While safety should always be a primary consideration when purchasing a new truck, the economic realities of shopping for a new vehicle during a period of high prices (that are almost certain to increase in 2025 due to high tariffs and looming trade wars) mean that cost must also be a factor.
As such, new vehicle shoppers have to balance their safety needs with the limits of their budget, and find a healthy balance in between.
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With that in mind, GOBankingRates has compiled a listing of three of the most affordable trucks (each coming in under $40,000) that also come with very high safety ratings.
Before hitting the lots in search of a new truck, be sure to read this list, do your homework and find the safest truck for your budget.
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Per Car and Driver, the standard Hyundai Santa Cruz comes locked and loaded with a number of impressive safety features to protect its drivers and riders, including a forward-collision warning system with automated emergency breaking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist programming, and blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts.
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As reported by TopSpeed, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 its highest-possible overall safety rating of 5/5.
Additionally, the agency noted that the Sierra model has a history of “reliability, resiliency, and safety.” Additionally, the NHTSA gave the Sierra a 5/5 score for overall frontal safety, a 5/5 of overall side safety and a 4/5 for rollover precautions.
TopSpeed reported that the 2025 Ford F-150 comes standard with such safety features as automated emergency breaking with pedestrian detection, as well as a rear-facing camera.
It’s also loaded with a hands-free driving option, though that requires a monthly or annual subscription. Further, while not standard, shoppers have the option of adding such features as lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist as well as adaptive cruise control.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 3 Safe, Affordable Trucks To Consider Buying in 2025
