Five Pickup Trucks Worth Their New-Vehicle Prices

November 4, 2022October 10, 2022 Michele Boyarsky 0 Comments Ford F-150, Ford Maverick, Jeep Gladiator, Nissan Frontier, Pickup Trucks, RAM 1500, Tonneau Covers, TrailFX

Looking for a roundup of fairly-priced pickup trucks that isn’t just a boring list of no-frills base models? You landed in the right place.

While we won’t go so far as to call any of these trucks cheap, we will argue that they present solid bang for your buck in the current market. For some, that translates to a low starting price or generous standard equipment. For others, it means a history of solid resale value – even for high-mileage examples.

Can you find something bigger or more powerful for less money? Absolutely. But if you want it to be new, there’s a good chance it’ll have manual wind-up windows and a drab, spartan interior. We respect you Work Trim Cowboys out there, but for those seeking a little more style, comfort and convenience for their money, here are five pickup trucks worth your consideration.

Necessary Disclaimer: Dealers set the actual prices in today’s market. And today’s market is bananas. Take these MSRPs with a healthy grain of salt, and brush up on your haggling if you’re headed to the dealership.

FORD MAVERICK

Starting from $22,195

Starting small, the new Ford Maverick has a lot to recommend it. The styling is sleek and modern, but doesn’t sacrifice approachability for the sake of innovation. Better yet, this is a true compact truck — one that resurrects happy memories of the nimble little haulers of pre-Recession yore.

Thanks to its front-wheel-drive-based unibody platform, the Maverick offers all the benefits of a truck bed with the driving manners of a car or mid-size SUV. And while this may be blasphemy to 4×4 enthusiasts, it’s a comfortable setup for many a would-be truck owner (particularly those intimidated by the segment).

Plus, the Maverick comes standard with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder hybrid engine with stellar EPA estimates. Even if you aren’t the type who’s eager to cut carbon emissions or explore new technology, we’re talking serious savings at the pump. Hybrid buyers can expect roughly 42 mpg city/33 mpg highway with an impressive 500 miles of range on a single tank.

Don’t worry, you can still opt for ICE. Ford offers a peppy 250-hp 2.0-liter turbo four with optional AWD that performs well both on and off road.

And, speaking of off-road, a new Tremor model joins the lineup for 2023, adding some nice versatility for consumers. That means, for right around $30k, you can set yourself up with a seriously capable little trail rider, or you can save the cash and still enjoy great gas mileage in a budget-friendly pickup.

NISSAN FRONTIER

Starting from $29,190

Proof that even the most stubborn among us can evolve (albeit, begrudgingly and only when forced), the Nissan Frontier is officially one year into its complete redesign – a move the automaker waited 16 years to make. Lucky for you, dear buyer, all that dawdling paid off because what Nissan developed is a solid and reasonably-priced mid-size pickup.

The new Frontier stays true to its reputation as a simple work truck that’s ready to get stuff done. It’s capable and comfortable, with attractive styling and an intuitive dash layout that still features a few hard knobs for posterity’s sake. If Tacoma is the mistress you always dreamed of, Frontier may be the truck you marry.

That’s not to say you’d be settling. Far from it. In addition to the new 310-hp 3.8L V-6 and 9-speed automatic transmission (which deliver best-in-class horsepower), the updated model also sports a more muscular build with boxier proportions, an entirely revamped interior, and several new suspension components – all at a starting price under $30k. (Although, we recommend sliding up one tier into the SV trim. Starting at $31,690, it offers a nicer mix of features and benefits for the value.)

Ultimately, the Frontier is a modern truck with old-school charms, making it a worthy addition to the crowded mid-size segment.

JEEP GLADIATOR

Starting from $37,375

Yes, yes, we know – the Gladiator is one of the most expensive mid-size trucks on the current menu. Quit shaking your fist at the screen and let us explain why it made our list.

When you consider what you’re getting out of the box, the Gladiator proves its value very quickly.

In stock form, this pickup brings standard 4×4 off-road-ready capability, reliable V-6 power and singular styling that includes the ability to blow off the roof and doors for that uniquely-Jeep, open-air experience. Additionally, the base model comes standard with a six-speed manual – a dying feature in today’s market.

Much like buying a Border Collie, we wouldn’t recommend the Jeep Gladiator to just anyone. This is a truck that requires an active owner and some extra attention, especially at highway speeds. But for those seeking a Wranglerified (Wranglerized?) pickup, it delivers – even in low-level trims.

Additionally, much like its seven-slot sibling, the Jeep Gladiator holds its value. The pickup made KBB’s Top 10 list for best resale value, with the model expected to be worth about 56.1% of its sticker price after 60 months. Motortrend placed the value even higher at 61.9%, based on data from IntelliChoice. Interestingly, they recommend the bottom-tier model for the least depreciation.

FORD F-150

Starting from $34,085

You don’t hold onto the title of America’s best-selling truck for four decades by doing the same ol’, same ol’. With capability, style, innovative engineering and the kind of brand cachet that comes from a 100-year legacy, the Ford F-150 is not just a great truck – it’s an iconic vehicle.

While the average truck buyer isn’t taking home an entry-level XL, the model does wear the lowest starting price in the full-size truck market. It’s also a solid piece of machinery, born to work. However, we recommend exploring the many trim levels, body styles and bed lengths the automaker has to offer, as they are both plentiful and well-appointed. Yes, options can quickly throw you into $1,000/month car payment territory, but Ford has made efforts to expand affordability of late.

Take the new Rattler trim. Sporting a variety of inspiring 4×4 equipment, like skid plates, hill descent control, specially tuned off-road shock absorbers and an electronic rear-locking differential, the new trim represents an off-road focused base model. Expected to come in under $40k, the Rattler wraps Raptor and Tremor-style capability in a blue-collar package, and marks a viable entry point for budget-conscious truck shoppers.

RAM 1500

Starting from $37,410

If you’re the type of buyer who needs their pickup to pull double-duty as both a workhorse and a show pony, then it’s time to check out the RAM 1500.

When redesigned for its new generation in 2019, the RAM 1500 threw down a gauntlet on luxury – and it’s safe to say competitors still haven’t quite caught up. While pricing can quickly grow steep, the model promises a few quality upgrades at every trim level, namely a comfortable interior and exceptional ride quality.

This is not to say the brand completely traded ruggedness for refinement. Make no mistake, this truck is still a brute when put to the test. (But it’s one that cleans up nice and impresses with its table manners.)

For now, the RAM 1500 is available with four different engine options: the base 305-hp 3.6L Pentastar V-6 with eTorque; the powerful and efficient 260-hp 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6; the tow-ready 395-hp 5.7L HEMI V-8 with eTorque Mild Hybrid Technology System; and the legendary, TRX-only, runs-on-hellfire, 702-hp 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V-8. A fifth engine is expected to join the lineup soon, too. The all-new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six called Hurricane will put out either 400+hp or 500+hp, depending on output version.

Any RAM configuration is sure to deliver, but the off-road Rebel trim is continually praised for its performance and capability — even in the shadow of the dune-bashing TRX and heavy-duty Power Wagon. Like the Gladiator, it offers countless straight-from-the-factory capability features, and is ready to tackle virtually any terrain.