The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is an excellent option in a dramatically under-represented segment. Compact trucks could be way more popular soon, especially with EVs from both Slate and Ford on the way, but for now, buyers are limited to the Ford Maverick and the Santa Cruz. Both are solid options for different reasons, but not everyone has the cash for a brand new one. In light of that, these used options should provide some great alternatives for less than the Santa Cruz's $29,750 starting price.Toyota TacomaTacomas are now a few years old, making them a great value.ToyotaIt might be a stretch to get the current Tacoma generation, which debuted at the tail end of 2023, for under around $30,000, but this isn't so with the previous Tacoma. Which, in case you missed the last decade or so, was a great truck. The Tacoma was offered in a few cab variations, with two- and four-wheel drive, and even a manual transmission. Of course, off-road TRD versions are still pricey, but you won't have a problem getting yourself a more modest SR5 for well under $30,000.Chevrolet Colorado2025 Chevrolet Colorado Trail BossGeminiAnother midsize truck entrant, the Chevrolet Colorado was updated to its most current form in 2023. The changes included a totally new, much improved interior, which was the biggest reason to run to Toyota a few years back. I'd go for a 2023 truck with a few miles on it. If you're lucky, the warranty will still be intact, and values average right around $29,000 for used models sitting on dealer lots. As with the Toyota Tacoma, you'll be paying more than that for the premium, off-road-focused trims like the Trail Boss (above) or the Colorado Z71.Hyundai Santa CruzWhy not get 2026's features for less and buy a slightly used 2025 Santa Cruz?HyundaiThe 2026 Santa Cruz has one big problem: the 2025 model. 2026 is a carryover model year, bringing no significant changes to the truck's lineup, despite the new-truck prices. Last year also introduced the more off-road-capable XRT trim, which adds higher-clearance bumpers and off-road tires. So, in reality, the smart thing to do if you're dead-set on a Santa Cruz is to go get a 2025 model year truck. These will only be fractionally cheaper, but I've seen dealer listings leave a little cash on the hood as they try to move out last year's inventory.Ford MaverickOlder pre-facelift Mavericks have depreciated quite a lot.A classic move: if the thing you want is too expensive for you, turn to the competition. Ford has, additionally, always taken a more value-oriented approach to pricing compared to the rival Hyundai with the Maverick. It's very easy to find used Mavericks for under $30,000. Ford even offers a bit of enhanced capability with the FX4 package, which gets you some nicer tires and other off-road-friendly features. The Maverick also offers something Hyundai has yet to: a hybrid powertrain. Trucks are notoriously inefficient, and the hybrid's 34 mpg is decidedly car-like.
+38 others
