Best Trucks to Get in 2024 Under $50,000
Over the years after the 2020 pandemic, vehicle prices have been increasing rapidly due to inflation, supply issues, and many different financial pressures. In the truck market, and in 2022 alone, prices surged more than 10%, especially for popular models. The numbers have reached a point that’s almost hard to believe; the average price for a full-size pickup truck today is just shy of $50,000. While 2024 has seen some stabilization, we continue to see price fluctuations as the effects of earlier inflation are still felt.
One of the reasons for the price increases is the never-ending demand for durable and versatile vehicles. Over history, pickup trucks have evolved into Swiss army knives of the US roads, suited for work purposes as well as daily driving and recreational use. US citizens are known for their love for pickup trucks as these vehicles are almost tailor-fit to their lifestyles. A result of this high level of demand is that truck prices remain elevated compared to the times before the pandemic.
Another reason driving the prices up is automotive technology. For quite some time, auto manufacturers have started offering advanced technologies in their trucks, such as driver assistance systems, autonomous driving technologies, and hybrid powertrains, all of which contribute to the price increases.
Did Truck Market Crash in 2024 So Far?
While new car and truck prices are still far from what we are used to, it seems that they have slowly stabilized with chip shortages and supply chain issues becoming sorted out. It would be a stretch to say the truck market crashed in 2024, but it definitely started to change as many dealer lots are flooded with inventory, and dealers are offering discounts on MSRP rather than adding markups over it like in the past years.
The last quarter of the year might be the best time to shop for new trucks, as dealers are trying their best to shift their current inventory to make room for the upcoming model year. If you look around dealership lots, you can find budget-friendly lease options, significant cash-back discounts, and low or zero-percent financing deals.
The prices are settling down, dealers are stepping back from asking for huge markups and even offering discounts, but will the prices ever return to pre-pandemic levels? There is no certain answer to this, but if you need a brand-new truck and are waiting for the perfect time to pull the trigger, this fall might be an excellent time to hunt for deals.
We have compiled a list of great trucks in three segments around the $50,000 mark to get you started. Remember that we configured these trucks on their manufacturers’ websites just to give you an idea. Take trips to dealer lots that are local to you, and you might come across unique deals.
Small and Mid-Size TrucksFifty grand buys you a lot among small and mid-size trucks. The segment offers everything from off-road professionals to car-like handling small pickup trucks.
Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road i-FORCE Max
Toyota is famous for long-term reliability, and Tacoma has never been an exception. The G.O.A.T. of the mid-size segment is completely redesigned for the 2024 model year. The updated Tacoma offers major improvements, many new features, and a hybrid powertrain. Tacoma is also the last pickup truck you can get with a manual if rowing your own gears is your cup of coffee.
With the $50,000 limit, our pick would be the Tacoma TRD Off-Road i-FORCE Max. You get the benefit of the new hybrid powertrain for a higher claimed MPG and Bilstein monotube off-road suspension. The starting price will leave you with some change to add some TRD accessories like an exhaust, air filter, and black wheels.
Quick Facts of Our Toyota Tacoma Configuration
GMC Canyon AT4
The mechanical twin to the Chevy Colorado, the GMC Canyon distinguishes itself from its sibling by offering a more luxurious feel with premium interior materials and trims. With a tough-looking exterior and a menacing stance, the Canyon delivers a class-leading towing capacity and enough power for off-road adventures.
Our pick from the GMC Canyon family is the AT4. Oriented more towards off-roading, the Canyon AT4 comes standard with an off-road suspension package and advanced hill descent control. You can add the optional factory suspension lift-kit, the AT4 Premium Package, a folding bed cover and stay within the 50K budget.
Quick Facts of Our GMC Canyon Configuration
Jeep Gladiator Nighthawk
Jeep’s Gladiator is a no-brainer if you want a conversation starter. Basically it is the iconic Wrangler with a truckbed smashed to the back of it. The Gladiator comes with removable doors and roof, a foldable windscreen, and an impressive towing capacity. It may just be the best choice if you’re after a very unique domestic mid-size truck.
Our pick is the Gladiator Nighthawk. Willy’s package might seem more appealing, but the soft convertible top might not be ideal for everyone. You can get the Nighthawk package, add some Mopar upgrades like leather upholstery, cold air intake kit, spray-in bedliner, and hard tri-fold tonneau cover, and stay just below the 50-grand budget.
Quick Facts of Our Jeep Gladiator Configuration
Ford Maverick Lariat Tremor
Ford went on to try to change customers’ habits with the Maverick by offering them a space- and fuel-efficient compact truck. The Maverick is built upon a unibody chassis, meaning that it has car-like handling characteristics. It is a city-friendly alternative aimed at people who don’t need a mid-size or full-size pickup truck.
With a maximum budget of $50,000, our pick is quite apparent: Get the ultimate Ford offers! You can pick the top-of-the-line Maverick Lariat and get it fully-loaded, including the Tremor off-road package and almost all of the little accessories offered by Ford, and still be nearly $7,000 below our budget.
Quick Facts of Our Ford Maverick Configuration
Honda Ridgeline TrailSport
Honda Ridgeline utilizes a unibody frame like the Maverick, enabling a cushy driving experience with smooth ride and handling. It also offers a spacious cabin with many creature comforts and the famed Japanese reliability. Filled with clever features like an under-floor trunk in its truckbed, the Ridgeline might be all you need from a mid-size truck.
Our pick from the bunch is the Ridgeline TrailSport. TrailSport trim comes with off-road-tuned suspension and all-terrain tires, making the mid-size truck more suited to outdoor adventures. With $50,000 to play with, you can add the Function+ and HPD+ packages, too.
Quick Facts of Our Honda Ridgeline Configuration
Full-Size Trucks
The half-ton truck segment is the most saturated one. This class offers some of the staples in the US truck market, and even though $50K will not buy you anything too fancy or top-of-the-line, there are still deals to be found for your trucking needs. Note that our priority is getting a V8 under the hood and a 4x4 drivetrain if possible.
Ford F-150 STX V8
Ford F-150 offers a massive array of features, engines, and chassis options. You can configure the truck as a strictly work tool, a recreational daily driver, or a full-on off-road monster. Being the best-seller in the half-ton truck segment in the US market, the F-150 performs great in everything you would expect from a truck.
While $50,000 limits you a lot in full-size trucks, you can still get a nice F-150 if you rule out the fancier models. Our pick would be the F-150 STX with the V8 and 4x4 drivetrain. You can get the STX version and upgrade the powertrain with the robust 5.0-liter Ti-VCT V8 and 4x4 drivetrain for slightly over our 50K mark.
Quick Facts of Our Ford F-150 Configuration
RAM 1500 Big Horn 5.7L HEMI
RAM 1500 is another staple in the half-ton truck segment. The 2024 RAM 1500 offers car-like comfort, which is extraordinary for a body-on-frame full-size truck, primarily thanks to its coil spring rear suspension. While offering a high level of ride comfort, it is still rugged enough to tackle worksite duties. While you can already get an all-new 2025 RAM 1500, you can save some cash with the outgoing 2024 model.
You can also get the 2024 RAM 1500 with a HEMI V8, the last of its kind, as the 2025 version ditches the classic V8 option. Our pick from the family is the 2024 RAM 1500 Big Horn with the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 and 4x4 drivetrain. You can also add Sport Appearance and Big Horn Level 1 upgrade packages, and still stay below the 50 grand mark.
Quick Facts of Our RAM 1500 Configuration
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT
Chevrolet Silverado has been driving on ranches, worksites, and pulling boats to lake houses for almost forever. Compared to some rivals, it may not offer class-leading towing and hauling capacities, but it comes with numerous configuration options to suit any need.
To get a V8 engine within the budget, we picked the Silverado 1500 LT 4x2. You can pick the 5.3-liter V8 engine, throw in a set of 20” wheels and leather upholstery to the mix. The final price of the build appears to be a bit over the 50K mark, but on Chevy’s website, after their offers and bonuses, the net price comes down to just over $52,000.
Quick Facts of Our Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Configuration
Toyota Tundra SR5
Tundra is a pickup truck as American as a Japanese nameplate can produce. Many aspects of the Tundra fit perfectly into the half-ton pickup segment. But when it first debuted all the way back in early 2000s, it approached the segment with a different take, and it still stays true to those roots. You can’t get the Tundra with a V8, but its turbocharged V6 options offer plenty of power with the famous Toyota reliability. It also delivers a compliant ride comfort with its coil spring rear suspension.
Our pick is the Tundra SR5 version. While the price can quickly go far beyond our budget with a couple of add-ons, you can pick the base SR5, add the TRD off-road package, and get a nice Tundra with 50 grand plus some change.
Quick Facts of Our Toyota Tundra Configuration
Heavy-Duty Trucks
When it comes to tough jobs on worksites, nothing beats the raw power and the strength of a heavy-duty, three-quarter-ton truck. $50,000 still can put you behind the wheel of one, but you have to sacrifice from some luxuries and go for a strictly work vehicle.
Ford Super Duty F-250 XL
Among the toughest mass-produced trucks, the F-250 Super Duty is a huge workhorse. For the Blue Oval fans, there’s no substitute, and it is not hard to understand why. The Super Duty series of trucks offer huge towing and hauling capacities, can be fitted with Ford’s monstrous Power Stroke turbodiesel engine, and they can be configured to have a high level of luxury and versatility.
Unfortunately, $50,000 limits you a lot in the heavy-duty segment. Our pick would be the base F-250 XL regular cab with the 4x4 drivetrain and extra off-road package added. The off-road package includes 33” tires, an electronic locking rear differential, an improved approach angle, and skid plates.
Quick Facts of Our Ford Super Duty F-250 Configuration
RAM 2500 Tradesman
RAM’s heavy-duty offering is overwhelmingly strong and capable, but it is also very easygoing when you need it to. It can be a comfortable towing and hauling companion with an optional 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel, handsome interior trims, and many convenience features to equip it with.
Within the budget, you can get behind the wheel of a base RAM 2500 Tradesman 4x4 with crew cab longbed. You can throw in Level 2 equipment package and little accessories like a spray-in bedliner and a tri-fold tonneau cover.
Quick Facts of Our RAM 2500 Configuration
Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Custom
Chevy’s heavy-duty contender Silverado 2500HD is powerful and versatile, and combines a competitive towing and payload capability with a spacious and well-built interior. With the optional Duramax V8 turbodiesel, Silverado 2500HD is a highly configurable three-quarter-ton truck in the market.
To stay strictly within the budget, we picked the Silverado 2500HD in Custom trim level with 4x2 drivetrain and double cab/long bed configuration.
Quick Facts of Our Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Configuration
Get the Most Out of Your New Truck with Pedal Commander
Whatever truck you get, your first upgrade should be the Pedal Commander throttle response controller. Pedal Commander is one of the easiest upgrades that will significantly improve the experience with your brand-new truck, and most importantly, it will not void the manufacturer’s warranty. With more than 15,000 positive reviews and certifications from the most reputable organizations of the automotive industry, Pedal Commander is the best and most advanced throttle response controller on the market.
The Pedal Commander throttle response controller connects to the throttle pedal assembly with supplied OEM plugs. The installation process is dead simple with included instructions, and it is mostly a 15-minute, DIY-friendly job. After installing the device and placing the compact controller somewhere you like inside the cabin (as long as the wiring allows), you’re good to go.
Pedal Commander eliminates the throttle delay almost all new vehicles with drive-by-wire throttle systems have. You can customize the throttle sensitivity precisely to your liking with four preset driving modes (Eco, City, Sport, and Sport+) and nine increment levels within each mode. Whether you’re after a fuel-efficient drive or want to explore the full power of your truck, Pedal Commander has your back!
Eco mode significantly reduces the responsiveness of the throttle, which may come in handy in calm highway drives where you can get extra fuel efficiency. It can also be doubled as a perfect off-road mode where precise throttle modulation is critical to control the truck over slippery or challenging terrains. City mode will give you a 1:1 pedal-to-throttle valve response, mimicking the cable throttles of the past. City mode will enable you to get a smoother and more controlled pedal action in your daily driving. Sport and Sport+ modes allow you to access the full potential of your new truck, and these two are the most aggressive modes, waking up your truck in the most aggressive way possible. With Pedal Commander, you can make your new truck anything from a smooth daily driver to the ultimate tool to answer your raw power needs.
Learn more about the best first mod for your new truck here. If you’re ready to experience the difference yourself, order yours today!