2. The 2016 Toyota Tacoma
Completely redesigned for 2016 the Tacoma is the compact/midsize (depends who’s eyeballs you are looking through) pickup that does it all…almost.
The 2.7L inline 4 cylinder 159 hp. Engine with a 5 speed manual transmission good for a combined EPA rating of 21 mph remains the standard in the base SR model. However, improvements featured as standard equipment include an extended cab (no more standard cabs), a raised suspension and ground clearance, a cargo bed rail system with fixed and adjustable tie-downs, a bedliner, a sliding rear window, full power accessories, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, a six speaker audio system, GoPro windshield mount, and a rearview camera.
With the potential for off road performance this 2X4 midsize truck with appreciable cargo space and a towing capacity of 6,400 lbs. is a great buy at $20,965. Fair warning though, the price can quickly escalate if you opt for the V6 with 6 speed automatic transmission, a very popular upgrade that the dealer’s lot will be full of.
1. The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado
The Colorado takes the number 1 slot on the list based mostly on its marginally lower price. The Colorado is a great midsize pickup but at the Base trim level we think the Tacoma has it beat.
The Colorado’s standard powertrain combo of a 2.5L four-cylinder 200 hp engine managed by a 6 speed manual transmission beats out the Tacoma and like the Tacoma the Colorado base unit comes only in extended cab design. If you are an off-road enthusiast we like Tacoma’s higher clearance and superior suspension. Standard equipment for the Colorado includes 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, daytime running lights, air-conditioning, vinyl upholstery and floor covering, a four-way power driver seat with manual recline, front bucket seats, power windows, a rearview camera and a six-speaker AM/FM audio system with a 4.2-inch color display and USB and auxiliary audio inputs.
At $20,100 it wins the battle among the most affordable trucks, but that’s not the big news here. Chevy is the first to offer a diesel in a midsize truck. It’s only four-cylinder but it pumps out 369 lb-ft of torque and that says it all in terms of performance. That option however, is only offered on models with crew cabs and can tack about $8,000 over the base model price. While you’re at it, go all out by putting some of the top truck accessories on it.
So that’s the list of the lowest priced full and midsize pickup trucks available today. Of course, the odds of you finding an entry level truck with no options on a dealer’s lot as next to nil, but the list can be used as a starting point.
