Americans have a deep-seated affection for trucks, embracing them not just for demanding tasks like towing and hauling, but also as versatile family vehicles. These robust machines seamlessly transition from daily commutes to spirited family adventures, and even to serious people-moving duties. It’s a testament to their enduring appeal and utility that they’ve become an indispensable part of countless households across the nation.
However, the rising cost of new vehicles, particularly pickups, often puts them out of reach for many budgets, with the average new truck price soaring to $60,000 last year. Fortunately, the robust used market presents a wealth of opportunities for those seeking a dependable truck without breaking the bank. With a budget of $25,000 or less, you can discover excellent pre-owned options that skillfully balance performance, desirable features, essential utility, and long-term durability, ensuring there’s a capable truck for virtually every need and preference.
Our dedicated team at Edmunds has meticulously identified a selection of standout trucks across various sizes and personalities, each offering distinct strengths and catering to different requirements. This comprehensive guide is designed to empower you with objective, evidence-based insights, ensuring you make an informed purchasing decision. We’ll delve into the safety attributes, reliability, and overall value of these top picks, helping you navigate the used truck market with confidence and secure a vehicle that promises years of secure and satisfying ownership.
1. 2015-2020 Ford F-150
This generation of the Ford F-150, known as the thirteenth F-Series, masterfully upheld all the characteristics that have cemented its status as America’s best-selling vehicle for four decades. However, what truly set it apart were the groundbreaking innovations it introduced, making it a compelling choice for any budget-conscious buyer prioritizing safety. A primary advancement was its high-strength aluminum body and bed, which significantly reduced the truck’s weight by 400 to 600 pounds compared to its predecessors. This weight reduction was not merely for efficiency; it contributed to better performance and, indirectly, to safer handling dynamics by reducing overall mass.
Beyond its innovative construction, Ford also dramatically enhanced the structural integrity of this F-150 by increasing the use of high-strength steel in the frame from 23% to a remarkable 77%. This focus on a robust foundation provides a solid and secure platform for the vehicle. Crucially for safety-minded consumers, this era of F-150 introduced a wealth of new available safety features. These included advanced technologies such as surround-view monitoring, which offers a 360-degree perspective around the truck, greatly aiding parking and low-speed maneuvers to prevent collisions.
Further bolstering its safety credentials, the 2015-2020 F-150 also offered rear cross-traffic alert, a vital system that warns drivers of approaching vehicles when backing out of parking spaces or driveways, a common scenario for potential accidents. Additionally, lane-departure warning was available, providing alerts if the truck begins to drift from its lane without signaling, thereby helping to prevent unintended lane excursions on highways. These features collectively contribute to a more secure and aware driving experience, reflecting a significant leap in available safety technology for a used truck in this price bracket.
The F-150 lineup, spanning these model years, offers the widest variety of bed, cab, and engine configurations in the industry, making it adaptable to diverse needs. While the most powerful and luxurious models or optional diesel-engine versions may be harder to find within the sub-$25,000 price cap, the mid-range Ford F-150 XLT often represents the sweet spot for value, blending practical features with affordability. These trucks are also new enough that even among sub-$25,000 options, savvy buyers can still find some certified pre-owned choices, offering an added layer of peace of mind regarding their condition and history.
Car Model Information: 2018 Ford F-150 XLT
Name: Ford F-Series
Caption: 2022 Ford F-150 Lariat Luxury
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Aka: Ford Lobo (Mexico, 1992–present)
Production: 1948–present
Class: Pickup truck#Full-size pickup truck
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout,rear-wheel drive
Predecessor: 1941 Ford
Categories: All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, All articles that may contain original research, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles that may contain original research from September 2020
Summary: The Ford F-Series is a series of light-duty trucks marketed and manufactured by the Ford Motor Company since model year 1948 as a range of full-sized pickup trucks — positioned between Ford’s Ranger and Super Duty pickup trucks. Alongside the F-150 (introduced in 1975), the F-Series also includes the Super Duty series (introduced in 1999), which includes the heavier-duty F-250 through F-450 pickups, F-450/F-550 chassis cabs, and F-600/F-650/F-750 Class 6–8 commercial trucks.
Get more information about: Ford F-Series
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Brand: Ford Model: F-150
Price: $22,345 Mileage: 70,866 mi.
Read more about: Buyer Beware: 9 Luxury Sedans That Start Falling Apart After 70000 Miles
2. 2017-2022 Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline distinguishes itself within the midsize truck category, earning accolades for its uniquely car-like ride quality and innovative features. Unlike conventional body-on-frame trucks, the Ridgeline employs unibody construction. This design choice is not merely an engineering curiosity; it fundamentally delivers superior on-road handling and a significantly smoother ride quality compared to its more traditional truck counterparts, factors that directly contribute to a safer and more comfortable driving experience, especially in everyday scenarios.
A key differentiator for the Ridgeline, contributing to its overall practicality and secure operation, are its ingenious in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate—features conspicuously absent on other midsize trucks. The in-bed trunk provides secure, weather-protected storage for valuables, reducing the need to carry items in the cabin where they might become projectiles in an accident. The dual-action tailgate adds versatility for loading and unloading, making tasks safer and more efficient. Its V6 engine, producing a robust 280 horsepower, provides ample power for most buyers, ensuring confident acceleration and merging capabilities.
Crucially, Ridgeline models from these years stand out by offering advanced driver aids that are remarkably rare in many older trucks, particularly within this price segment. These sophisticated systems include adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe following distance from the car ahead, thereby reducing driver fatigue and the risk of rear-end collisions. Another significant safety feature is lane keeping assistance, which actively helps the driver keep the truck centered in its lane, minimizing unintentional lane departures.
While the Ridgeline’s towing capacity, maxing out at 5,000 pounds, is acknowledged as lower than some of its body-on-frame competitors, this fact underscores its design philosophy. It is an ideal choice for buyers who prioritize an exceptional blend of comfort, practicality, and fuel efficiency over maximum towing or extreme off-road talents. Its inherent design, combined with these advanced safety technologies and Honda’s reputation for quality, makes it a uniquely secure and user-friendly option for families and individuals alike who predominantly use their truck for daily driving and lighter hauling duties.
Car Model Information: 2024 Honda Ridgeline Sport
Name: Honda Ridgeline
Manufacturer: Honda
Caption: 2022 Honda Ridgeline
Production: 2005–early 2015,2016–present
ModelYears: 2006–2014,2017–present
Assembly: Alliston, Ontario
Class: Pickup truck#Mid-size pickup truck
BodyStyle: 4-door pickup truck
Layout: ubl
Categories: 2010s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Articles with short description, CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list
Summary: The Honda Ridgeline is a mid-size pickup truck manufactured and marketed by Honda since the 2006 model year, over two generations in a unibody, crew–cab, short-box configuration with a transverse-mounted engine.
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Brand: Honda Model: Ridgeline
Price: $32,943 Mileage: 22,031 mi.
Read more about: Smart Buys for 2025: 12 Rock-Solid Used Cars That Deliver Value and Reliability (Before Prices Climb)
3. 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma has cultivated a formidable reputation and a loyal following, largely thanks to its legendary reliability and commendable off-road prowess. For those seeking a used truck under $25,000, these third-generation Tacomas present an appealing package, renowned for their long-term durability and a suite of features that contribute significantly to occupant safety and ease of use. The availability of either a 2.7-liter four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V6 engine allows buyers to choose a powertrain that best suits their needs, though the V6 is often preferred for its more robust performance.
Built with enduring quality in mind, the Tacoma benefits from a robust V6 engine and standard features such as a composite bed. This innovative bed material actively resists dents and rust, ensuring the truck remains functional and visually sound over years of hard work, thereby contributing to its overall structural integrity and longevity. Such design choices highlight Toyota’s commitment to building vehicles that are not only capable but also maintain their condition, which is a key aspect of retaining value and ensuring consistent performance over time.
For enhanced safety and driver confidence, especially in urban environments and during maneuvering, upper trims of these Tacomas came equipped with useful driver assist features. These include blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, a crucial aid for detecting vehicles in blind spots and alerting the driver to traffic when backing up. Additionally, rear parking sensors provide audible warnings of obstacles behind the truck, making tight parking situations safer and helping to prevent costly low-speed collisions.
Moreover, a significant advantage of opting for these specific Toyota Tacomas is the presence of numerous standard safety features. The context explicitly states that “Toyota also offers lots of standard safety features that are largely absent from older competitors.” While not all individual features are detailed, this broad statement from Edmunds underscores Toyota’s commitment to equipping even its older models with a foundational level of active and passive safety technologies, setting them apart in the used truck market segment for discerning buyers.
Car Model Information: 2019 Toyota Tacoma SR5
Name: Toyota Tacoma
Caption: 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road
Manufacturer: Toyota
Production: January 1995 – present
ModelYears: 1995–present
Class: unbulleted list
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
Predecessor: Toyota Hilux (N80)
Categories: 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles written in American English
Summary: The Toyota Tacoma is a pickup truck manufactured by Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota since 1995. The first-generation Tacoma (model years 1995 through 2004) was classified as a compact pickup; subsequent models are classified as mid-sized pickups. The Tacoma was Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year for 2005.
As of 2015, the Tacoma was sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Bermuda, and the French overseas collectivity of New Caledonia. Most markets across the world receive the Toyota Hilux in lieu of the Tacoma.
The name “Tacoma” was derived from the Coast Salish peoples’ name for Mount Rainier in the U.S. state of Washington.
Get more information about: Toyota Tacoma
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Brand: Toyota Model: Tacoma
Price: $26,999 Mileage: 87,049 mi.
Read more about: 8 Pickup Trucks That Excelled in Rollover Tests: A Deep Dive into Vehicle Safety
4. 2022-2023 Ford Maverick
The Ford Maverick, which debuted for the 2022 model year, truly revolutionized the truck world, standing out as arguably the most affordable Detroit pickup in over a decade. While it may not boast the imposing size of a full-size truck, its appeal lies in its extraordinary overall value and the innovative design choices that surprisingly enhance its safety and practicality. Importantly, its starting price of less than $27,000 in hybrid form means that early used examples are now becoming available within our $25,000 budget, offering a modern, safe option.
One of the Maverick’s distinguishing characteristics, directly influencing its safety profile, stems from its crossover-based construction. Sharing much of its underpinnings with the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport, the Maverick delivers exceptional handling dynamics, which are quite unlike traditional body-on-frame pickups. It is described as a “very good handler by pickup truck standards, with dynamics not unlike the Escape,” implying a more car-like and predictable response to driver input, which can be a significant safety advantage, especially in emergency maneuvers or adverse conditions.
Despite its compact exterior, the Maverick cleverly maximizes its interior space. Notably, it “actually has more back seat space than many larger crew cab midsize pickup trucks.” This generous rear cabin area is a substantial benefit for families, ensuring that passengers, including teenagers, can ride comfortably and, implicitly, more safely, without feeling cramped. Adequate space reduces occupant fatigue on longer journeys and can contribute to better protection in the event of an impact by allowing proper seating positions.
The Maverick’s standard 191-horsepower hybrid drivetrain is not only exceptionally frugal, boasting the best fuel economy of any pickup truck on the market, but its efficiency also has indirect safety benefits by reducing the frequency of fuel stops. For those desiring more power, a robust 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 250 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, is available across all trim levels. This flexibility in powertrain choices ensures buyers can select a vehicle that performs optimally for their specific driving needs, enhancing confidence on the road.
Read more about: Ford’s Hybrid Fire Risk: An In-Depth Consumer Report on Escape, Corsair, and Maverick Recalls
5. 2015-2022 Chevrolet Colorado / GMC Canyon
These second-generation midsize trucks, available as the Chevrolet Colorado or its upscale twin, the GMC Canyon, truly revived a segment of the market when they debuted as 2015 models. They quickly gained a reputation as highly utilitarian options that expertly balance capability with everyday usability. Buyers benefit from a range of strong engine choices that cater to various needs, making these trucks a versatile and attractive option for those on a budget.
Under the hood, most commonly found are two capable gas engines: a 200-horsepower four-cylinder and a more robust 300-plus horsepower V6. For those prioritizing efficiency and impressive hauling, Chevrolet also introduced a fuel-efficient diesel engine starting in 2016. This diesel variant is particularly noteworthy, boasting an impressive towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds, a significant figure for a midsize truck in this price range. Such flexibility in powertrain ensures there’s a Colorado or Canyon to match diverse work and lifestyle demands.
Beyond their powertrains, these trucks offer practical configurations, including extended- and crew-cab options complemented by multiple bed lengths. This versatility allows buyers to select a setup that best suits their cargo and passenger requirements. For adventure seekers, the Z71 off-road trim provides enhanced capability with more ground clearance, a very capable suspension system, and unique dampers, making it adept at tackling tougher terrains while maintaining driver confidence.
Inside, the Colorado and Canyon offer a user-friendly experience, particularly models from 2016 onward, which feature an intuitive infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. This connectivity keeps drivers connected and entertained, adding a modern touch to these used vehicles. Edmunds notes these models are “refined drivers as full-frame pickups go, and they have more interior space than the Toyota Tacoma or Ford Ranger,” offering a comfortable ride despite their truck capabilities.
While generally excellent choices, it’s worth noting that the very base models equipped with the gas-powered four-cylinder engine might feel underpowered for some, especially if significant hauling or towing is on the agenda. However, for those seeking a “tough, simple, and comfy” truck that is “even fairly capable off-road with 4WD,” these Chevrolets and GMCs present a compelling package. With pricing typically ranging from $18,000 to $25,000, finding a well-equipped, low-mileage example within budget is certainly achievable for astute shoppers.
Car Model Information: 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss
Name: Chevrolet Colorado
Caption: 2024 Chevrolet Colorado Z71
Manufacturer: General Motors
Production: 2003–2012, 2014–present (US),2004–2020
(Thailand),2011–present (Brazil)
Class: Pickup truck,Pickup truck
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
Predecessor: Chevrolet S-10,Chevrolet D-Max,Holden Rodeo,Holden Ute
Aka: GMC Canyon,Holden Colorado
Categories: 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All articles with dead external links, Articles with dead external links from November 2016
Summary: The Chevrolet Colorado (sharing mechanical commonality with the GMC Canyon) is a series of compact pickup trucks (mid-size since second generation) marketed by American automaker General Motors. They were introduced in 2004 to replace the Chevrolet S-10 and GMC S-15/Sonoma compact pickups. The Colorado is named after the U.S. state of Colorado, while the Canyon took its name from the deep chasm between cliffs.
Get more information about: Chevrolet Colorado
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Brand: Chevrolet Model: Colorado
Price: $37,858 Mileage: 22,179 mi.
Read more about: The Unyielding Workhorses: 13 Legendary Pickup Trucks and Engines Engineered to Conquer Half a Million Miles (and Beyond) with Proper Care
6. 2014-2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 / GMC Sierra 1500
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500, alongside its more premium sibling, the GMC Sierra 1500, has long stood as a pillar in the competitive full-size truck market. These generations, encompassing the third-generation models from 2014 to 2018 and extending into the early years of the fourth generation from 2019 to 2020 for the purposes of our sub-$25,000 budget, provide a robust and highly capable option for buyers. Despite some differences in exterior styling and interior aesthetics, “under the skin, these trucks are two peas in a pod,” sharing fundamental engines, chassis, and basic systems that ensure consistent performance and reliability.
A key strength of these Silverado and Sierra models is their impressive array of engine choices, designed to deliver formidable towing and hauling capabilities. The lineup includes a dependable 4.3-liter V6 producing 285 horsepower, predominantly found in work truck trims, alongside the more common and powerful 5.3-liter V8 (355 horsepower) and a potent 6.2-liter V8 (420 horsepower). These V8 engines can be paired with either a six-speed or, depending on the year, an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowing these trucks to achieve maximum towing capacities of up to 12,500 pounds in certain configurations.
Comfort and practicality are not overlooked in these full-size contenders. The Silverado, in particular, is noted for being “surprisingly comfortable,” with higher trim levels offering appealing premium touches such as luxurious leather seats and advanced infotainment systems. For enhanced connectivity, models from 2016 onward often feature an 8-inch touchscreen display, complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, integrating seamlessly with modern smartphone needs. These amenities make for a more enjoyable driving experience, whether for long hauls or daily commutes.
While the 2014 to 2018 models are praised for being “stylish, roomy, and well-made,” it is acknowledged that their engines, though robust, are “pretty old-school,” which can translate to comparatively “worse fuel mileage than equivalent Ford and Ram models.” Additionally, they “can’t tow or carry quite as much as similar F-150s,” though “they offer lots of utility, and only the most extreme uses cases really matter.” This emphasizes that for most buyers, their capabilities are more than sufficient.
For the later models, specifically those from the 2019 redesign entering the used market, consumers might encounter the newer 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine which replaced the older 4.3-liter V6 and offers surprising capability for a big truck. While the highly fuel-efficient 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six from this generation will likely be rare within our $25,000 price cap, the four-cylinder is “widely available.” Recommended trims like the Chevrolet LT and LTZ, or GMC SLE, SLT, and the off-road AT4, offer an excellent blend of features and value, making these full-size stalwarts a solid investment for buyers seeking reliability and power. Pricing for these dependable trucks generally falls within an accessible range of $15,000 to $25,000.
Car Model Information: 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0T SE
Name: Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra
Caption: 2022 Silverado 2500HD High Country
Manufacturer: General Motors
Aka: unbulleted list
Production: 1998–present
Assembly: unbulleted list
Class: unbulleted list
BodyStyle: unbulleted list
Layout: unbulleted list
Predecessor: unbulleted list
Categories: 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles written in American English
Summary: The Chevrolet Silverado is a range of trucks manufactured by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand. Introduced for the 1999 model year, the Silverado is the successor to the long-running Chevrolet C/K model line. Taking its name from the top trim level from the Chevrolet C/K series, the Silverado is offered as a series of full-size pickup trucks, chassis cab trucks, and medium-duty trucks. The fourth generation of the model line was introduced for the 2019 model year.
The Chevrolet Silverado shares mechanical commonality with the identically related GMC Sierra; GMC ended the use of the C/K nomenclature a model generation prior to Chevrolet. In Mexico, high-trim level versions of the Silverado use the Chevrolet Cheyenne name (not to be confused with the 2003 concept). Competing against the Ford F-Series, Ram pickup, Toyota Tundra, and Nissan Titan, the Silverado is among the best-selling vehicles in the United States, having sold over 12 million trucks since its introduction in 1998 as a 1999 model year.
Get more information about: Chevrolet Silverado
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Brand: Chevrolet Model: Silverado 1500
Price: $19,595 Mileage: 63,937 mi.
Read more about: 8 Pickup Trucks That Excelled in Rollover Tests: A Deep Dive into Vehicle Safety
7. 2009-2018 Ram 1500 and 2019-2021 Ram 1500 Classic
The Ram 1500, including the models still bearing the Dodge Ram name before 2011 and its continuation as the Ram 1500 Classic, represents a compelling choice for used truck buyers due to its innovative engineering and wide availability within our budget. This generation, despite its debut during a challenging economic period, quickly distinguished itself, proving to be a “very good truck in lots of ways.” Its enduring popularity even led Stellantis to continue producing lower-end versions of it alongside the redesigned 2019 model, a testament to its value and appeal.
A standout innovation of this Ram 1500 was its pioneering coil-spring rear suspension, a significant departure from the traditional leaf springs found on many competitors, including Fords and Chevys. This engineering choice directly translated into a “much smoother ride when unladen and better handling than its opponents without really sacrificing towing power.” While it may have a slightly lower payload capacity than some equivalent F-150s, the difference is minimal and often negligible for most users, further cementing its reputation for comfortable yet capable performance.
Initially, buyers could choose from a lineup of familiar powerplants until 2013, including a 215-horsepower 3.7-liter V6, a 315-horsepower 4.7-liter V8, or the robust 390-horsepower 5.7-liter “Hemi” V8. Ram consistently upgraded the truck, introducing a frugal EcoDiesel V6 after 2013, which delivered 240 horsepower and a brawny 420 lb-ft of torque – the highest of any Ram 1500 motor at the time – offering exceptional efficiency. The 305-horsepower 3.6-liter “Pentastar” V6 also became available as the base engine, providing a balance of power and modern refinement.
Beyond its mechanical prowess, the Ram 1500 distinguished itself with an “upscale cabin and increasingly sophisticated infotainment systems,” especially in higher trims, which lent “an air of luxury” to the driving experience. The automaker also offered a variety of “cool sport trucks” during this era. This generation provided a full array of cab and bed combinations, including single cab configurations with 6- or 8-foot beds, though the stretched “Mega cab” was reserved for Heavy Duty 2500 and 3500 models. This breadth of choice ensures that buyers can find a configuration perfectly tailored to their needs.
The decision by Stellantis to continue manufacturing this popular predecessor as the “Ram 1500 Classic” even after the 2019 redesign means that used models from 2019 to 2021 are now becoming accessible within the sub-$25,000 price point. While many of these are robust work trucks, the availability of stylish variants like the “Warlock” model, which draws inspiration from the newer Ram 1500 Rebel, offers a blend of utility and aesthetic appeal. This makes the Ram 1500 and its Classic variant an incredibly attractive proposition for those seeking a durable, comfortable, and versatile full-size truck within a constrained budget.
Car Model Information: 2018 RAM 1500 Express
Name: Dodge Ram / Ram pickup
Caption: 2017 Ram 1500 Express
Manufacturer: Dodge
ModelYears: 1981–present
Production: October 1980 – present
Class: Pickup truck#Full-size pickup truck,Pickup truck#Heavy-duty pickup truck
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout,rear-wheel drive
Predecessor: Dodge D series
Categories: 1990s cars, 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles
Summary: The Ram pickup (marketed as the Dodge Ram until 2010 when Ram Trucks was spun-off from Dodge) is a full-size pickup truck manufactured by Stellantis North America (formerly Chrysler Group LLC and FCA US LLC) and marketed from 2010 onwards under the Ram Trucks brand. The current fifth-generation Ram debuted at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, in January of that year.
Previously, Ram was part of the Dodge line of light trucks. The Ram name was introduced in October 1980 for model year 1981, when the Dodge D series pickup trucks and B series vans were rebranded, though the company had used a ram’s-head hood ornament on some trucks as early as 1933.
Ram trucks have been named Motor Trend magazine’s Truck of the Year eight times; the second-generation Ram won the award in 1994, the third-generation Ram heavy-duty won the award in 2003, the fourth-generation Ram Heavy Duty won in 2010 and the fourth-generation Ram 1500 won in 2013 and 2014, and the current fifth-generation Ram pickup became the first truck in history to win the award four times, winning in 2019, 2020, 2021 and most recently, 2025.
Get more information about: Ram pickup
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Brand: Ram Model: 1500
Price: $17,899 Mileage: 114,229 mi.
Read more about: Are Tonneau Covers Truly Waterproof? Everything Truck Owners Need to Know Before Buying for Ultimate Cargo Protection
8. 2019-2023 Ford Ranger
After a notable hiatus, Ford reintroduced its iconic midsize pickup to the American market in 2019, giving us the 2019-2023 Ford Ranger. This generation, based on an international design, quickly established itself as a “very good midsize truck” despite its foundational age and a somewhat basic interior compared to newer rivals. For budget-conscious buyers seeking a capable and traditional truck experience, the Ranger presents a highly credible and robust option within the used market.
A significant characteristic of this Ranger generation is its singular, yet highly effective, drivetrain. Unlike many competitors that offer a range of engine options, the Ranger comes exclusively with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, seamlessly paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain generates a respectable 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, numbers that on paper might not seem overwhelming but in practice prove “enough to evenly match this truck with V6 versions of the Colorado, the Nissan Frontier, and the previous-generation Toyota Tacoma.”
This efficient and powerful engine configuration not only provides strong acceleration but also contributes to impressive utility. When properly equipped, the Ranger boasts a commendable 7,500-pound maximum tow rating and can handle an 1,860-pound maximum payload, making it a serious contender for both work and recreational hauling. Furthermore, it achieves “very good gas mileage for such a vehicle,” an important consideration for many consumers in today’s driving landscape.
While the interior of this generation Ranger is described as feeling “old and basic,” and its styling as “bland,” these aspects often take a backseat for buyers prioritizing rugged functionality and affordability. The crew cab’s back seat, though “not huge,” provides adequate space for most uses. What truly sets the Ranger apart is its straightforward, traditional truck character. For those looking to venture off the beaten path, Ford offered more extreme off-road trims, such as the Tremor, which was added in 2021, enhancing its adventurous spirit.
The consistency in capabilities across all Ranger trims means that even its most basic versions serve as “a very good work truck, much better than the stripped versions of the Colorado or Tacoma.” This makes it an ideal choice for buyers who need a reliable, capable, and uncomplicated pickup without the frills of higher-end models. As a practical, no-nonsense midsize truck with solid performance, the 2019-2023 Ford Ranger offers exceptional value, embodying durability and utility for under $25,000.
Car Model Information: 2022 Ford Ranger XLT
Categories: All set index articles, Articles with short description, Cars introduced in 1982, Commons category link from Wikidata, Ford vehicles
Summary: The Ford Ranger is a compact or mid-size pickup marketed globally by Ford over a series of generations, varying between both in-house or outside development and manufacturing — and with a hiatus in North America from 2011–2018.
Debuting as a compact pickup in North America in 1982 for the 1983 model year, the Ranger was later introduced in some South American countries. From 1998 to 2011, the Ranger nameplate was used for models developed by Mazda for sale outside the North American market. In 2011, Ford introduced the first Ranger based on the T6 platform. Considered a mid-size pickup truck, the model was developed in-house by Ford Australia. In that same year, the North American-market Ranger was discontinued, leaving the T6 platform-based Ranger as the sole Ranger model worldwide.
For the 2019 model year, the Ranger was reintroduced in North America using the globally-marketed T6 model. It is manufactured at the Michigan Assembly Plant at Wayne, Michigan. The Ranger is smaller than the F-150 and larger than the Maverick in the Ford North American pickup truck range, while for markets outside the Americas it is typically the only Ford pickup offered for sale.
The second generation of the T6-based Ranger was released in 2021 for worldwide markets, using a revised T6 platform.
Get more information about: Ford Ranger
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Brand: Ford Model: Ranger
Price: $27,689 Mileage: 53,000 mi.
Read more about: Global Ford Recall Alert: Essential Guide to Rearview Camera Failures Impacting Millions of Mustang, F-150, and Super Duty Models
As our comprehensive journey through the used truck market under $25,000 concludes, it’s clear that the landscape is rich with excellent opportunities for savvy consumers. Whether your needs lean towards the robust capabilities of a full-size workhorse, the versatile comfort of a midsize family hauler, or the fuel-efficient practicality of a compact urban pickup, a well-researched decision can yield years of reliable service and satisfaction. The key lies in understanding your priorities, leveraging objective data, and confidently navigating the options. With these insights from Edmunds, you are now equipped to make an informed choice, proving that dependable and safe truck ownership doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Happy hunting for your next great ride!
