Pickup trucks were originally built as utilitarian workhorses, a role they have played to perfection since the appearance of the first models about ten decades ago. Due to their workhorse nature, many pickups were equipped with few creature comforts with a focus on towing and cargo-hauling capacity. However, in a trend that started in the 1950s, most owners in North America began to use their pickups as passenger cars. Responding to this, manufacturers now offer very luxurious pickups that come with convenience features and boast excellent driving dynamics.
Gone are the days when pickup trucks were only used on the farms. These days, everyone should own a pickup truck because modern pickup trucks also bring speed and handling to the table in addition to their other qualities. It is fairly common nowadays to see trucks that defy convention with mechanical components that produce exceptional handling. Here, we look at the 10 most fun-to-drive pickup trucks of 2022.
10 2022 Rivian R1T
Whether it is on pavement or off the beaten path, the 2022 Rivian R1T comes fully equipped to deliver tons of driving fun. The Rivian R1T's 4-wheel independent suspension is designed, developed, and tuned in-house and features ride height-adjustable air springs married to cross-linked adaptive dampers.
For optimum roll control on pavement and extreme suspension articulation off-road, driving conditions are monitored by a Rivian chassis controller which determines the degree of adjustment needed. With this system, the 2022 Rivian R1T rides and corners like a sports car, and when the need arises, it can also romp with the best of them off-road.
9 2022 Ford Ranger ROUSH
The ROUSH Ranger package, offered on the 2022 Ranger XLT with the 2.3-liter Ecoboost engine, comes with several upgrades that improve on-road handling and off-road experience. A 10-speed automatic transmission routes power to the 32-inch all-terrain tires while a performance suspension features front coil-over shocks with tuned performance springs.
For a pickup truck, it is reasonably nimble and drives more like an engaging midsize SUV thanks to quick and responsive steering. It is maneuverable and easy to park in tight spots while the solid brakes and driver-assist/safety features inspire confidence.
8 2022 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2
The Chevrolet Colorado is a reliable and capable midsize pickup truck that impresses with a comfortable driving position and powerful engine options. In the ZR2, power comes from a 3.6-liter V6 paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission or a 2.8-liter turbo diesel paired with a 6-speed automatic.
It boasts standard 4-wheel drive, Multimatic Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve (DSSV) shocks, and driver-selectable electronic locking differentials on both axles. Furthermore, it delivers good ride quality, excellent maneuverability, impressive handling, and corners without much body lean.
7 2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport
Motivation for the 2022 Tacoma TRD Sport comes from a 278 hp 3.5-liter V6 paired with a 6-speed automatic or an available 6-speed automatic transmission. It comes with power steering, 4-wheel ABS, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, and other driving aids to make driving not only fun but safe too.
Developed by Toyota Racing Development, the pickup comes with a stiffly sprung sports-tuned double-wishbone suspension in front and a leaf spring at the rear. Although ride quality is poor, it boasts responsive steering and stable handling.
6 2022 Ford F-150 Raptor
The 2022 F-150 Raptor impresses not only with its rugged styling and tough off-road kit but also with a well-equipped cabin. Under the hood, a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 mill pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission to crank out 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of twist.
The rear end balances on a 5-link suspension with extra-long arms, a Panhard rod, and 24-inch coil springs designed for better responsiveness and stability. In addition to that, it comes with sports-tuned shock absorbers with state-of-the-art adaptive electronic valving that enhances the Raptor's driving dynamics.
5 2022 Ram 1500 TRX
The 2022 Ram 1500 TRX is powered by a 6.2-liter Hemi V8 with an output of 702 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque. Routed through an 8-speed automatic transmission, it pushes the monster truck to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 12.3 seconds.
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Despite a heavy curb weight, the TRX is surprisingly mild-mannered on paved roads with the beefed-up suspension soaking up imperfections admirably. Thanks to sharp and communicative steering, it is a joy to push around while the gigantic and sturdy brakes provide confident stopping power.
4 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
The 2022 F-150 Lightning, an all-new addition to the best-selling Ford F-150 lineup, lives up to its name with a lightning-quick 0-60 mph run of 4.5 seconds. Power is supplied by two electric motors that churn out a combined torque of 775 lb-ft and 452 hp or 580 hp depending on the battery pack.
Just like the gasoline-powered versions, the Lightning boasts refined road manners but handles better, thanks to a lower center of gravity that minimizes body roll. Instead of the traditional leaf springs and a live rear axle, it uses an independent rear suspension featuring a semi-trailing arm with progressive rate coil-over springs and a stabilizer bar.
3 2022 ROUSH F-150
The 2022 Ford F-150 ROUSH is built on the Ford F-150 302A XLT or 502A Lariat chassis and comes in 9 exterior color options. Beyond power, the ROUSH F-150 is a joy to drive thanks to good outward visibility, light steering, and a range of drive modes.
It rolls on a set of 20-inch ROUSH-designed wheels wrapped in 33-inch aggressive all-terrain tires and costs $18,500 above the base vehicle. For improved handling and stance, and to go along with the styling upgrades, it boasts a coil-over suspension system with tuned performance springs.
2 2022 Nissan Frontier
Fully redesigned for 2022, the Nissan Frontier comes with only one powertrain - a 3.8-liter V6 engine hooked to a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission. The 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque it sends to the wheels is enough power for most driving demands.
Kitted with a revised suspension system featuring an upgraded front sway bar and a new stabilizer bar behind, the new Frontier exhibits less body roll and vibration. Furthermore, thanks to the retuned hydraulic steering, it now drives and handles more like unibody trucks.
1 2022 Toyota Tundra
The Toyota Tundra enters 2022 fully redesigned and is offered with two powertrain options, a 389 hp twin-turbo V6 and a 437 hp hybrid unit. Both powertrains are hooked to a quick-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission and come either with rear-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive.
Although it doesn't drive like a sports car, the Tundra has precise steering and displays minimal body roll making it enjoyable to drive on curvy roads. In addition, it boasts a composed ride courtesy of a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension with outboard-mounted coil springs.