If you’re in the market for a new pickup truck, there’s a likelihood that you need the unique practicality that only this segment can provide. Whether it’s hauling, towing, or both, you won’t get much better than a truck. On today’s market, no new pickup comes in below $25,000. The Ford Maverick fell under this figure a few years ago, but the price for the compact truck has quickly approached that of the Colorado and Tacoma. As these vehicles are built to last, though, there’s plenty of choice on the used market for a reliable truck that gets the job done and then some.
It’s not uncommon for pickup trucks to hold their value well over time, primarily due to their sturdy construction. Still, all vehicles depreciate somewhat, unlocking what were onc top-spec models for less than half the price of the modern heavy hitters. Alongside offering competitive performance across their respective segments, the following 12 pickup trucks also offer standout reliability while staying below the $25,000 mark.
2015 Ford F-150
Being the best-selling vehicle in the U.S just once is a great achievement, but the F-Series has done it a staggering 49 times in a row.There are a few key factors that help with the truck’s popularity, being as practical as it is capable. It’s also proven to be reliable. New vehicles aren’t too cheap, though, with the latest F-150 starting at $39,330(with a $2,595 destination charge) being the cheapest in the new F-Series range.
If you don’t want to spend more than $25,000 but want to reap the benefits of the F-150’s sturdy reputation, turning to the used market is your best bet. Specifically,all of the 2015 trims can be picked up for below the budget,with the SuperCrew cab selling for between $14,448 and $23,951. The regular cab goes for as low as $10,824. Looking at the specs, the 2015 model had three different engines available: a 2.7-liter V6, a 3.5-liter V6, and the top-spec 5.0-
As the changes over recent years have been minimal, you can get a 2018 model year for around $17,250 in its base guise. The top-spec Black Edition sits at $19,950 on average.
Every trim comes with the same 3.5-liter V6, though, producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. In combination with its performance and practicality, you can also feel reassured with its solid 80/100 score from J.D. Power, and also the heaps of praise that owners of the truck give to its dependability in the long run.
for mid-size trucks that do, in fact, use a customary body-on-frame construction, not many are on par with the Toyota Tacoma for overall practicality. Naturally geared more towards off-roading thanks to the frame’s versatility, the Tacoma will also beat the likes of the Ridgeline when it comes to towing, maxing out at 6,500 pounds in the most reliable model under $25,000. The model year in question is the 2015 tacoma, which currently goes for as low as $13,300 for the access cab and $17,700 for the double cab. To get the 6,500-pound capacity, you’ll need to get one fitted with the 4.0-liter V6 engine.
For models with the base 2.7-liter four-cylinder, the capacity tops out at 3,500 pounds. Luckily, though, both engines for the last second-gen model look to be reliable, getting an 85/100 score from J.D. Power.Owners of the truck share the same sentiment, with an average score of 4.9 out of 5 for reliability,taking 109 reviews into account.
Alongside the Tacoma in the mid-size, body-on-frame lineup is the Chevrolet Colorado. Rivals in a similar sense to the F-150 and the Silverado, the Colorado can’t quiet match the Tacoma’s long-standing popularity, but does a fantastic job of holding its own against the Toyota and beating it in a few key areas. As you might expect, the latest 2026 model is more than $25,000, sitting at $34,495 including destination fees. What makes the Colorado stand out today is similar to what made it stand out 10 years ago.
To keep under $25,000 and ensure high levels of reliability, the 2016 Colorado makes a solid case for itself.The base 2.5-liter inline-four only produces 200 horsepower,but the 3.6-liter V6 ups that to 305 horsepower (more than the Tacoma’s offering at the time). A 2.8-liter diesel engine was also sold if y
302 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque. narrowly edging out the likes of the ’26 Silverado for base power, you could also choose a 326-horsepower V8 or the top-spec 6.2-liter V8 producing 403 horsepower. Towing capacity tops out at 10,600 pounds with the 6.2-liter when equipped with the optional trailering package. The regular cab is the cheapest way into the 2015 Sierra, with KBB reporting an average price of just $7,200 on the low end. The extended cab starts at around $9,675, with the crew cab going for between $10,650 and $18,250.
with 13 years on the market, the 2013 model continues to receive praise for its reliability, scoring very strongly with J.D. Power at 86/100. RepairPal also ranks the truck third out of 17 full-size trucks, with the 2013 model costing an average of $693 for maintenance.
Toyota keeps its pickup truck lineup small in the U.S., with only the full-size Tundra alongside the Tacoma. Being a full-size truck, every version of the latest Tundra sits above $40,000 to keep in touch with the likes of the F-150 and Silverado. The state of the tundra today is similar to that of 10 years ago, which is where the sweet spot of reliability and value for money sits at the moment.
More specifically, the 2015 Toyota Tundra goes for as low as $17,400 for the double cab on average and $23,000 for the crew max, but higher trim levels like the Limited can
Looking for a capable and affordable used truck? Several full-size options can be found for under $25,000 as of January 18, 2026. These trucks offer a blend of power, reliability, and features, making them suitable for work and everyday use.
The 2026 Ford super Duty starts at $45,270, including destination fees, but older models represent significant savings. A 2016 F-250 with a regular cab can be found for around $14,875, while super cab models average $22,850, according to Kelley Blue Book.Crew cab versions typically exceed $25,000. Even a decade-old Super Duty remains a workhorse.
The 2016 F-250 comes standard with a 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 385 horsepower. Upgrading to the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel boosts output to 440 horsepower and 860 pound-feet of torque, enabling a maximum towing capacity of 16,600 pounds. J.D. Power rates the truck’s reliability at 81/100, with owners consistently reporting it lives up to Ford’s promises.
The Ram 1500 is another popular choice.Ram has successfully positioned itself as a competitor focused on comfort and luxury alongside performance.Current market prices suggest you can find a newer Ram 1500 for under $25,000 compared to other full-size light-duty trucks.
