It doesn’t matter if you’re a construction worker, boat owner, off-road enthusiast, or casual truck-lover—pickup trucks come in many shapes and sizes to fit anyone’s needs. The wide range of pickup trucks available can make it difficult and tiresome for you to find the right one. Fortunately, this list will explain the best pickup trucks of all time so that you know which ones to look for.
Best Compact-Size Truck: Honda Ridgeline
Not every pickup truck is made the same. In other words, not every truck is going to take up two parking spaces or be able to tow a four-ton speedboat. Some trucks—known as compact-size trucks—are smaller than their full-size counterparts. Still, they’re not as small as they once were; they’re roughly the same size as a midsize SUV. The top compact pickup for many owners and experts is the Honda Ridgeline. It’s one of the most reliable trucks on the market today. Its style and body are larger than those of other trucks, but it features the most comfortable and convenient on-road driving experience in any small pickup truck.
Best Work Truck: Dodge Ram 1500 Series
Of course, some people may need their pickups to perform certain functions for work. In this regard, the Dodge Ram 1500 and the Dodge Ram 2500 reign supreme. Most pickup trucks will give you the strength you need to get the job done, but these two are exceptional work trucks. With 3.6L V6 engines or an optional 5.7L V8, they have more than enough power to tow almost five tons. For the truly bold, you can opt for the Dodge Ram 2500. This will provide some serious pulling power due to its upgraded powertrains. The 2500 even has an optional turbocharged 6.4L V8 diesel engine to provide 19,780 lbs of towing capability.
Best Full-Size Truck: Toyota Tundra
Full-size pickups might be on most people’s minds regarding the best truck of all time, given their size and versatility. Therefore, the best full-size pickup truck is the Toyota Tundra. This behemoth features impressive reviews with its road tests, reliability, and overall consumer satisfaction. The 2020 Tundra has a 5.7L V8 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. Many people enjoy the cabin’s roominess, and its safety ranks highly due to the forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning systems. With so many full-size pickup trucks on the market today, the legacy of the Toyota Tundra isn’t something to ignore.
Best Off-Road Truck: Ford Raptor
For anyone looking for adrenaline-pumping blood flow, the Ford Raptor is by far the best off-road pickup truck of all time. Ford designed the Raptor with off-roading in mind. The Raptor features an impressive 10 feet of clearance, a 30-degree approach angle, and a 23-degree departure angle. It can also drive over rocks or other obstacles with the Ford Trail Control system, and the Fox Racing Shock Absorbers protect it from any bumps or holes. Not to mention, the beadlock-capable wheels and all-terrain tires make it simple to handle sand, snow, mud, or other off-road terrain. Other truck companies offer off-road trim packages with their signature trucks, but Ford has proved to its fans and competitors alike that the Raptor is an off-road powerhouse.