The Nissan Frontier is the cheapest midsize truck of 2026

• Several midsize pickup trucks, including the Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado, start under $35,000 for 2026.
• While a Nissan model is the cheapest, automotive review sites often rank the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma higher overall.

The cheapest small pickup truck on the market is undoubtedly the Ford Maverick, but what about the midsize segment?

Ford's Maverick compact pickup truck shocked the country when it originally hit the scene in 2022. Its price has increased since its debut, but it remains the most affordable brand-new pickup truck, starting at $28,145.

Brand-new midsize pickup trucks are significantly more expensive than the Maverick, but there are still models with starting prices under the new average vehicle price of around $50,000.

What's the most affordable midsize pickup truck model for American drivers in 2026?

The cheapest midsize pickup truck for 2026 is a Nissan

There are several affordable brand-new midsize pickup trucks to choose from in 2026, but the Nissan Frontier earns the top spot for the most affordable truck of the year. The 2026 Nissan Frontier starts at $32,150 before taxes and additional fees.

Nissan's Frontier midsize truck uses a 3.8-liter V6 engine to produce 310 horsepower. It achieves 19 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway.

Crew Cab models seat five and King Cab models seat four. The Frontier has a standard bed length of 59.5 inches, which is just about five feet long. It has a maximum towing capacity of up to 7,150 pounds.

Is the 2026 Nissan Frontier a good truck?

The 2026 Nissan Frontier has a "smooth ride quality," as well as "stable and secure handling" and "helpful storage spaces for small items," says a vehicle review by Edmunds. It benefits from a mid-cycle refresh.

Nissan's midsize pickup truck also provides "tough V6 power" and "advanced safety features," according to a vehicle review by automotive review site The Car Connection. It's a solid truck, but the Frontier does have its drawbacks.

Crew Cab models can feel cramped in the rear row of seats. Additionally, some rivals have better interior quality than the Frontier.

What are the cheapest midsize trucks of 2026?

There are several brand-new midsize trucks with starting prices under $40,000.

Cheapest midsize truck models under $40,000

• 2026 Nissan Frontier ($32,150)
• 2026 Toyota Tacoma ($32,245)
• 2026 Chevrolet Colorado ($32,400)
• 2026 Ford Ranger ($33,350)
• 2026 GMC Canyon ($38,900)
• 2026 Jeep Gladiator ($39,300)

Four of the six midsize pickup trucks listed above have starting prices below $35,000 before taxes and additional fees. Each has trim options that add more features and capabilities for an additional cost.

What is the best new midsize truck for the money?

While the Nissan Frontier is appealing as the most affordable new midsize truck, there are several alternatives with higher overall ratings from automotive review sites. The Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma and Honda Ridgeline are listed as the top-three best midsize pickup trucks for 2026 by Edmunds.

Digital automotive marketplace TrueCar.com also lists the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma as the two best midsize trucks for 2026. The Ford Ranger is known for its durability and versatility. Toyota's Tacoma has gained a reputation for its strong value retention and off-roading prowess.

If you're in the market for an affordable brand-new midsize pickup truck in 2026, there's no shortage of competitive options.