Best Trucks [Ranked for 2025]
Pickup trucks are among the hottest, most competitive segments in the business. The relentless one-upmanship among brands has set the bar higher than ever, and buyers now expect workhorses that are equal parts capable, comfortable, and versatile.
So which trucks are the cream of the crop? And which are best for specific types of owners, usage, and expectations?
We did the research, crunched the numbers, scrutinized the spec sheets – and found our winners. Take a look below at our definitive guide on the best trucks on the market across every size and niche.
Most Reliable Trucks
Reliability is perhaps one of the most important aspects of ownership. Who wants a truck that’s apt to break down on them at any given moment?
When we looked for reliable trucks, we leaned on the expertise of two long-standing, highly-respected rating bodies: Consumer Reports and J.D. Power.
We came up with three winners for the midsize, full-size, and heavy-duty segments: the Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra, and Chevrolet Silverado 2500.
See all our picks for the most reliable trucks »
Best Trucks by Cab Size
Something unique to pickup trucks is the variety of configurations they offer with regard to bed lengths and cab sizes. No other vehicle on the market lets you choose how many doors and seats you want.
The most vocal champion of the single cab design seems to be the Ford F-150. Chevrolet and GMC take the novel approach with a more comfortable and usable truck for hauling passengers, which earned it the top spot among double cabs. Crew cabs are everywhere these days, but nowhere is it better executed than the Honda Ridgeline.
See all our picks for the best trucks by cab size »
Best Trucks for Towing
The most important question of all: which truck tows the most weight? We’ve found the strongest towing trucks, and unsurprisingly the champions are in the heavy-duty category. The leader at present is the Ram 3500, which can tow 37,000 pounds of fifth-wheel trailer. Check out our guide on towing here.
In the full-size category, the F-150 is the strongest truck – with the 3.5-liter V-6 it can pull 14,000 pounds.
And if big trucks aren’t your thing? The Chevrolet Colorado will tow 7,700 pounds, making it the best among midsize trucks.
See all our picks for the best trucks for towing »
What Is the Best Truck Brand?
This is an incredibly difficult question to answer, as all truck manufacturers now build excellent products for an impossibly wide spectrum of buyers and owners.
That said, we would nominate Ram as the number one brand. They have the best interior in the segment, can tow and haul with the best of them, and even know how to have fun with the TRX and Power Wagon models. Ram has raised the bar, and we look forward to seeing if the other brands can match it.
What Is the Best All-Around Truck?
Ultimately, the Ford F-150. It can be everything to all people thanks to its generous options, luxurious trim levels, and class-leading towing and payload ratings. It’s also the first truck to go hybrid – challenging the status quo in a segment that is often last in powertrain innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best trucks?
Everyday driving is the realm of the Honda Ridgeline; full-size supremacy comes from the F-150, though the Ram 1500 and Chevy Silverado put up a good fight; off-road trucks like the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon and Chevy Colorado ZR2 offer endless entertainment.
Which truck lasts the longest?
The longest-lasting truck is the Toyota Tundra, which has a much higher statistical likelihood of surpassing 200,000 miles.
What hybrid truck options are there?
Currently, just the Ford F-150 PowerBoost, though Ram does offer its 1500 with a mild-hybrid setup known as eTorque. Look for more hybrid options to reach the market within the next few years.
What is the cheapest truck to buy?
The cheapest new truck you can buy is a Toyota Tacoma, which currently starts at about $25,500 for a 2021 model. However, the upcoming Ford Maverick is a compact pickup that will carry a starting price of just under $22,000.
What truck has the best engine?
Ask ten different people and, depending on what truck brand they pledge fealty to, you’ll get ten different answers. Our favorite engines include the 5.3-liter V-8 in the Silverado, the 5.7-liter V-8 in the Tundra, and the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 in the F-150.
What truck is the most powerful?
Currently, the Ram 3500 with the high-output Cummins diesel. It generates 420 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque and will tow 37,000 pounds.
