Pickup trucks are incredibly popular in the US, second only to SUVs in sales. The Ford F-Series has been America’s best-selling vehicle for over four decades, highlighting the enduring appeal of trucks. From their humble beginnings with the Ford Model TT in 1917, trucks have evolved dramatically. Today’s models boast impressive power, versatility, and comfort, suitable for work, off-roading, and even high-speed performance.
However, these advancements come at a cost. New pickup trucks with the latest features can be expensive. For budget-conscious buyers seeking value, the used truck market offers a smart alternative. Savvy shoppers know that vehicles depreciate significantly, especially in the first few years. By considering slightly older models, you can access top-tier trucks with excellent features at a fraction of their original price.
According to Kelley Blue Book, a new vehicle can lose around 20% of its value within the first year. Waiting a few years can unlock even greater savings, potentially halving or even reducing the price to a third of the original MSRP for well-equipped trims. This is where the opportunity to find incredible deals on reliable trucks under $20,000 emerges.
To guide your purchase decision, we’ve compiled a list of ten outstanding used pickup trucks available for $20,000 or less. Our recommendations are based on a thorough analysis of vehicle reviews and pricing data from trusted sources like Consumer Reports, Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and J.D. Power, ensuring you get a capable and dependable truck without breaking the bank.
10. 2014 Ford F-150 SuperCrew Lariat – Around $18,050
2013 Ford-F-150 1500×750
The Ford F-150, America’s best-selling half-ton pickup, is a perennial favorite. The 2014 model year offered a range of engines, including the robust 5.0-liter Coyote V8 and the efficient 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6. The 2014 F-150 is known for its strong capabilities, offering a towing capacity of up to 11,300 lbs and a payload capacity of 3,100 lbs when properly configured.
Reliability is a key factor, and J.D. Power awarded the 2014 Ford F-150 an impressive 83/100 for quality and reliability. Kelley Blue Book consumer reviews also reflect owner satisfaction, with an overall rating of 4.5/5. Currently, a used 2014 Ford F-150 SuperCrew Lariat, a trim level just below the high-performance Raptor, averages around $18,050, making it a fantastic value in the used truck market.
9. 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Double Cab 4WD LT Z71 – Approximately $19,300
2014 Chevrolet-Silverado-Z71 1500×750
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a direct competitor to the Ford F-150 and a solid choice for truck buyers. The 2014 Silverado underwent a complete redesign, bringing significant updates and improvements. Engine options for this year included three flex-fuel choices, with two powerful V8 engines available. The engine lineup ranged from a capable 4.3-liter V6 producing 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque to a potent 6.2-liter V8 delivering 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.
J.D. Power rated the 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 with a quality and reliability score of 78/100, while KBB consumer reviews averaged a 4.3/5 rating. For those seeking off-road capability, a used 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Double Cab 4WD LT Z71, equipped with the Z71 off-road package, can be found for around $19,300 in today’s used market.
8. 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab Z71 – Roughly $19,500
2015 Chevrolet-Colorado- 1200×628
Stepping down in size, the Chevrolet Colorado is a popular midsize truck offering excellent versatility. The 2015 model year marked a complete redesign for the Colorado, featuring a new frame, body, engines, and interior. Engine choices included a fuel-efficient 2.5-liter inline-4 producing 200 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque, and a more powerful 3.6-liter V6 generating 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque.
The 2015 Colorado earned a 77/100 quality and reliability score from J.D. Power and a 4.3/5 overall rating from Kelley Blue Book. A pre-owned 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab Z71, equipped for off-road adventures, is currently priced at approximately $19,500, making it an attractive option for those needing a capable yet smaller truck.
7. 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab AWD Denali – Around $18,000
2014 GMC-Sierra_Denali- 1500×750
The GMC Sierra 1500 shares its platform with the Chevrolet Silverado but offers a more premium experience. The 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 boasted a wide range of engine options, including a unique 6.0-liter hybrid V8 that provided 332 hp and 367 lb-ft of torque, while also achieving a respectable 23 MPG fuel economy. For those seeking top-tier power, the Denali trim offered a 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.
The 2013 GMC Sierra earned an excellent 86/100 quality and reliability score from J.D. Power and a high 4.6/5 consumer rating from KBB. Today, a used 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 AWD Denali in crew cab configuration is available for an average price of $18,000, offering luxury and capability at an accessible price point.
6. 2015 GMC Canyon Crew Cab SLE – Approximately $19,350
2015 GMC-Canyon 1500×750
Similar to the relationship between the Silverado and Colorado, the GMC Canyon is the midsize counterpart to the Sierra, sharing its powertrain and chassis with the Chevy Colorado. However, GMC differentiated the Canyon by providing a more refined interior and enhanced comfort and convenience features. The 2015 GMC Canyon offered the same engine options as the Colorado, providing a balance of efficiency and power.
J.D. Power gave the 2015 GMC Canyon a quality and reliability score of 74/100, and KBB expert reviews resulted in a 4.4/5 score. A pre-owned 2015 GMC Canyon SLE in Crew Cab configuration can be found for approximately $19,300, offering a slightly more upscale midsize truck option.
5. 2014 Nissan Titan King Cab 4WD PRO-4X – Around $19,400
2014 Nissa Titan 4WD-Pro4x 1500×750
The Nissan Titan represents Nissan’s entry into the full-size, half-ton pickup truck market. For the 2014 model year, the Titan came with a single, robust engine option: a 5.6-liter V8 producing 317 hp and 358 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, the 2014 Nissan Titan can tow up to 9,500 lbs, making it a capable workhorse.
J.D. Power gave the 2014 Nissan Titan an overall score of 78/100, and KBB consumer ratings averaged 4.4/5. Currently, a used 2014 Nissan Titan PRO-4X, the off-road trim in King Cab 4WD configuration, is listed for an average price of $19,400, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a Japanese full-size truck with off-road capabilities.
4. 2016 Nissan Frontier King Cab V6 PRO-4X – Approximately $19,375
2016_nissan_frontier_pro-4x 1500×750
The Nissan Frontier is Nissan’s midsize pickup offering, competing with the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. For 2016, the Frontier offered two engine choices: a 2.5-liter inline-4 producing 152 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque, and a more powerful 4.0-liter V6 generating 261 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. A 2016 Nissan Frontier V6 can haul up to 1,457 lbs and tow up to 6,500 lbs when properly equipped.
J.D. Power awarded the 2016 Nissan Frontier a “great” 81/100 quality and reliability rating, and KBB consumer ratings averaged a satisfactory 4.4/5 score. A used 2016 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X with a V6 engine and King Cab configuration is currently priced at approximately $19,375, offering a reliable and capable midsize option.
3. 2013 Honda Ridgeline Crew Cab Sport – Around $17,250
2012 Honda-Ridgeline_Sport- 1200×628
The 2013 Honda Ridgeline is from the first generation of this unique unibody pickup. Despite initial skepticism from traditional truck enthusiasts due to its monocoque construction, the Ridgeline impressed many with its comfortable ride and capable engine. The 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 250 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, gave the 2013 Honda Ridgeline a decent towing capacity of 5,000 lbs and a payload capacity of around 1,600 lbs.
J.D. Power gave the 2013 Honda Ridgeline a great 86/100 quality and reliability score, and KBB consumer reviews echoed this praise with a 4.7/5 rating. Today, a 2013 Honda Ridgeline Sport trim in crew cab configuration lists for an average used car price of $17,250, making it a comfortable and reliable option for those with moderate towing and hauling needs.
2. 2012 Toyota Tundra Crew Max 4WD – $20,000 (Average)
The Toyota Tundra was designed to compete directly with the dominant American full-size pickup trucks. The 2012 Tundra offered three engine options: a base 4.0-liter V6 (270 hp, 278 lb-ft), a mid-range 4.6-liter V8 (310 hp, 327 lb-ft), and a powerful 5.7-liter i-FORCE V8 (381 hp, 401 lb-ft). Equipped with the 5.7-liter V8, a 2012 Toyota Tundra could haul over 2,000 lbs and tow up to 10,400 lbs.
J.D. Power awarded the 2012 Tundra a “great” 83/100 quality and reliability score, and KBB consumer reviews aligned with a 4.6/5 overall rating. Notably, J.D. Power also gave this model year a high 87/100 resale value score, reflecting Toyota’s reputation for durability and longevity. A 2012 Toyota Tundra 4WD in Crew Max configuration still commands an average price of $20,000 in the used market, highlighting its retained value.
1. 2014 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab 4X4 V6 SR5 – Around $18,875
2012 Toyota-Tacoma-1500×750
Topping our list is the Toyota Tacoma, the incredibly popular midsize truck known for its reliability and off-road prowess. For 2014, the Toyota Tacoma offered two engine options: a base 2.7-liter inline-4 (159 hp, 180 lb-ft) and a 4.0-liter V6 (236 hp, 266 lb-ft). With the V6 engine, a properly equipped 2014 Tacoma could carry up to 1,500 lbs and tow up to 6,500 lbs.
J.D. Power gave the 2014 Tacoma an 80/100 quality and reliability score, and KBB consumer reviews averaged a 4.7/5 overall score. Toyota’s legendary reputation for quality and reliability is further underscored by the 2014 Tacoma’s “best” 95/100 resale value score from J.D. Power. A 2014 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4×4 V6 in Access Cab configuration is often listed for around $18,875, making it the top pick for a reliable and affordable used truck.
While finding brand new trucks under $20,000 is challenging in today’s market, the used market offers a wealth of options. These ten pickup trucks demonstrate that you can acquire a capable, reliable, and feature-rich truck without exceeding a $20,000 budget. By considering these models, you can make a smart investment and get behind the wheel of a truck that meets your needs and financial goals.
