Best Pickup Trucks Under $40,000

The ranking of Car and Driver is based on the large amount of instrument test data we conduct on hundreds of vehicle models every year, as well as the subjective experience of editorial experts in actual road driving. We select the best pickup truck based on approximately 200 data points, covering acceleration performance, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, value for money and driving pleasure. We take rankings very seriously because we want you to have a comprehensive understanding of every car you are interested in.

Car and Driver's scoring and ranking are based on the professional instrument test results we conduct on hundreds of models every year, as well as the subjective feelings accumulated by editorial experts in real road driving. Based on approximately 200 data points (covering acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, cost performance and driving pleasure), we rate the best trucks under $40,000 on a 10-point scale and use this as a basis to compare them with other models in the same class. We attach great importance to scoring and ranking because we want you to have a comprehensive understanding of every model you are interested in. The list covers pickup trucks in the compact, medium and full size categories.