In the modern world, trucks aren't just used for cargo transportation. Today, the auto market offers a massive selection of luxurious pickup trucks built with the passenger in mind. Over the years, trucks have undergone several upgrades, making them friendlier and more user-oriented. As a result, this segment is now flooded with buyers of all walks. It is no longer only reserved for farm and factory workers.

Updated September 2022: when you think of challenging tasks, you think of a vehicle that can smoothly tackle the job to completion. One of those vehicles is a pickup truck. Since the first pickup was launched in 1896 by Gottlieb Daimler, the world has appreciated these vehicles as workhorses. However, not all pickup trucks are tough enough for demanding tasks. For that reason, we have updated this article to present some of the most rigid pickup trucks ever built with plenty of recent models making the cut.

The American people and the world have grown to appreciate what these rugged road machines offer. In addition to their vast advantages, pickup trucks are relatively cheaper to buy and maintain than their SUV counterparts. These vehicles are built with the perfect balance between performance and usability. They will tow or haul massive loads and still travel at high speeds. Thanks to these advantages, pickup trucks are slowly replacing other vehicle segments such as the muscle car and camper vans.

Related: These Are The 9 Smallest Pickup Trucks For Sale In The US Today

To pick the best pickup truck; buyers look at features like reliability, durability, safety, and agility. Horsepower plays a vital role in determining the toughness of a pickup truck. There are many major brands in the market releasing powerful trucks. This has led to increased competition, making it worth knowing the most rigid truck before you buy one.

Read on for some of the toughest pickup trucks to ever brace the world.

16 Dodge Power Wagon

the Dodge Power Wagon WM-300
Wikimedia Commons

The Dodge Power Wagon is a medium-duty truck produced between 1945 and 1980. The truck was then reintroduced in 2005. The four-wheel drive lightweight wagon is powered by a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine that produces a 429hp, making it one of the toughest 4x4 vehicles on the road.

the 2011 Dodge Power Wagon
via Wikimedia Commons

The modern Power Wagon is a massive three-quarter-ton heavy-duty off-roader. And one of the best in the business. Since it returned to the scene in 2005, the Power Wagon has maintained a clean record of offering buyers a capable off-road performance. The three-quarter-ton truck is based on the RAM 2500HD.

15 Toyota Hilux

The first generation Toyota Hilux
via Wikimedia Commons

It has been over 50 years since the first model of the Toyota Hilux was launched. It has been a successful pickup truck for a long time. With failures and successes, the truck has been upgraded several times, with every new model coming better than its predecessor. The latest Toyota Hilux has built a reputation thanks to its reliability and sturdiness – it is now one of the most reliable Japanese trucks on the market.

2016 Hilux Invincible D-4D 4WD 2.4
via Wikimedia Commons

The 2022 Hilux is powered by a range of engines – the most powerful is a 2.8-liter diesel turbo 4 engine with 204 horsepower. It comes in both six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. This truck hits a top speed of 121 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60mph in around 10 seconds.

14 Nissan Hardbody D21

Nissan Hardbody D21.
Via youtube.com

Nissan Hardbody D21 gets its name Hardbody from its looks and styling. It is one of the best compact pickups ever released. With a front engine configuration and a four-wheel drive system, the Hardbody stayed in the American market from 1986 to 1997.

Related: These 10 Pickup Trucks Have The Best Interiors

Nissan Hardbody D21
Via guyswithrides.com

The Hardbody D21 had powerful engines for carrying heavy loads and crushing through off-road trails. These compact, powerful trucks were a huge hit all over the world. It had a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmission. It could hit a top speed of 84mph and accelerate from 0 to 60mph in 2.9 seconds.

13 Jeep CJ

Jeep CJ-5
via Wikimedia Commons

The CJ series of Jeep was launched in 1944 and stayed in the market until 1986. The CJ5, produced for three decades between 1954 and 1984, was considered the most successful model of the CJ series. Buyers appreciated its sturdiness and practicality. Today, the CJ5 remains one of the best pickup trucks ever built.

1974 Jeep CJ-5 Renegade
via Wikimedia Commons

While all the CJs built from 1973 featured 304- or 360-cubic-inch engines built by AMC, the Renegades had the 304-cubic-inch (5.0 liters) V8 engines. These models (The Renegades) also featured a stronger drivetrain, Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential, and alloy wheels. Although automatic transmission was not featured, the Jeep CJ was still successful with its well-behaved manual transmission.

12 Dodge Ram

1989 Dodge Ram D100 truck
via Wikimedia Commons

The Ram has been named the truck of the year by Motor Trend Magazine five times. The truck has enjoyed massive success since it was launched in 1981. In 2010, Ram became a brand, separating from Dodge and naming its vehicles RAM trucks. Ram trucks have been unstoppable since then.

A 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie
via Wikimedia Commons

The trucks have undergone various changes, and the most successful model was the Ram 1500. Its latest model has a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine producing 395hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. RAM trucks are offered in various versions and are among the toughest on the market.

11 Ford F-150

1993 Ford F-150
via Wikimedia Commons

The Ford F-series has been the best-selling truck in the United States for over 45 years – it has global recognition for its efficiency and unquestionable performance. The latest model, the 2022 F150, has a range of powerful engines. The most powerful version is the 3.5L EcoBoost Twin-Turbocharged V6, which produces 400hp and 500 lb-ft of torque.

Related: These Are The Best Half-Ton Trucks Money Can Buy In 2022

2018 Ford F-150 XLT

via Wikimedia Commons

The truck has a 10-speed automatic transmission, making it easy to handle. It comes with standard safety features for guaranteed safety for the driver, passengers, and cargo. It is a stable truck that can hit a top speed of 120 mph. In addition to all the stock goodies the F150 has, it has several aftermarket kits for customization.

10 Toyota Tacoma

2011 Toyota Tacoma
via Wikimedia Commons

Launched in 2005, the Toyota Tacoma has seen many changes, yet it remains one of the toughest trucks on the market. Despite featuring a rugged appearance, the Tacoma is a fuel-efficient vehicle that all true truck lovers appreciate. The vehicle is powered by a fuel-efficient yet potent 2.7-liter 4-Cylinder engine that offers 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. The more powerful 3.5-liter V6 produces 278hp and 265 lb-ft of torque.

2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro
via Wikimedia Commons

The vehicle's interior is well equipped for optimal comfort. The Tacoma has choices of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, which make the truck even wilder. It has standard safety features, which make it suitable for the family.

9 Ford Ranger

2021 Ford Ranger XL SuperCab
via Wikimedia Commons

The Ford Ranger was one of the most popular mid-size pickup trucks in the 1980s. It was launched in 1983 and has been one of the toughest pickup trucks to brace the American market. Ford has manufactured this truck in many versions, most of which have set new standards in the pickup truck segment.

2022 Ford Ranger Sport
via Wikimedia Commons

The Ford Ranger is an excellent truck. It's equipped with a potent engine and handles like a pro. The vehicle offers solid off-road performance while remaining a worthy contender in the game of fuel efficiency. Its towing and hauling capabilities are incomparable, and the inside is as comfortable as a modern SUV. This is a tough truck that deserves all the praise it receives.

8 Chevrolet C/K

third generation Chevrolet C/K-series pickup truck
via Wikimedia Commons

The C/K was a legendary full-size pickup truck in the market from 1960 to 2002. Over the years, the C/K saw many changes but remained one of the most rigid trucks. Marketed by both Chevrolet and GM divisions, the C/K was among the first passenger-friendly trucks ever built.

1995-1996 Chevrolet C/K 1500
via Wikimedia Commons

It was comfortable and easy to drive. Its performance was excellent. Today, these trucks are quite valuable since they are popular workhorses in the American market.

7 Toyota Tundra

2017 Toyota Tundra SR 4WD Double Cab
via Wikimedia Commons

The Toyota Tundra is one of the best pickup trucks on the road. The truck offers reliable performance, and it's stable and durable. Its base engine is a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 with an incredible output of 389hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. Its more potent engine is a 5.7-liter V8 engine producing 381hp 401 lb-ft of torque.

A 2022 Toyota Tundra CrewMax Limited
via Wikimedia Commons

The top speed of this truck is 106mph, reaching 60mph from a standstill in 6.5 seconds. The Tundra is loaded with exciting technology and safety features, making it reliable and safe. It is a huge seller thanks to its global fan base that knows how rugged the Tundra is.

6 Ford Super Duty

2022 FORD SUPER DUTY
Via ford.com

The Super Duty was an upgrade to the Ford F series. Although the truck was already iconic thanks to its excellent performance and reliability, Ford saw it wise to add a monstrous Heavy Duty version to it. When it was introduced in 1999, the heavy-duty truck set new standards for luxury pickups. The Super Duty came in three versions, the F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, and the F-450 Super Duty.

2022 FORD SUPER DUTY
Via ford.com

The basic F-250 is powered by a 6.2-liter SOHC 2-valve flex-fuel V8 engine, with an incredible output of 430hp. The F350 is equipped with a 6.2-liter V8 engine with 385hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, while the F450 comes with two engine choices. The first is a 7.3-liter V8 Gasoline producing 430hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, while the other option, a 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel engine, has 475hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. The Ford Super Duty trucks are among the safest and most rigid trucks on the market, thanks to the sturdy braking system and the powerful engine choices.

5 Chevrolet Silverado

Chevrolet Silverado
Chevrolet

The Silverado is one of the most dependable pickup trucks on the market. It is a reliable and robust pickup that any true American truck lover will appreciate. It can tow and haul massive loads thanks to its impressive selection of potent engines.

Chevrolet Silverado.
Via gmauthority.com

The base engine is a 195-horsepower 4.3-liter V6, a 4.8-liter V8 spitting out 295 horsepower, and a 5.3-liter V8 with 315 horsepower. The last two engine options are the 2007 to 2009 6.0-liter V8, producing 367 horsepower, and the 6.2-liter V8, built between 2009 and 2013. The 6.2-liter produces 403hp. In conclusion, the Chevrolet Silverado is a tough truck.

4 2017 Nissan Frontier S

2017 Nissan Frontier S
Via youtube.com

The Nissan Frontier offers incredible performance, reliability, and safety; it's one of the cheapest models. With a reliability rating of 4.5 stars out of five, the 2017 Frontier S has proved beyond reasonable doubt that it's a solid truck. It is considered economical thanks to its excellent fuel efficiency.

2017 Nissan Frontier S.
Via: Nissan

The performance of this truck is unquestionable. It has a 4.6-liter V6 that produces 261hp. The Frontier S has a six-speed manual and a five-speed automatic transmission. It is also available with a larger power unit, which improves performance significantly but takes a toll on fuel efficiency. The truck has many impressive features that appeal to buyers and enthusiasts.

3 2017 Chevrolet Colorado WT

2017 Chevrolet Colorado WT.
Via youtube.com

The WT in the Chevy Colorado WT stands for a work truck – this means that the pickup comes from the factory fully equipped for work. Its agility is overwhelming, and its reliability is pleasing. Motor Trend Magazine awarded Chevrolet Colorado the 'Truck of the year award for two consecutive years.

2017 Chevrolet Colorado WT
Via youtube.com

When it was launched, the Colorado WT received a lot of love from truck enthusiasts. As a result, its sales were high in the sky. And although this slowly changed towards 2013 when it experienced slow sales, the Colorado WT remains a tough truck that competes with modern work trucks. The handling is excellent, and the rides are quite smooth for a pickup truck. With good stability, it is one of the toughest pickup trucks ever to hit the road.

2 2017 Nissan Titan S

2017 Nissan Titan S.
Via youtube.com

In its latest iteration, the Nissan Titan is a decent truck that comes equipped with a potent V8 engine as standard. It has a solid reliability score and an excellent warranty that gives buyers the confidence to opt for one. The 2022 Nissan Titan follows in the footsteps of its predecessors, including the 2017 Titan S.

2017 Nissan Titan S
Via youtube.com

The 2017 Titan S is an excellent truck and one of the best. This model is equipped with a standard 5.6-liter V8 engine which produces up to 390hp. Its performance is pleasing, making the Titan one of the most opted-for pickup trucks in the used car market.

1 2017 GMC Sierra SLT

2017 GMC Sierra SLT.
Via youtube.com

The Chevrolet Silverado and a GMC Sierra have a lot in common. But these two trucks are different. Furthermore, they are both pretty rugged and reliable. The Sierra is powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine which produces up to 420hp.

2017 GMC Sierra SLT
Via youtube.com

The truck handles like a pro. Its steering is pretty responsive, and the ride quality is averagely good. Even at its top speed, the Sierra SLT remains stable. And compared to what the truck offers, it's easy to say that it is one of the cheapest on the market.