In 2023, the pickup truck market has diversified to cater to virtually every need imaginable. Not long ago, choices were limited, especially in the midsize segment. Today, the landscape includes economical compact models and cleaner electric variants. With this variety, the customer base for pickups continues to expand.
Whether you’re chasing luxury, need a workhorse, prefer something practical and small, or want a vehicle for off-road adventures, there’s a pickup for you. Here, we present our top picks for 2023.
Top Full-Size Pickup Trucks for 2023
- 2023 Ram 1500: Score 9.0
- 2023 Ford F-150: Score 8.5
- 2023 GMC Sierra: Score 8.0
- 2023 Chevrolet Silverado: Score 7.5
- 2023 Toyota Tundra: Score 7.0
- 2023 Nissan Titan: Score 5.5
Best Midsize Pickup Trucks for 2023
- 2023 Ford Ranger: Score 8.0
- 2023 Honda Ridgeline: Score 8.0
- 2023 Jeep Gladiator: Score 8.0
- 2023 Nissan Frontier: Score 7.5
- 2023 Toyota Tacoma: Score 7.0
Note: The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon have been redesigned for 2023 and show promising signs, though our editors haven’t completed their assessments yet.
Best Pickup Trucks by Category in 2023
Best Luxury Truck: Ram 1500 Limited
The Ram 1500 Limited stands out with its plush interior, high-quality materials, and thoughtful amenities. Featuring options like ventilated reclining back seats and a 12-inch touchscreen, combined with either coil or air spring rear suspension for a smooth ride, this truck sets the bar for luxury.
Best Truck for Cowboys: Ford F-150 King Ranch
For those sporting cowboy boots and belt buckles, the F-150 King Ranch is ideal. Named after a prestigious Texas ranch, its design and luxury features make it a top pick, with a nod to the equally impressive Ram 1500 Limited Longhorn.
Best Truck for Actual Cowboys: Ram 2500 Rebel
The Ram 2500 Rebel is a versatile beast, perfect for both work and play. With its factory-installed winch, customizable storage, and formidable off-roading capabilities, this truck tackles both rugged terrain and heavy-duty tasks effortlessly.
Best Truck Alternative to a Small SUV: Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Hyundai Santa Cruz blends the attributes of a sporty compact SUV with the utility of a pickup. It’s lighter, more agile, and fuel-efficient, offering a refreshing alternative for buyers used to traditional trucks.
Best Midsize Truck: Chevrolet Colorado
The redesigned 2023 Chevrolet Colorado scores high with enhanced aesthetics, upgraded tech, and off-road capabilities, particularly in the ZR2 trim.
Best Truck for Toyota Enthusiasts: Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma maintains its strong reputation for dependability and rugged charm. While it may lack some refinements compared to competitors, loyalists continue to choose it for its durable engineering.
Best Electric Truck: Ford F-150 Lightning
This electric version of America’s favorite truck retains its classic feel while offering a quieter, more powerful drive and a convenient frunk. The F-150 Lightning stands strong, with competition heating up from upcoming electric trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado EV and the Ram 1500 REV.
Best Affordable Truck: Ford Maverick
Starting at $24,190, the Ford Maverick is a marvel of economic design without skimping on utility. Available with either a fuel-efficient hybrid or more powerful turbo engine, it encapsulates the essence of a versatile compact pickup at a reasonable price.
Best Convertible Truck: Jeep Gladiator
The Jeep Gladiator, essentially a Wrangler with a pickup bed, combines off-road prowess with the unique ability to remove the roof and doors, bringing a sense of adventure to truck enthusiasts.
Best Truck for Sand Dunes: Ford F-150 Raptor R
With its supercharged V8 engine and superior suspension, the F-150 Raptor R is engineered for high-flying desert escapades while retaining road-going comfort.
Best Truck for Style and Performance: Ram 1500 Rebel TRX
The Ram TRX not only brings 702 horsepower but also looks every bit the aggressive off-road beast it’s built to be. Though less forgiving in suspension than the Raptor R, it wins on sheer power and aesthetics.
Best Truck for Towing: Ford F-450 Super Duty
Capable of towing up to 40,000 pounds with the right configuration, the Ford F-450 reigns supreme in raw towing capacity, making it unbeatable for heavy-duty tasks.
Best Work Truck Value: Ram 1500 Tradesman
For those prioritizing utility and economy, the Ram 1500 Tradesman offers a no-frills, practical approach to the full-size pickup at a competitive starting price of $39,305.
Best Unconventional Pickup: Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline, based on a unibody platform, blends smooth ride quality with practical utility. It’s perfect for daily driving and light-duty tasks, featuring clever storage solutions like the in-bed trunk and versatile tailgate.
Best Head-Turner: GMC Hummer EV
The GMC Hummer EV, with its imposing size, electric powertrain, and unique features like CrabWalk, is guaranteed to attract attention wherever it goes.
In Conclusion
The diverse pickup market of 2023 ensures there’s a truck tailored to almost every need and preference. From luxury models to rugged workhorses and innovative electric variants, buyers have an array of excellent options to choose from, reflecting the evolution and expansion of this beloved vehicle segment.
Michael Cole, Editor of Automotive.fyi
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