Top 5 Least Expensive Pickups for 2016
If you’re looking for affordable trucks, well it depends on your definition of affordable. Trucks are hot and when an item is hot the price of that item usually heads north.
Surprisingly however, you can still get into a midsize pickup for a tad over $20,000. To put that in the proper context, some of these 4×4 Cowboy Cadillacs tricked out with every luxury item available can run $80,000 or more. But if you’re just looking for affordable trucks and your wallet can stand $20,000 to $27,000 then we have some great suggestions for you.
We offer up one caveat; all the prices mentioned here are MSRP for base models excluding transportation charges, taxes, license and dealer prep so you can anticipate paying a couple of grand more.
If you’re wondering, “should I get a truck?” This pickups may help you answer that question.
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5. The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
We talk about affordable trucks but the full size Chevrolet Silverado 1500 might be the best value despite the fact it’s the most expensive ride on our list. Newly refreshed for 2016 with an aggressive grille, the Silverado retains its base 285 horsepower 4.3L V6 and six speed automatic transmission that delivers 305 lb-ft of torque to the axels.
Standard features include air conditioning, 17″ steel wheels, cruise control, ABS and driveline traction control and StabiliTrak w/Proactive Roll Avoidance. For Apple fans you’ll be glad to hear that the Silverado has jumped on the Apple CarPlay bandwagon.
A full size truck with plenty of power priced at $27,095.
4. The 2016 Ford F-150
Not much is new in 2016 for the iconic Ford F-150 but then 2015 was a good year for major upgrades. Ford’s biggest bragging point is its decision to manufacture the cab and box out of high strength, lightweight aluminum alloy. Don’t get a parking lot ding because aluminum bodywork is expensive. The weight savings that the aluminum brings increases the performance and agility of the truck not to mention a boost in its EPA ratings.
The XL comes standard with a 3.5L V6 rated at 282 horsepower and a six speed automatic transmission.
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You can trick this ride out and spend nearly $60,000 for the top trim but the base XL model sells for $26,540.
3. The 2016 RAM 1500
Also a full size pickup, the RAM 1500 is pretty much unchanged for 2016. Although the full center console connectivity center and mobile device storage, introduced last year as an option, is now standard equipment.
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The most distinctive feature of the RAM 1500 is its incredibly civilized ride and handling. Thanks to a coil spring rear suspension the road and ruts are smoothed out for a far more comfortable ride than the typical leaf-spring setup found in the competition. The base engine is a 3.6L V6 that pours out 305 horsepower managed by an 8 speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, ABS, 17″ steel wheels, driveline traction control, electronic stability and cruise control.
The RAM 1500 has a base price of $26,145. Definitely worthy of being included on our list of the most affordable trucks.
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.
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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.
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