Best Trucks of 2022 Under $30k

The popularity of pickup trucks has only grown over the years; but, while many of these powerful beasts cost an arm and a leg, there are a number of trucks under $30,000 on the market. However, an attractive price tag is not all there is to consider when making a new purchase. Our reviews cover everything from price, to fuel economy, to interior quality, to engine capabilities. If you want to see just how much bang you can get for your buck, then look no further. And, if you do not have time for an in-depth analysis, then you can rely on our BuzzScore to give you a pretty good idea of what you’ll be getting.

Whether you’re looking for a reliable heavy-duty hauler or a pickup with an air of luxury, we’ve got you covered. 

BuzzScore
Design
Performance
MPG
Interior
Infotainment
Reliability
Safety
Value
#1
2021 Ford F-150
9.1
BuzzScore
8
Design
9
Performance
8
MPG
10
Interior
10
Infotainment
10
Reliability
9
Safety
9
Value
#2
2022 Ford Maverick
8.8
BuzzScore
N/A
Design
N/A
Performance
N/A
MPG
N/A
Interior
N/A
Infotainment
N/A
Reliability
N/A
Safety
N/A
Value
#3
2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz
8.8
BuzzScore
N/A
Design
N/A
Performance
N/A
MPG
N/A
Interior
N/A
Infotainment
N/A
Reliability
N/A
Safety
N/A
Value
#4
2022 Ford Ranger
8.8
BuzzScore
8
Design
8
Performance
9
MPG
8
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
10
Safety
9
Value
#5
2022 Chevrolet Colorado
8.5
BuzzScore
8
Design
8
Performance
9
MPG
8
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
8
Safety
9
Value
#6
2022 GMC Canyon
8.5
BuzzScore
8
Design
8
Performance
9
MPG
8
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
8
Safety
9
Value
#7
2022 Nissan Frontier
8.4
BuzzScore
9
Design
9
Performance
7
MPG
8
Interior
9
Infotainment
9
Reliability
8
Safety
8
Value
#8
2022 Ram 1500 Classic
8.3
BuzzScore
8
Design
8
Performance
7
MPG
8
Interior
9
Infotainment
8
Reliability
8
Safety
10
Value
#9
2022 Toyota Tacoma
7.9
BuzzScore
8
Design
7
Performance
7
MPG
7
Interior
8
Infotainment
10
Reliability
8
Safety
8
Value

Most Reliable Trucks Under $30,000

In this price bracket, you shouldn’t settle for second best. Reliability is a must, so there are a number of key boxes that you will want to see ticked.

  • Power - Does it have enough oomph to get the job done? You won’t be choosing from the heaviest haulers in the world, but many of these machines are equipped with decent V6s or V8s with impressive capabilities.
  • Durability - These vehicles often need to go where others cannot. Therefore, genuine 4WD is a must. High approach and departure angles are essential, too, and the cabin should keep you safe at all times.
  • Comfort - Most pickups are just hard workers, but when you’re paying a premium price, you should expect a certain degree of comfort. This is especially important if you plan to spend all day on the move.

Best New Trucks Under $30,000

Certain brands dominate the pickup market, and at the top of the list of great new trucks under 30,000 dollars is Ram with its 1500 model. This machine offers four powertrains, with a maximum output of 395 hp and 410 lb-ft, empowering the Ram to tow up to 12,750 pounds. The interior is new-luxury in quality, and the cabin seats up to five passengers when properly configured.

Naturally, it’s impossible to talk trucks without Ford making an appearance. The F-150 is quite a capable vehicle, powered by several engines, including a 450-hp twin-turbo V6, enabling the Ford to tow 13,200 lbs. Inside, it’s spacious and hardy, but very simplistic. All this can be had for as little as $28,745.

One of the cheapest models in the mid-size segment is the Chevrolet Colorado, starting at $21,300. It cannot pull as much as its rivals, though, maxing out at 7,700 lbs, courtesy of its turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine. The Chevy rides quite well, though, and it does not feel as chunky as it is on the move.

FAQs

What are the best trucks under $30,000?

There are quite a few options for trucks under $30k outside of those mentioned above. This includes the GMC Canyon at only $22,200 and the Toyota Tacoma at a slightly higher $26,050.

What is the number 1 selling truck?

Despite its second-place ranking, the Ford F-Series is still the most popular machine in the states. It sits just below the $30k mark for a new model, but you can pick up a used F-150 from 2019 or 2018 at a significant discount. Alternatively, you could keep an eye out for a clearance sale of the 2020 generation, before next year’s model is released.
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