The cheapest truck of 2025 may be small but delivers big on gas mileage. The Ford model starts under 29K
The cheapest truck of 2025 is a hybrid from Ford. Is it worth getting?
- Ford's smallest pickup truck model is the most affordable truck in 2025.
- This Ford truck is a small standard hybrid with high gas mileage.
- The Maverick excels in areas where other trucks fall short, but has its own drawbacks.
Finding an affordable pickup truck in 2025 can be a challenge. When it comes to affordability, one small pickup truck stands out from the pack.
The Blue Oval produces some of the best-selling pickup trucks on American roads including models like the Ford F-150 and Ford Ranger. Its most affordable pickup truck is its newest model. This truck also happens to be a standard hybrid.
Why the Ford Maverick is the cheapest truck money can buy in 2025
Ford's Maverick pickup truck is the Blue Oval's smallest truck. The Maverick is just 199.8 inches long and 83.5 inches wide (with mirrors). For context, the midsize Ford Ranger is 210.6 inches long and 86.7 inches wide (with mirrors). So, the Maverick is significantly smaller than Ford's midsize pickup truck offering.
The small truck comes in four trims: XL, XLT ($30,645), Lobo ($35,930), and the Lariat ($38,440) final trim. Ford's base model 2025 Ford Maverick XL starts at just $28,145 when equipped with its standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain setup and front-wheel drive. Opting for its more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine tacks on just $125, as the gas version can only be configured as an all-wheel drive model.
Cheapest pickup trucks for 2025
Excluding taxes, destination charges, and additional fee, these are the cheapest trucks for 2025:
- 2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid XL ($28,145)
- 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE ($29,500)
- 2025 Toyota Tacoma ($31,590)
- 2025 Chevrolet Colorado WT ($31,900)
- 2025 Nissan Frontier S ($32,050)
Ford's most affordable truck achieves 42 mpg in the city
Aside from being the most affordable pickup truck in Ford's portfolio, it's also the most efficient truck thanks to its innovative standard hybrid powertrain. The Maverick achieves a whopping 42 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway, according to Fueleconomy.Gov. It's able to travel 524 miles on a single tank of gas.
The Maverick is the most fuel-efficient pickup truck on the market by leaps and bounds due to its small size and hybrid powertrain. It moves away from typical truck characteristics, prioritizing fuel economy and customization over power output and towing capacity.
Should you consider a Ford Maverick pickup truck?
The Ford Maverick has a distinct design language. It's a truck that thrives in city environments because of its size and fuel economy. The Maverick is an affordable daily driver for folks who want an efficient vehicle that features the utility of a truck bed.
On the other hand, if power and capability are what you're after, the Maverick may not be the best option. Drivers can add a 4,000-pound towing package to all-wheel drive Maverick models, but the small truck isn't as powerful as larger midsize pickup trucks. Additionally, its truck bed (54.4 inches long) may be too small for some drivers.
The Maverick is ideal for drivers who want a truck they can commute in, that don't need the power or capability of a work truck like the F-150. Ford's base model is barebones, but the American automaker offers plenty of accessories and package options for car buyers.