(iSeeCars) - Pickup trucks used to be the cheapest vehicle you could buy. Whether it was a business or tradesman seeking a brand new basic work truck, or a consumer scanning the used car classified ads for cheap trucks for sale, finding an inexpensive Ford F-150 XL, in regular cab, short bed configu ration, was easy.But trucks have exploded in popularity among mainstream consumers over the past two decades, and automakers have recognized the profit potential in these formerly low-cost rides. Now offered in multiple body styles and trim levels, it’s not uncommon for modern trucks to rival luxury sedans and SUVs in price. Occasionally we’ll see price drops for trucks, like when the economy struggles and fuel prices rise. But in general, don’t expect to save on your down payment and monthly payments by shopping for a truck at the local dealership.While their prices have risen, modern trucks offer a far more appealing package than they did 20 years ago. Extended cab and crew cab models now provide room for up to 6 passengers, and the formerly bouncy ride quality of past trucks has given way to models like today’s Ram 1500, which uses coil springs instead of leaf springs to deliver a car-like ride and refinement.Fuel efficiency has also drastically improved, with advances in drivetrain technology allowing full-size trucks to deliver over 25 mpg while still offering greater horsepower and better towing capacity than yesterday’s models. Similar improvements have occurred in four-wheel-drive tech and off-road capability. This is in addition to all the standard features included in today’s pickups, like backup cameras, Bluetooth phone pairing and advanced driver-assist technology.The other encouraging news for today’s budget-minded truck buyers is the ever-growing, ever-improving stable of midsize and compact trucks. Longstanding favorites like the GMC Canyon and Honda Ridgeline have been joined by newer models like the updated Ford Ranger and all-new Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz.Unlike the rear-wheel-drive (RWD), body-on-frame trucks in the full-size and midsize categories, the compact Maverick and Santa Cruz are based on a front-wheel-drive (FWD) unibody chassis, with all-wheel drive (AWD) optional. Despite their smaller size and car-like construction, these trucks offer impressive specs, along with higher fuel economy and lower price tags than their larger counterparts. Truck buyers convinced they can only shop for used trucks should consider the Maverick and Santa Cruz as affordable new truck alternatives – if their payload and towing capabilities are sufficient.See all of today’s new trucks, ranked by starting price and affordability, below. Most Affordable Small Trucks Ford Maverick – $23,920 Hyundai Santa Cruz – $26,900 Most Affordable Midsize Trucks Chevrolet Colorado – $29,500 Nissan Frontier – $30,510 Toyota Tacoma – $31,500 Ford Ranger – $32,720 GMC Canyon – $36,000 Most Affordable Full-Size Trucks Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Limited – $30,400 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited – $31,200 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LD – $34,500 Ford F-150 – $36,965 Ram 1500 Classic – $38,705 Most Affordable Heavy-Duty Trucks Ford F-250 Super Duty – $44,970 Ram 2500 – $45,250 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD – $45,300 Ford F-350 Super Duty – $46,015 Ram 3500 – $46,255 For the complete list of comfortable vehicles across all segments, check out our complete list of the Most Affordable Cars. More from iSeeCars: Best SUVs Most Reliable Used SUVs Best Gas Mileage SUVs About iSeeCars.com iSeeCars.com is a data-driven car search and research company that helps shoppers find the best car deals by providing key insights and valuable resources, including the iSeeCars VIN Check report and Best Cars Rankings. iSeeCars has saved users over $410 million so far by applying big data analytics powered by over 25 billion (and growing) data points and using proprietary algorithms to objectively analyze, score and rank millions of new cars and used cars. This article, Most Affordable Trucks, originally appeared on iSeeCars.com.  ...read more read less