The best pick-up trucks under $30,000, according to Consumer Reports

New pick-up trucks often exceed $50,000, with many full-sized models now trending closer to $100,000 than to the entry-level prices of the past. But you can still buy the base versions of a few trucks for under $30,000.

Consumer Reports named three affordable options that it recommends.

Continue reading to see which ones it likes and why.

Credit: Hyundai

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is CR's highest-rated small pick-up truck, getting the magazine's official recommendation. It's priced between $29,750 and $43,700, which means you can technically get it for under $30,000, excluding destination fees.

"The Santa Cruz combines the attributes of a small SUV and a pickup truck into one vehicle," CR said. "Similar in concept to the larger Honda $HMC Ridgeline, the Tucson-based Santa Cruz could be perfect for the buyer who wants a stylish mode of transport with car-like ride, handling, and maneuverability but who also occasionally needs an open bed to avoid getting their SUV’s cargo area dirty."

It praised the vehicles' acceleration and controls. It also likes that it "drives like a car." But it said the bed of the truck is small and the rear visibility is limited. It also doesn't satisfy all of CR's preferred advanced safety requirements.

It gets 24 miles per gallon and has an average reliability score.

Credit: Lincoln Media Center

The Ford $F Maverick is CR's second-highest-rated small pick-up truck, getting the magazine's official recommendation. It's priced between $28,145 and $41,425. If you buy the base model and factor in the $1,845 destination fee, it will cost you $29,990. It shares a base with the Ford Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs.

"It occupies an increasingly popular niche—a small truck that can be bought on a budget," CR said. "With a civilized ride, handy maneuverability, easy access, and decent fuel efficiency, the Maverick outscores every pickup in its class, other than the larger and more expensive Honda $HMC Ridgeline."

CR praised the Maverick's maneuvering, visibility, access, and "competent ride and handling," but said the cabin quality is lacking. It also doesn't satisfy all of CR's preferred advanced safety requirements.

It gets 23 miles per gallon and has a strong reliability score.

Credit: Lincoln Media Center

The Ford $F Maverick is CR's third-highest-rated small pick-up truck, getting the magazine's official recommendation. It's priced between $28,145 and $41,425. If you buy the base model and factor in the $1,845 destination fee, it will cost you $29,990.

It shares a base with the Ford Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs. Like the gas-powered version, it doesn't satisfy all of CR's preferred advanced safety requirements.

While the hybrid version is less reliable than the gas-powered model, it has significantly better mileage, getting 37 miles per gallon, which is pretty remarkable for a pick-up truck.