Pickup trucks are set to explode in popularity as an alternative to SUVs. They come with the added advantage of the capability of carrying big, dirty, and heavy loads that luxury SUVs cannot. In addition, most modern pickups are built to last for generations without breaking down. Modern pickups have also been fine-tuned to offer luxurious interiors close to those of SUVs.
Modern trucks are built with comfort and agility in mind. Unfortunately, with the market flooding with so many of them, it is difficult for buyers to choose the right one for their specific needs. However, there are some outstandingly capable pickups from both established and new automakers.
9 Toyota Hilux
The Toyota Hilux is known globally to be a rugged workhorse and one of the most reliable trucks. The vehicle comes infused with a powerful 2.8-liter diesel engine, offered in gas and diesel variants. The Hilux comes with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission to produce 201 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
Apart from its aggressive exterior, the Toyota Hilux features a luxurious and excellently finished interior. The cockpit boasts an 8.0-inch multimedia screen compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. In addition, this truck has a 7716 lbs carrying capacity, making it far more potent than many trucks in its class.
8 Toyota Tundra
The Toyota Tundra is among the most powerful pickup trucks available today. It comes with a 381 hp, 5.7-liter V8 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While Toyota is a reputable automaker regarding reliability, the Tundra truck plays a massive role in maintaining this reputation, especially the TRD Pro model.
Its remote-reservoir dampers and thick underside armor make the Tundra a competent truck when the road ends and the dirt begins. It also comes with a six-passenger extended cab. The Tundra has a maximum towing capacity of 10,200 pounds and can also haul up to 1,730 pounds of payload.
7 Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger is a versatile midsize pickup that can play several roles depending on the day. The Ranger comes in two body styles; a two-door SuperCab with a 6-foot bed or a four-door SuperCrew with a 5-foot bed. In addition, the Ford Ranger is available in a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo-four engine connected to a quick-shifting, well-programmed 10-speed automatic transmission. The engine has a power output of 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
The 2021 Ford Ranger's 6-foot bed in the SuperCab configuration has 51.8 cubic feet, while the 5-foot bed in the four-door SuperCrew has 43.3 cubic feet. The Ranger's payload capacity varies by trim level and ranges from 1,430 to 1,860 pounds. All Rangers can tow a maximum of 7,500 pounds.
6 Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is another reliable truck from Toyota, and the biggest rival of its sibling, the Hilux. The Tacoma has few powertrain choices. Drivers can opt for either the 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 159 horsepower or a 278 hp 3.5-liter V6. The truck comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, except the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trim levels.
The Tacoma flourishes in the mud and trails thanks to its flexible suspension and rugged equipment. Four-cylinder Tacoma models are tow-rated at a maximum of 3,500 pounds, while the V6 models can tow up to 6,400 pounds. The Tacoma comes in an extended four-door crew cab body style with either short or long beds.
5 Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 has an impressive mix of on-road manners, off-road adventurousness, and work-ready capability. This truck is equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine supplemented by Ram's eTorque 48-volt mild-hybrid system. It generates 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque.
The 1500 is packed with hardware that makes it an off-road beast. It has 11.8 inches of ground clearance, 13 inches of front wheel travel, and 14 inches of rear-wheel travel. The Ram 1500 can carry a payload of up to 2,300 pounds, with an impressive towing capacity of 12,750 pounds.
4 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Silverado 1500 comes with diverse style options, as it can be built as either a short work truck or a plush daily cruiser. At the heart of this truck is a 4.3-liter V6 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission to produce 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque. Also available is a 2.7-liter turbo-four engine connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission to push out 310 horsepower and 348 lb-ft of torque.
The Silverado comes equipped with a maximum bed space of 89.1 cubic feet. These bed configurations offer plenty of space, making it easy to load things up. The Chevrolet Silverado is available with a six-function Multi-Flex tailgate. It has a maximum payload of up to 9600 lbs. and a towing capacity of 13,300 lbs.
3 GMC Sierra 1500
The Sierra 1500 comes ready with a slick multi-function tailgate and adaptive ride control, an available lightweight carbon fiber bed, and four available engine options. The most basic option is a 4.3-liter V6 connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. The base engine variant has a power output of 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque. The most powerful powerplant is a 6.2-liter V8 paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft.
The truck can tow up to 12,200 pounds and support a maximum payload of 2240 pounds. GMC offers the Sierra in three cab options and three different bed lengths, with the two- or three-seat regular cab exclusively paired with the longest available eight-foot bed.
2 Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 is among the most reliable trucks in the market — a fact that has made it America's bestselling vehicle. The truck comes with a mighty 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission to produce a respectable 400 horsepower and 500 lb-ft torque.
The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 gives the Ford F-150 a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 pounds in the RWD SuperCab with the Max Trailer Tow Package. When equipped with a more powerful 5.0-liter V8, the F-150 can carry up to 3,325 pounds of payload. The truck's cab and bed configurations come in three options; a Regular Cab, a SuperCab, or a SuperCrew passenger cabin with seating capacity ranging from three to six passengers.
1 Chevrolet Colorado
The Chevrolet Colorado blends excellent road manners with outstanding off-road performance and daily usability, making it one of the best mid-sized trucks in the world today. The truck is equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It produces 308 horsepower at 275 lb-ft of torque.
The Colorado has a maximum payload of 1,569 pounds and can tow up to 7,700 pounds. It is a refined truck with excellent ride quality. When the road gets tougher and more rugged, the Colorado feels stable and well-behaved.