10 Best Pickup Trucks Made for Everyday Use
Most pickup trucks are endlessly versatile and can bring massive utility to their owners. A pickup truck will fit your needs whether you’re looking for everyday use on job sites, driving in the city, or off-roading through mountainside trails. While there are many different makes and models, here’s a list of the top 10 pickup trucks for everyday use.
1. Ford F-150
For over 40 years, the Ford F-150 has remained one of America’s best-selling pickup trucks. It offers a variety of engines, from V6 to V8, diesel to hybrid, and even all-electric. The F-150 also features a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 pounds and a payload of up to 3,325 pounds. For the 2023 model year, Ford has added a new off-road Rattler package for its base-level F-150, making it versatile for the everyday driver.
2. Ram 1500
If you are in the market for a larger, more luxurious half-ton pickup truck, the Ram 1500 is an excellent choice. According to Car and Driver, the 2023 Ram 1500 is the only truck to secure a spot on the publication’s 10 Best Trucks and SUVs of 2023 list. It offers the best comfort and driving experience of any full-size truck, plus a three-powertrain lineup with a maximum towing capacity of 12,750 pounds.
3. Rivian R1T
The Rivian R1T is one of the few all-electric pickup trucks available today, and it does not disappoint. It boasts up to 400 miles of range on a single charge, an impressive 835 hp, and 11,000 pounds of towing capacity. Its Quad-Motor fuel economy and real-world MPGe ratings are among the highest in its class, with 74 MPGe in the city, 66 MPGe on the highway, and 70 MPGe combined.
4. Chevrolet Colorado
The Chevy Colorado is a mid-size pickup truck ideal for on and off-road excursions. The newly redesigned Colorado features a refreshed exterior and interior design, plus it is available in three turbocharger options. Its reliability rating of 85/100 from J.D. Power gives this truck a solid edge over its competitors. Additionally, 10.7 inches of ground clearance and 33-inch tires will maneuver even the most challenging terrain.
5. Ford Maverick
Ford recently unveiled its new 2021 Maverick truck, and it’s already gaining traction in its second year of production. It features a bold style with its sleek design and aggressive stance. However, the Maverick’s smaller size could be perfect for those who don’t need the bigger capacity of other full-size trucks. The 2023 model year gets a new Tremor Off-Road package, a revised suspension, transmission cooler, and half shaft to meet the needs of off-roaders.
6. Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Frontier has been around since 1998 and continues to impress with its boxy old-school design. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine that delivers 310 hp and 281 lb-ft of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission is paired to the engine to deliver smooth power to its rear wheels and optional four-wheel drive. With a maximum towing capacity of up to 6,720 pounds, the Frontier falls short of its competitors, but it’s an ideal choice for those who require a smaller truck that gets the job done.
7. Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline is not your typical pickup truck. Its unique unibody construction and transverse engine make it feel more like a car or SUV than a traditional truck. It offers excellent handling and a comfortable ride with its independent rear suspension. Additionally, All Ridgeline features an all-wheel drive system, a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, and an integrated cargo bed audio system that gives you the entertainment you require while in the field.
8. Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger is a capable and reliable pickup truck with excellent performance on and off-road. It has an impressive towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds with its turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. It also features a 10-speed automatic transmission, 8.4 inches of ground clearance with rear-wheel drive (8.9 inches for the four-wheel-drive), and the FX4 Off-Road Package for added capability.
9. Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is a tried and true mid-size pickup truck that offers excellent off-road performance and reliability for everyday use. It is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, with an available six-speed manual transmission. The Tacoma has class-leading off-road features such as Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control to make off-road driving easier. It also has up to 6,800 pounds of towing capacity and a maximum payload of 1,685 pounds.
10. Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is the newest entry in the midsize pickup truck segment. It offers a unique blend of performance and capability with its 2.5-liter turbocharged engine that produces 275 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. With its 8-speed automatic transmission, the Santa Cruz can tow up to 5,000 pounds and has a maximum payload of 1,500 pounds. Additionally, the Santa Cruz has 4WD capabilities and adjustable drive modes to ensure you can tackle whatever terrain comes your way.
