Pickup vehicles are versatile cars that may haul your circle of relatives, tow your toys and lift your tools all on the similar time. Some are pavement queens, others are specialised for journey — and a few don’t seem to be even technically pickups in any respect. It may be tricky to select which one is best for you.
That is the place your folks at Roadshow is available in. We now have pushed all of them, from the venerable Ford F-150 to the all-electric Rivian R1T. If you are suffering with a purchasing resolution, check out our suggestions for pickup vehicles that suit your way of life and wishes.
Steven Ewing/Roadshow
There’s a reason why the Ford F-150 is the bestselling truck, nay, the bestselling car in The united states: It simply works. To be had with 3 cab choices, 3 mattress lengths, 4 other fuel engines, a hybrid variant and a soon-to-be-released electrical powertrain, there is a wealth of customization available. And that’s the reason ahead of you dig into the 8 other trim ranges and two- and four-wheel force choices.
The Ford additionally comes with some cool options that don’t seem to be present in the remainder of the marketplace. An onboard generator can give as much as 7.2 kW of energy and you’ll be able to get 4 120-volt, 20-amp retailers and one 240-volt, 30-amp plug. Ford says it is advisable arrange a cellular welding store with this a lot juice. The tools selector folds flat, making manner for a fold-down paintings floor, and the seats can recline just about 180 levels for a fast nap.
Relying for your configuration you’ll be able to tow as much as 14,000 kilos and haul 3,325 kilos, which is greater than the max numbers from the Chevrolet Silverado, Ram 1500 and Toyota Tundra.
As for tech, the F-150 is to be had with the entire complicated motive force’s aids it is advisable ever need together with Energetic Power Lend a hand. On positive mapped and divided highways the F-150 will permit drivers to take their palms off the steerage wheel, even if a driver-facing digicam makes certain your eyes stay at the avenue. The F-150 begins at $31,685 together with $1,695 for vacation spot.
Andrew Krok/Roadshow
It is been awhile noticed we’ve got noticed the Tundra on a best-of checklist, however the all-new 2022 fashion merits some props. It does not have as many engine possible choices because the F-150, depending as a substitute on a three.5-liter dual turbo V6 with 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque on SR5 and up trims. If you need extra, go for the iForce Max energy plant with electrical lend a hand, pushing out 437 ponies and 583 pound-feet of torque. Yowza.
A brand new coil spring arrange within the rear in conjunction with to be had self-leveling rear suspension with adaptive dampers make the Tundra significantly better to force at the pavement. Towing is available in at 12,000 kilos with a max payload of one,940. In spite of everything, a brand new instantly trail lend a hand characteristic makes certain the trailer will cross precisely the place the truck is pointed whilst backing up, with none steerage enter from the motive force.
The outdated Tundra was once just about tech-free, however this next-generation full-size truck has an to be had 12.3-inch reconfigurable gauge cluster and an not obligatory 14-inch touchscreen housing an all-new infotainment device. It is a main improve with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, pinch-to-zoom capacity and herbal speech reputation.
The 2022 Toyota Tundra begins at $37,645 together with $1,695 for vacation spot.
2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Professional has rugged taste and hybrid energy
Craig Cole/Roadshow
Coming again for the 2019 fashion yr after an 8 yr hiatus, the Ford Ranger will get the midsize marketplace proper. Supplied with a punchy 2.3-liter turbocharged i4, excellent for 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, energy will get to the pavement by the use of 10-speed automated transmission. The additional torque over the contest way it is simple to get the Ranger up to the mark at the freeway and the 10-speed is simply as superior, by no means trying to find a tools. For individuals who wish to undertaking off the pavement, the brand new Tremor package deal provides a wide variety of off-road sweets.
Towing capability is a whopping 7,500 kilos, irrespective of configuration. A two-wheel force Ranger can haul 1,905 kilos of payload beating the pants off the Toyota Tacoma and GM’s Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon twins. A 4×4 Ranger can lift somewhat much less: 1,696 kilos.
There’s a lot of tech with an to be had 8-inch touchscreen operating Sync3 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A typical blind-spot tracking device that covers the period of a trailer makes it more straightforward to haul stuff round the town. Lane holding lend a hand may be same old, however adaptive cruise regulate is further. Be expecting to pay a beginning value of $27,440 together with $1,295 for vacation spot and a $645 acquisition charge.
2021 Ford Ranger Tremor: Now with extra off-road hijinks
Toyota
In case you cross by way of gross sales numbers, the Toyota Tacoma is the midsize pickup king, however there may be extra to a truck than simply gross sales reviews. We love the Tacoma firstly for its reliability and superb resale price. A four-cylinder engine is same old however do your self a prefer and opt for the three.5-liter V6 with a six-speed handbook transmission, however know that probably the most gas financial system you can get out of a four-wheel force Taco is best 20 miles according to gallon.
Why does not it take height canine? It provides much less towing and hauling functions than the Ranger — a most of 6,800 kilos towing and as much as 1,685 kilos within the mattress. The six-speed automated transmission is finicky and likes to upshift temporarily and the throttle reaction is laggy. Additional, the inner is cramped and uncomfortable and the infotainment, although provided with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, continues to be in the back of the Ranger’s in the case of graphics and processing velocity.
The Toyota Tacoma begins at $27,715 together with $1,215 for vacation spot.
2022 Toyota Tacoma Path Version: Decrease-priced efficiency
Ram
You’ll be able to have your heavy-duty Ram in 2500 or 3500 guise with a unmarried or twin rear wheel with a 6.4-liter V8, a 6.7-liter Cummins diesel or a 6.7-liter high-output Cummins diesel. The common cab and staff cab may also be had with an enormous 8-foot mattress, or you’ll be able to cross the other way and go for the cavernous mega cab with a nonetheless really extensive six-foot, four-inch mattress.
We are striking the Ram on height over the Ford for a couple of causes. The excessive output 6.7-liter produces 420 horsepower and edges out the Ford with 1,075 pound-feet of torque. In a similar way, the Ram can tow only a smidge extra: 37,090 kilos with a gooseneck trailer. Needless to say in lots of states, best drivers with a business license can tow this sort of weight, so be sure you test your native rules ahead of you cross off and tow the similar of 9 elephants.
Most payload this is 7,680 kilos however what’s most delightful is the using enjoy. The Ram 2500 may also be had with a five-link coil suspension or an air suspension, and we actually like Ram’s Uconnect infotainment with its large ol’ 12-inch touchscreen and tow-specific navigation.
The 2022 Ram Heavy Accountability begins at $39,545 together with $1,795 for vacation spot.
Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
The F-Collection Tremendous Accountability truck is to be had as an F-250, F-350 or F-450 with a unmarried or twin rear wheel arrange and your number of a 6.2-liter V8, a 7.3-liter V8 or a 6.7-liter Energy Stroke diesel V8. That diesel will ship 475 horsepower and 1,050 pound-feet of torque. The Tremendous Accountability begins at $38,190 together with $1,695 for vacation spot.
Relying on how the Tremendous Accountability is configured, you’ll be able to tow 37,000 kilos with a gooseneck trailer, 32,500 kilos with a traditional trailer and will haul 7,850 kilos of payload in its mattress. As within the Ram, understand that a business license is typically had to tow that roughly weight.
What units the Ford aside is that it may be had with the Tremor off-road package deal with 35-inch tires, force modes with a rock-crawl mode and suspension tuned for the dust. Positive, you would possibly not wish to take your large pickup truck out wheeling, however is not it great to grasp it is advisable?
Hauling and rock crawling with the 2020 Ford F-Collection Tremendous Accountability
Emme Corridor/Roadshow
Towing a trailer may also be intimidating. Visibility is hard, backing it up is hard and other folks can get actually apprehensive in the back of the wheel. The Silverado 1500 is to be had with as much as 15 other digicam perspectives to place your fears at leisure.
The clear trailer generation is actually cool, giving drivers a view of what’s in the back of them. We additionally just like the rear aspect view choice, which provides a trailer period indicator appearing cars within the trailer’s lane-change trail. A rear trailer view presentations tips to assist in backing up and you’ll be able to also have a view within the trailer to test in for your farm animals. To assist in hooking up the trailer there are 4 to be had hitch view angles as neatly. In spite of everything, you can get a jack knife alert and a mattress digicam with zoom capability. Rounding out the tech is SuperCruise, which calibrates for drag and higher braking distances and permits drivers to move hands-free, eyes-up on 200,000 miles of mapped highways.
The Silverado may be to be had with on-screen checklists to remember to’ve performed the whole thing when hooking up, trailer tire drive and temperature tracking in addition to trailer lights assessments so you will not be using down the freeway with one tail mild out like a noob.
Relying on configuration the Silverado can tow anyplace from 8,900 kilos to 13,300 kilos. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 begins at $33,595 together with $1,695 for vacation spot.
Andrew Krok/Roadshow
Relating to to find the sumptuous pickup truck rig, the Ram is tops. The variability-topping Restricted trim actually is going all-in on luxurious, however this particular version takes the cake. Within you can to find plush, supportive quilted leather-based seating, to be had with heating and cooling in each the entrance and rear, natch, and the rear seats can recline. Upload a jeweled rotary shifter, a suede headliner and a 19-speaker Harmon Kardon Top rate Sound device — you wager your candy bippy this truck is fancy.
Whilst the cabin design is top-notch, the Ram additionally delivers a stellar journey high quality. The Restricted will get air suspension same old so it rides like a dream, even at the not obligatory 22-inch wheels, and the self-leveling generation way the rear would possibly not squat when trailering. The air suspension too can decrease the truck when you find yourself getting out and in, so no leaping is vital.
At the tech entrance you’ll be able to get the whole thing you might be able to need after which extra. A 12-inch infotainment display, head-up show, virtual rearview reflect — it is all imaginable. Motive force’s aids are right here too, with full-speed adaptive cruise regulate, blind-spot tracking that covers the period of a trailer and a 360-degree digicam. The associated fee is beautiful luxe as neatly: The Ram 1500 Restricted tenth Anniversary Version prices $61,870 after a $1,695 vacation spot fee.
2022 Ram 1500 Restricted tenth Anniversary Version is correctly posh
Steven Ewing/Roadshow
In case you actually wish to get off the overwhelmed trail, you’ll be able to’t cross incorrect with a Jeep Gladiator. There’s a massive distinction between trims and for my cash, I might pick out the Mojave trim over the Rubicon since it is made to move sooner when the dust will get tough. With a 1-inch entrance elevate and retuned 2.5-inch Fox internal-bypass shocks with far flung reservoir and a entrance hydraulic jounce surprise for added damping, the Mojave can take in whoops that may flip a Rubicon right into a pogo stick. Rear lockers and a 2.71 switch case imply the Mojave can deal with absolutely anything the desolate tract can throw at it.
Then again, if slow-speed rock crawling is your jam, then you definately will have to snag your self a Rubicon. That is the ne plus extremely of tough and in a position Jeeps with entrance and rear lockers, a disconnecting entrance sway bar for extra articulation and a super-low 4.0:1 switch case. One added bonus: The Rubicon is to be had with a three.0-liter diesel engine along with a three.6-liter fuel V6.
Each trims have over 11 inches of flooring clearance and best-in-class manner and departure angles. Then again, towing and payload suffers with the entire fancypants off-road sweets. Be expecting to tow a max of 6,000 kilos and haul 1,200 kilos within the mattress of a Mojave. The Rubicon can deal with somewhat extra — a max of seven,000 kilos towing and 1,200 kilos of payload.
The Jeep Gladiator begins at $36,910 together with $1,595 for vacation spot.
Ram Vans
The brand new child at the block will get our pick out for the most efficient full-size off-road truck. The Ram TRX has a 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat V8 crammed underneath the hood for 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. That is Baja 1000 trophy truck roughly energy, other people. It is also coming into some trophy pricing: $77,575 together with $1,795 for supply.
Retaining all of it in test is adaptive 2.5 Bilstein Blackhawk E2 shocks that may regulate the compression and rebound damping in 20 milliseconds. Far flung reservoirs stay the shocks cool within the sizzling and dusty desolate tract environments and the truck boasts 13 inches of go back and forth within the entrance, 14 inches within the rear. And, oh yeah: You’ll be able to soar it. Ram claims 2,000 kilos of damping power absorption at each and every nook.
The Ford Raptor continues to be a worthy competitor, if truth be told it does towing and hauling just a little higher than the Ram TRX, however for all-out raucousness, whoop-running and dune leaping, the TRX is the present king.
FCA US LLC
If you wish to get a ways off the grid with a lot of tools, take a look at the Ram 2500 Energy Wagon. This heavy-duty truck has a lot of room in its 6.4-foot-long mattress for an oem rack, a rooftop tent, a refrigerator and no matter else chances are you’ll wish to stay you comfortable whilst tenting. Payload is rated at 1,560 kilos, so cross forward and upload the espresso maker, a suite of restoration forums and a blender for end-of-day margaritas.
The Ram comes same old with cast axles and lockers within the entrance and rear, a disconnecting sway bar for extra articulation and a 12,000-pound Warn winch. It additionally has huge quantities of flooring clearance, 14.3 inches, which provides the large boy some spectacular geometry. I am speaking 33.6 levels of manner perspective, 26.2 levels of departure perspective and 23.5 levels of breakover perspective. No longer too shabby for a truck with a 149-inch wheelbase.
The 6.4-liter V8 engine pushes out 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. The EPA does not give gas financial system for heavy-duty vehicles, however we averaged about 12 miles according to gallon mixed once we drove it. With a 31 gallon tank it is advisable get 372 miles of vary, however we propose bringing gas with you. We want the Energy Wagon have been presented with the 6.7-liter diesel engine that is to be had on different Ram HD trims, however alas, it’s not to be. You can shell out $59,185, together with $1,795 for vacation spot, for a brand new Energy Wagon.
Honda
If some of these vehicles sound just a little too, neatly, trucky for you, take a look at the Ford Maverick. As a unibody car it’s not technically a truck, but it surely plays maximum truck tasks neatly sufficient for plenty of customers. The Maverick begins at $21,490 together with $1,495 for vacation spot.
It is 2.5-liter hybrid powerplant is excellent for 191 horsepower and a ludicrous 37 mpg mixed (42 mpg town, 33 mpg freeway). It is compact sufficient for town use however can nonetheless tow 4,000 kilos when provided with all-wheel force and the two.0-liter EcoBoost engine. It additionally has a very good payload capability of as much as 1,500 kilos in its 4.5-foot-long mattress. Plus, the impartial entrance and rear suspension way journey high quality is way nicer than a typical pickup truck.
There is no low gearing, flooring clearance is best 8.3 inches — 8.6 with all-wheel force — and the geometry is not impressive. Do not be expecting to be going a ways off the overwhelmed trail within the little Maverick.
Final analysis: You will not do any rock crawling with the Ford Maverick, but when you want to haul and tow issues and desire a clean pavement rider, there is not any wish to glance to any extent further.
Honda
Just like the Ford Maverick above, the Honda Ridgeline is a unibody car that’s not technically a truck. Despite the fact that it will have to have compatibility the invoice for other folks short of to have the benefit of a mattress for hauling, whilst keeping up extra compliant avenue manners. The Ridgeline begins at $38,865 together with $1,225 for vacation spot.
It is 3.5-liter V6 engine is excellent for 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It is compact sufficient for town use however can nonetheless tow 5,000 kilos and has a very good payload capability of as much as 1,583 kilos in its 5-foot-long mattress. The impartial entrance and rear suspension way journey high quality is way nicer than a typical pickup truck, and it returns an EPA-estimated gas financial system of 21 mpg mixed.
Off-roading is not height of thoughts for the Ridgeline with it void of any low gearing, flooring clearance is best 7.6 inches and the geometry is not impressive. The all-wheel force device has modes for snow, sand and dirt, alternatively, and will throw 70% of the facility to the rear wheels — after which 100% of that energy to whichever rear wheel wishes it.
As with the opposite unibody vehicles available in the market, crawling over boulders is not going to be a really perfect state of affairs for the Ridgeline, but when you want to haul and tow issues and desire a clean pavement rider, this Honda will have to surely be for your buying groceries checklist.
Emme Corridor/Roadshow
In case you reside the place parking is at a top rate however you want the software of a truck, take a look at the diminutive Hyundai Santa Cruz. To be had in front- or all-wheel force and with an to be had punchy turbocharged engine, the Santa Cruz is a laugh to force and suits well right into a town panorama.
For hauling smaller-sized a lot the 4.5-foot mattress is easiest. Positive, it is not so long as a mid-size truck, however it may possibly haul a wholesome 1,753 kilos. Plus it is large simple to achieve into with brief mattress facets and a low mattress flooring. And it is beautiful gas environment friendly in addition, with an EPA gas financial system ranking of nineteen mpg town, 27 mpg freeway and 22 mpg mixed.
There’s a lot of tech on SEL fashions and better like forward-collision braking, lane-keeping lend a hand, lane-following lend a hand, blind-spot tracking, rear cross-traffic alert and rear-seat occupancy alert. Upper trims get Freeway Power Lend a hand and the cool blind spot view track, which places a side-view video show proper within the gauge cluster when the flip sign is engaged.
The most efficient factor about using the Santa Cruz is that it is small and simple to move. Even midsize vehicles can really feel beastly from in the back of the wheel, however all that is going out the window with the Santa Cruz. It is nimble sufficient to shoot thru site visitors and it is simple to park, all whilst keeping up lots of the software of its higher brethren. Be expecting to pay a $25,365 beginning value, together with $1,225 for vacation spot.
Rivian
Positive, the Rivian is in a category of 1 presently… till the GMC Hummer EV, Chevrolet Silverado EV and Ford F-150 Lightning make their manner into dealerships. Then again, it is nonetheless a ridiculously succesful truck this is at house in the street with its at ease journey and out within the dust with its 15 inches of flooring clearance.
The R1T has a 135-kWh battery pack that shops sufficient energy to move 314 miles. Additional, the truck can settle for a fee of 200 kW, including 140 miles in simply 20 mins. IT can boost up from 0 to 60 mph in 3 seconds, ford 3 ft of water and tow as much as 11,000 kilos. Yowza.
The Rivian may be flush with cupboard space. A tools tunnel in the back of the rear seats has enough space for restoration tools and in a single day luggage. The frunk is nearly as large and the mattress is 54 inches lengthy. Positive, it is shorter than your same old full-size truck, however now not too shabby.
Deliveries are taking place presently, however you can nonetheless need to preorder your Rivian R1T beginning on the song of $67,500. The corporate does now not checklist any vacation spot charges.
Comparability of the excellent vehicles for 2022
| Class | Title | Horsepower vary (hp) | Torque Vary (lb-ft) | Max towing (lbs) | Max payload (lbs) | Beginning value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easiest truck total/Easiest full-size truck | 2022 Ford F-150 | 290-430 | 265-570 | 14,000 | 3,325 | $31,685 |
| Easiest truck total runner-up/Easiest full-size truck runner-up | 2022 Toyota Tundra | 389-437 | 479-583 | 12,000 | 1,940 | $37,645 |
| Easiest midsize truck | 2022 Ford Ranger | 270 | 310 | 7,500 | 1,860 | $27,440 |
| Easiest midsize truck runner-up | 2022 Toyota Tacoma | 159-278 | 180-265 | 6,800 | 1,685 | $27,715 |
| Easiest heavy obligation truck | 2022 Ram HD | 370-420 | 429-1,075 | 37,090 | 7,680 | $39,545 |
| Easiest heavy-duty truck runner-up | 2022 Ford F-Collection Tremendous Accountability | 385-475 | 430-1,050 | 37,000 | 7,850 | $38,190 |
| Easiest truck for a novice tower | 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 277-420 | 383-460 | 13,300 | N/A | $33,595 |
| Easiest luxurious truck | 2022 Ram 1500 Restricted tenth Anniversary Version | 260-395 | 269-480 | 11,500 | 2,000 | $61,870 |
| Easiest midsize off-road truck | 2022 Jeep Gladiator | 260-285 | 260-442 | 7,650 | 1,700 | $36,910 |
| Easiest full-size off-road truck | 2022 Ram TRX | 702 | 650 | 8,100 | 1,310 | $77,575 |
| Easiest truck for overlanding | 2022 Ram 2500 Energy Wagon | 410 | 429 | 10,590 | 1,520 | $59,185 |
| Easiest small truck | 2022 Ford Maverick | 191-250 | N/A-277 | 4,000 | 1,500 | $21,490 |
| Easiest small truck runner-up | 2022 Honda Ridgeline | 280 | 262 | 5,000 | 1,583 | $38,865 |
| Easiest town truck. | 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz | 191-282 | 181-311 | 5,000 | 1,753 | $25,365 |
| Easiest electrical truck | 2022 Rivian R1T | 835 | 908 | 11,000 | 1,760 | $67,500 |
How we made our checklist
We you’ll want to force and evaluation each and every car we propose. Roadshow has many years of mixed enjoy and our alternatives constitute the cars we might wish to personal for each and every particular person class. Pricing is taken from each and every producer’s web sites, however the broker units the general value.
And bear in mind, we do not in fact get to possess the whole thing — up to we might wish to — so we will be able to’t touch upon long-term reliability. We suggest that you just communicate with present homeowners to get an concept of upkeep prices and the like.
