2027 Slate Truck First Look: The $27,000 Pickup Ready for DIY Dreams

In a world increasingly dominated by expensive, luxury-laden pickups, the 2027 Slate Truck offers a refreshing return to basics. Priced at just $27,000, this compact, highly customizable pickup is designed for DIY enthusiasts, small business owners, and anyone who values functionality over frills. Here’s your first in-depth look at what could become the new darling of America’s workspaces and weekend projects.

A Return to Simplicity

Slate Motors, a relatively new player in the automotive scene, has captured a growing market niche: people who want a truck, not a lifestyle statement. Unlike full-size behemoths that can cost upwards of $70,000, the 2027 Slate Truck keeps things simple — and affordable.

Underpinning its design philosophy is the idea that owners should be able to modify, repair, and upgrade their trucks without the need for specialized equipment or software restrictions. The Slate Truck embraces a modular construction that practically invites tinkering.

Rugged Yet Modern Exterior

The exterior design is straightforward and practical, but not boring. With squared-off fenders, a blunt nose, and a sturdy, vertical tailgate, the Slate Truck nods to classic pickups from decades past. However, modern touches like LED lighting, aerodynamic side mirrors, and flush door handles ensure it doesn’t look dated.

Available in a palette of earthy colors like “Workshop Grey,” “Pine Green,” and “Toolbox Red,” the truck can fit right in at a construction site or a farmer’s market.

Compact Yet Capable Dimensions

Measuring about 195 inches in length, the Slate Truck is smaller than traditional full-size pickups but still large enough to carry plywood sheets or a few dirt bikes. Its 5.5-foot bed offers respectable cargo space, and optional accessories include a modular bed extender, a slide-out storage system, and even a built-in tool rack.

The payload rating stands at an impressive 1,800 pounds, and towing capacity is rated at up to 5,000 pounds — more than enough for trailers, boats, or equipment.

Powertrain Options: Gasoline and Electric

Slate Motors understands the diverse needs of its customer base, so the 2027 Truck comes with two distinct powertrain options:

• Gasoline: A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 210 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed automatic, this version emphasizes simplicity and reliability.
• Electric: A single-motor, rear-wheel-drive electric version with 250 miles of estimated range and 275 horsepower. A dual-motor AWD electric model is planned for late 2027.

The gas model offers a traditional experience for rural buyers or those who need longer range and quick refueling, while the EV option provides quiet operation and low running costs for urban and suburban users.

DIY Dream: Built to Be Customized

One of the Slate Truck’s most exciting aspects is its DIY-friendly platform. From the ground up, the truck has been designed for easy modifications:

• Modular bed rails allow quick installation of racks, tents, or toolboxes.
• Quick-access wiring points make it easy to add auxiliary lighting or power inverters.
• Bolt-on body panels mean fender benders won’t require expensive repair bills.
• Open-source repair manuals ensure you’re never at the mercy of a dealership.

Slate even plans to launch an official online marketplace for aftermarket parts and community-shared modifications, ensuring the truck evolves alongside its owners’ needs.

Interior: Function Over Flash

Inside, the Slate Truck is minimalistic but not spartan. Durable, easy-to-clean materials dominate the cabin — think rubberized floors, water-resistant cloth seats, and simple analog controls supplemented by a small touchscreen interface.

An optional “Workstation Package” adds features like a fold-flat front passenger seat (perfect for laptops or blueprints) and extra 120V outlets.

Despite its utilitarian focus, the truck still offers modern essentials like Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, air conditioning, and USB-C ports as standard.

Trim Levels and Pricing

At launch, the Slate Truck will be available in three trims:

• Base (Starting at $27,000): Manual transmission, steel wheels, and basic interior.
• Work+ (Starting at $30,500): Adds automatic transmission, upgraded wheels, integrated bed lighting, and towing package.
• Adventure (Starting at $34,000): Adds all-terrain tires, a lifted suspension kit, and off-road drive modes.

Buyers of the EV version can expect a $3,500 premium over comparable gas-powered models.

Safety Features

Even though it’s a budget-friendly truck, the Slate doesn’t skimp on safety. Every model comes standard with:

• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane departure warning
• Blind-spot monitoring (optional on Base, standard on Work+ and Adventure)

In crash tests conducted by independent agencies, early prototypes of the Slate Truck have scored high marks for both frontal and side impacts.

Availability and Warranty

The 2027 Slate Truck will go on sale in North America in late 2026, with deliveries beginning early 2027. Slate Motors is offering an impressive 5-year/75,000-mile basic warranty and an 8-year/100,000-mile battery warranty for electric versions.

Dealerships will initially be limited to major metro areas, but online ordering and at-home delivery options will be available nationwide.

2027 Slate Truck Specifications

First Impressions: A Breath of Fresh Air

In an era where even midsize pickups routinely top $50,000, the 2027 Slate Truck feels like a deliberate rebellion. It’s affordable, fixable, modifiable, and unapologetically useful — a combination that’s becoming increasingly rare.

Rather than following the trend of tech-laden trucks that lock owners out of their own vehicles, Slate Motors invites users to get their hands dirty and truly make the truck their own.

Whether you’re a carpenter, an adventurer, a weekend project warrior, or just someone tired of overcomplicated vehicles, the Slate Truck might be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.