The Cheapest Pickup Trucks for 2021
We’ve compiled a list of nine great and affordable pickup trucks for 2021, including models from Chevrolet, Nissan, Jeep, Toyota, Ford, GMC, and Ram.
Written by Jason Tushinski
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Table of Contents
- Affordable trucks
- Nissan Titan
- Jeep Gladiator
- Toyota Tundra
- Ford F-150
- Ram 1500 Classic
- GMC Sierra
- Chevrolet Silverado
- Ford Ranger
- Toyota Tacoma
- Insurance
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These days, many pickup trucks rival luxury cars in terms of the bells and whistles they offer, but if you’re looking for a good pickup truck whose price won’t break the bank — this is the list for you.
We’ve put together a rundown of nine rugged, reliable, and fun affordable pickup trucks—from Nissan’s tech-heavy Titan to Ford’s capable Ranger, we’re sure you’ll find something you'll love.
Whichever truck you choose, you’ll need to protect that monster-on-wheels with a sturdy
car insurance
policy. Lucky for you,
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Now, get truckin’ down the list to figure out which pickup is right for you!
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Even "cheap" trucks have lots to offer
Don’t be fooled by the word cheap — there are many moderately priced pickups on the market sporting nice interiors, great safety and technology features, big engines, solid towing capacity, and more.
Even if the towing capacities of the trucks on this list don’t quite match up to the high-end pickups on the market, you can get a whole lotta truck without sinking a ton of dough on all that luxury.
Key Takeaway There are many affordable and solid pickup trucks on the market.
Nissan Titan
The
Nissan Titan
is a sturdy truck with a powerful V8 engine featuring 400 horsepower. Even if its towing capacity lags behind other full-size trucks, the Titan is chock full of safety and technology features to keep any pickup enthusiast happy.The Titan features a slew of advanced safety features, including pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and reverse auto emergency braking—the only truck in its class to offer this feature. You’ll also get a snazzy 8-inch touchscreen, a driver drowsiness monitor, and a rearview camera to ensure that you don’t back over anything (or anyone) important.
Price - 2021 | Jerry Annual Premium | Pre-Jerry Annual Premium | Avg. Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
$38,365 | $2,413 | $3,907 | $732 |
Jeep Gladiator
The
Jeep Gladiator
is the Wrangler of the pickup set and is the sole convertible pickup on the market. This four-door pickup offers the same terrain-busting persona as the Jeep it's based on. You’ll be able to power your way wherever you’re going with the Gladiator’s standard V-6 engine, though a diesel option is available for those so inclined.
The Gladiator features an impressive towing capacity—more than 7000 pounds when properly kitted out. Not too bad!
Price - 2021 | Jerry Annual Premium | Pre-Jerry Annual Premium | Avg. Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
$38,365 | $2,413 | $3,907 | $732 |
Toyota Tundra
The reliable
Toyota Tundra
makes up for its low towing capacity and slightly outdated interior style with lots of infotainment features to go along with top-notch driver assistance components.The Tundra comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, multiple USB ports, and compatibility with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more.
The forward collision warning, rearview camera, and automatic emergency braking all work to keep you safe as you transfer your haul.
A negative is the Tundra’s less-than-ideal fuel economy — you’ll only get about 13mpg in the city and 17mpg on the highway in this rig.
Price - 2021 | Jerry Annual Premium | Pre-Jerry Annual Premium | Avg. Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
$38,365 | $2,413 | $3,907 | $732 |
Ford F-150
The popular
Ford F-150
is consistently ranked at the top of the pickup class. It’s known for its excellent safety ratings, reliability, and comfortable — if spare — interior cabin. Those safety ratings are well-earned. Not only did the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration bestow five out of five stars on the F-150, but Ford’s top truck features the highly regarded Ford Co-Pilot 360 Safety Suite.
This system will keep you safely on the road (dirt or asphalt) with its forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, rearview camera, and other safety enhancements.
Now about that interior. The F-150 features an AM/FM radio, and that’s it. Make no mistake about it, the F-150 is designed for work, not fun. So if you’re looking for a productive time — this is the one for you.
Price - 2021 | Jerry Annual Premium | Pre-Jerry Annual Premium | Avg. Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
$38,365 | $2,413 | $3,907 | $732 |
Ram 1500 Classic
The
Ram 1500
is known for its excellent reliability ratings, not to mention its standard rear-wheel drive and solid towing capacity, backed by a 3.6 liter, V6 engine featuring 306 horsepower.The Ram’s interior is very user-friendly, featuring the easily navigable Uconnect system, with a 5-inch touch screen, Bluetooth capability, and the ability to customize the system to your liking.
Another feature you’ll notice when you’re ensconced within the 1500’s interior—a quiet, smooth ride that’s unique to a full-size pickup.
Another plus working in the Ram’s favor is its above-average fuel economy. You’ll get an average of 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, which is seriously good performance for a full-size truck.
Price - 2021 | Jerry Annual Premium | Pre-Jerry Annual Premium | Avg. Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
$38,365 | $2,413 | $3,907 | $732 |
Key Takeaway The Ram 1500 Classic is reliable, user-friendly, and gets excellent mileage for a full-size truck.
GMC Sierra
While the
GMC
Sierra is a solid pickup, most truck enthusiasts see it as distinctly middle-of-the-road—it’s certainly good enough, but it doesn’t distinguish itself in any meaningful way.With the Sierra, you’ll get an able powertrain and a 4.3-liter V6 engine generating 285 horsepower, which comes standard. The Sierra’s got a roomy interior to go along with some solid tech options in the cab, featuring the usual suspects in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The Sierra also features USB ports and six speakers, making it easy to rock out on long-haul trips.
Price - 2021 | Jerry Annual Premium | Pre-Jerry Annual Premium | Avg. Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
$38,365 | $2,413 | $3,907 | $732 |
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Chevrolet Silverado
The
Chevrolet
Silverado has made quite the name for itself in the full-size category, combining superb towing capacity with nimble handling and a smooth ride, not to mention lots of passenger space.The Silverado comes standard with a V6 engine featuring 285 horsepower, which should be more than enough power to accomplish everything on your daily to-do list.
Besides boasting Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto capabilities plus a rearview camera, the Silverado features General Motors’ innovative Teen Driver System.
This allows the primary driver to apply speed limits for occasional drivers, ensuring that any joyriding is stopped definitively in its tracks. There’s also a handy setting that limits audio levels for your teen driver.
Price - 2021 | Jerry Annual Premium | Pre-Jerry Annual Premium | Avg. Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
$38,365 | $2,413 | $3,907 | $732 |
Key Takeaway Not only does the Chevrolet Silverado boast a powerful engine, but it also includes a Teen Driver System that can help keep your teenage driver safe.
Ford Ranger
The
Ford Ranger
’s stout engine, solid towing capabilities, and stronger-than-expected fuel economy performance make this a popular compact pickup. According to EPA estimates, the Ranger, featuring a 2.3 liter, four-cylinder engine, clocks an impressive 21 mpg while city-driving and 26 mpg on the highway. Very few compact pickups can beat that kind of fuel efficiency.
The Ranger features significant driver technology, which comes standard, and comes with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto capabilities, along with a Wi-Fi hotspot.
As for drawbacks, there are a few. The Ranger’s interior is a little drab in comparison to similar models, and it's just "ok" when performing off-road, despite its great fuel economy.
Price - 2021 | Jerry Annual Premium | Pre-Jerry Annual Premium | Avg. Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
$38,365 | $2,413 | $3,907 | $732 |
Toyota Tacoma
Talk about doing a lot with a little. Despite featuring a somewhat-lacklustre 2.7 liter, four-cylinder engine, the
Toyota Tacoma
has proven itself an off-roading machine, handling itself beautifully in off-the-beaten-track conditions.This compact pickup also boasts excellent safety ratings, grabbing four out of five stars from the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
. The Tacoma features a slew of safety technology, forward auto emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning.The new Tacoma features a redesigned exterior to go along with a comfortable, if spartan, interior cabin.
Price - 2021 | Jerry Annual Premium | Pre-Jerry Annual Premium | Avg. Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
$38,365 | $2,413 | $3,907 | $732 |
Insure your truck with Jerry
Whichever pickup you choose to ramble on down the road in, you’ll need to protect such a muscular beast with
car insurance
befitting its ferocious nature.With
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