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The days of finding affordable work trucks are long gone. Pickup trucks are only going up in price, causing us to miss when you could get an old beater without breaking the bank. Check out your limited options for a brand-new truck under $30,000. 

Four new trucks that start under $30,000

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz parked near a scenic desert view
2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz | Hyundai

Before we get down to business, we have some good news. Truck prices are slowly starting to drop and are expected to slowly decline in 2024. The average price for a new vehicle is down by 3.5% since its peak in December 2022. 

Also, used prices have dropped by 5.5%. So, it’s better than it used to be if you’re in the market for a new truck. However, affordable prices are still difficult to find. 

1. 2024 Ford Maverick 

The first truck for under $30,000 is the tiny but mighty 2024 Ford Maverick. It has a Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $23,400. The $1,595 destination fee brings the total up to $24,995. 

Upgrading to the hybrid engine adds another $1,500. The standard engine is the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. AWD is available and when properly equipped the Maverick can tow up to 5,000 lbs. 

2. 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz 

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz is another pint-sized truck with an MSRP of $26,650. The $1,335 destination fee increases the price to $27,985. The extra cost over the Maverick includes a more athletic experience and refined nature. 

While the Santa Cruz doesn’t have a hybrid engine, it starts off strong. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine cranks out 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. You can equip this truck with AWD and it can tow up to 5,000 lbs. 

3. 2024 Chevy Colorado 

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado off-roading over rocky terrain
2024 Chevy Colorado | Chevrolet

The 2024 Chevy Colorado is a larger, midsize truck with an MSRP of $29,500. Technically, it starts under $30,000 but the $1,495 destination fee increases the total to $30,995. At least it has extra passenger and cargo space to offer. 

Plus, it has a standard turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. You can add 4×4 to any trim level. Also, it can tow up to 7,700 lbs. But it’s only available as a crew cab truck with a five-foot bed.

4. 2024 Nissan Frontier 

Last but not least, the 2024 Nissan Frontier comes with an MSRP of $29,770. It almost scratches the $30,000 mark before the $1,335 destination fee increases the total to $31,105. It starts pretty close to the Colorado. 

The Frontier brings the heat with a standard 3.8-liter V6 engine with 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque and a nine-speed automatic transmission. You can add 4×4 to any trim level. Also, the Frontier can tow up to 6,640 lbs. 

These are the four cheapest trucks you can buy brand new. The Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline, and Jeep Gladiator each have an MSRP of over $30,000.