We've driven our fair share of super-fancy, luxuriously-appointed pickup trucks that rival premium sedans in just about every aspect. Nappa leather, real open pore wood, huge amounts of rear legroom, high-tech suspension, etc. And it's obvious buyers are snatching up pickup trucks more than ever before. But sometimes your needs are actually just driven by necessity and not desire, and you don't have deep pockets to plunk down $70K for a truck.
But these days you can get a great 4x4 pickup truck with just the basics so you can get the job done. Here are the three most affordable pickup trucks with 4x4 configuration, and they'll have you ready to take on whatever task is required without fanfare.
2019 Nissan Frontier King Cab SV 4x4 ($28,610)
The Frontier might be as old as the day is long (the model has been unchanged for over a decade), it still sells in huge numbers thanks to its reliability and affordability. Shockingly, it still looks pretty good for what's essentially the Methuselah of pickup truck models.
But in 4x4 SV trim, it actually comes with quite a bit including a potent 261-horsepower V6 engine, hill descent control and hill start assist, Bluetooth, second row under seat storage, a tire pressure monitor, a 2-speed transfer case, remote keyless entry, cruise control, a rearview camera, and power windows. In this trim, it can also tow 6,510 pounds, which is more than enough for heavy daily duties.
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2019 Ford Ranger XL SuperCab 4x4 ($28,460)
There's a new player in the pickup truck game, and it's got a legendary heritage. The Ranger is long-awaited, and it's got the good stuff. First of all, there are numerous trim levels from basic all the way to premium luxury, but the base trim XL is just about all you need to get the job done. With the Supercab and long bed with 4x4 configuration, there's a lot to love even if you don't add options packages.
The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine provides 270 horsepower, and there are features such as Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, a rearview camera, an SOS Post-Crash Alert System, tire pressure monitoring, and the convenient FordPass Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Add the towing package, and you can pull up to 7,500 pounds.
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2019 Chevrolet Colorado WT Extended Cab ($27,970)
The most affordable bare-bones 4x4 model in this trio is the Colorado, and it's the middle-aged one that sits between the older Frontier and the new Ranger. The Colorado is a capable mid-sizer that's not just easy to drive but also easy to look at with its big fenders and the masculine maw.
In long box, extended cab trim with the 4x4 setup, there's plenty to love including a 2-speed electric transfer case, an efficient 200 horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with direct injection, 7" color touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, a power driver's seat, a rear camera, and Teen Driver mode, just to name a few. In terms of towing ability, the Colorado boasts a 5,600-lb towing capacity for serious duties all day long.
