Best Used Trucks on a $20,000 Budget (2024)

Prices for new pickup trucks seem to climb higher every year. Fortunately, the used market still offers some great deals on pickup trucks for those not looking to take out a second mortgage. Whether you’re looking for a full-size truck with big-time capability, something a bit smaller for off-road use, or perhaps something else entirely, there’s likely to be a truck for you on this list.

Here are 10 of the best used trucks you’ll find on a $20,000 budget.

1. 2019 Chevrolet Colorado

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado can tow up to 7,700 pounds in the right configuration, making it just as capable as some full-size SUVs despite its more efficient drivetrains and smaller overall size. The Colorado fits our $20,000 budget as a nearly new 2019 Colorado LT and is available in a wide range of trims and specs. This trim level has features like an 8-inch touchscreen, rear park assist, and more. See 2019 Chevrolet Colorado models for sale

2. 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

If a full-size pickup is a must, the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado is a great option, with a range of cab and bed configurations to choose from. One configuration that fits our $20,000 budget is the Silverado 1500 LS with its 285-horsepower V6 and rear-wheel drive (RWD). The 355-hp V8 and 4-wheel drive (4WD) are also available if you go a year older. See 2015 Chevrolet Silverado models for sale

3. 2013 Ford F-150

4. 2016 GMC Canyon

A near-twin to the Colorado, the 2016 GMC Canyon on our list is a touch older than its corporate relative, thanks to its higher specification. If you’d like a newer Canyon, move down the trim line. However, the 2016 Canyon with the extended cab and the midrange SLE trim offers great value and features like an 8-inch touchscreen, a locking tailgate, cruise control, keyless entry, and more. See 2016 GMC Canyon models for sale

5. 2014 Honda Ridgeline

If you need a pickup but you’d rather drive an SUV, the 2014 Honda Ridgeline splits the difference in fantastic fashion. More refined, comfortable, and maneuverable than a typical full-size truck, the midsize Ridgeline can still tow up to 4,500 pounds, comes with standard 4WD, and is a beloved favorite of owners everywhere. Look for the base Ridgeline RT or step up to the Ridgeline Sport for our money. See 2014 Honda Ridgeline models for sale

6. 2015 Nissan Frontier

Rugged and capable yet affordable and compact, the 2015 Nissan Frontier is a great argument in favor of midsize pickups. Able to tow up to 6,500 pounds, the Frontier is capable of most work you’ll throw at it. Come the weekend, it’s a tremendous trail-thrashing choice, too. Look for the nicely equipped Frontier SL with the crew cab, or for a more off-road-themed build, check out the 2014 Frontier Pro-4X. See 2015 Nissan Frontier models for sale

7. 2015 Nissan Titan

If you want a full-size pickup but not one of the usual suspects, the 2015 Nissan Titan might be for you. Also available in off-road-biased Pro-4X form within our budget, the Titan spans a wide range of configurations and trims, so consider the more upscale SL if that’s what you’d prefer. Either way, you’ll get a 317-hp V8 engine, the ability to tow up to 8,500 pounds, and an available 4WD. See 2015 Nissan Titan models for sale

8. 2014 Ram 1500

Like the Silverado, F-150, Titan, and Tundra, the 2014 Ram 1500 is a full-size truck, and that means it’s capable of serious work — up to 6,800 pounds in the Crew Cab SLT with the V8 and 4WD configuration that hits our budget’s sweet spot. Those looking for more luxury can also find the Ram 1500 Big Horn or Lone Star trims within our budget, though you may have to give up 4WD to keep it affordable. See 2014 Ram 1500 models for sale

9. 2012 Toyota Tacoma

The 2012 Toyota Tacoma is stylish, capable, and can be configured to suit a wide range of needs and wants. With 4- and 6-cylinder engines, three cab styles, four available transmissions, RWD or 4WD, and a wide range of trims, you can find all kinds of Tacoma configurations within our budget. The Tacoma DoubleCab PreRunner is a good choice, with off-road upgrades paired with RWD for a high-speed desert-style treatment. See 2012 Toyota Tacoma models for sale

10. 2016 Toyota Tundra

Last on our list but certainly not least, the 2016 Toyota Tundra is the Toyota of full-size pickups, meaning it’s capable and rugged but also built for ease of use and reliability. Like most trucks, the Tundra is available in a range of cabs, beds, and trims. For our money, the base Tundra SR is a good fit, with the 4.6-liter V8, fabric seats, and RWD, though 4WD models are also available within our budget if you shop around. See 2016 Toyota Tundra models for sale

10 Best Used Trucks on a $20,000 Budget

2019 Chevrolet Colorado
2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2013 Ford F-150
2016 GMC Canyon
2014 Honda Ridgeline
2015 Nissan Frontier
2015 Nissan Titan
2014 Ram 1500
2012 Toyota Tacoma
2016 Toyota Tundra