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Say you’re in the market for a pickup truck that’s able to tow a considerable amount of weight. The good news is that you have plenty of options to choose from. But, if you want one of the best trucks for towing? U.S. News & World Report recommends choosing from these options. 

Pictured is one of the best trucks for towing, the 2021 Ram 1500 Limited, as it tows a boat.
2021 Ram 1500 Limited | Stellantis

The 2021 Toyota Tundra can tow, but it’s out-muscled by competitors

There’s no denying that the 2021 Toyota Tundra is a capable truck, but, as it turns out, it is out-muscled by a number of its competitors. Standard with a 5.7-liter V8 engine, this year’s Tundra can tow a maximum of 10,200-pounds. According to U.S. News & World Report, the Tundra SR with the Double Cab body, standard bed, and rear-wheel drive is the Tundra to get if you need a Tundra capable of pulling 10,200-pounds.

While the 2021 Toyota Tundra may not pull as much weight as its rivals, the Tundra is still one of the best pickup trucks for towing and comes standard with tow-ready features such as a tow hitch receiver, a heavy-duty battery, an integrated trailer brake controller, and a Tow/Haul mode. 

U.S. News calls the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 one of the most capable trucks on the market

Remember when we said the Toyota Tundra was out-muscled by several of its rivals? Well, according to U.S. News & World Report, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is one of them. Described by U.S. News & World Report as one of the most capable trucks on the market, this year’s GMC Sierra 1500 is one of the best trucks for towing. 

Choose a GMC Sierra 1500 with a 6.2-liter V8 engine under the hood, and this year’s model can pull up to 11,800-pounds. Much like the Tundra, this year’s Sierra 1500 can also be had with several tow-ready features. Benefit from features like an automatic locking rear differential, enhanced cooling radiator, revised shock tuning, and a trailer brake controller when you opt for the available Max Trailering Package.

The 2021 Ram 1500 aims to impress when it comes to towing

Sure, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is one of the best trucks for towing. But if 11,800-pounds of hauling power isn’t quite enough for you? U.S. News & World Report suggests taking a gander at the 2021 Ram 1500. 

Opt for a Ram 1500 with a 5.7-liter V8 engine under the hood, and this year’s model will have you towing up to 12,750-pounds. For that kind of towing power, U.S. News & Report says you’ll also need to opt for the Quad Cabin body style and with the standard 6-foot-4-inch bed and rear-wheel drive.

The 2021 Ram 1500 isn’t just one of the best trucks for towing, though. In fact, Car and Driver reports that opting for a higher trim level gets you “upscale materials and creature comforts that make the Ram feel more like a luxury vehicle than a pickup truck.”

Choose the 2021 Chevy Silverado for one of the best trucks for towing

According to U.S. News & World Report, the 2021 Chevy Silverado also made the cut. To get the most out of this year’s model, opt for a Silverado with the 6.2-liter V8 engine, the Double Cab body, and the Max Trailering package. All in, the Silverado will have you towing 13,300-pounds. 

If you see yourself towing larger cargo frequently, U.S. News & World Report recommends considering the Silverado’s available multi-view camera system. Also available are useful features such as jack-knife alerts, trailer length indicator, and trailer angle indicator with guidelines, long with bed view with cargo bed zoom and bed hitch guidance.

The 2021 Ford F-150 is the best truck for towing, according to U.S. News

As for the absolute best truck for towing? According to U.S. News & World Report, that honor goes to the 2021 Ford F-150, which can tow an astounding 14,000-pounds when properly equipped. For that maximum towing capacity, you’ll need an F-150 with the F-150’s twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood.

Much like other trucks on the list, the F-150 can be had with some pretty useful features too. Consider features like an interior work surface, a digital productivity screen, and even a mobile generator.

Which pickup should you choose?

According to U.S. News & World Report, while these five pickups are among the best trucks for towing, there are several other options available too. That’s why, when it comes to choosing the best pickup for your towing needs, we recommend taking into consideration what additional features each of these pickups has to offer. Plan on taking these trucks out for a couple of test drives too.

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The 2021 Chevy Silverado Is a Stronger Alternative to the Toyota Tundra