Find your perfect pickup truck

What are the different types of pickup trucks and which one do I need?

Pickup trucks come in various sizes to accommodate different needs: compact, mid-size, full-size and heavy duty. This range offers options based on your required hauling and towing capacity.

When selecting a pickup truck, you should consider several key configurations:

By assessing these elements against your specific needs — whether for work, recreation or daily driving — you can identify the pickup truck that best fits your lifestyle and budget.

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What should I know about towing with a pickup truck?

Before any towing adventure, confirm exactly how much your truck can safely pull by verifying the specific towing capacity of any truck you're considering rather than relying solely on a manufacturer’s maximum capacity claims. The equipped trim level, axle ratio, engine, transmission, and bed and cab configuration can affect the towing and payload capacities of a truck.

In addition to knowing the specs of the truck, know the capacities of the trailer you plan to tow, including tongue weight, so you don’t exceed the payload capability of the truck. The truck’s payload capacity is what absorbs the trailer’s tongue weight.

Exceeding recommended limits risks damage to your vehicle and creates dangerous driving conditions. Remember that real-world towing capabilities may differ from a manufacturer’s maximum claims that may only apply to a very specifically configured truck.

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Which pickup trucks get the best gas mileage?

Pickup trucks feature a diverse range of options across hybrid, gas, diesel and electric powertrains.

Hybrid trucks offer exceptional efficiency, with the Ford Maverick hybrid leading compact trucks at 38 mpg combined (front-wheel drive) or 37 mpg (AWD). In the mid-size class, the Toyota Tacoma hybrid achieves 23 mpg with 4WD, while the Ford F-150 PowerBoost hybrid leads full-size hybrids with 23 mpg with 4WD.

In the gas-only category, the Ford Maverick leads with 25 mpg combined (AWD), tied with the Hyundai Santa Cruz (FWD). For mid-size gas trucks, the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma both achieve 23 mpg with RWD, while the full-size segment is led by the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 at 21 mpg (RWD).

The full-size, light-duty diesel segment is now dominated exclusively by Chevrolet and GMC, with the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 achieving an impressive 26 mpg combined with rear-wheel drive (24 mpg with 4WD).

For electric trucks, the Rivian R1T Dual Max stands out with 87 mpg-equivalent and 420 miles of range, followed by the Chevrolet Silverado EV and Ford F-150 Lightning, both rated at 70 mpg-e. The Tesla Cybertruck, classified as a heavy-duty truck, is exempt from EPA ratings but claims up to 325 miles of range for its dual-motor AWD version.

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Should I buy a gas or diesel truck?

When deciding between a gas or diesel truck, there's no clear winner, as each excels in different areas.

Diesel trucks typically retain higher resale value and offer better fuel economy when heavily loaded. They're built with stronger components to handle higher compression ratios and excel at towing due to high torque at low engine speeds. Diesels shine when regularly hauling heavy loads or accumulating high mileage.

However, diesel engines cost significantly more upfront ($3,000-$5,000 for light duty, $10,000+ for heavy duty) and require more expensive maintenance.

Gas engines are more economical for occasional use, lighter load or primarily empty driving. They typically offer higher payload capacity since diesel engines weigh more and perform better in off-road situations where front-end weight matters.

Your decision should ultimately depend on intended use, budget and long-term ownership plans rather than engine type alone.

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What are the best new pickup trucks by subclass and lifestyle?

For budget-conscious buyers, the 2026 Ford Maverick stands out at $28,840, offering both a turbocharged four-cylinder and hybrid powertrain options. The Maverick received updates including Ford's Sync 4 multimedia system with a 13.2-inch touchscreen.

For light-duty towing needs, the 2025 Ford F-150 excels with its innovative towing technology, including Pro Trailer Hitch Assist and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, making trailer handling simple for both beginners and experts.

Heavy-duty towing requirements are best met by the 2026 Ford F-Series Super Duty, which offers extensive customization options and a maximum towing capacity of 40,000 pounds.

For luxury truck enthusiasts, the 2026 Ram 1500 Tungsten delivers with its premium interior featuring a 14.4-inch infotainment screen, 24-way power front seats with heating and massage, and an exceptional 23-speaker Klipsch audio system.

Off-road adventurers have two top options: the mid-size 2025 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison with Multimatic shocks, 12.2 inches of ground clearance and 35-inch mud-terrain tires; and the full-size 2026 Ram 1500 RHO, which offers nine drive modes, sophisticated suspension technology and impressive power at a more competitive price than the Ford F-150 Raptor.

For those seeking an electric pickup, the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV offers up to 493 miles of range, 12,500 pounds of towing capacity and four-wheel steering for improved maneuverability, with a new Trail Boss trim available for off-road enthusiasts.

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What are the cheapest new pickup trucks?

Not all pickup trucks have to be expensive. Here are the 10 most affordable pickups as of September 2025. Prices include destination fees.

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What should I know about buying a used pickup truck, and what potential issues should I look out for?

When purchasing a used pickup truck, don't be distracted by cosmetic features or attractive pricing. Instead, conduct a thorough inspection in person and, like any used car, have it inspected by a professional. Check the vehicle's history report for accidents or maintenance issues. Examine the frame for rust or damage, test the 4WD system (if equipped), and inspect the transmission and engine for leaks.

Be aware of any potential modifications (especially on diesel trucks) that may affect the legality of the emissions system and ability to pass local emissions testing. Consider the truck's intended use (hauling, towing or daily driving) to ensure it meets your needs. Remember that thorough research and patience will help you find a reliable used pickup that offers better value than buying new while avoiding costly problems down the road.

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What are the best used pickup trucks under $30,000?

Despite trucks becoming increasingly expensive, there are quality options under $30,000. We focused on trucks newer than 2013 with under 100,000 miles, solid safety scores, high reliability ratings and positive owner reviews.

In the compact truck category, consider the 2022-23 Hyundai Santa Cruz ($25,000-$27,000) with its carlike handling and up-to-5,000-pound towing capacity, or the highly acclaimed 2022-23 Ford Maverick ($26,500-$28,000), which offers impressive 37 mpg combined with its hybrid powertrain.

For mid-size options, the 2017-20 Honda Ridgeline ($21,000-$28,000) provides exceptional safety ratings and comfortable on-road performance, while the reliable 2017-18 Toyota Tacoma ($27,500-$29,000) excels off-road with up to 6,800 pounds of towing capacity. The 2020-21 Ford Ranger ($27,000-$29,500) and 2020-22 Chevrolet Colorado ($23,500-$28,000) are also strong contenders, with the Colorado offering a torquey diesel option and up to 7,700 pounds of towing capacity.

Full-size truck shoppers should explore the 2017-18 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ($24,000-$26,000) or the versatile 2018-19 Ford F-150 ($26,000-$29,000), which offers numerous configurations and up to 13,200 pounds of towing capacity.

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