Trucks remain one of the more popular vehicle choices. With their commanding presence, bold styling, and versatility to serve a wide range of purposes, it’s easy to see why so many drivers gravitate toward trucks.
That said, budget is always part of the car-buying conversation. Some shoppers assume trucks start at too high of a price point, but that’s not always the case. When you shop with Hendrick Automotive Group, finding a truck that fits your needs and budget is well within reach.
If a truck is on your radar, there are plenty of options that deliver real capability without stretching your budget. Let’s take a closer look.
Chevrolet Colorado
The Chevrolet Colorado is a true do-it-all midsize pickup truck. Compared to its full-size counterpart, Chevrolet Silverado, the Colorado is smaller in overall size, but it still packs a serious punch and offers some unique advantages.
The Chevy Colorado is available exclusively as a crew cab and is powered by a 2.7 TurboMax engine producing 310 horsepower. Depending on trim level, rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive comes standard. With a bed length measuring over five feet and a max towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, the Colorado is undoubtedly one of the more capable midsize trucks available. Plus, its manageable body size improves maneuverability in tight parking lots and congested streets.
Inside, functionality is the theme of the Chevy Colorado’s cabin. Standard across the entire model lineup is an 11-inch digital driver display and an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a full suite of modern connectivity features. Front/rear legroom measures a respectable 45.17/34.7 inches, creating comfortable quarters for up to five passengers.
The Chevrolet Colorado is available in five trim levels. What’s great is that many of the features and specifications discussed come standard in the base Colorado WT, meaning there’s not a ton of disparity as you move across the lineup.
GMC Canyon
The GMC Canyon is very similar to the Chevy Colorado, filling the midsize role in GMC’s truck lineup with comparable features throughout.
Starting with the similarities, the GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado share the same setup and mechanical foundation. Both trucks are available solely as four-door crew cabs with a five-foot bed. An eight-speed automatic transmission paired with the same 310-horsepower TurboMax engine produces a class-leading 430 pound-feet of torque and a max towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. In terms of performance, the main difference is the Canyon’s standard two-inch factory lift. The resulting increase in ground clearance is advantageous during off-road situations and even when navigating steep driveways.
If there’s a stark difference between the two trucks, it’s probably the GMC Canyon’s tech-forward, upscale interior. Both trucks feature an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, but the Canyon adds GM’s ProGrade Trailering System, Off-Road Performance Display, and other notable tech enhancements. Premium materials such as perforated leather and wood trim are also more prevalent in the Canyon, adding an elegant touch.
The GMC Canyon is available in four distinct trims, with additional enhancements introduced as you move up the lineup. Available features include a heads-up driver display, premium audio system, sunroof, and more. While the initial price of the GMC Canyon is slightly higher than the Chevy Colorado, it’s very much a get-what-you-pay-for situation for drivers who value those upgrades.
Toyota Tacoma
You’ll be hard-pressed to go on a drive without spotting at least one Toyota Tacoma. A big reason for its popularity is versatility. Depending on configuration, the Tacoma can function as a reliable everyday commuter or a seriously capable off-roader.
Available in 11 unique model grades, there are clear differences in capability, technology, and features from one Tacoma to the next. Powertrain is one of the first distinctions, with the Tacoma offered as a conventional gas vehicle or a hybrid.
The Tacoma’s i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain pairs a 2.4L turbocharged engine with an electric motor, and while fuel economy improves slightly, the real benefit is power. The hybrid Tacoma delivers 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, compared to the 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque from the gas engine.
The hybrid Tacoma certainly has its perks, but a gas-powered Tacoma is far from a compromise. TRD models, in particular, emphasize performance with features tailored to different uses and driving styles. From sleek styling to total off-road domination, the depth of the Tacoma lineup makes it easy to find the perfect fit.
Available as a two-passenger Xtra Cab or five-passenger Double Cab with a five-foot or six-foot bed, the Toyota Tacoma supports a variety of lifestyles. With that level of flexibility, it’s easy to see why the Tacoma remains a go-to option for truck owners.
Jeep Gladiator
Picture a Jeep Wrangler with an extended wheelbase and a five-foot bed added to the back. That’s essentially the Jeep Gladiator – a midsize truck that combines the off-road prowess of a Jeep with the power and utility of a pickup.
From a heavy-duty 4x4 system and electronic locking differentials to underbody skid plates and all-terrain tires, the Gladiator checks all the boxes of a Trail Rated Jeep. But we’re here to talk about trucks, and the Jeep Gladiator backs up its off-road credentials with notable truck-specific features.
Under the hood of the Jeep Gladiator is a 3.6L V6 engine yielding 285 horsepower and serious hauling abilities. Towing capacity reaches 7,700 pounds when properly equipped, placing it on par with other leaders in the midsize truck segment. The Gladiator builds on that capability with a steel-box bed that supports a max payload of 1,720 pounds and features integrated tie-downs and an easy-lift tailgate. Together, these figures underscore the Gladiator’s ability to deliver legit truck utility.
If outdoor adventure is the goal but a pickup truck is still a must, the Jeep Gladiator is an excellent fit. And yes, the roof and doors are fully removable, delivering that open-air freedom Jeep fans know and love.
More Choices, More Value
From cutting-edge technology to that unmistakable new-car smell, there’s no denying the appeal of a brand-new truck. But it’s not the only path to finding your next pickup. For those who prioritize value, shopping pre-owned is a great way to find the truck you want at a lower price.
Hendrick Automotive Group is the ultimate destination for high-quality pre-owned trucks. With more than 1,500 pre-owned trucks available across our nationwide inventory, you’ll find a wide range of sizes, configurations, and specifications from the manufacturers you know and trust – including many priced under $20,000!
And don’t let the pre-owned label fool you. Our Hendrick Affordable inventory includes hundreds of trucks that earned their designation by passing a comprehensive 178-point inspection. Each Hendrick Affordable vehicle also includes a full CARFAX history report and a limited powertrain warranty, providing confidence and peace of mind at an exceptional value.
Whether you’re leaning new or pre-owned, the search for your next truck begins and ends with Hendrick Automotive Group! Find your local Hendrick dealership or browse our nationwide truck inventory to get started.
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