Back to GuidesIf you have been looking to purchase a used truck lately, you may have noticed the severe increase in pricing in all used vehicles across the board. While dealerships cannot stock new car merchandise due to a continued chip shortage from the pandemic, used vehicle retail prices are expected to grow. Knowing which used trucks are the best purchase as a consumer will ease your mind on how much your wallet hurts.
Used trucks are a particularly hot commodity due to their versatility. Trucks offer towing, on-road and off-road performance, longevity, utility, and durability not found in other vehicle types, appealing to a large consumer base. Trucks offer performance versatility by offering different sizes, including midsize, full-size, and heavy-duty. Passenger versatility is also achieved by providing different cab styles, including crew, extended, regular, and work truck configurations.
Beyond cab style and truck size, trucks also offer differing trim levels and packages to increase performance and the consumer’s driving experience. All truck sizes, cab styles, and trim levels are considered in our evaluation of the best-used trucks for 2023; pricing is based on the writer’s location and sourced by Autolist.com and Kelly Blue Book (KBB).
2021 Ford F-150
With Ford’s long-running success with the Ford F-150 series of pickup trucks, it is probably no surprise to consumers that the Ford F-150 constantly reappears as one of the best trucks to buy year after year. The 2021 model year introduced a redesign for the F-150, offering more capability, interior cabin space, and comfort. The 2021 F-150 does not offer as upscale an interior as competitors such as the Ram 1500 but holds its own, offering class-leading towing and hauling capabilities through its powerful engine lineup.
With the number of Ford F-150s produced annually, it is easy for consumers to find a quality used F-150. The 2021 F-150 lineup ranges from the base two-wheel drive (2WD) XL regular cab configuration with an average paid price of $30,985 to the range-topping Limited four-wheel drive (4WD) SuperCrew model with a KBB estimated fair market range of $65,313 - $70,106. Found within this range of F-series models are the famous off-road-focused Raptor F-150 and Tremor.
Ford offers many cab and bed configurations throughout their f-series lineup, making them good purchases for various consumers. Each F-150 outfitted with a 4WD drivetrain operates in rear-wheel-drive (RWD) when not engaged and is standard equipment on most 2021 F-150s. The engines offered in the 2021 F-series range drastically from a base 3.3-liter V6 producing 290 horsepower to a 430 horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. Ford’s top-performing truck engine is also available across all trim levels, making your chosen F-150 more customizable and as powerful as desired.
Browse used 2021 Ford F-150 listings here.
2021 Toyota Tacoma
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma offers excellent off-road capability, the best examples being the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trim levels. These higher trim-level Tacomas are specially equipped for off-road ability offering unique suspension tuning and shock absorbers, a locking rear differential, and skid plates as standard equipment. The Tacoma is offered in six primary trim levels: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro. According to KBB, the base SR trim level can be found for $27,425, and the range extends through the TRD Pro Double Cab trim level with an average price of $37,650.
The Toyota Tacoma’s weak points have remained the same over the years, offering underpowered base engines, stiff suspensions, and limited rear space compared to rivals such as the unibody Honda Ridgeline in the 2021 model year. However, the 2020 Toyota Tacoma model year brought technological improvements such as standard Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa. Larger touch screens were introduced, and an available surround-view and multi-terrain monitor became optional. The tech features were improved in the 2021 Tacoma, as well as an updated lengthy list of standard features.
Browse used 2021 Toyota Tacomalistings here.
2021 Ram 1500
The Ram name has slowly become synonymous with luxury as far as full-size pickup trucks are concerned. Since becoming a stand-alone name, separating itself from Dodge and Chrysler, Ram has focused on providing industry-leading interior cabin comfort and outstanding ride quality. J.D. Power rated the 2021 Ram 1500 as the number two truck for quality and reliability in the large light-duty pickup category, tied with its rival, the Nissan Titan. The trim levels and package options are seemingly endless, beginning with the base Tradesman trim level and working up to the new trim level for the model year, the TRX 4x4 Crew Cab.
The 2021 Ram 1500 has multiple powertrain options, including a V6 or V8 engine, and continues to offer the famous diesel engine option, all pairable to a standard 2WD or available 4WD drivetrain. Fuel efficiency fluctuates based on the chosen powertrain, but on average, all powertrain configurations are in-line with industry rivals, with the expectation of the Ram TRX. A used 2021 Ram 1500 Classic Crew Cab can be found for $32,600, extending the range through the TRX, which continues to sell between $74,785 and $83,921, according to KBB.
Browse used 2021 Ram 1500 listings here.
2022 Nissan Frontier
Finding a used 2022 Nissan Frontier may be challenging, but with the long wait for a 2023 model, the 2022 Frontier’s complete redesign is worth looking at. It took Nissan a while, but the complete redesign of the Frontier aims to make Nissan more competitive in the compact pickup truck class. The 2022 model year Frontier focuses its redesign on offering a well-built cabin, comfortable front passenger seating, and increased off-road capability. With a price range between $29,998 and $41,998 for new and used 2022 Frontier models, a new Frontier could be a cheaper option than a used example from another automaker.
The 2022 Nissan Frontier operates on a singular powertrain platform of a 310 horsepower V6 engine matted to a nine-speed automatic transmission, offering RWD standard with available 4WD. Compared to its rivals, the 2022 Nissan Frontier may not have the off-road ability of the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. Still, the Nissan’s V6 engine is more potent than the Tacoma’s engine options and offers more comfortable seating, a smoother ride, and a larger standard infotainment touch screen.
Browse used 2022 Nissan Frontier listings here.
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 offers a highly well-rounded truck with excellent towing capacity, a powerful engine lineup, and intuitive tech features. The Chevy Silverado is less upscale and comfortable than its rivals and does not provide as smooth of ride quality, but it lends itself well to being a fleet vehicle. As a typical fleet vehicle, the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 is easier to find on the used car market and has ample replacement parts should you need them.
When properly equipped, the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 can tow 13,300 pounds and has a payload capacity of up to 2,280 pounds. Chevy offers five engine options to power the 2021 Silverado: the standard V6 engine, a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a V8 engine with two separate horsepower outputs, and a turbocharged six-cylinder diesel engine. The multiple powertrain configurations and workhorse style build to the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 make it an excellent choice for a used truck. Work truck two-door variants of the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 can be found for $27,998, while used top trim levels can be had for $46,998.
Browse used 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 listings here.
2022 Toyota Tundra
Much like the Nissan Frontier, a used 2022 Toyota Tundra may be hard to find, but with similar pricing of new or barely used Tundras reaching the used prices of other full-size pickup trucks, a 2022 Toyota Tundra could be precisely what you are looking for in a truck. We suggest the 2022 model year Tundra as it is a fully-redesigned year. It offers a powerful engine lineup, composed ride and handling, a comfortable and spacious cabin and seats, and a user-friendly infotainment system.
The 2022 Tundra ditches the old base powertrain offered in previous generations and replaces it with a 389-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Toyota also offers the Tundra with a hybrid powertrain in 2022 that combines the twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 48 more horsepower than the gas-powered only version. When properly equipped, the 2022 Toyota Tundra can tow up to 12,000 pounds and haul up to 1,940 pounds; both increases over the previous generation’s ability. With vast differences in trim level pricing, the 2022 Toyota Tundra can be found in the range of $34,998 and $68,998.
Browse used 2022 Toyota Tundra listings here.
2021 GMC Sierra 1500
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offers enhanced trailering technology, available wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, active safety features on the base model, and increased tow ratings for the diesel and four-cylinder turbo engines over previous model years. The GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevy Silverado 1500 share General Motors’ T1 platform but begin to differ in their optional levels of luxury and interior comfort, especially at the Denali trim level. The GMC Sierra 1500 has always been known as an upscale variation of the Chevy 1500, offering more interior comfort, ride quality on and off the road, and exclusive features such as a multi-function tailgate.
Consumers looking to purchase a used 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 can choose from five engine options ranging from the base V6 with an output of 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque to a turbodiesel producing 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The 2021 GMC Sierra’s V6 engines are matted to a six-speed automatic transmission, while the other engine options are paired with either an eight or 10-speed automatic. Consumers can find 2021 GMC Sierra 1500s on the used market starting from $32,998 to $63,998 depending on milage and trim level.
Browse used 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 listings here.
2021 Nissan Titan
The 2021 model year Nissan Titan does not offer any significant changes over the 2020 model year, but the 2020 model year set the stage for the 2021 Titan and made it a competitive full-size truck in the market. The 2020 model year brought with it refreshed exterior styling, an increased number of active safety features, more horsepower, and offered a new nine-speed automatic transmission. The 2021 model year benefits from the previous year’s updates and includes Nissan’s five-year 100,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and is the most extended available coverage in the full-size pickup truck class.
Depending on trim level, the 2021 Nissan Titan has a towing capacity of 9,210 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,333 pounds. As is typical with most trucks, the Nissan Titan is built with RWD and 4WD as standard but does not offer as many cab configurations as rivals in the class. A 2021 model year Nissan Tian can be hard to find and may be more limited stock than other full-size trucks but can be found for as little as $36,998 up to $49,999 depending on mileage and trim level.
Browse used 2021 Nissan Titan listings here.
2021 Chevrolet Colorado
The Chevy Colorado, much like its sister truck, the GMC Canyon, is not well known for its active safety features, rear seating space, or interior quality but more so known for its easy-to-use infotainment features, smooth ride, handling, and high towing capacity for a midsize truck. Unique to the 2021 Colorado is Chevy’s decision to discontinue the base trim offering, replacing the lowest trim level with the work truck trim. Used 2021 Chevy Colorados’ are hard to come by, but depreciation helps, leaving the used market for the truck between $28,998 and $44,998.
As a midsize pickup, the 2021 Chevy Colorado offers seating for up to five, a slightly more towing capacity than its rival Ford Ranger, and a better standard infotainment system. The Chevy Colorado’s bigger brother, the Chevy Silverado 1500, offers more size and features but will also cost you a couple thousand more, making the midsize Chevy Colorado the perfect truck for some consumers.
Browse used 2021 Chevrolet Colorado listings here.
2022 Ford Ranger
If you are in the market for a used pickup truck, believe it or not, Ford reintroduced the popular Ford Ranger pickup truck back in 2019. Due to its popularity and newer model year, a used 2022 Ford Ranger may be difficult to find, with examples similar in price range, landing close to $43,000. What consumers will find with the 2022 Ford Ranger is composed handling, substantial towing and hauling capabilities for its class, and a potent turbocharged engine offering. When paired with 4WD, the 2022 Ford Ranger achieves a fuel economy rating of 20 miles-per-gallon (mpg) in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
The turbocharged engine powering the Ranger is paired with Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission. The Ranger is offered in three trim levels, XL, XLT, and Lariat, with ultimate customization in the offered packaging. Compared to rivals in the segment, such as the Nissan Frontier, the Ford Ranger outperforms in fuel economy figures and starting prices.
