Let’s face it: we love a good bargain, but a budget-friendly truck can sometimes come with a few letdowns. We’ve rounded up 10 fantastic, affordable trucks—until you try to tow with them. Whether it’s a weekend boat or a moving trailer, these trucks might make you think twice!

Ford Maverick Hybrid

Looking for a city-friendly hybrid with a low starting price? Ford Maverick Hybrid is a great choice! Capping at 2,000 lbs, it’s a solid option for light trailers or bikes. Even with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine and the optional 4K Tow Package, it can tow up to 4,000 pounds.

Chevrolet Colorado WT

Compact and budget-friendly, the Chevy Colorado WT serves well for small jobs, but towing power isn’t its strong suit. At 3,500 lbs, it’s geared for lighter hauls, making it a nice choice for everyday use without the muscle of heavy-duty pickups.

Hyundai Santa Cruz

For a pickup that combines SUV-like versatility with truck utility, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is compelling. However, it tops out at 3,500 lbs of towing capacity—enough for small trailers but not much else. It’s a tremendously compact option, but don’t expect it to move mountains.

Toyota Tacoma SR

Built for reliability, the Toyota Tacoma SR’s four-cylinder base model maxes out at 3,500 lbs for towing. While great for off-roading, the entry-level Tacoma isn’t suited for hefty trailers or larger toys, which makes it ideal for lighter outdoor adventures.

Honda Ridgeline Sport

Blending SUV comfort and truck utility, the Honda Ridgeline Sport handles up to 5,000 lbs, but for a pickup, that’s on the lighter side. For moving smaller trailers, it’s ideal, but it falls short for anyone needing to haul larger boats or equipment.

GMC Canyon Elevation Standard

GMC’s Canyon Elevation Standard offers solid comfort and features, but its 3,500-lb towing limit keeps it out of serious towing competition. As for those after a smooth, everyday ride with occasional light hauling, this is a practical choice—just leave the big loads at home.

Ram 1500 Classic V6

This Ram offers a solid build, but its V6 model’s towing capacity is limited to just 4,000 pounds. It’s ideal for lighter hauls, but if you’re looking to tow more than the basics, you’ll likely feel the need to upgrade—or bring in a second truck.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT

While ruggedly built and packed with features, the Chevy Silverado WT’s base model tops out at around 7,000 lbs for towing. This is a solid all-rounder for lighter jobs, but if you’re moving anything bigger than a small boat or trailer, look to upgraded trims.

Ford F-150 XL

Even the legendary Ford F-150 has its limits; the budget-friendly XL trim with a 3.3L V6 is rated for around 5,000 lbs. Even though it’s a dependable option, it’s not cut out for major towing tasks that require higher capacity.

Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman

With its classic styling and fair price, the Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman is an appealing option. However, the V6 base engine’s 7,730 lbs towing capacity leaves it a bit underpowered for very major towing tasks, making it best suited for smaller trailers.