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2025 Car Mileage with the Best Gas MileageBest Used Midsize Trucks Under $20,000
Looking for a midsized truck that is practical and within your budget? Here are our top picks for the best used midsized trucks for less than $20,000.
Practical Pickups that Won’t Break the Bank
We live in a world where many full size pickup trucks cost close to $100,000. While a great pickup is certainly worth that much, not all of us need a huge truck for everyday driving or light-duty work. That’s where the midsize trucks come in.
Midsize trucks are perfect for everyday driving or lightweight hauling. Some of them can even do some moderate towing when properly equipped. For many, these trucks are much more realistic and practical compared to some of the more monstrous pickups on the market. Bigger isn’t always better, after all.
They’re also budget-friendly, which is a huge plus! We’ve tracked down 10 of the best midsize trucks under $20k. A couple of choices can be had for under $10k. Just because you want a pickup truck doesn’t mean that you have to drop big bucks.
Let’s take a look at our list!
Ford Ranger
Where would the world be without the Ford Ranger? They are one of the most popular pickups in history and for good reason. They can pack a punch if you find one equipped with a V6 engine, yet they are simple and uncomplicated. You will typically find third generation (2011 and older) models under the $20k limit, and they are plentiful.
Chevy Colorado
The Chevy Colorado replaced the S-10 back in 2005 as Chevy’s midsize truck. They were the perfect competitor to the Ford Ranger as they were simplistic trucks when it came to features. They are available on the used market in abundance, and they are available in a wide range of cab configurations. You can even find some of the current generation models under the $20k mark.
Toyota Tacoma
Toyota is known for making long-lasting trucks that hold their value in the used marketplace. The Tacoma is no different. There are plenty out there with modest mileage that can be snapped up for under $20k. Grab one with a V6 for the best power for your buck!
Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Frontier is a perfect contender for the Toyota Tacoma. Newer generations can be found under the $20k price point and offer some benefits such as modern driver safety features and infotainment. They are a little more advanced than the Ford Ranger or Chevy Colorado, and they make perfect daily drivers.
Dodge Dakota
The styling of the Dodge Dakota is unmatched. When equipped with the V8 Hemi engine they have a towing capacity up to 7,250 lbs. And many versions can be found sub $20k and lower. They make excellent work trucks – especially those found in a Crew Cab configuration.
Honda Ridgeline
For those of you who don’t mind the look of the Honda Ridgeline, they can be of great value. First generation models are abundant. They provide a quiet, car-like ride while giving you a modest bed for light work. They also offer an in-bed trunk and a dual-action tailgate which are not found on any other truck in this class.
GMC Canyon
The GMC Canyon can be compared to the Chevy Colorado but with more premium appointments. They’re versatile enough for work and towing while being uncomplicated. They can be found with a 3.6 V6 engine and 4WD – this is the one to get! If you’re more concerned with gas mileage, you can always opt for the smaller engine and RWD.
Suzuki Equator
The Suzuki Equator wasn’t in production for very long so they may be a little tough to find in your area. Regardless, they are great trucks with a 4.0L V6 engine that generates 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. The Suzuki Equator reminds us of the Nissan Frontier with a different twist on styling. In fact, they are just as capable as a Frontier and great for off-roading when equipped with a 4×4 drivetrain.
Chevy S-10
Here is one that can be found for under $10k! The Chevy S-10 was discontinued way back in 2003, but there are still plenty of them on the market. They are classic trucks that will lack modern safety and technology features. Still, they are capable trucks that can be valuable to those looking for a work truck or a farm truck.
Mitsubishi Raider
You may not have heard of the Mitsubishi Raider, but there are a few of them out there. We honestly can’t think of why there aren’t more Mitsubishi trucks on the road in America because they were definitely a great value. These older production trucks can be found for less than $10,000 if you happen to find one.
Final Thoughts
Bigger isn’t always better. Sometimes all you need is a smaller truck to take care of daily tasks. In today’s world, we are surrounded by trucks that cost as much as a modest house. While all those bells and whistles are nice to have, you must ask yourself: are they really necessary?
It just so happens that, at the time this article was published, I was in the market for a midsized truck. I live on a small-town lot and do not have a ton of hauling that I do daily (I am a professional writer, after all). Still, there are times when I need to haul large items to the dump or pick up things from Lowe’s that just won’t fit into my Jeep Wrangler.
I don’t need the extra size, power, or technology that bigger trucks offer, and I certainly can’t afford to go all out and spend more than I owe on my house to get a vehicle. That is why I am going with a used midsized truck. They’re smart, practical, and affordable – just the way I like them.
