Average vehicle price exceeds $50,000
According to Kelley Blue Book, the price of a new car now averages $50,080, marking the first time the average new vehicle cost has exceeded $50,000. While new EVs partially fueled the rise in prices as consumers rushed to take advantage of the $7,500 tax credit before it expired, there’s no denying that vehicles have become more expensive across the board. Trucks in particular are on the more expensive side of the industry, but you can still get a brand new pickup for as little as $28,145.
Ford
The 2025 Ford Maverick comes with hybrid power
Don’t be fooled by its price tag. The Ford Maverick XL comes with all the basics you’d expect of a small truck, like 17-inch wheels and LED headlights, plus a little more. A flexible bed with a multi-position tailgate and configurable cargo bed slots makes the Maverick a utility-driven pickup on a budget. Inside, a storage bin under the rear seat continues to add to the model’s functional design.
Ford
Under the hood lies a hybrid powertrain made up of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine aided by an electric motor. A CVT then transmits 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. When properly equipped, the Maverick can tow up to 2,000 lbs. If you’re willing to shell out another $745, the 4K tow package increases towing capacity to 4,000 lbs.
With front-wheel drive, the 2025 Ford Maverick earns up to 42 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. You can opt for an all-wheel drivetrain, but it’ll cost you another $2,220 and reduce fuel economy by one mile per gallon in combined city/highway driving.
Ford
While it’s priced under $30,000, the Ford Maverick XL comes equipped with tech you’d expect to find in a more expensive truck. A rather large 13.2-inch touchscreen display is home to Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility make personalizing the truck a bit easier. A six-speaker audio system comes standard as well.
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a close second
The Ford Maverick isn’t the only truck that starts at under $30,000. The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE starts at $28,750, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility on board. The small truck rides on 18-inch wheels, and other standard equipment includes LED lighting and a lockable under-bed storage compartment.
Under the hood sits a 191-horsepower engine, performance that’s comparable to the Maverick’s hybrid powertrain. While the Maverick features a CVT, the Santa Cruz includes an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Korean pickup can’t match the Maverick’s fuel economy, though, with the 2025 model earning up to 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Opting for all-wheel drive will cost you an additional $1,500. At the base level, the Hyundai Santa Cruz can tow up to 3,500 lbs. when properly equipped.
With the 2026 model year right around the corner, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is set to get a tad more expensive, starting at $29,500. Per Ford, the 2026 Maverick is set to remain the most affordable truck on the market. It will continue to start at $28,145 and offer best-in-class fuel economy.
Final thoughts
Finding a new truck for under $30,000 limits your options, but it doesn’t make it impossible. The base 2025 Ford Maverick comes equipped with a fairly substantial set of standard equipment. Its hybrid powertrain offers exceptional fuel economy, and the Maverick can still tow up to 4,000 lbs. with the 4K towing package. Not only that, but there’s no need to rush into a new truck, since the Ford Maverick is set to hold its ground as the most affordable new pickup going into the 2026 model year.
About the author
Joseph Pudlewski
Contributing Writer, Autoblog