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Choosing from the long list of pickup trucks today is a challenging task. So many are available from different automakers, each with advantages over the others. That’s why we turn to experts like Kelley Blue Book to uncover the best models to buy each year. For 2023, KBB’s best buy in the midsize and full-size truck categories are the 2023 Toyota Tacoma and the 2023 Ford F-150. They’re also the most popular models in each segment. That’s why we’re not surprised to see them atop Kelley Blue Book’s Best Buy of 2023 list.

KBB’s midsize truck best buy of 2023

2023 Toyota Trail Edition, KBB says it's the best midsize truck of 2023.
2023 Toyota Trail Edition | Toyota

According to Kelley Blue Book, the midsize truck best buy of 2023 is the 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The publication says it gets it done in just about every category you’d expect for a midsize model. No matter how you measure the value of a good pickup in this class, the Tacoma is at the top. Customizability is at the forefront, where buyers can choose the perfect cabin style, trim level, cargo-box length, engine, and drivetrain. Plus, the automaker has a long history of exceptional reliability, meaning the Tacoma is long-lasting and won’t require high maintenance costs.

We’re not surprised, as the Toyota Tacoma has been the best-selling midsize truck in America for a long time. KBB says it’s held the title for 17 years in a row, and we don’t see it stopping anytime soon. The automaker has successfully evolved the pickup for its audience over and over. In the coming years, we expect big changes that haven’t occurred since the last redesign in 2016. Additionally, there could be an all-electric version of the popular model on the horizon.

KBB’s full-size truck best buy of 2023

Silver Ford F-150 XL pickup truck parked on a rock pile, blue sky visible over a desert in the background.
2023 Ford F-150 XL Rattler | Ford Motor Company

To no one’s surprise, the Kelley Blue Book full-size truck best buy of 2023 is the 2023 Ford F-150. As the most popular truck in America for more than 40 years, it’s easy to see why buyers keep coming back. It shares many of the same attributes as the Tacoma, like topping the charts in just about every category. The F-150 is a basic work truck, a comfortable and high-end people mover, and a capable tow and hauler. Within its lineup of several trims, there’s really nothing another pickup truck can do that the Ford F-150 can’t.

If buyers want to pay more, Ford loads up the F-150 with technology and comfortability features. Additionally, anyone uninterested in the fuel economy struggles with full-size trucks has options in the F-150 lineup. Not only is there a hybrid powertrain available, but also a fully-electric F-150 Lightning variant. Coincidentally, KBB awarded the Lightning its best electric truck award.

Midsize and full-size truck best buy of 2023

In conclusion, the best buy of 2023 for midsize and full-size trucks is not surprising. It’s been a long time since any model was more popular than the Toyota Tacoma or Ford F-150. As a result, we didn’t bat an eye upon reading the 2023 model year versions were awarded the KBB best buy titles in their respective classes. With excellent value, reliability, technology, capability, and, most importantly, pickup truck power, these Ford and Toyota models remain on top.

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