Whereas in times past, trucks were used primarily as farm and construction vehicles to tow and lug loads, today, more than just utilitarian workhorses, they've evolved into high-tech, comfortable daily drivers with sports car-rivaling acceleration. The full-size pickup truck segment, for one, has seen more and more performance-oriented models arrive on the scene. Think the likes of Ram 1500 TRX, Ford F-150 Raptor, or Ford Raptor R, which continue to thrill with their high-output engines and other advanced technologies that allow them to deliver exceptional performance, whether in the dirt or on the drag strip. Likewise, more people are buying these performance trucks today than at any other time on record.
But, with the full-size pickup truck class currently awash with many vehicles offering capable and powerful engines while also being quick off the line, choosing the right half-ton truck can be tricky. To take the hassle out of purchasing and lighten your load along the way as you search around for a rugged truck with astounding amounts of power, we've identified the fastest-accelerating pickup trucks on the market. Read on to learn.
10 2023 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 – 6.1 seconds
Despite being a new kid on the block, considering it debuted last year, the rugged Silverado ZR2 is one of the better-known full-size pickup trucks on the market, and that's saying something. The off-road-ready vehicle is sold exclusively as a Crew Cab with numerous goodies for those wanting a capable truck for their wilderness adventures. Under the hood, there's a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 that's good for 420 horses and 460 pound-feet of torque. The powerplant links to a 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive system. A two-speed transfer case, as well as electronic-locking front and rear differentials are also on board.
As you'd expect, the chassis setup for the ZR2 is designed to enhance the experience even further and includes high-performance Multimatic DSSV dampers that guarantee optimum comfort with the greatest possible off-road capability. Not to mention heavy-duty skid plates and 33-inch mud-terrain tires, which provide increased driving confidence on all road surfaces. Expanding upon its off-road items for 2023, the vehicle now also offers the ZR2 Bison package that includes rocker protection, unique skid plates, custom front bumper, a factory-tuned off-road suspension, and many more features that will appeal to enthusiasts and go-anywhere on and off-road drivers.
If you plan to use your ZR2 for towing, it's worth noting that the maximum weight this vehicle can tow is 8,900 pounds with a conventional trailer hitch.
9 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate – 5.4 Seconds
The Denali Ultimate, with its bold lines, refined details, and superbly-designed interior, admirably reflects the spirit of luxury and prestige that we've come to associate with the Denali line. Offered only in a Crew Cab configuration, the Denali Ultimate's feel and comfort are unmatched in the class, thanks to luxurious amenities such as Alpine Umber leather upholstery, a premium microsuede headliner, unique aluminum trim, Paldao wood accents, a heated steering wheel, as well as 16-way power front seats with heating, cooling, and massage functions.
The tech is also high-end. The supply includes a 13.4-inch diagonal infotainment system along with a 12.3-inch diagonal digital driver information center, a 15-inch multicolor head-up display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system, amongst other equipment that help ensure premium, luxury trucking at its finest.
8 2023 Ford F-150 Lariat – 5.4 Seconds
To no one's surprise, the Ford F-150 is a good choice for consumers who are after a half-ton truck that's as fast as it is capable. Starting at $57,480 (MSRP), this workhorse is motivated by a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine making 325 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.
If that's a bit underpowered for your needs, Ford offers plenty of powertrain options to consider, including a 400-hp 5.0-liter V8, a 400-horsepower twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, and a hybrid version of the V6 that generates 430 total horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque. Needless to say, acceleration is outstanding, with the truck needing just 5.4 seconds to reach 60 mph.
7 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 High Country – 5.4 Seconds
The second Silverado on our list, this Crew Cab-styled truck shifts the Silverado's focus from that of providing buyers with incredible towing and payload capabilities to giving them the most luxurious full-size Chevy truck money can buy.
It features leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, power-folding mirrors, a power-operated rear window, running board side assist steps, and a spray-on bedliner. In addition, Ford offers shoppers plenty of powertrain choices, including a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8, 420-hp 6.2-liter V8, and a 277-hp turbodiesel 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder. An eight-speed automatic and a 10-speed unit are the transmissions of choice. When appropriately equipped, this vehicle can tow up to 13,300 pounds.
6 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor – 5.2 Seconds
As far as performance trucks go, the Ford F-150 Raptor needs no introduction. It is well-known for having, among many other things, enhanced off-road capability, on-road refinement, tremendous power, and fun.
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Under its bulging hood, you'll find a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter high-output EcoBoost V6 engine that pushes out 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. The powertrain is also suitable for towing some 8,200 pounds and carrying up to 1,400 pounds of stuff.
5 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum – 4.0 Seconds
The F-150 Lightning is a standout option for those who want an all-electric pickup truck that's practical and fun to drive. Its engine comprises two electric motors and a standard (98 kWh) or extended battery (131 kWh). Every Lighting comes standard with all-wheel drive.
Models with the standard battery make 452 horsepower, 775 lb-ft of torque, and 240 miles. Opt for a Lightning with the extended battery, and you get 580 horsepower, 775 lb-ft of torque, and 320 miles or 300 miles of driving range, depending on your model of choice. This vehicle can tow up to 10,000 pounds.
4 2023 Ram 1500 TRX – 3.7 Seconds
If you need brute force to take command of any road, however demanding your application, the Ram 1500 TRX is as good as it gets in this segment. Designed to deliver fast-paced bursts of adrenaline-fueled thrills, this capable truck is equipped with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that puts out a mammoth 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque.
As if it won't have enough bragging rights with its adrenaline-pumping performance, the TRX has a commanding stance that's almost intimidating. Its bulging fenders, wide, road-hugging stance, massive 35-inch all-terrain tires, 11.8 inches of ground clearance, and other assertive details accentuate its mighty stance while also helping to provide a clear view of the road ahead for those onboard. Put simply, the TRX is the ideal vehicle for enthusiasts that want nothing less than the best all-around ultra-high performance.
3 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R – 3.6 Seconds
Finally, hardcore enthusiasts and performance-minded drivers can now own a Raptor with the agility and quickness they've always desired. It's no match for the almighty Ram TRX, but the Ford Raptor R brings impressive equipment nonetheless. A supercharged 5.2-liter high-output V8 engine borrowed from the Mustang Shelby GT500 endows this truck with 700 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque, which, albeit negligible and unlikely to be noticed by the everyday driver, is still 2 hp and 10 lb-ft less than the TRX's output.
With an estimated 0-60 time of 3.6 seconds, Ford's most powerful full-size pickup truck is faster from 0-60 miles per hour than its direct competition.
2 2023 Rivian R1T – 3.3 Seconds
All the models mentioned so far in this list are made by some of the world's largest and most popular automakers – but not the R1T, whose makers are only an EV startup. Still, the Irvine-based manufacturer remains unfazed and wants to play with the big boys, at least as far as performance is concerned.
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Its all-electric powertrain comprises four electric motors and a floor-mounted 135-kWh battery pack making over 800 horsepower and 900 lb-ft of torque. Harnessing the power of its prodigious powertrain, this EV truck posts an impressive 0-60 time of 3.3 seconds. Its towing capacity is 11,000 pounds.
1 2023 GMC Hummer EV3X – 3.0 Seconds
The third electric truck in this list, the 2023 GMC Hummer EV3X is the fastest-accelerating halftone truck you can buy today. With the Edition 1 already sold out, customers will still be able to enjoy its well-liked powertrain when they specify their EV3X with the Edition 1 powerplant.
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That engine comprises three motors with a combined output of 1,000 horsepower, 11,500 pound-feet of torque, and an estimated 350 miles of driving range. The Edition 1 engine is also renowned for its exceptional 0-60 acceleration time of 3 seconds.
Sources:
Chevrolet
Ford
RAM
GMC
Caranddriver.com
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