If you’re looking to work hard, play hard, or both, but you have a real-world budget and want the best value for your hard-earned money, you’re in the right place. This list of the best full-size used trucks puts value on an equal footing with capability. That’s not to say that new trucks aren’t great, but your dollar goes further on the used market. Whether you need to tow the boat to the lake, re-do the garden, or load up everyone and the dog and head for the mountains, there’s a pickup on this list that suits your needs.
Here are the best used full-size trucks you’ll find under $20,000.
1. 2015 Toyota Tundra
The 2015 Toyota Tundra might not be from an American brand, but it was designed for Americans and built in America by Americans. It’s large, rugged, and capable (up to 10,500 pounds towing). It also has the bonus of Toyota reliability and easy access to service and maintenance. Look for models anywhere in the 2012-2016 range with the features that suit your needs. See 2015 Toyota Tundra models for sale near you
2. 2016 Ford F-150
The most popular member of America’s best-selling truck line, the Ford F-150 is available in a nearly infinite number of bed, cab, engine, and equipment configurations, so there’s sure to be one out there to suit your needs. The 2012-2016 range spans the end of the 12th-generation F-150 and the beginning of the 13th-generation model, so you may be more likely to find more heavily equipped trucks at the older end of the spectrum while you’ll find newer technology in the younger models. Either way, you’ll be towing up to 12,200 pounds. See 2016 Ford F-150 models for sale near you
3. 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Like the F-150, the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is one of America’s most popular trucks, and also like the Ford, the 2012-2016 model years spans the tail end of the second-generation Silverado and the beginning of the third, with similar considerations for equipment level and technology. If you want to tow more than 7,000 pounds, you’ll want to stick with the third-generation model from the 2014-and-up model years, which can tow up to 9,400 pounds. See 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 models for sale near you
4. 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
A near-twin to the Silverado, the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 shares essentially the same capabilities and features. However, equipment and technology were packaged differently than the Chevy, so you may find a truck configured more closely to your needs with one brand over the other. If you’re looking for heavy hauling or towing, look for models equipped with one of the potent V8 engines. If you need an efficient full-size workhorse, consider the 285-horsepower V6, which gets better mileage around town. See 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 models for sale near you
5. 2018 Ram 1500
The 2018 Ram 1500‘s imposing looks and available diesel V6 power help it stand out from the full-size crowd, even as it delivers essentially the same towing, hauling, and off-roading capacity as the rest. For those who plan to put lots of miles on their truck, mainly if used as an unloaded commuter than pulls a trailer on the weekends, the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 is especially attractive, with a 27-mpg highway rating even when equipped with 4WD. See 2018 Ram 1500 models for sale near you
6. 2017 Nissan Titan
Finally, we have the 2017 Nissan Titan, which like many of the trucks on this list, spans the transition from an older generation to a newer one in our price range, offering a split in ability but also in how much truck our budget can afford. The older 2014-2016 Titans can tow up to 9,500 pounds thanks to their standard 5.6-liter V8. Newer models max out at 9,230 pounds but offer modern niceties such as trailer sway control, available parking assist, and more. See 2017 Nissan Titan models for sale near you
Best Used Full-Size Trucks Under $20,000
- 2015 Toyota Tundra
- 2016 Ford F-150
- 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2018 Ram 1500
- 2017 Nissan Titan
