Best Pickup Trucks

Jump Menu: Small Trucks | Midsize Trucks | Full-Size Trucks | Heavy-Duty Trucks

Pickup trucks like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado and Toyota Tacoma have long been the nation's best-sellers. And just out of those three, shoppers can pick from dozens of configurations at different price points, making shopping for the perfect truck a little overwhelming.

Truck manufacturers produce pickups for a wide range of use cases, with different cab sizes and bed lengths available, as well as heavy-duty rigs for towing and hauling heavy loads. Unsurprisingly, these variations result in a wide range of truck prices. As a result, selecting the proper pickup for your needs can be challenging, especially if you're on a tight budget.

That's why the Edmunds experts rate and review every pickup on the market. Based on our hands-on vehicle testing, we've compiled this guide to help you narrow your search for the best pickup truck. Please note that because of the complexity of optioning pickup trucks, the maximum ratings cited below may only be available in particular builds rather than across the range.

Best Small Trucks

Midsize trucks are blowing up to the size of what full-size trucks used to be, so car-based compact trucks are becoming more popular for people who live in urban areas and don't necessarily need to haul large loads. Like compact crossovers and small sedans, these small pickups are also some of the cheaper trucks on the market. Mix in the added practicality of a truck bed, and you have a solid little city hauler.

2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Some might not like the Hyundai Santa Cruz's funky looks or unibody platform, but it has plenty of capability for most truck buyers. Since it's based on the Tucson crossover, it's more of an SUV with a bed than a traditional pickup, and it's more expensive than the other small pickup on the market, the Ford Maverick. But the bed has plenty of space for weekend hobbies or home improvement store runs, and the optional 281-horsepower turbocharged engine offers plenty of power and acceleration in addition to solid towing capacity. And since it's not a body-on-frame truck, it has a more refined ride than other traditional pickups.

Starting price (including destination fee): $31,100
Fuel economy: 20-25 mpg combined
Maximum towing capacity: 5,000 pounds
Maximum payload capacity: 1,411 pounds
Horsepower: 191-281
Truck bed length: 4.3 feet

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Read our 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz review

2026 Ford Maverick

The Maverick is the smallest and most affordable pickup truck that Ford sells. It's based on the Escape crossover, but it has a 4.5-foot bed, available all-wheel drive and a hybrid engine option. It looks more like a pickup truck than the Santa Cruz, and thanks to that slightly larger bed, it is a bit more practical, though it can't tow quite as much. Ford offers the Maverick as an off-road-oriented Tremor model or street-focused Lobo, in addition to the more mainstream XL, XLT and Lariat trims, so there's a Maverick for almost every shopper.

Starting price (including destination fee): $28,840
Fuel economy: 23-38 mpg combined
Maximum towing capacity: 4,000 pounds
Maximum payload capacity: 1,500 pounds
Horsepower: 191-250
Truck bed length: 4.5 feet

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Read our 2026 Ford Maverick review

Best Midsize Trucks

Midsize pickups are smaller than full-size trucks like the Ford F-150 and Toyota Tundra and have lower payload and towing limits. However, their smaller size makes them easier to maneuver around city streets and parking lots, and they tend to be more affordable. These are our top picks:

2025 Ford Ranger

Ford redesigned the Ranger midsize pickup for the 2024 model year with styling that looks more like the full-size F-150. Unlike the previous model, which had multiple cab and bed configurations available, the new Ranger is only sold with four doors and one bed size. A turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine is standard, and a more powerful twin-turbo V6 engine is available in the high-performance Raptor model that also gets Fox live valve shocks and 33-inch tires. The midgrade XLT is great for most buyers as it has a nice interior with a large infotainment touchscreen and a full suite of safety features.

Starting price (including destination fee): $35,245
Fuel economy: 17-23 mpg combined
Maximum towing capacity: 7,500 pounds
Maximum payload capacity: 1,788 pounds
Horsepower: 270-405
Truck bed length: 5 feet

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Read our 2025 Ford Ranger review

2026 Chevrolet Colorado

We're in a midsize truck resurgence, as three top-selling midsize pickups, the Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado, have all received serious updates in the last few years. Chevrolet offers the Colorado, a more affordable alternative to the luxurious GMC Canyon, in only one cab and bed size, but it has solid towing capability, easy-to-use controls and helpful technology features, all at a great value. Five trim levels are available, including a highly capable ZR2 Bison, in both two- and four-wheel drive. Just one turbocharged engine is available, a 2.7-liter four-cylinder that ranges between 237 hp and 310 hp.

Starting price (including destination fee): $31,095
Fuel economy: 16-21 mpg combined
Maximum towing capacity: 7,700 pounds
Maximum payload capacity: 1,684 pounds
Horsepower: 237-310
Truck bed length: 5.1 feet

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Read our 2026 Chevrolet Colorado review

2026 Honda Ridgeline

Unlike other midsize trucks built on a traditional body-on-frame chassis, the Ridgeline is built like a crossover SUV with unibody construction and an independent rear suspension. In this way, it's more like a Hyundai Santa Cruz than a Ranger. This approach gives the Ridgeline more comfort and interior space than its primary competition. However, you won't get as much towing or off-road capability as you will with body-on-frame pickups. Still, Honda offers a TrailSport trim that adds all-terrain tires and underbody protection if you want to do a little off-pavement adventuring with your Ridgeline.

Starting price (including destination fee): $42,090
Fuel economy: 20-21 mpg combined
Maximum towing capacity: 5,000 pounds
Maximum payload capacity: 1,583 pounds
Horsepower: 280
Truck bed length: 5.3 feet

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Read our 2026 Honda Ridgeline review

Best Full-Size Trucks

Most truck buyers opt for full-size trucks. They have greater towing and hauling capabilities than midsize pickups and are more comfortable and cheaper than heavy-duty offerings. Once you step up to full-size trucks, you'll unlock numerous powertrains and other configurations to choose from. Here are three of the best full-size pickups to help you get started.

2026 Ford F-150

The Ford F-150 has long been the best-selling pickup truck in America, and you can get one with a gas, hybrid or even electric powertrain. There's also the 700-plus-horsepower F-150 Raptor R for jumping dunes. Regardless of the powertrain you choose, the F-150 offers considerable additional options. Three cab configurations and 5.5-foot, 6.5-foot and 8-foot bed options are available, while the optional 400-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 can tow the most, at 13,500 pounds. And a 12-inch infotainment display comes standard on every model. Go for the PowerBoost hybrid or all-electric Lightning and get Ford's high-voltage Pro Power Onboard generator for powering electronics, tools, campers and even your home.

Starting price (including destination fee): $41,925
Fuel economy: 12-23 mpg combined
Maximum towing capacity: 13,500 pounds
Maximum payload capacity: 2,440 pounds
Horsepower: 325-720
Truck bed length: 5.5 feet, 6.5 feet, 8 feet

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Read our 2026 Ford F-150 review

2026 Ram 1500

Although it won't tow or haul as much as the Ford F-150, the Ram 1500 has a best-in-class interior that's comfortable and full of useful tech features that make it a great daily driver. Unlike other full-size trucks, the Ram 1500 offers a smoother ride thanks to its rear coil springs instead of the traditional leaf-sprung rear end found on Fords and Chevrolets. In 2024, Ram made the decision to discontinue the optional V8 engine in favor of its new turbocharged inline-six engines, which actually provide more power than the outgoing eight-cylinder. However, that decision has again been reversed, and the Hemi V8 is back on the order books as of this year.

Starting price (including destination fee): $46,920
Fuel economy: 15-22 mpg combined
Maximum towing capacity: 11,610 pounds
Maximum payload capacity: 2,360 pounds
Horsepower: 305-540
Truck bed length: 5.6 feet, 6.3 feet

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Read our 2026 Ram 1500 review

2026 Toyota Tundra

The current Tundra debuted in 2022 with a new body-on-frame platform, a high-tech cabin with a large 14-inch touchscreen display, an optional hybrid engine and a smooth-riding coil-spring rear suspension. The available twin-turbo V6 hybrid only returns up to 20 mpg combined, making it more beneficial for its low-end torque than for fuel economy. Two different four-door cab lengths are available, and the Tundra can tow up to 12,000 pounds.

Starting price (including destination fee): $43,355
Fuel economy: 19-22 mpg combined
Maximum towing capacity: 12,000 pounds
Maximum payload capacity: 1,940 pounds
Horsepower: 348-437
Truck bed length: 5.5 feet, 6.5 feet, 8 feet

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Full-size trucks vs. heavy-duty trucks

Full-size pickups are great, but their towing and hauling limits are sometimes too low for serious work or recreational needs. If we're echoing your concerns, you might need to upgrade to a heavy-duty truck. These vehicles aren't ideal for everyone because they're larger, more expensive and harder to park than their smaller siblings. Due to their EPA classification, they aren't required to post fuel economy estimates, but HD trucks set up for serious towing tend to have poor fuel economy even when they're unladen.

But for some buyers, these heavy-duty trucks are the best way to pull a large luxury trailer on a road trip or move a piece of heavy equipment from one side of the farm to the other. And although they prioritize capability over comfort, modern heavy-duty pickups don't ride as harshly as you might expect. Most heavy-duty pickups share trim offerings with full-size models, so you can still get the brawny luxury cruiser you always wanted, just one size up.

Best Heavy-Duty Trucks

With greater towing and payload capabilities than midsize and full-size pickups, heavy-duty trucks can confidently transport heavy items over long distances. Think RVs, horse trailers and construction equipment. At the same time, these trucks aren't dedicated commercial vehicles either, so they're relatively comfortable. The best heavy-duty pickups make both hauling and commuting seem effortless. Here are our picks for the best heavy-duty trucks.

2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty

The Ford F-Series lineup includes the popular F-250 Super Duty, which can tow up to 22,000 pounds' worth of trailer when equipped with one of its two available turbodiesel V8 engines. Still, if you need more capability than that, Ford's F-450 Super Duty can tow a whopping 40,000 pounds, with an 8,000-pound payload rating in specific configurations. Like the F-150, there's an onboard generator available in Ford's Super Duty trucks, but there is no hybrid option. You can only get gas or diesel engines. Either way, the Ford F-250 Super Duty is one of the best heavy-duty trucks money can buy.

Starting price (including destination fee): $48,270
Maximum towing capacity: 22,000 pounds (high-output 6.7L diesel V8)
Maximum payload capacity: 4,234 pounds (6.8L V8)
Horsepower: 405-500
Truck bed length: 6.8 feet-8.2 feet

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Read our 2026 Ford F-250 Super Duty review

2026 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty

Ram also employs a coil-spring rear suspension (or optional air springs) on its heavy-duty trucks, which means that, like the 1500, the 2500 rides exceptionally well for a large pickup. Ram also has the nicest interiors in the truck segment, so of course the 2500 makes our list of favorite pickups. Both gas and diesel engine options are available too. However, this diesel can be noisier than its competitors. The 2500 can tow up to 20,000 pounds, but if you need more capability, the 3500 has a trailering capacity of just over 37,600 pounds.

Starting price (including destination fee): $49,080
Maximum towing capacity: 20,000 pounds (6.7-liter diesel inline-six)
Maximum payload capacity: 4,580 pounds (6.4-liter V8)
Horsepower: 405-430
Truck bed length: 6.4 feet-8.2 feet

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2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD can tow and haul just as well as any other, and similarly equipped versions will be less expensive than its competitors. Its max towing and payload ratings are lower than Ford's, though, and the interior and cabin tech aren't as nice as Ram's. That doesn't mean the Silverado isn't well equipped. It comes with plenty of useful tech features, especially ones that help with towing. You can't go wrong with a Silverado 2500HD.

Starting price (including destination fee): $48,195
Maximum towing capacity: 22,430 pounds (6.6-liter turbodiesel V8)
Maximum payload capacity: 3,689 pounds (6.6-liter gas V8)
Horsepower: 400-470
Truck bed length: 6.9 feet-8.2 feet

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Read our 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD review

Best trucks for towing

When choosing a truck for towing, know that a higher tow limit generally correlates with a higher cost. Most midsize trucks max out above 3 tons, though acceleration can be anemic when you're approaching the limit. Full-size trucks will cost a bit more but tend to top out above 10,000 pounds. Heavy-duty pickups aim for stratospheric towing capability, and their torque-rich optional diesel engines should make towing up mountain passes a breeze. Go up one more grade for a dual rear-wheel option that provides a more stable towing experience. Properly equipped, these trucks can tow more than 20,000 pounds, even approaching or exceeding 40,000 pounds in some cases. View our full list of the Best Trucks for Towing.

Top features for trucks

Every new pickup comes standard with a rearview camera display, a previously optional feature that takes a lot of the guesswork out of navigating tight spots. Surround-view monitors are even better, giving a 360-degree view of the area immediately around the truck. Tall hoods can make it difficult to surmise exactly where the front of the pickup is, so front parking sensors are another nifty feature. Trucks are also pretty wide, so it's nice to have a lane departure warning system that alerts you before the truck drifts too far.

Outside of advanced driver aids, there are a few truck-specific features to look out for. Tie-down cleats help you secure everything in the bed, while cargo bed lights can help you find your gear in the dark. Tow mirrors are wide so you can keep track of your trailer. As long as you're not looking for the best off-road truck, ground clearance-reducing side steps are a handy way to make sure everyone can easily enter and exit the cab.

Choosing the best pickup truck for you

If you like the look and feel of a truck, a midsize pickup is an inexpensive way to enter the market. It's also bound to be easier to park and drive. A full-size truck is ideal for those who need more room in the cab, want a larger bed, occasionally tow large items or simply prefer the added features available on full-size trucks. Heavy-duty trucks make the most sense for those who frequently tow heavy equipment.

Each class offers something unique for those looking for the best off-road truck, from the midsize Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 to the full-size Ford F-150 Raptor and the heavy-duty Ram Power Wagon.

Next steps

While the number of different pickup models is fairly small, there's a great deal of differentiation within each model range. The nearly limitless customization options can make it difficult to sift through dealer inventory to find the perfect vehicle. Visit our truck rankings to understand each model's strengths and weaknesses. Our in-depth vehicle reviews provide a detailed analysis and trim breakdown of every new truck on the market. Once a model catches your eye, find a specific truck in your area by clicking on its inventory page. No matter where you are in the research and buying process, Edmunds has tools to help you find your perfect pickup.