By Brian Anderson
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Pickups have long been rides for working people and weekend warriors, but somewhere along the line, they have become mainstream daily drivers. Automakers responded to the off-roading craze by putting out dedicated 4x4 packages, and they've met the demand for upscale trucks by loading them with luxury. Of course, luxury comes at a price, but those willing to purchase a used pickup can have a top-end truck in their driveway for an affordable price.
Obviously, the term "affordable" means different things to different people, but in this day and age, less than $50,000 for a luxury pickup seems reasonable. It's best to look for vehicles from the last five years because true luxury in a truck is a recent phenomenon, but also due to the fact that, while most trucks will run forever, the luster can fade fairly quickly. It's entirely possible to find an affordable used pickup truck that is loaded with features that also still has that factory-fresh luxuriousness.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Ram, GMC, and Car And Driver. Pickups are ranked by price from highest to most affordable.
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10 2022 GMC Sierra 1500
Average Used Price: $49,775
Unless the previous owner was transporting manure in the cab, a two-year-old GMC Sierra 1500 still probably has that new-truck smell. It also has that new truck performance for substantially less than when it was actually new. With an average used price under 50 grand, it's possible to get a fully loaded 4x4 Sierra 1500 that originally sold for $65,000 - $70,000.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 6.2-liter V-8 |
Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 420 HP @ 5,600 RPM |
Torque | 460 pound-feet @ 4,100 RPM |
Driveline | 4WD |
0-60 MPH | 5.4 seconds |
Top Speed | 106 MPH (gov ltd) |
Towing Capacity | 13,200 pounds |
Payload Capacity | 2,240 pounds |
It's unlikely to find a killer bargain on a 2022 Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate, which was the top trim and sold for $82,695. It is, however, feasible to pick up a mid-to-upper trim like an AT4 or Denali for that price, and those trucks are bursting with luxury and features. It almost seems like magic that a perfectly awesome truck can be had just two years later for such an astonishing deal.
Pros
- Great V-8 options
- Amazing available tech
- Tons of luxury
Cons
- Ride is a bit rocky
- More expensive than competitors
- Poor fuel economy
9 2022 Ford F-150
Average Used Price: $47,592
The Ford F-150 is another great truck that can yield incredible bargains at the two-year mark. The average price of a used 2022 F-150 is artificially high as that year Ford sold a couple of really expensive trims, including the $84,495 Platinum Plus. The reality is, the hyper-priced trims that year didn't add much to justify their cost.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 |
Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 400 HP @ 6,000 RPM |
Torque | 500 pound-feet @ 3,100 RPM |
Driveline | 4WD |
0-60 MPH | 5.3 seconds |
Top Speed | 108 MPH (gov ltd) |
Towing Capacity | 14,000 pounds |
Payload Capacity | 3,250 pounds |
A 2022 F-150 Tremor or Lariat, which originally went for around $65,000, is just as equipped and capable. The Tremor is a kick-ass off-road package and the Lariat is an upscale luxury truck, both of which can be found for under $50,000 with a little bit of leg work. With all the luster and sheen of a new ride, nobody will ever know you didn't just drive it off the factory showroom.
Pros
- Killer twin-turbo V-6
- Delux interior
- Impressive trim levels
Cons
- Excessively stiff ride
- Gobbles gas
- Higher trims get expensive
8 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Average Used Price: $45,174
Chevy Silverado 1500s are a little more affordable than GMC Sierra 1500s and Ford F-150s, so it is possible to get a deal on a used one a model year more recently. 2023 Silverado 1500 trucks sell on the used market for an average of $45,175, which is an amazing value. That's not the price for a stripped-down base model Work Truck, but a decked-out upper trim.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V-6 |
Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 277 HP @ 3,750 RPM |
Torque | 460 pound-feet @ 1,500 RPM |
Driveline | 4WD |
0-60 MPH | 7.1 seconds |
Top Speed | 114 MPH |
Towing Capacity | 13,300 pounds |
Payload Capacity | 2,280 pounds |
It will probably take a little more coin to get a top-trim 2023 Silverado 1500 High Country trim, but a well-equipped Trail Boss or RST is definitely doable for that price. Chevy, like GMC, and Ford tend to have high-dollar trims that don't add much usefulness, so the mid-trims are the best deals that don't sacrifice performance or luxury.
Pros
- Great engine options
- Impressive towing capacity
- Big infotainment screen
Cons
- Bland interiors
- Ride could be smoother
- No high-performance trim
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7 2021 Toyota Tundra
Average Used Price: $41,431
The biggest knock on the 2021 Toyota Tundra is that it is dated because it was part of the second-gen, which launched in 2007. The reality is, that's actually its biggest appeal, as the 2022 third-generation Tundras are, to put it diplomatically, an acquired taste. In 2021, the Tundra still looked cool and was just as mechanically badass as anything now.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 5.7-liter V-8 |
Transmission | Six-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 381 HP @ 5,600 RPM |
Torque | 401 pound-feet @ 3,600 RPM |
Driveline | 4WD |
0-60 MPH | 6.4 seconds |
Top Speed | 108 MPH |
Towing Capacity | 10,200 pounds |
Payload Capacity | 1,730 pounds |
Toyota trucks tend to hang onto their value with a death grip, so going back a few years is necessary to find a steal. A fully-equipped 2022 Tundra TRD Pro, which is one of the best 4x4s ever made, can be found on the used market for $40,000 or less, and that rocks no matter how you look at it. The reason why Toyotas retain their value is that they are bullet-proof, so one from three or four years ago is going to run like new.
Pros
- Loaded with features
- Off-road beast
- Spacious interior
Cons
- Not great on gas
- Better off-road than on
- Dated style
6 2021 Honda Ridgeline
Average Used Price: $36,839
Unlike most trucks, the Honda Ridgeline wasn't built to haul, tow, or climb rocks. It's a well-built daily driver that occupies a niche for those who want a luxury ride in the shape of a pickup. If the truck isn't going to be used to tow heavy loads or go off-roading, there's literally no point in paying for those unused capabilities.
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Performance Specifications
Engine | 3.5-liter V-6 |
Transmission | Nine-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 280 HP @ 6,000 RPM |
Torque | 262 pound-feet @ 4,700 RPM |
Driveline | AWD |
0-60 MPH | 6.2 seconds |
Top Speed | 111 MPH |
Towing Capacity | 5,000 pounds |
Payload Capacity | 1,600 pounds |
The 2021 Ridgeline was the first year of the new bolder look, and it came with lots of features and sophistication, making it one of the few luxury pickups that put more emphasis on comfort than performance. It is possible to find a 2021 Ridgeline Black Edition top-trim for around what a base-model Sport went for three years ago.
Pros
- Great fuel economy
- Superior road ride
- Huge interior
Cons
- No V-8 option
- Not great off-road
- Towing could be better
5 2020 Jeep Gladiator
Average Used Price: $36,120
Unlike the Honda Ridgeline, the Jeep Gladiator was built specifically for off-road adventure. In fact, it almost looks lost on a paved surface, like it desperately needs a river to ford or a mountain to climb. It is possible to find one of these trail-rated beasts for pocket change, but even a heavily optioned, fully loaded version is affordable.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 3.6-liter V-6 |
Transmission | Six-speed manual |
Horsepower | 285 HP @ 6,400 RPM |
Torque | 260 pound-feet @ 4,400 RPM |
Driveline | 4WD |
0-60 MPH | 7.2 seconds |
Top Speed | 97 MPH |
Towing Capacity | 7,650 pounds |
Payload Capacity | 1,700 pounds |
A 2020 Gladiator started at just $35,040, and the average used price of $36,120 is obviously higher than that four years later. There is a perfectly reasonable explanation for this that doesn't involve Gladiators appreciating value. The basic deal is, that people who bought these 4x4s went for the top trims and optioned the hell out of them. Getting a lightly used 2020 Gladiator with every bell and whistle for 36k or less is the best deal in off-roading history.
Pros
- Serious off-road capabilities
- Significant towing
- Versatile utility vehicle
Cons
- No diesel or V-8 engines
- More expensive than competitors
- Lack of configurations
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4 2023 Ford Ranger
Average Used Price: $35,265
The 2023 Ford Ranger was already priced right and came loaded with features, so picking one up on the used market will net an incredibly affordable luxury mid-size pickup. Realistically, the rebooted Ranger exists somewhere between mid-size and full-size, so there is no feeling of inadequacy in choosing one over an F-150.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 2.3-liter turbocharged I-4 |
Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 270 HP @ 5,500 RPM |
Torque | 310 pound-feet @ 3,000 RPM |
Driveline | 4WD |
0-60 MPH | 6.5 seconds |
Top Speed | 110 MPH |
Towing Capacity | 7,500 pounds |
Payload Capacity | 1,860 pounds |
The Ranger is also an incredibly versatile truck that has great hauling and towing for its class, but also rocks the dusty trails or serves as a reasonable family ride. In addition to capable off-road packages, a fully loaded 2023 Ranger comes with luxury features like leather accents and heated seats, all of which can be snagged for around $35,000.
Pros
- Smooth powertrain
- Great off-roader
- Good towing
Cons
- No engine options
- No Raptor trim
- Interior lacks style
3 2020 Nissan Titan
Average Used Price: $34,858
The Nissan Titan is the best truck that nobody knows about. With aggressive styling, a powerful V-8, and better-than-average capabilities, it's a great full-size truck that deserves more love. A 2020 Nissan, with all the available upgrades, represents one of the best deals for a luxury truck with an average price of $34,858.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 5.6-liter V-8 |
Transmission | Nine-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 400 HP @ 5,800 RPM |
Torque | 413 pound-feet @ 4,000 RPM |
Driveline | 4WD |
0-60 MPH | 7.7 seconds |
Top Speed | 112 MPH |
Towing Capacity | 9,660 pounds |
Payload Capacity | 1,696 pounds |
It might even be possible to find a highly optioned Titan XD one-ton truck for this attractive pricing. The Platinum Reserve was the top trim in 2020, which would probably be a bit more, but the off-road Pro-4X package will definitely come at around $35k, and promises an amazing ride on any surface.
Pros
- Luxe interior
- Quiet ride
- Multiple configurations
Cons
- Poor towing capacity
- No engine options
- Stiff ride
2 2019 Toyota Tacoma
Average Used Price: $34,619
A Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, from any model year, is one of, if not the best mid-size off-road trucks of all time. It's something that virtually any 4x4 enthusiast can afford if they are willing to go back five years and grab a 2019. Thanks to the unbelievable quality of Toyota trucks, a 2019 is still in its infancy and has decades to mature.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 3.5-liter V-6 |
Transmission | Six-speed manual |
Horsepower | 278 HP @ 6,000 RPM |
Torque | 265 pound-feet @ 4,600 RPM |
Driveline | 4WD |
0-60 MPH | 7.7 seconds |
Top Speed | 113 MPH |
Towing Capacity | 6,800 pounds |
Payload Capacity | 1,440 pounds |
The 2019 Tacoma TRD Pro came with every possible option and feature, listing for around $44,000. It's actually quite easy to find one of these thrilling 4x4s on the used market for $34,000 or less. The other brilliant thing about the 2019 is that it is a pre-fourth generation, meaning it doesn't have the weird styling that has also cursed the latest Toyota Tundra.
Pros
- Aggressive styling
- Built for off-roading
- Tough as nails
Cons
- Cabin is a bit cramped
- Automatic transmission is awful
- Not a heavy hauler
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1 2020 Ram 1500
Average Used Price: $33,924
The Ram 1500 is the most luxurious truck ever built, with upscale features, as well as fit and finish. It has the smoothest ride of any pickup, which drives great both on and off the road. The Ram doesn't sacrifice power or capabilities for this luxury, which is on par with a high-end SUV. With a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8, a Ram makes for a quick street ride that can haul and tow with the best of them.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 |
Transmission | Eight-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 395 HP @ 5,600 RPM |
Torque | 410 pound-feet @ 3,950 RPM |
Driveline | RWD |
0-60 MPH | 5.9 seconds |
Top Speed | 105 MPH |
Towing Capacity | 12,750 pounds |
Payload Capacity | 2,302 pounds |
In what must seem like a typo, a well-equipped 2020 Ram 1500 can be found used for just $33,000, or maybe less. This is by far the best luxury-to-affordability ratio in the entire truck segment. Ram trucks are amazingly well-built, and the Chrysler Hemi engine will run forever, so there should be no concerns about buying a 2020 model. On top of being a great value, the 2020 Ram 1500 has the potential to become a prized collectible as the Hemi V-8 is being retired.
Pros
- Like a high-end luxury SUV
- Smoothest ride in class
- Amazing engine options
Cons
- Tows less than competitors
- Not gas pump-friendly
- Slightly more expensive than competitors
- Luxury Cars
- pickup trucks
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