The first pickup trucks arrived as tools for hauling farm produce. However, over the years, they have added superior towing and off-roading abilities to their list of qualities. In addition, some modern trucks also offer smooth rides and comfortable well-equipped interiors. As trucks gradually grow in the utility they offer, it is not surprising that their prices have also gone higher. Despite this, numerous models deliver thrilling driving dynamics at affordable price tags.
Some like the Honda Ridgeline and the all-new Hyundai Santa Cruz ride on unibody platforms that give them surprisingly car-like handling on pavement. That notwithstanding, they still come well-equipped for some light off-roading. Even the body-on-frame models on this list all manage to deliver pleasant rides while retaining their truck-like qualities. That said, here are ten affordable pickup trucks that will put a smile on your face either on or off-road.
10 2022 Ford Maverick - $21,490
All-new for 2022, the Ford Maverick is a perfect choice for those who desire the versatility of a truck with a small body. It is affordable, fuel-efficient, and compact enough to make the most of tight city spaces. Riding the same platform as the Escape and Bronco Sport, the Maverick has the smooth road manners of crossover SUVs.
Under the hood, it carries an efficient 191-hp hybrid system or a 2.0-liter turbo-4 unit rated at 250 hp. With the optional FX4 off-road package, it gains skid plates and hill descent control for some trail work.
9 2022 Ford F-150 - $31,520
For 2022, America's most-loved pickup truck continues to impress with a range of six muscular and efficient power choices. Mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, they all deliver satisfying acceleration. Although it is a big truck, the F-150 is easy to drive and displays decent composure around turns.
To take the F-150 on adventures, you'll have to opt for the available AWD or go for dedicated off-roaders like the Tremor and the Raptor. In addition, the F-150 has a spacious cabin, straightforward infotainment features, and class-leading towing and hauling capacity.
8 2022 GMC Sierra - $31,200
For 2022, the GMC Sierra 1500 features an improved outward appearance and a refreshed interior. Notable tech features include an available 13.4-inch touch screen, an intuitive Google Maps-based navigation system, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.
With the lineup of four powerful engines delivering between 277-420 hp, there is no shortage of motivation for work or play. On pavement, the 2022 GMC Sierra offers very good ride quality in an upscale and quiet cabin. The 2022 model lineup offers maximum off-roading thrills in the form of the X31 package, the AT4 trim level, and the first-ever AT4X.
7 2020 Ram 1500 - $30,302
Although it doesn't sell as well as the F-150, the Ram 1500 does quite a few things better than the legendary Ford. Firstly, the Ram 1500 boasts the nicest cabin in the full-size truck class. Secondly, it is also the benchmark for how a full-size truck should drive.
Thanks to the nicely-weighted steering and the coil-spring suspension, the big Ram is well-balanced and drives more like an SUV than a truck. Furthermore, it carries a range of potent power options that allows it to pull and haul with the best.
6 2022 Toyota Tacoma - $26,700
Criticized for its weak base engine and tight rear-seat space, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma is a capable workhorse with many standard features. Standard driving aids include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and pedestrian detection.
Take the Tacoma off the beaten trail, and it shines brightly, especially in the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trim levels. Although it may feel a little rough driving on pavement, the Tacoma has composure around turns and offers responsive steering. While the base engine makes just 159 hp and 180 lb-ft, the available 3.5-liter V6 mill lays down 278 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque.
5 2019 Honda Ridgeline - $29,555
The Honda Ridgeline is a great pickup truck that blends decent truck-like qualities with the comfort and refinement of a crossover SUV. Under the hood, it carries a 3.5-liter V6 that sends 280 hp 262 lb-ft to the front wheels (standard) or AWD system (optional).
It shares a unibody platform with the 2019 Honda Pilot and offers a gentle ride quality and car-like handling. Although it lacks the low-range gearing and ground clearance of rivals, it allows you to switch drive modes to match the terrain. Moreover, the ride remains smooth as it tackles snow, sand, and mud.
4 2021 Chevrolet Colorado - $29,999
Compared to rivals, the 2021 Colorado has less rear seating space and a shorter list of active safety features. However, it is not a straggler when it comes to truck-like qualities. With the proper engine under the hood, it boasts a class-leading 7,700 pounds maximum towing capacity.
Furthermore, it offers a better ride quality than most rivals and is a great choice for a daily driver. For a truck, it handles superbly and corners quite well with minimal body roll. Lastly, it carries a well-equipped infotainment system with a responsive touchscreen and easy-to-use interface. In all, the best feature of the Chevy Colorado is its impressive offroading prowess.
3 2022 Ford Ranger - $25,980
Although it has a cheap dated interior and offers few standard features, there's a lot to like about the 2022 Ranger. Positioned between the Maverick and the F-150, the Ranger has nicely weighted and responsive steering which makes it fun and engaging to drive.
While models with four-wheel drive offer 8.9 inches of ground clearance, upgrading to the FX4 or Tremor packages unlocks the Ranger's full off-road chops. Under the hood, it sports a 2.3-liter turbo-4 engine that lays down 270 hp and 310 lb-ft through a 10-speed automatic gearbox.
2 2019 GMC Canyon - $28,900
Despite having a below-par reliability rating, the 2019 GMC Canyon is a midsize truck that punches above its weight. With 369 lb-ft from the available 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, it can pull a class-best maximum of 7,700 pounds. The available 3.6-liter V6 mill produces 308 hp worth of potent acceleration for every driving need.
Furthermore, featuring sharp and responsive steering, it handles confidently and offers a comfortable ride. It is equally capable when the pavement ends. To complement the upscale cabin, it has an easy-to-use infotainment system.
1 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz - $23,990
The 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is an all-new compact pickup truck that competes with the equally-new Ford Maverick. It comes in four trim levels and two power options to choose from. Sharing a platform with the Hyundai Tucson, it uses unibody construction which results in a more polished ride and greater agility.
Not only is it fun to drive, but its short city-friendly length also makes it easily maneuverable in tight spaces. With just 8.6 inches of ground clearance, the Santa Cruz is only suitable for light off-roading.