10 cool Japanese trucks you can buy as alternatives to the Ford Maverick

Japanese cars Trucks are known to be very reliable, and their longevity is beyond doubt. Many wonderful Japanese Small trucks It entered the American automotive scene and gained a solid reputation over the decades. However, in the land of the free, American trucks actually dominated the market for many decades, with trucks like the Canyon and the powerful F-series cementing themselves as hard-to-kill local champions. A great example of a modern American truck is the Ford Maverick, which has a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 pounds and features a hybrid electric motor with an inline-4 that generates 191 horsepower. It also has a starting MSRP of $22,595, which is available to the average American truck enthusiast. However, Ford cars are usually subject to a large number of recalls, which does not instill confidence in buyers. Surely, there must be some reliable Japanese alternatives to this amazing truck.

Here’s a list of 10 Japanese trucks that can rival the Ford Maverick in terms of efficiency and reliability, while also costing less. While most modern Japanese trucks may cost a lot of money, these used replacement trucks will likely be a good investment.

All data regarding vehicle specifications was obtained from Edmunds and prices were obtained from Kelley Blue Book. No other sources are linked in the article itself.

10 Honda Ridgeline 2017

Starting fair purchase price: $21,830

The Honda Ridgeline is better than some people think, and with a 3.5-liter V6 that generates 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, it’s competent enough to tow about 5,000 pounds maximum. These numbers aren’t too bad when compared to the FWD version of the truck, as that version can barely carry 3,500 pounds. Its all-wheel drive system is much better in handling and performance.

performance

The fair purchase price for the base model of the 2017 Honda Ridgeline is around $21,830, making it a competent truck that can compete with the Maverick in terms of practicality, though it’s certainly not as capable as some of the other trucks on this list.

9 Toyota Tundra 2017

Starting Fair Purchase Price: $20,374

The Toyota Tundra is a great Japanese truck that has been fighting for the spotlight for the past few years as a heavy-duty full-size pickup truck, competing with the likes of the Silverado. American trucks may offer great performance and impressive towing numbers, but the 2017 Toyota Tundra machines are better for long-term ownership.

performance

The average fair purchase price for a base model 2017 Toyota Tundra is around $20,374, and the 5.7-liter V8 installed in this machine can generate a whopping 401 lb-ft of torque, allowing for a maximum towing capacity of 9,800 lbs. This makes the 2017 Tundra an affordable pickup truck that offers great practicality and reliability.

RELATED: 10 Most Popular Toyota Tundra Upgrades

8 Toyota Tacoma 2017

Starting Fair Purchase Price: $19,533

The Toyota Tacoma has received a lot of love from truck enthusiasts, and recent model years have shown significant technological advancements. The 2017 Toyota Tacoma is priced at $19,533 when it comes to fair purchase prices, according to KBB. Installed with a 3.5-liter V6, it’s a cheaper alternative to the Ford Maverick that offers a maximum towing capacity of about 6,400 pounds.

performance

The engine offers 278 hp and 265 lb-ft for the driver to play with, and the Tacoma also has good off-road capabilities. Although they are not as reliable as older models, they can actually be a viable daily driver, as long as they are maintained regularly.

7 2019 Nissan Frontier

Starting Fair Purchase Price: $18,066

The 2019 Nissan Frontier was a great truck with an average fair purchase price of $18,066, according to KBB, and buyers will get a 4.0-liter V6 engine that can generate around 261 horsepower. The Frontier isn’t as nimble as some other Japanese trucks, but it can be sturdier in many ways, and it’s incredibly reliable, too.

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Some model years of the Nissan Frontier are more reliable than others, but considering KBB puts the fair purchase price for the 2019 model at under $20k, it could be a great option for buyers on a budget. It’s a modern truck with all the safety features and modern technology you could ask for, plus a maximum towing capacity of over 6,000 pounds.

6 2018 Nissan Titan

Starting Fair Purchase Price: $14,764

The Nissan Titan has evolved a lot over the years, and now goes head-to-head with the Toyota Tundra in the heavy-duty full-size truck segment, and it has a slightly more powerful engine, too, which is why the $14,764 2018 Titan is a surprise, because very cheap. Powered by a 5.6-liter V8 and a maximum towing capacity of 9,730 pounds, the 2018 Nissan Titan is capable, to say the least.

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The 2018 Nissan Titan is much more nimble compared to other heavy-duty trucks, and that can be an advantage when navigating tight spaces. The truck isn’t as heavy as most full-size pickup trucks, and it’s brand new, so it’s not lacking in safety and features.

5 2009 Mitsubishi Raider

Starting Fair Purchase Price: $7,494

While modern trucks are making great strides in safety and interior features, pickup trucks like the 2009 Mitsubishi Raider tell a very different story. When trucks like the Mitsubishi Mighty Max left the automotive scene, the Raider filled the gap they left in Mitsubishi’s lineup, becoming a rare but capable minivan that now sells for a fair average purchase price of roughly $7,494.

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The 3.7-liter V6 that finds itself installed under the hood isn’t just a simple engine that does the job it’s intended to do. There were also some V8 options available, and with a maximum towing capacity of over 4,000 pounds, it shouldn’t surprise people that this very inexpensive pickup truck of the past is still considered a good option for the buyer on a budget.

4 1998 Toyota T100

Starting fair purchase price: $4,392

The Toyota T100 received some criticism in the American truck scene when it was still new, as it was smaller and weaker than the average full-size truck in North America, but despite the lack of a V8 engine, it was one of the main ones. Cogs in the Toyota Pickup story, it remained relevant on the scene for many years, before being discontinued in 1998.

performance

The final year T100 was durable and well efficient, with a maximum towing capacity of over 5,000 pounds. The national average fair purchase price for a base model 1998 Toyota T100 is about $4,392, which is very cheap for a reliable truck like this.

3 2007 Mazda B Series

Starting Fair Purchase Price: $4,368

Mazda is a relatively small car company that has some great cars for daily drivers, but it’s certainly not known for making pickup trucks. However, the 2007 Mazda B-Series is a respectable exception to that statement, as it can tow up to 5,600 pounds, while costing only about $4,368.

performance

The most powerful B-Series model features a 4.0-liter V6, 207 horsepower and 238 pound-feet of torque, which is nothing to scoff at, especially considering the price. Tough, good-looking and carrying the spirit of the Ford Ranger, the 2007 Mazda B Series does truck enthusiasts justice by being an affordable small truck that can punch above its weight with ease.

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2 1997 Nissan Regular Cab Truck

Starting Fair Purchase Price: $3,482

The 1997 Nissan Truck Regular Cab has a national average fair purchase price of approximately $3,482, which gets you the 2.4L Inline-4 engine. The truck was not known for its power or torque, and its maximum towing capacity was only about 3,500 pounds, but it was a very reliable final model year and showed great longevity in the market.

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For anyone looking to buy a used Japanese truck under 10k, this Nissan truck is not a bad choice, although it may be a bit outdated in terms of interior features. It can be a nice light truck for deliveries and small hauling.

RELATED: The 10 Best Minivans for Everyday Driving and Work Use

1 1993 Mitsubishi Mighty Max

Starting Fair Purchase Price: $1,863

The 1993 Mitsubishi Mighty Max came at a time when the manufacturer specialized in complex but competent sports cars, so it makes sense that their pickup truck wasn’t the most popular on the market. It’s a mid-size truck with a fair purchase price of $1,863, which is really cheap.

performance

The truck can tow up to 3,500 pounds, which isn’t that impressive when compared to some of the other trucks on this list, even the Maverick. However, they are responsive when it comes to handling and as cheap as anything else. Unfortunately, Mitsubishi isn’t like most other Japanese car brands when it comes to simplicity and reliability, so the Mighty Max isn’t exactly the easiest truck to maintain, but if properly cared for, even this machine can be a great investment.