Buying a truck in Canada, and keeping it in your prince range, takes hard work and lots of research – but it’s also one hundred percent possible and we have the proof.
With the average price tag of a truck in Canada sitting at a whopping $38,000, many buyers are considering ditching their long-lived dream of owning a truck and are choosing to buy SUV’s instead.
Thankfully, we’ve got options.
Whether you need a truck for work or for leisure, we’ve got plenty of options available under the $32,000 MSRP mark. Here are the top best and cheapest new trucks to buy in Canada.
Hold up, what’s MSRP?
MSRP stands for “manufacturer’s suggested retail price,” meaning the recommended vehicle price to be sold at the dealership, as suggested by the manufacturer. While doing your research you’ll notice that all advertising materials related to your truck feature an MSRP. That’s because it’s the lowest cash price you can pay for your vehicle. However, this price does not include licensing, registration or any delivery fees that may be associated. For more on this, be sure to visit our Costs to Consider article here.
What are the best and cheapest new trucks to buy in Canada?
Great question. Let’s take a look.
2019 Nissan Frontier
MSRP: $24,598
If you’re looking for a popular and practical work truck, the Nissan Frontier is sure to get the job done. This mid-size pickup has an impressive tow rating and an affordable price tag on its off-road models. The base model is the cheapest truck for sale in Canada and comes available with a 2.5 litre 4 – cylinder engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission. Other features included are:
- A full-length boxed ladder frame
- Forward-facing rear flip-up seats
- Rearview monitor
The King Cab S model currently sits at 13.7 L/100km in the city and 10.7L/100km on the highway. Coupled with 152 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 281 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Jumping to the slightly higher SV model ($26,148 MSRP) will bump you up to front tow hooks (4×4 only), 2 additional rear speakers (6 total), body colour front bumper and 261 horsepower. Since the Frontier comes with 7 different models, all falling under the $37,000 range, you’ll be sure to find a model that best fits your needs.
This affordable truck is also available with 4.0 litre engine, which features pretty serious off-roading capabilities with a 3044-kg (6,710-lb) maximum towing capacity. That’s a seriously small price to pay for a tough truck that gets the job done.
2020 GMC Canyon
MSRP: $24,798
If towing and hauling are what you’re after, the GMC Canyon offers all that plus an enjoyable ride. It gets good mileage, has a user-friendly infotainment system, sports an upscale cabin and comes in at a great price point.
The entry-level 2WD extended cab comes available with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, along with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Other standard features include:
- 6 speaker audio system
- 7” GMC Infotainment system
- Dual rear seats with under-seat storage
- Rear vision camera
Currently sitting at 12.1L/100km in the city and 9.2L/100km on the highway, the Canyon is capable of 200 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque on the entry-level model.
If a crew cab is what you’re after, you can get away with having one for a slightly higher charge at $29,498 MSRP. With over 19 combinations available, the 2WD models range from $24,798 MSRP for an SL extended cab to $39,098 for an SLT crew cab short box. The upgraded SLT model does come with a few upgrades, like 17” aluminum wheels, remote key-less entry, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability, cruise control, heated driver and front passenger seats, along with a heated steering wheel!
If 4WD is what you’re after, there are 13 combination options, ranging from $33,698 MSRP for a Canyon extended cab to a $49,098 MSRP crew cab, long box Denali. And while there are multiple options to choose from, the entry-level option still remains a capable and versatile vehicle both on and off the track. Seriously, you can’t go wrong with a Canyon and the price is just right!
2019 Chevrolet Colorado
MSRP: $27,000
From off-road exploring and hefty towing, to cruising around town, the Colorado is ready to roll with the punches and all at an affordable price.
The entry-level WT 2WD model comes with an extended cab, long box, 2.5 litre 4 – cylinder engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Other features included are:
- Electronic traction control
- 3.5” diagonal monochromatic driver information screen
- Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with 7″ diagonal colour touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities
- Rearview camera
The WT 2WD model currently sits at 11.9L/100km in the city and 9.2L/100km on the highway. All this plus 200 horsepower and 6,300 rpm and 191 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm.
To upgrade to a crew cab short box will bring you up to $28,700 MSRP, while a crew cab long box will bring you to $30,500. If 4WD is what you’re after, prepare to dish out $31,000 MSRP and another $1,300 when upgrading to a3.6L V6 engine.
All in all, If you’re looking for great fuel-efficiency, an available diesel engine, outstanding tow rating and a smooth ride, this Colorado is a great choice!
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
MSRP: $30,598
If a full-size pickup is more your style, then the 2020 Silverado is a powerful and affordable option to consider. The 1500 offers best-in-class towing capacity, top-notch fuel economy, ample passenger room and a balanced ride.
The entry-level WT 2WD model comes with a regular cab long bed, 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Other features include:
- Bluetooth for phone, connectivity to vehicle infotainment system
- Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System with a 7” colour touchscreen
- Rear vision camera
- USB Ports
This model currently sits at 15.1 L/100km in the city and 11.5 L/100km on the highway, along with 285 horsepower at 5,300 rpm and torque of 305 lb-ft at 3,900 rpm – making it one heck of a ride.
Silverado models come with multiple customization options. In fact, the difference between the base and the higher end High Country models is quite steep, raising the bill to a whopping $65,800 MSRP. But don’t fear, for a small upgrade to 4WD, the regular cab long bed will cost you $34,798 MSRP.
The Silverado remains one of the most recognizable pickup trucks in the game, with tons of interior and exterior styling options. Great on and off the road, this truck is a great and affordable option for anyone looking to buy with confidence.
2019 GMC Sierra
MSRP: $31,800
The GMC Sierra is arguably the Silverado’s better-looking sibling. Although it’s identical to the Silverado mechanically, it looks and feels a bit more upscale.
The entry-level 2WD regular cab long bed comes with a 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Other features include:
- Rear vision camera
- 3.5″ diagonal monochromatic Driver Information Screen
- Bluetooth
- 7” GMC Infotainment System with colour touchscreen
- Outside temperature display
- USB Ports
This model currently sits at 15.1L/100km in the city and 11.5L/100km on the highway, along with 285 horsepower at 5,300 rpm and torque of 305 lb-ft at 3,900 rpm.
To upgrade to a 4WD model, the MSRP will jump to $34,745 but apart from the upgraded drive type, the features remain the same. The Sierra currently comes available with 5 engine types, going all the way to a 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine that can cost you upwards of $57,980 MSRP.
The Sierra offers a smooth ride, spacious seats and a user-friendly infotainment system and most notably still remains one of the best and cheapest trucks to buy in Canada.
And for those of you looking to spend a little more money, here are some other options to consider. No matter your budget, our qualified team of automotive experts is happy to get you into an affordable truck this season. Our application only takes 60-seconds and you will be matched with budget-friendly options in your area.
What are the best truck options under $40,000?
2020 Ford F-150 – $32,339 MSRP
2020 Ram 1500 – $36,345 MSRP
2020 Toyota Tacoma – $37,450 MSRP
2019 Ford Ranger – $39,889 MSRP
2020 Toyota Tundra – $40,190 MSRP
What are the best truck options under $55,000?
2019 Honda Ridgeline – $40,990 MSRP
2019 Nissan Titan – $47,198 MSRP
2020 Jeep Gladiator – $47,245 MSRP
2020 Tesla Cybertruck – $53,009 MSRP