BEST PICKUP TRUCKS FOR 2023
The best trucks for everyday living.
Today‘s trucks are the do-everything family hauler, work vehicle, and tow rig—but cooler than Dad’s old station wagon. No other vehicle offers the sheer towing power and torque offered by today’s pickups. Whether hauling paving stones for work or towing the boat up a mountain for a weekend at a lake, trucks offer serious utility.
Look out for an array of 4WD options that are ready for off-road adventures and navigating tricky roads in all weather conditions. Today’s trucks even deliver a comfortable interior, with some worthy of a luxury brand name. Want to find out more? To help you on your search, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best pickup trucks for 2022 shoppers
1. Ford F-150
Ford builds the F-150 to meet the needs of nearly every customer, from the trades-only base XL to the incredibly upscale Limited trim ready for date night (from 2016). The six available engine options (from 2017) include an inline four-cylinder, a V6, and a V8, and most connect to Ford’s fast 10-speed automatic transmission.
Maximum towing comes not from the V8, but from the twin-turbo V6 and the 2017–2019 F-150 has an impressive maximum estimated towing capacity of 13,200 lbs when properly equipped.1 RWD is standard on lower trims, but 4WD is available for every trim. If you want to avoid the gas station, check out the 2021 PowerBoost Hybrid. With 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque, it’s ready for real work, while still achieving an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined.2
The 2019 Ford F-150 King Ranch will win you over with:
King Ranch branded leather upholstery
SYNC® Connect with available Wi-Fi hotspot3
Bang & Olufsen® 10-speaker premium audio
18-inch machined wheels with King Ranch center caps
Learn more! View all our Ford F-150 research.
With a huge variety of sizes, engines, cabs, and standard and optional features, modern trucks can fill any need. Whether hauling cargo for work, looking for the next off-road adventure, or simply driving the kids around—or maybe all of the above—the perfect truck for your lifestyle is out there.
2. Ram 1500
The 2019–present RAM 1500 might feel like a luxury truck but with the 5.7L Hemi V8, you can also tow an estimated 12,750 lbs when properly equipped.1 For reference, that’s the weight of two RAM 1500s on a trailer. Toss all your work gear in the bed, including heavy-duty welders and air compressors, and the 2018 RAM 1500 can handle it with a maximum estimated payload of 1,923 lbs.
Open the doors for oohs and aahs, with real wood and aluminum finishes, top grain leather, and soft-touch surfaces surrounding the giant 12-inch infotainment screen (2019–present). The 40.9 inches of front headroom and whopping 45.3 inches of rear legroom in 2019–present models mean you’ll be the go-to for driving your coworkers to lunch.
The 2017 RAM 1500 Limited brings all the options with:
Active-Level™ four-corner air suspension
19-speaker Harman Kardon® sound system
12-way power seats with four-way lumbar
RamBox® cargo management system
Inquire about the RAM 1500 today.
3. Toyota Tacoma
The fun midsize Tacoma has an enthusiastic owner base due to its chiseled tough looks, solid V6 engine, and superb off-road abilities. When taking the crew camping in the 2017–2019 Tacoma TRD Off-Road, they’ll appreciate the large moonroof, wireless charging, and trick GoPro mount, and you’ll appreciate the increased ground clearance and skid plates.
Heavily upgraded for 2020, the new Tacoma has a revised exterior, power-adjustable driver’s seat, larger infotainment with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa connectivity, and a 360-degree camera system for unobstructed backing. The five- or six-foot bed depends on the cab size, ranging from a two-door access cab to a four-door double cab with a shorter bed.
The 2018 Toyota Tacoma Limited delivers:
18-inch alloy wheels
Heated power exterior mirrors
JBL® premium sound system
Power moonroof
4. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Silverado might be aimed at agricultural workers, but you can buy one even if you’re only half-heartedly into gardening. At the weekend, feel free to hit up the garden center, as the 2017–present Chevrolet Silverado 1500 cargo bed can hold an estimated 40 bags of 2 cu-ft mulch.
The base 2019–present Silverado 1500 trim is called Work Truck, featuring steel wheels, vinyl interior, and a V6 engine with rear-wheel drive and optional 4WD. It’s a great option if you need something rugged without too many frills. At the other end of the scale, the top-tier 2019–present Silverado 1500 High Country adds 20-inch chrome wheels, parking sensors, chrome sidestep rails, wireless phone charging, heated rear seats, and more.
The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTZ is probably the best mix of work and class, with:
10-way power driver’s seat
Dual-zone climate control
Heated front seats and steering wheel
5. GMC Sierra 1500
The GMC Sierra 1500 is the full-size truck that’s equally ready to take you to the remote fishing hole or just the nearby urban coffee lounge. Since 2019, the optional six-way MultiPro tailgate allows for easy loading and unloading of cargo with its configurable design and stepping up into the cargo area is no longer an issue for shorter passengers. Also, on the 2019–present Sierra 1500 is the impressive carbon fiber bed that reduces weight and increases stiffness.
The 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali features:
22-inch polished alloy wheels
Leather seating and ash wood trim
Trailer brake controller
Enhanced driver alert system
6. Toyota Tundra
The 2017–2019 Tundra offers two V8 engines: a 4.6L and a 5.7L V8, both have plenty of power for those off-road trips and jaunts down the highway. With 381 hp and 401 lb-ft, the 2020 Tundra takes it to the next level with the 5.7L V8; it has an estimated maximum towing capacity of 10,200 lbs when properly equipped.1 That’s good for a loaded horse trailer or an average 30-ft boat. A 100% redesign for the 2022 model year gave the Tundra sci-fi styling, a superb comfortable interior, and all the driver assistance features you expect.
The 2019 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro has several unique features, including:
FOX® shocks with remote reservoirs
Blacked out grille
Front skid plate for engine protection
Exclusive black 18-inch alloy BBS wheels
7. Chevrolet Colorado
You’ll love the poised handling, comfortable seating, and off-road chops of the 2017–present Chevrolet Colorado. The 61- and 72-inch cargo bed options mean you can load up all your favorites from the bulk grocery store hauls to sports equipment and DIY materials.
Chevy offers engine choices, too. The 2015–present models have a 2.5L base engine but for more grunt, look out for the 2017–present 3.6L V6 with 308 horsepower. The 2017–present Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is the big news for blasting muddy trails and rocky terrain, with a lifted off-road suspension and beefy fender flares. If Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility is your deciding factor on your next ride, the Chevrolet Colorado gained both as standard equipment from the 2017 model year.
The 2018 Chevrolet Colorado Centennial Edition has:
Unique 18-inch alloy wheels
Chrome exterior trim and exclusive paint colors
Spray-in bedliner
Special edition badging
8. Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Frontier has some new bark to match its good looks. The 2020–present Nissan Frontier features a powerful V6 engine making 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with a nine-speed automatic and standard rear-wheel drive—with optional four-wheel drive available. Even with all the increased power from the V6, you’ll go further on a tank of gas in 2020 models with an EPA estimated 20 mpg combined from the V6.2
The bed is 73.3 inches with the King Cab or 59.5 inches with the larger Crew Cab, but both are perfect for all your yard sale finds. Keep in mind, midsize trucks like the Frontier offer easy maneuverability through urban traffic and easier parking compared to larger trucks.
The 2019 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X has standard:
10.1 inches ground clearance
Electronic locking rear differential
Off-road shocks and Pro-4X badging
9. RAM 2500
The RAM 2500 has huge work payloads, potentially palatial interior options, and a smooth ride for a heavy-duty truck. A full redesign in 2019 added good looks to the brawny work truck and a choice of 6.4L gas Hemi® V8 or a diesel 6.7L inline-six engine options.
While most heavy-duty trucks have a rear leaf spring suspension, the 2016 and onward RAM 2500 has coil springs for a smoother ride. Available rear air suspension can lower the rear of the truck, making connecting the hitch to your camper an easy job. Inside the 2019 RAM 2500, check out the 12-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, three 115-watt outlets, five USB ports, and a 360-degree backup camera.
The 2018 RAM 2500 Power Wagon offers real off-road capability with:
Bilstein® gas-charged monotube shocks
Front and rear locking differentials
Electronically disconnecting front sway bar
10. Ford F-250
The 2017–present Ford F-250 is a heavy-duty pickup, offering a massive upgrade in capability compared to light-duty pickups. The main differences are in the chassis, suspension, and axles, allowing for increased payload and towing capacities. Another major upgrade is under the hood, with a choice of diesel or gas V8 engines across 2017–2020 models, providing up to 1,050 lb-ft of torque for an estimated maximum towing capacity of 37,000 lbs when properly equipped.1 With the right hitch, that means you could pull a 40-ft commercial cattle trailer.
If you’re looking at the F-250 for work, it’s an excellent trades vehicle, hotshot truck, and last-mile delivery option. While the 6.75 ft and eight-foot bed lengths are ready for work, you can load up the 2021 Ford F-250 with comfort in the Limited trim, which offers heated and ventilated massaging seats.
The 2017 Ford F-250 Platinum features:
Automatic high beams
Rain sensing wipers
Heated rear seats
Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support