If you’re on the hunt for an economical truck without sacrificing utility and performance, you’re in the right place. In this article, we explore the most budget-friendly truck options of the year. From impressive hauling capabilities to reliable daily drivers, our guide will help you discover trucks that offer great value without breaking the bank.
Honda Ridgeline
The four-door Honda Ridgeline stands out as the sole compact pickup built on a car-like unibody platform. It boasts a smooth and refined 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine, matched with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.
In comparison to typical pickup trucks, it offers superior ride and handling, though it sacrifices significant off-road capabilities. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Inside, the Ridgeline’s cabin is quiet and well-finished, although its infotainment system is not particularly remarkable. The base Sport trim features an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a seven-speaker stereo. Other standard features include remote keyless entry with push-button start, tri-zone climate control, a remote starter, and various driver-assistance systems.
Jeep Gladiator
Though it might resemble a grown-up Tonka Truck, the compact four-door Jeep Gladiator is anything but a plaything. Serving as a pickup version of the Jeep Wrangler, it boasts a five-foot cargo bed and comes standard with part-time four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case for off-road adventures.
The base Sport trim houses a 285-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine and, refreshingly, a six-speed manual transmission in a segment where they’re becoming rare.
Standard features in the Gladiator Sport are relatively simple, including manual windows and door locks, and a soft top that allows wind and road noise. However, it does include air conditioning and an easily navigable infotainment system. Regrettably, advanced driver-assistance features are mostly reserved for higher trims. The base model can handle towing up to 4,000 pounds.
Nissan Titan
The full-size Nissan Titan, while adequately powerful, practical, and feature-rich, stands somewhat apart in a market largely dominated by domestic brands. It’s available in extended King Cab and four-door Crew Cab versions, with the former being the more budget-friendly option.
Under the hood, the Titan is equipped with a robust 5.6-liter V8 engine boasting 400 horsepower. This pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive, while the Pro-4X trim comes with standard four-wheel drive. Properly equipped, the standard Titan models can tow up to 9,320 pounds.
The Titan S includes various accident-avoidance systems for safety and features an infotainment setup with an 8-inch touch screen, wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a six-speaker stereo.
