Best Heavy Duty Trucks [2021 Edition]

February 22, 2021

Best Heavy Duty TrucksLarge pickup trucks pack the power. They are incredibly strong, often boasting V8 engines and sometimes double tires.

Some popular models include the Ford F-350 Super Duty, RAM 2500, and Nissan Titan XD. 

Heavy-duty trucks don't have the best gas mileage, but they provide plenty of power.

Below we highlight some of the advantages and disadvantages of owning a heavy duty truck.

Check out all our picks for the best trucks by size >>

Our Picks for the Best Heavy Duty Trucks

Here are our picks for the best heavy duty trucks for 2023.

Check out our picks for other truck sizes:

What to Look for in a Heavy Duty Truck

When shopping for a heavy duty truck that suits your work and lifestyle, you must consider the following:

  • Comfort. Heavy duty trucks typically aren’t as comfortable to ride in. If you have to commute often, make sure the vehicle is comfortable enough for you and your passengers. 
  • Drivability. The larger the truck, the harder it can be to maneuver in small spaces. Look for a large truck that is still manageable to control. 
  • Reliability. If you use your truck for heavy-duty towing and hauling, you need it to be reliable. The last thing you want is to break down with a huge trailer or a full truck bed. 

Advantages of a Heavy Duty Truck

  • Towing and Hauling. Ability to handle immense towing and hauling needs with a more powerful engine. Consider a dually truck for more capability. 
  • Features. The wide availability of tech and safety features. 
  • Spacious interior. Heavy duty trucks are available with different cab sizes for more passenger space.
  • More Durable. Durability including stronger brakes, strong rear axles, and durable suspension. 

Disadvantages of a Heavy Duty Truck

  • Fuel Efficiency. Not fuel-efficient. 
  • Cost. Heavy duty trucks tend to be on the more expensive end. 
  • Not as Comfortable. While they’ve improved in ride comfort, heavy duty trucks are often more geared toward work and are not as comfortable to ride in as lighter-duty trucks.

Heavy Duty Truck Towing and Payload Capacity

Heavy-duty pickups are in class 3, so they can tow up to a maximum of 14,000 lbs. The payload can be well above 3,000 lbs for large-size trucks. The payload of the Ford F-350 super duty is between 3,775 and 7,033 lbs. For the Ram 2500, the payload is up to 3,940 lbs. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are heavy duty trucks for?

Heavy duty trucks are best for people who need the hauling and towing capacity for work or personal equipment like a large boat. 

What are some advantages of a heavy duty truck?

Some advantages of a heavy duty truck are that they have more towing and hauling capacity, more available features, and a spacious interior.

What are some disadvantages of a heavy duty truck?

Some disadvantages of a heavy duty truck are that they are generally more expensive and don't have the best gas mileage.

Do I need a full-size or heavy duty truck?

Most drivers will only need up to a full-size truck, but the choice between full-size and heavy duty comes down to your usage and hauling/towing needs. If a full-size truck can handle what you need to transport, it may be worth sticking with that size for the lower price point and fuel-efficiency. However, some people will need the added power of a large-size truck. 

What’s the best heavy duty pickup truck?

According to customer satisfaction data collected in 2020, the top large pickup truck is the GMC Sierra 2500 HD. Some other great options include the Ram 2500, Ford F-350 Super Duty, and Nissan Titan XD. 

How much does a heavy duty pickup truck cost?

Heavy duty trucks are more expensive than full-size or compact trucks. For example, the Ford F350 Super Duty starts at an MSRP of $35,550, the Ram 2500 at $34,095, and the Nissan Titan XD from $45,030. 

What is the towing capacity of a heavy duty truck?

Heavy-duty pickups are in class 3, so they can tow up to a maximum of 14,000 lbs. The payload can be well above 3,000 lbs for large-size trucks.

Posted in Car Buying Tips, Car Research & Comparisons |