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Top 5 Used Pickup Truck Deals Under $20k: 2025 Best Buys

If you have $20,000 to spend, the used pickup truck market still offers strong, capable options that can tow, haul, and commute without draining your budget.

Below, we break down the top five used pickup truck deals in the U.S. right now under $20k, comparing real-world value on towing capacity, interior comfort, bed space, horsepower, and the availability of 4WD—then we name a clear winner for overall bang for the buck.

How we picked winners (and what “under $20k” means)

We focused on widely available models you can routinely find near or below $20,000 at franchised dealers, large independents, or online marketplaces. Pricing varies by region, mileage, condition, trim, and accident history, so consider the years and trims below as starting points rather than hard limits.

All towing figures are manufacturer maximums “when properly equipped” (correct axle ratio, tow package, cooling, and hitch). Always verify equipment on the specific truck you’re considering. We also prioritized reliability track records, ownership costs, and how easy it is to find a well-cared-for example.

The 5 best used pickup truck deals under $20k

1) 2014–2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (5.3L V8)

Why it’s a deal: This generation brought a quieter cabin, improved ride, and strong V8 efficiency. The 5.3L V8 is common, capable, and typically easier to find under $20k than Ford’s comparable years with similar equipment.

  • Typical price range (2025): $14,500–$19,900 for LT/LTZ with average miles
  • Towing capacity: Up to ~11,200 lbs when properly equipped
  • Horsepower: 355 hp (5.3L V8)
  • 4WD: Widely available; look for Z71 off-road package if you want better shocks and skid plates
  • Bed space: 5'8", 6'6", or 8' beds; Box rail caps and tie-downs are common, with spray-in liners often included on used examples
  • Interior comfort: One of the quietest cabins in its class for these years; user-friendly controls and good seat comfort on longer drives

Trims/years to target: 2014–2016 LT or LTZ with the 5.3L V8 and trailering package. The 6.2L is great but rare under $20k. The 4.3L V6 is serviceable but limits towing.

Pre-purchase checks: Inspect for AFM (cylinder deactivation) lifter noise on high-mile trucks, frame rust in snowy states, and rear differential service history if used for towing.

2) 2013–2014 Ford F-150 (3.5L EcoBoost or 5.0L V8)

Why it’s a deal: The last years of the 12th-gen F-150 offer stout towing and broad parts availability. You’ll find a truck for nearly any mission under $20k—work trims to nicely equipped XLTs and Lariats with miles.

  • Typical price range (2025): $12,500–$19,500 depending on trim/miles
  • Towing capacity: Up to ~11,300 lbs (EcoBoost) when properly equipped
  • Horsepower: 365 hp (3.5L EcoBoost) or ~360 hp (5.0L V8)
  • 4WD: Common on XLT and above; many have electronic locking rear diff
  • Bed space: 5.5', 6.5', or 8' beds; plentiful tie-down solutions and aftermarket tonneau/cap options
  • Interior comfort: Spacious cabs; SYNC/MyFord Touch can feel dated but is functional; heated leather seats common on Lariat

Trims/years to target: 2013–2014 XLT/Lariat with the Max Tow or Heavy-Duty Payload packages for serious towing. The 5.0L is simpler; the EcoBoost pulls harder.

Pre-purchase checks: For EcoBoost, review maintenance records (plugs, coils, intercooler condensation TSBs). Check for cam phaser/timing noises on high miles and frame rust around leaf spring mounts.

3) 2013–2016 Ram 1500 (5.7L Hemi V8)

Why it’s a deal: Often priced a bit lower than Chevy/Ford equivalents, the Ram 1500 combines a smooth ride (thanks to rear coil springs) with a punchy Hemi and one of the best infotainment systems of the era.

  • Typical price range (2025): $13,500–$19,500 for Big Horn/Lone Star/SLT with average miles
  • Towing capacity: Up to ~10,450 lbs when properly equipped
  • Horsepower: 395 hp (5.7L Hemi V8)
  • 4WD: Widely available; look for 3.92 axle for heavier towing
  • Bed space: 5'7", 6'4", or 8' beds; RamBox storage (if equipped) adds lockable bedside bins without sacrificing much cargo floor
  • Interior comfort: Class-leading ride quality; Uconnect is intuitive with quick responses; good seat support for highway miles

Trims/years to target: 2014–2016 with the 8-speed automatic for better MPG and performance. The 3.0L EcoDiesel can fit under $20k but verify emissions/maintenance history.

Pre-purchase checks: Inspect front suspension components for wear, ensure regular transmission services (especially on 8-speed), and examine bed/bumper alignment for signs of heavy towing.

4) 2016–2019 Nissan Frontier (4.0L V6)

Why it’s a deal: A proven, old-school truck that’s durable, easy to wrench on, and typically thousands less than Tacoma for similar capability. Later-year Frontiers often fall comfortably under $20k with reasonable miles.

  • Typical price range (2025): $11,500–$18,500 for SV/PRO-4X V6
  • Towing capacity: Up to ~6,500 lbs when properly equipped
  • Horsepower: 261 hp (4.0L V6)
  • 4WD: Yes; PRO-4X adds rear locker, Bilstein shocks, skid plates
  • Bed space: 5' or 6.1' beds; Utili-track rails on many trims make securing cargo easy
  • Interior comfort: Functional and simple; smaller cabin than full-size trucks but supportive seats

Trims/years to target: 2017–2019 SV/PRO-4X V6 for newer safety/feature content while staying under budget.

Pre-purchase checks: Look for frame rust on older northern trucks, check for timing chain guide noise on high miles, and verify proper differential fluid changes on 4x4s.

5) 2012–2015 Toyota Tacoma (4.0L V6)

Why it’s a deal: Tacomas hold value, which means you’ll shop older model years to stay under $20k—but you get rock-solid reliability, plentiful aftermarket support, and strong resale if you ever sell.

  • Typical price range (2025): $13,000–$19,900 for Access/Crew Cab V6 depending on miles/condition
  • Towing capacity: Up to ~6,500 lbs when properly equipped
  • Horsepower: 236 hp (4.0L V6)
  • 4WD: Common; TRD Off-Road adds rear locker and off-road tuning
  • Bed space: 5' or 6.1' composite beds resist dents/rust; plenty of bed-rail cleats and accessory support
  • Interior comfort: Durable and straightforward; ride is firmer than full-size trucks but seats are supportive enough for daily duty

Trims/years to target: 2013–2015 V6 TRD Sport/Off-Road for stronger resale and desirable features.

Pre-purchase checks: Check frame recall/rust history on earlier years, inspect for off-road abuse (skid plates, control arms, dented crossmembers), and verify timing belt service if applicable for your year/engine.

Head-to-head: towing, comfort, bed space, horsepower, 4WD

  • Towing capacity: Silverado 1500 and F-150 lead (~11k lbs), Ram close behind (~10.4k), Frontier/Tacoma mid-size tops around ~6.5k.
  • Interior comfort: Ram’s ride quality stands out; Silverado’s cabin quietness impresses; F-150 offers the most seating/cab variety; Frontier/Tacoma are simpler but durable.
  • Bed options: Full-size trucks offer 5.5–8' beds; mid-size trucks offer 5–6.1'. If you need an 8' bed, look to Silverado/F-150/Ram.
  • Horsepower: Ram Hemi (395 hp) tops this group; Silverado 5.3L (355 hp) and F-150 5.0L/EcoBoost (~360–365 hp) follow; Frontier (261 hp) and Tacoma (236 hp) trail but are adequate for mid-size duties.
  • 4WD availability: All five have readily available 4WD configurations, with off-road packages widely found on the used market.

Winner: Ram 1500 (2013–2016) with the 5.7L Hemi

Why it wins overall value for the money: The Ram 1500 consistently transacts for less than equivalent Silverado and F-150 models, yet delivers best-in-class ride comfort, stout Hemi power, and competitive towing. Uconnect is one of the better infotainment systems of the era, and parts/maintenance costs are reasonable. For shoppers targeting used pickup truck deals under $20k, you’re more likely to land a newer, better-equipped Ram Hemi within budget than its direct rivals.

Best for: Drivers who want full-size capability, a comfortable daily ride, and strong towing without stretching the budget. Look for 2014–2016 models with the 8-speed automatic and 3.92 axle if you tow frequently.

Buying tips to land the best deal

  • Verify tow equipment: Don’t assume a hitch equals tow package. Check window stickers or VIN build sheets for upgraded cooling, integrated brake controller, and the right axle ratio.
  • Scan and test: Bring an OBD-II scanner; check for pending codes. Do a long test drive including highway speeds and a steep hill if possible.
  • Service records matter: Regular transmission, differential, and coolant service is vital on trucks that tow. Ask for documentation.
  • Undercarriage inspection: Look for rust on frames, brake lines, and bed supports—especially trucks from snow-belt states.
  • Tires and brakes: A set of truck tires and rotors can consume a chunk of your budget; factor wear items into your offer.
  • Set alerts and move fast: Great-condition, one-owner trucks under $20k go quickly. Set alerts on marketplaces, get pre-approved financing, and be ready to put down a refundable hold deposit after a satisfactory inspection.

Bottom line: If you want maximum capability for the dollar, start with the Ram 1500 Hemi. If quiet cabins and polished manners are your priority, the Silverado 1500 is a close second. For the best sub-$20k mid-size bargains, the Nissan Frontier offers newer model years for less, while the Tacoma trades age and price for ironclad resale.