Pickup trucks are more versatile than ever, serving as family haulers, workhorses, and adventure vehicles all in one. Whether you need to tow a heavy trailer, navigate a rugged trail, or simply want the practicality of an open bed for weekend projects, there's a truck on the market designed to meet your needs. The sheer variety can be daunting, with options ranging from compact models that drive like a crossover to heavy-duty behemoths built for the toughest jobs. Finding the right one means balancing capability with daily livability, and often, fuel economy.
This guide is designed to help you navigate the crowded truck landscape. We've evaluated a wide range of pickups, from bestselling full-size models to more lifestyle-oriented choices and even a few heavy-duty options.
The Best Trucks of 2026
- Ram 1500
- Ram 2500
- Toyota Tacoma
- Ford F-150
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Ford F-250 Super Duty
- Ford Maverick
- Hyundai Santa Cruz
- Honda Ridgeline
- Chevrolet Colorado
- Jeep Gladiator
- Nissan Frontier
FAQs What Makes CarGurus Best Cars Guides Different Shopping Tools Related Topics
1. Ram 1500
CarGurus expert rating: 8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 35.6%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.6 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Multiple powertrain options | Advanced safety features are not standard |
| Premium interior materials in high-end models | No base two-door work truck |
| Luxurious and off-road-ready models offered |
The Ram 1500 leans into what full-size truck buyers actually use every day: a comfortable cabin, strong powertrain choices, and lots of trim and body configurations to fit different jobs. The big headline is the return of the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with eTorque, rated at 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, bringing back that classic V8 sound and feel many shoppers missed. But Ram's 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six is hard to ignore if you're shopping by the numbers, with 420 hp and 469 lb-ft of torque for less money than the Hemi, plus a high-output version available in certain models that jumps to 540 hp and 521 lb-ft of torque.
Inside, the Ram continues to focus on real-world usability: straightforward controls, multiple touchscreen sizes (including an 8.4-inch base screen and a more upscale-feeling 12-inch), and smart storage like a deep center console that can swallow a 16-inch laptop. Crew Cab models provide genuinely adult-friendly rear-seat space, while the Quad Cab trades rear legroom for a smaller footprint. Optional features like the RamBox bedside compartments and the split Multifunction Tailgate add day-to-day practicality, and available tech ranges from a passenger-side screen and head-up display to towing aids like Trailer Reverse Guidance and an Integrated Trailer Health Monitor, though some of the more advanced safety tech requires option packages.
The CarGurus Verdict: "There's a lot to like about the 2026 Ram 1500, including its characterful Hemi V8. But if you're looking for the best version of Ram's popular pickup, you should think long and hard about how you plan to use the truck. With 10 trim levels and two cab sizes and bed lengths to go along with its four powertrain choices, there are plenty of ways to configure a Ram truck to your exact needs." - Jeremy Korzeniewski
Read our most recent Ram 1500 review
2. Ram 2500
CarGurus expert rating: 8.2 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 31.7%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.6 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful engine | Advanced safety features are not standard |
| Impressive towing capabilities | Gets expensive fast |
| Excellent off-road ability |
The Ram 2500 is built for buyers who need real heavy-duty capability but still want a truck that’s easy to live with day to day. Power starts with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 making 405 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque, while most shoppers will gravitate to the revised 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel, now offered in High Output form with 430 hp and 1,075 lb-ft of torque. Properly equipped versions can tow up to 20,000 pounds, while payload varies widely by configuration—topping out at 3,940 pounds in the right Regular Cab/Hemi setup, but dropping significantly with the diesel and in off-road-focused trims like the Power Wagon.
For work crews and families, the body styles matter as much as the numbers: The Crew Cab has adult-friendly rear-seat space, and the Mega Cab pushes into limo-like legroom territory for long days on the road. Inside, tech can range from a basic 8.4-inch Uconnect screen to available 12- and even 14.4-inch displays, plus useful towing features like Trailer-Tow Pages and available trailer reverse steering control. There’s also an available camera suite for hitching and cargo monitoring. Safety tech is available but not universal across trims, and the 2025 Ram 2500 earns a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, so it’s worth checking option packages if driver assists are high on your must-have list.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The latest Ram 2500 represents a meaningful upgrade to one of America’s most capable trucks, continuing to impress with ever-increasing levels of luxury and refinement. And did we mention its 1,075 pound-feet of torque?" - Jeremy Korzeniewski
Read our most recent Ram 2500 review
3. Toyota Tacoma
CarGurus expert rating: 7.8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 32.4%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.6 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent reputation for reliability | Noisy cabin |
| Great off-road capability | Manual-adjust seats can be troublesome |
| Standard advanced driver-assistance tech | Interior skews functional even in the top trim |
As of the Tacoma's recent redesign, every gas-only model uses a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder. Most trims make 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, while the base SR is tuned to 228 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque; an eight-speed automatic replaces the old six-speed, with a six-speed manual still available for buyers who want it. Toyota also worked hard to give trims distinct personalities, from leaf-spring rear setups on a few work-focused versions to a coil-spring multi-link rear suspension on most models, plus available adaptive suspension on the Limited for added ride comfort. For truck shoppers who care about day-to-day running costs, Toyota says even the least-efficient 4WD manual version should hit an estimated 20 mpg combined, with 4WD automatics up to 21 mpg combined and 2WD versions up to 23 mpg combined.
Inside, the Tacoma offers a tough, tool-ready vibe, complete with accessory-friendly MOLLE panels—even in higher trims—though that approach can feel less upscale than some rivals. Practicality is improved where it matters: the old small rear-seat Access Cab is gone, replaced by a two-door XtraCab that treats the area behind the seats as lockable cargo storage, while Double Cab models get more comfortable seating and substantially more under-seat storage than before. Tech advanced significantly for 2024, with an 8-inch touchscreen standard, a huge available 14-inch display, and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; optional upgrades include a well-positioned Qi wireless charging pad, a JBL system with a removable portable speaker, and pre-wired auxiliary switches for accessories. Safety tech is also more modern now, with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 adding features like lane-centering, Proactive Driving Assist, and an emergency stop system designed to bring the truck to a halt if it detects an unresponsive driver while lane-centering is active.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Tacoma is still truckin' right along. Toyota marks the start of the model's fourth generation with a ground-up redesign." - Natalie Harrington
Read our most recent Toyota Tacoma review
4. Ford F-150
CarGurus expert rating: 7.3 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 35.4%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sweet-sounding V8 engine | Poor fuel economy |
| Impressive technology | Poor maneuverability |
| Capable on and off the road | Average value proposition |
The Ford F-150 is one of America's favorite trucks, and it can be configured for just about any job: three cab styles, three bed lengths, eight trim levels, and six powertrains (plus the all-electric F-150 Lightning). In Tremor form, it blends daily-driver comfort with real off-road hardware, including standard 4WD, a long-travel suspension, skid plates, and trail-focused drive modes like Mud/Rut and Rock Crawl. Our Tremor test truck's standard 5.0-liter V8 makes 400 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, and it backs that up with useful ratings for a half-ton—up to 9,900 pounds of towing and 1,725 pounds of payload—though fuel economy is a known tradeoff.
For family-duty and workweek livability, the SuperCrew cabin is roomy and well equipped, and smart details help when you're towing, hauling, or just loading up after a hardware-store run. Options like the Pro Access tailgate, a retractable bed step, and a spray-in bedliner make the bed easier to use, while features like the Mobile Office center-console workstation and under-seat storage add everyday practicality. Tech is a big part of the appeal, too, with 12-inch driver and center displays, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, available Bang & Olufsen audio, and an available head-up display—plus an expanded set of driver-assistance features for 2025 and available BlueCruise hands-free driving. Crash-test results are strong as well, including a five-star overall NHTSA rating, even if the F-150's size can make it feel cumbersome in tight parking lots and drive-thrus.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The depth and breadth of the 2025 Ford F-150 lineup are downright staggering. Fortunately for Ford, each version of this truck boasts serious substance, and while some rivals may be more appealing in one way or another, considered as a whole, the F-150 is the best light-duty pickup truck your money can buy." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Ford F-150 review
5. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
CarGurus expert rating: 5.3 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 33.8%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Spacious | Poor fuel economy |
| Easy-to-use technology | Blind-spot warning not standard |
| Diesel engine option | Concerning safety ratings |
Chevrolet sells the Silverado 1500 in an enormous range of configurations—regular, extended, or crew cab; multiple bed lengths; RWD or 4WD; and everything from a work-truck WT to off-road-focused trims. In more popular trims like the RST, the cabin mixes real everyday practicality (including available six-passenger seating via a 40/20/40 front bench) with useful truck touches like CornerStep rear bumpers and an EZ Lower and Lift tailgate that's easier to manage when your hands are full. The downside is that some details can feel dated or awkward in daily use, such as the column shifter blocking access to the stereo volume knob when it's in Drive.
In our RST 4WD test truck, the standard TurboMax 2.7-liter turbo-four makes 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, but it was less satisfying than the numbers suggest, and real-world fuel economy lagged well behind its EPA estimate. That powertrain also limits towing capacity on a Crew Cab 4WD to 9,000 pounds, while the available Duramax 3.0-liter turbodiesel can reach up to 13,000 pounds and returns much better mpg on paper—an important consideration for buyers who tow often. Silverado's best arguments are its in-cab tech (a 13.4-inch touchscreen with Google built-in, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and its value, but shoppers should pay close attention to safety equipment availability (blind-spot monitoring isn't standard) and the truck's subpar IIHS crash-test results.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Chevrolet needs to go back to the drawing board to design and engineer a competitive full-size pickup truck. Keep the Duramax, the Google-built-in infotainment system, the CornerStep bumpers, and the Super Cruise option. Ditch everything else, because brand loyalty can't support sales forever, and time is running out." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Chevrolet Silverado 1500 review
6. Ford F-250 Super Duty
CarGurus expert rating: 7.3 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 32.2%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Multiple powertrain options | Price climbs quickly with options |
| Powerful engine | Many safety features are not standard |
| Best-in-class towing |
The Ford F-250 Super Duty is built for shoppers who need a heavy-duty truck first, but don't want to give up comfort, tech, and everyday usability. It's huge—available with a 6.75-foot bed or an 8-foot bed—and that scale pays off where it counts: properly equipped models can tow up to 23,000 pounds with a fifth-wheel/gooseneck setup. Powertrain choices range from a 6.8-liter gas V8 with 405 hp and 445 lb-ft of torque to a high-output 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8 that makes 500 hp and 1,200 lb-ft of torque, all paired with a 10-speed automatic. The tradeoff is that it drives like the heavy-duty truck it is—firm and bouncy when unladen, with steering that can feel vague on the highway—so it's best for owners who will regularly use its capability.
Inside, the F-250's cab is more than just a jobsite office, especially in upscale trims where you'll find quilted leather and a more premium feel than you might expect from a work truck. Practicality is front and center with abundant storage, easy-to-use physical climate controls, lots of charging ports and power outlets, and available Pro Power Onboard that turns the truck into a mobile generator with up to 2 kW to help run tools or campsite gear. Towing tech is a major highlight, including available Pro Trailer Backup Assist, an integrated trailer brake controller, extra camera views, and Onboard Scales to help you keep tabs on loads. Safety equipment is more trim- and option-dependent than many shoppers may like, and heavy-duty trucks don't have NHTSA or IIHS crash-test scores, so it's worth double-checking which driver aids you're getting before you buy.
The CarGurus Verdict: "With unmatched towing capacity at a comparable price to other heavy-duty pickups, the F-250 is a compelling package." - Mark Takahashi
Read our most recent Ford F-250 Super Duty review
7. Ford Maverick
CarGurus expert rating: 7.8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 30.3%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Standard hybrid powertrain | Price has crept up |
| Charming and functional interior | Advanced safety features are not standard |
| Fun-to-drive Lobo model | Excessive touchscreen controls |
The 2025 Ford Maverick remains one of the best ways to get real pickup utility without moving up to a bigger, harder-to-park midsize truck. It's still built on a crossover-based unibody platform, which shows up in the easy driving manners, but it brings genuine truck tricks like a 4.5-foot bed with molded-in pockets for 2x4 dividers, a tailgate position that can help carry longer cargo (including 4x8 sheets), and a base 2,000-pound towing rating that can rise to 4,000 pounds with the optional 4K Towing Package on most trims.
For 2025, the big real-world upgrades are the available all-wheel drive (AWD) hybrid and a modernized tech setup: Sync 4 replaces the old system, with a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an 8-inch digital instrument cluster. Powertrains range from the 191-hp hybrid (155 lb-ft of torque) to a 238-hp 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder (275 lb-ft of torque), and the new Lobo variant adds street-truck flavor with chassis and brake upgrades plus a dual-clutch transmission—fun if you want sharper handling, though value is less of a Maverick calling card than it used to be. On the safety front, NHTSA gives the Maverick a four-star overall rating, but it's worth noting that some advanced driver-assistance features (like adaptive cruise control) require stepping up in trim, rather than coming standard.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Maverick is still a great vehicle, but it's not quite the bargain it once was." - Stephen Edelstein
Read our most recent Ford Maverick review
8. Hyundai Santa Cruz
CarGurus expert rating: 8.2 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 30.0%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fun to drive | On-pavement handling with all-terrain tires |
| Impressive technology | Cramped back seat |
| Great warranty | Not much cargo space |
Hyundai's Santa Cruz is a "sport truck" aimed at ultra-light-duty truck jobs, and that shows in day-to-day usability. It's built off the Tucson crossover, so it drives and parks like a compact SUV, but it adds a 4-foot bed for weekend home-improvement runs and outdoor gear. The clever part is the locking in-floor trunk in the bed (Ridgeline-style), plus tie-down points and available bed accessories like a retractable tonneau cover, giving you a mix of open-bed flexibility and secure storage when you don't want valuables sitting out in the open.
For shoppers who want a truck that feels quick and upscale, the turbocharged models are the ones to target: the 2.5-liter turbo makes 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque on regular gas, and Hyundai pairs it with available features that are unusual in this segment, including a 12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital key tech, fingerprint scanning, and over-the-air updates. Safety tech is broadly standard, and higher trims add features like Highway Driving Assist and a surround-view camera, though it's worth noting the Santa Cruz earns a top five-star NHTSA rating while newer IIHS results include some "Marginal" scores. Value is a mixed bag versus the Ford Maverick, but Hyundai helps offset that with strong warranty coverage, lifetime Bluelink+ for original owners, and (for 2025) complimentary scheduled maintenance.
The CarGurus Verdict: "If you like the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz, consider getting a turbocharged version. It's not as fuel-efficient, but it's a ton more fun to drive." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Hyundai Santa Cruz review
9. Honda Ridgeline
CarGurus expert rating: 7.8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 29.1%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable | Limiting towing capacity for a midsize pickup |
| Great handling | Outdated technology |
| Standard all-wheel drive |
The Honda Ridgeline takes a different approach to the midsize-truck formula, using a unibody platform and standard AWD to prioritize comfort, quietness, and everyday drivability. Power comes from a 3.5-liter V6 making 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque paired with a nine-speed automatic, and the payoff is a smooth, responsive feel on pavement with more precise handling than most body-on-frame rivals. It's a better fit for commuters and weekend projects than for buyers who routinely need maximum capability, with a 5,000-pound tow rating and up to 1,583 pounds of payload.
Where the Ridgeline really earns its keep is in the details that make a truck easier to live with. You get a single, highly practical crew-cab/5-foot-4-inch-bed layout, a dual-action tailgate, room for 4x8 sheets laid flat, and a 7.3-cubic-foot lockable in-bed trunk for tools or gear you'd rather keep out of the weather (and it can double as a cooler). The tech isn't the freshest—its 9-inch touchscreen and USB-A data port feel dated, and there's no 360-degree camera—but wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and physical controls help keep it simple. Safety is a strong point, too, with a five-star overall NHTSA rating and a full suite of standard driver-assistance features.
The CarGurus Verdict: "It doesn't offer the towing capacity or off-road capability of more traditional trucks, but the Ridgeline is much easier to live with." - Stephen Edelstein
Read our most recent Honda Ridgeline review
10. Chevrolet Colorado
CarGurus expert rating: 6.7 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 30.7%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish design | Poor fuel economy |
| Fun to drive | Interior materials feel cheap |
| Easy-to-use technology | Poor ergonomic design |
The Colorado keeps shopping simple for a midsize truck: it's crew cab/short bed only, with RWD or 4WD and a single TurboMax 2.7-liter turbo four paired to an eight-speed automatic. Output is a stout 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, and properly equipped models can tow up to 7,700 pounds with as much as 1,846 pounds of payload (both figures are highest with RWD). Trail Boss models add a 2-inch factory lift, a wider stance, all-terrain tires, and dedicated drive modes, delivering genuine off-road capability—though details like standard halogen headlights feel out of step with the truck's rugged mission.
Inside, the Colorado's big wins are its screens and Google built-in infotainment, which includes Google Maps and Assistant plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it an easy truck to live with day to day. Practical storage is strong up front, and Chevy's CornerStep bumper, available EZ Lift-and-Lower tailgate, and StowFlex tailgate compartment help maximize bed usability, but the rear seat remains tight like most midsize pickups. Buyers should also weigh real-world costs and safety: fuel economy can dip well below the EPA estimate depending on tires, lift, and 4WD use, and both NHTSA and IIHS results have been disappointing even though driver-assist features are widely available through option packages.
The CarGurus Verdict: "In most ways, the 2026 Colorado is an impressive midsize truck. However, it plays runner-up to the Toyota Tacoma, which is not only more versatile and available with a wider range of dealer accessories, but also trades on its legendary reputation for long-term reliability." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Chevrolet Colorado review
11. Jeep Gladiator
CarGurus expert rating: 5.3 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 34.9%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Top and doors come off | Poor fuel economy |
| Fun to drive | Uncompetitive towing/payload capacity |
| Impressive off-road | Advanced safety features are not standard |
The Jeep Gladiator is the rare pickup that can double as a convertible and a go-anywhere trail rig, with a Wrangler-based body mounted to a longer, purpose-built truck frame and a five-link rear suspension designed to handle truck duties. There's only one powertrain—Jeep's 3.6-liter V6 making 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque with an eight-speed automatic—and 4WD is standard, but the Gladiator's real personality comes through in how it mixes open-air driving with off-road hardware (especially in trims like Mojave and Rubicon). If you're shopping this Jeep as a truck, it's worth noting the fine print: maximum towing (up to 7,700 pounds) and payload (up to 1,725 pounds) apply to the base Sport trim, and capability figures can drop as you move up the lineup and add equipment.
Day to day, the Gladiator's cabin is more about adventure than refinement: road noise can be high, fuel economy isn't a strength (EPA says 19 mpg combined, though our test returned 16.2 mpg), and the ride can feel busy on the highway—yet the tall stance and off-road-tuned suspension can be a practical advantage on rough pavement and pothole-riddled roads. Tech is a bright spot with a standard 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, but voice recognition can struggle in the loud cabin. The rear seat is tight, as in most midsize trucks, though rear vents and USB ports help, and bed utility depends on options. Safety tech availability is a sticking point—some key driver-assistance features cost extra or aren't offered on certain trims—and the Gladiator doesn't post top crash ratings across the board, so it pays to shop trims and options carefully.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Unique among pickup trucks, the Jeep Gladiator is an appealing alternative to the status quo. That's especially true if you value open-air driving or you plan to tackle untrodden territory. But for serious towing and hauling tasks, there are better choices than the Gladiator." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Jeep Gladiator review
12. Nissan Frontier
CarGurus expert rating: 6 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 28.2%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.1 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful V6 engine | Low payload rating |
| Comfortable driver's seat | Cramped back seat |
| Impressive Fender stereo | Outdated technology |
The Nissan Frontier delivers a midsize pickup experience with a refreshingly traditional feel, and that's a big part of its appeal if you prefer a truck that feels solid, simple, and built for day-to-day work. Power comes from a 3.8-liter V6 making 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque paired with a nine-speed automatic, delivering strong low-end response around town and confident passing power on the highway. Properly equipped, the Frontier can tow up to 7,150 pounds and handle up to 1,590 pounds of payload depending on configuration—useful numbers for weekend trailers and jobsite runs, even if some rivals can haul more.
In Pro-4X form, you also get standard 4WD hardware aimed at trail duty (including an electronic locking rear differential and Bilstein off-road shocks), though there's no automatic 4WD mode and the ride can feel stiff and a bit skittish on imperfect pavement compared with smoother-driving alternatives. The cabin prioritizes practical controls—big knobs and clear switchgear—along with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and available upgrades like a Fender audio system, but the built-in voice assistant can be frustrating. Family use is more of a squeeze: the back seat is cramped and there are no rear air vents. Shoppers should also note the Frontier's four-star overall NHTSA rating, including a more concerning three-star front-crash score.
The CarGurus Verdict: "We like the 2026 Nissan Frontier despite its old-school nature. It feels solid, it's simple, it exudes quality, and it's reasonably fuel efficient. Plus, it can tow more than a Toyota Tacoma. An obtuse digital assistant and a concerning crash-test rating are primary reasons to consider alternatives." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Nissan Frontier review
The Best Trucks FAQs
What is the best truck for towing? For the most demanding jobs, a heavy-duty truck like the Ford F-250 Super Duty is the top choice, with a maximum towing capacity of up to 23,000 pounds when properly equipped. For most people, a full-size light-duty truck is more than enough. The Chevy Silverado 1500 with its available Duramax diesel can tow up to 13,000 pounds, while the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150 also offer robust towing capabilities.
Which pickup trucks drive most like an SUV? Trucks built on a unibody platform, like the Honda Ridgeline, Ford Maverick, and Hyundai Santa Cruz, offer a much smoother and more comfortable ride than traditional body-on-frame trucks. They handle more like a crossover SUV, making them easier to drive and park in town, though this often comes with lower towing and payload capacities.
Are there any fuel-efficient trucks? Yes, several modern trucks offer impressive fuel economy. The Ford Maverick is a standout with its standard hybrid powertrain. For those who need more capability, the Silverado 1500 is available with a Duramax turbodiesel engine that offers better fuel efficiency than its gasoline counterparts, especially for drivers who tow frequently.
What's the difference between compact, midsize, and full-size trucks? These categories refer to the truck's overall size, capability, and platform. Compact trucks, like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, are the smallest. They are often based on SUV platforms, making them comfortable for daily driving but with lighter towing and hauling limits. Midsize trucks, such as the Chevy Colorado and Nissan Frontier, offer a balance of maneuverability and capability, making them a popular choice for those who need more utility than a compact but don't want the bulk of a full-size. Full-size trucks, including the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150, are the most popular segment, offering a wide range of powerful engines, spacious cabins, and significant towing and payload capacities. Heavy-duty trucks, like the Ford F-250, are for those with serious towing and hauling needs that exceed the limits of a standard full-size pickup.
Which truck is best for off-roading? The Jeep Gladiator is purpose-built for trails with its standard 4WD and removable top and doors. Other highly capable options include the F-150 Tremor and Colorado Trail Boss, which come from the factory with features like lifted suspensions, all-terrain tires, and specialized 4WD systems.
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Our expert reviewers are among this country's most trusted automotive journalists, also writing for publications including US News and World Report, Edmunds, Digital Trends, J.D. Power, and Car & Driver. They put each car through real-world testing and create detailed reviews of performance in a range of categories, from practicality and driving manners to cost-effectiveness and safety.
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