Shopping for a new pickup truck can get overwhelming. The segment is rife with options, many of which will have you spending a pretty penny. The good news is that buying a new pickup truck doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be prohibitively expensive either. In fact, TrueCar recently highlighted its picks for the best new pickup trucks under $40,000. Let’s find out what they are.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline is one of the best new pickup trucks under $40,000

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline has a lot going for it. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds and, with a base price of $36,490, is among the best new pickup trucks under $40,000, TrueCar reports. However, opt for range-topping Black Edition, and this year’s model will have you spending roughly $43,920.

Fortunately, an affordable price tag isn’t all the 2021 Honda Ridgeline has going for it. In fact, this year’s model boasts “car-like handling, a quieter ride, and improved fuel economy,” TrueCar explained. TrueCar isn’t the only one singing the Ridgeline’s praises either.

Consumer Reports has also ranked the 2021 Honda Ridgeline as one of the best new pickup trucks of the year. The organization gave this year’s model an 80 overall score. It also earned an 83 overall score in road tests, along with a four out of five predicted reliability rating and a five out of five predicted owner satisfaction rating.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma won’t have you breaking the bank anytime soon

Now, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline isn’t the only new pickup truck that TrueCar included in its list. As a matter of fact, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma was also included in its list of the best new pickup trucks under $40,000. This year’s Tacoma starts at $26,400 and, at its most expensive, will have you spending a minimum of $44,325.

But the 2021 Toyota Tacoma is more than an affordable new pickup truck. TrueCar also praised the new Tacoma’s family-friendly and off-road trims, along with its standard driver safety and infotainment features. Opt for this new pickup truck, and you can anticipate standard features like a 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with safety features like a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma is no stranger to towing either, reports TrueCar. In fact, when equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and the available Tow Package, this year’s new Toyota Tacoma can tow a maximum of 6,800 pounds. It can carry a 1,440-pound maximum payload too.

The 2021 Ram 1500 is an affordable new pickup truck under $40,000

Say neither the 2021 Honda Ridgeline nor the 2021 Toyota Tacoma quite do it for you. Perhaps you’re in the market for an affordable new pickup truck that also offers up a spacious, luxuriously outfitted cabin space. If that’s the case, TrueCar suggests taking a gander at the 2021 Ram 1500.

While the 2021 Ram 1500 can tow a maximum of 12,750 pounds, the interior of this year’s model is pretty hard to beat. As a matter of fact, the interior of this year’s model is so comfortable that it makes the Ram 1500 the ideal pick for “families needing a do-it-all vehicle and those who drive long distances,” reports TrueCar.

TrueCar isn’t the only one impressed by the Ram 1500’s interior either. Car and Driver was enamored with it too. In fact, according to Car and Driver the Ram 1500 is the best new pickup truck among its segment because of its cushy ride and luxury interior. It’s so good, in fact, that Car and Driver reports this year’s model “easily exceeds even the fanciest versions of the Chevy Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, and Ford F-150.”

The 2021 Ford F-150 is one of the most popular new pickup trucks

The 2021 Ford F-150 is one of the best new pickup trucks under $40,000? Yes, you heard that right. Though, it really shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. After all, the Ford F-150 is an icon among its segment and has been a bestseller for years. 

But what is it about the 2021 Ford F-150 that has pickup shoppers so enamored with it? According to TrueCar, it comes down to a few things. First, this year’s model is “both a durable work vehicle and a comfortable family cruiser.” It also offers up more than enough towing power and can tow a maximum of 14,000-pounds when properly equipped.

The 2021 Ford F-150 can be had with a slew of attractive features, too, explains TrueCar. Opt for the Ford F-150 Hybrid, and features like a mobile generator come standard. This year’s model also offers features such as an onboard scale and a Smart Trailer Tow Connector.

The 2021 Ford Ranger is the best new pickup truck under $40,000

As for the best new pickup truck under $40,000? That honor goes to the 2021 Ford Ranger. This year’s Ranger is among the most affordable new pickup trucks and boasts a base price of $25,070. Upgrade to the range-topping Lariat and the Ranger will still have you spending significantly less than $40,000.

The 2021 Ford Ranger isn’t just affordable either. As a matter of fact, the 2021 Ford Ranger can tow up to 7,500-pounds when properly equipped. When compared to competitors like the Toyota Tacoma, that figure is nothing short of impressive. 

TrueCar added that the 2021 Ford Ranger also comes equipped with a smooth and powerful four-cylinder turbo engine. Its compact size is ideal for navigating narrow streets and parking lots, too, TrueCar reports. Perhaps the only downside to this affordable new pickup truck is that its interior isn’t quite as refined as its competitors.

Which new pickup truck is the best fit for you?

The pickup segment is rife with options, and if you’re looking to spend under $40,000 on a new pickup truck? TrueCar’s picks for the best new pickup trucks under $40,000 make for a good starting point. Try taking each of these models out for a test drive, and, chances are, you’ll find yourself behind the perfect new pickup truck for satisfying all of your daily driving needs.