here](https://www.autolist.com/chevrolet-colorado#year_min=2021&year_max=2021).

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### 5. 2021 Toyota Tacoma – Starting at $26,250

![2021-toyota-tacoma-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/3Ejrz5gHP0xBnGzJYbcKoO/3dc5281a6067411c7859f7dbfbb5a1af/2021-toyota-tacoma-ext.jpg)

The 2021 version of the Tacoma offers six trims, but if you want the cheapest, stick with the SR.

The truck features a shorty Access Cab design and is built with a four-cylinder, 2.7-liter engine, providing 159 horsepower, and comes standard with a six-speed automatic. 

Even though this is one of the best-priced trucks available today, you still have options. For example, you can choose from five different colors at no additional charge. 

![2021-toyota-tacoma-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/1EMrvQ5UUgWUZ7GVLRJn7X/6f6661515656b8f2992813241260bac4/2021-toyota-tacoma-int.jpg)

Toyota also provides an option for you to reduce the price even more. You can choose The Utility Package, but this feature is only available for the four-cylinder Access Cab design. With this option, the rear seats and seatbelts, speakers, and intermittent wiper functions are removed. You also get black bumpers, mirror caps, and door handles, and the rear window doesn’t open. 

If you can live without these features, you’re only looking at a price tag of $25,630.

[Browse 2021 Toyota Tacoma listings here](https://www.autolist.com/toyota-tacoma#year_min=2021&year_max=2021).

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### 6. 2021 GMC Canyon – Starting at $26,800

![2021-gmc-canyon-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/5TznSv6XZU5ATXhWcfVvHn/83339899b7423676fe0f9289c4f83d2d/2021-gmc-canyon-ext.jpg)

For the cheapest trim option, go with the Elevation Standard, which starts at an MSRP of $26,800. The Canyon is known and loved by many truck buyers, specifically those searching for a reliable and easy-to-drive truck. While there aren’t many bells and whistles offered with the base trim, it is plenty comfortable and capable of handling what you need it to do.

![2021-gmc-canyon-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/qFV28TJKxPcZ3Zzb2aT5m/1a2b94c3af1bfaead900c85c116e802b/2021-gmc-canyon-int.jpg)

With the Elevation Standard trim level, you get a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that offers you 200 horsepower. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and provides plenty of power to help you handle your towing and hauling needs. As a mid-sized truck with a crew cab, the value is obvious since this is much lower-priced than some of the competitors in this niche.

Standard options with the Elevation Standard trim level include four-way adjustable power driver’s seat, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible, seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, tilt-only steering wheel, and 18-inch wheels.

[Browse 2021 GMC Canyon listings here](https://www.autolist.com/gmc-canyon#year_min=2021&year_max=2021).

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### 7. 2021 Nissan Frontier – Starting at $27,190

![2021-nissan-frontier-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/3GVdjaUT7rckLdxW5Zxey2/92a8a376357bce13fd6c0ef5d151b11e/2021-nissan-frontier-ext.jpg)

The Nissan Frontier S King Cab trim level offers the cheapest option for this make and model. It features 3.8-liter direct injection gasoline, V-6, 24-valve engine, which provides 310 horsepower. This is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and offers optional four-wheel-drive capabilities. 

This powertrain was all-new for 2021, and it carries over into the 2022 model, which gets a complete interior and exterior redesign. 

![2021-nissan-frontier-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/1rOo7UwbpyzLBJYlHGYy5w/0e86d4900d465f87e4417cc3e9f0a850/2021-nissan-frontier-int.jpg)

The towing capacity for this truck is up to 6,620 pounds, with the payload being 1,460 pounds. When it comes to technology, the Frontier offers a Bluetooth hands-free phone system. Additional standard features with this base trim level include a tire pressure monitoring system, cruise control, a seven-inch color touchscreen display, RearView monitoring, keyless entry, push-button ignition, and 16” six-spoke steel wheels.

When it comes to quality, this truck falls behind the competition slightly due to the somewhat outdated appearance and use of lower-quality materials. Also, road noise is often a problem, as the interior isn’t as soundproof as some of the other trucks on the list. Another potential drawback is that the truck isn’t compatible with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

[Browse 2021 Nissan Frontier listings here](https://www.autolist.com/nissan-frontier#year_min=2021&year_max=2021).

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### 8. 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 – Starting at $28,195

![2021-chevrolet-silverado-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/4AzIyyGS754xamA34lfc3v/04a84369d60b38797f07564e81f33817/2021-chevrolet-silverado-ext.jpg)

For the cheapest option of the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500, choose the WT (Work Truck) trim. This truck features a regular cab, four by two configuration, and has earned the spot as the cheapest full-size truck currently available. Not only that, it offers impressive fuel economy with 23 city and 33 highway mpg.

It offers a V-6, 4.3-liter engine, ideal for work and hauling. It has black bumpers on the front and rear, 17-inch painted steel wheels, black manual mirrors, and solar absorbing tinted glass, which are all standard features. You will find the black accidents are highlighted throughout the truck, with a black tailgate, graphic grille, and black door handles.

![2021-chevrolet-silverado-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/6sv85QPXZ442rvxgjmdJnr/c7583cbf7bcf026c17bfef589dc1e81e/2021-chevrolet-silverado-int.jpg)

While this trim level is stripped down more than the others, it does come with a 3.5-inch diagonal color information system for the driver and a seven-inch diagonal color infotainment screen that features an auxiliary jack, four speakers, Chevrolet MyLink, and USB ports. Other interior features that most drivers appreciate include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

Safety wasn’t ignored, and Chevrolet has added several standard features to this model. This includes six airbags and a rearview camera. The seating is vinyl, which is better than cloth when it comes to cleaning spills and messes. If you are searching for a quality work truck that can take some abuse, this trim level is ideal, and it's offered at an affordable price.

[Browse 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 listings here](https://www.autolist.com/chevrolet-silverado+1500#year_min=2021&year_max=2021).

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### 9. 2021 Ram 1500 Classic – Starting at $28,855

![2021-ram-1500-classic-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/1C5j5OkVs8dnTk8YV8nYi4/24847670de523cf6f1dbf0daa25f5865/2021-ram-1500-classic-ext.jpg)

The Ram 1500 was completely redesigned two years ago, but Ram kept the previous generation on offer as the Classic for buyers on a tighter budget but who still wanted a new, full-size truck. 

The low-cost option of this make and model is the Classic Tradesman regular cab trim level.

Designed with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, you get 305 horsepower, which makes it perfect for an array of demanding jobs. The interior combines power and comfort with thoughtful, convenient features, such as folding front armrests, an easy-access glove box, and a five-inch touchscreen. The Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman helps you remain stocked up and ready for anything while you are on the go.

![2021-ram-1500-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/7zKcGj6ZdKOTSquLYNGHlc/86d43844e045c8ddec89a2db0047f03c/2021-ram-1500-int.jpg)

Even though the features are minimal with this truck, you receive all-terrain tires, heavy-duty shocks, and a suspension lift. If you want to upgrade to the Off-Road Package, you have the option, but this does come at a higher price point.

No truck in 2021 (and beyond) is complete without the latest technology. While this trim level doesn’t have all the bells and whistles when it comes to tech, it does offer users Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Uconnect 4C NAV, and SiriusXM Guardian, which lets drivers make calls for roadside assistance, lock and unlock doors automatically, and set anti-theft alarms.

[Browse 2021 Ram 1500 Classic listings here](https://www.autolist.com/ram-ram+pickup+1500#year_min=2021&year_max=2021).

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### 10. 2021 Ford F-150 – Starting at $30,635

![2021-ford-f150-ext](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/3baVMqiwuRWL4SDuY4vLGT/34d95dfee7f83de9b8cf55967bcf28a8/2021-ford-f150-ext.jpg)

The bestselling pickup in the U.S. is the Ford F-150, and for 2021, it’s been completely redesigned. The cheapest option is the base XL trim, which features a regular cab and a 6.5-foot bed. Updates for 2021 include a PowerBoost hybrid powertrain along with several innovations. A step above this trim option is the Ford F-150 XLT, but this comes at a higher price point than the XL option.

![2021-ford-f150-int](https://www.autolist.com/6tuem73u73an/5AgjaZEebNQNpM3obqMsvK/ea9685662d6577d46d823b9363963af8/2021-ford-f150-int.jpg)

The V-6 engine is a 3.3-liter design with 290 horsepower. Standard features for the base model include air conditioning, an eight-inch touchscreen, and manual wind-up windows. Keep in mind that this old-school feature is common with cheaper trucks.

[Browse 2021 Ford F-150 listings here](https://www.autolist.com/ford-f+150#year_min=2021&year_max=2021).


Find impressive options when browsing the list of the cheapest pickup trucks you can buy in 2021 from top manufacturers like GMC, Dodge, Ford, and more.

The Cheapest Pickups for 2021

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