Blue Ford pickup truck (Photo by Caleb White on Unsplash)
You know you've taken the high road in life when you're perched up high, looking down on sedans and hatchbacks like a friendly giant surveying the land. There's something to be said about driving a truck. You know you're in one of the best pickup trucks when the road stretches out before you, and suddenly, you feel like the master of your own domain.
But it's not just about the view; it's about the feeling of freedom. Pickup trucks aren't bound by the constraints of pavement alone. They're built to handle dirt roads, gravel paths, and rugged trails with ease. The world becomes your playground, and every journey is an opportunity for adventure. Whether you're heading off the beaten path to explore the great outdoors or tackling everyday tasks, that feeling of freedom is undeniably addictive.
How to Choose the Best Pickup Truck:
- Size: Consider how much space you need in the cab and the bed. If you need to haul or tow a lot of weight, you'll need a larger truck.
- Payload and towing capacity: Payload capacity is the amount of weight the truck can carry in the bed, while towing capacity is the amount of weight the truck can pull behind it. If you plan on using your truck for work or recreation, make sure to choose one with a payload and towing capacity that meets your needs.
- Engine and transmission: Pickup trucks are typically powered by V6 or V8 engines. Diesel engines offer better fuel economy and more torque than gas engines, but they can be more expensive to purchase and maintain.
- Fuel economy:Â Fuel economy is an important consideration for any vehicle, but it's especially important for pickup trucks, which can be less fuel-efficient than other types of vehicles.
- Features: Pickup trucks come with a variety of features, such as four-wheel drive, off-road suspension, and luxury amenities. Consider which features are important to you and choose a truck that has them.
Driving one of the best pickup trucks isn't just about the wheels; it's about the whole experience. It's about feeling larger than life, embracing the call of the open road, and feeling protected while you travel. So, the next time you find yourself behind the wheel of one of these bad boys, crank up the tunes, roll down the windows, and enjoy the ride! Did we miss your favorite model? Leave a comment to let us know!
The List: Best Pick Up Trucks for 2024, According to Experts
1. Chevrolet Silverado
The number one pickup truck recommended by experts is the almighty Chevrolet Silverado. “The Chevrolet Silverado is another top-selling pickup truck in the U.S., and the upcoming 2024 model promises to be even more impressive. It will come with a range of engine options and some of the latest tech features, including a camera-based towing system,” expresses Skope Mag.
When it comes to the battle for the title of best pickup truck, every automotive company throws their hat in the ring and Chevy has come out on top. “With Ford’s Lightning and Rivian having a big lead on GM’s EVs, it’s super important that Chevy strikes back with Silverado. At least from the teases we’ve seen, we’re expecting nothing but goodness. Consider up to 400 miles of range per charge and DC fast charging at rates up to 350kW. That's at the upper level of what we’re seeing from the best EVs and will juice at the rate of 100 miles per 10 minutes,” explains Mens Journal, on the 2024 electric model. “Chevy also intends to allow shore power to up to 10 wall-style plugs anchored at a few locations on the truck—for powering anything from shop tools at a job site to lighting a campsite, and of course running your fridge or A/C during a power outage. The Silverado EV will run on the same Ultium scalable battery architecture that’s used for the very impressive Hummer EV.”
Reputation is everything and Chevrolet has proven themselves over and over again. “The Chevy Silverado 1500 is a reliable and capable full-size pickup truck with a long-standing hard work heritage,” raves Cars Jade. “With various powertrain options, including turbo four-cylinder, V-8, and Duramax diesel engines, the Silverado 1500 is ready for any job or adventure. While the ride can be rough, it offers great towing capacity, surpassing competitors like the Ram 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500.”
2. Ford Ranger
From hauling heavy loads to navigating rough terrain, the Ford Ranger and Ranger Raptor is designed to withstand the test of time, which is why it makes our list of best pickup trucks. “If performance is an important box in your checklist, the Ford Ranger Raptor is one pickup truck that should be on your list,” notes a reviewer from Hot Cars. “The name Raptor is enough to seal its performance credibility that comes attached with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that develops 392 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque to all four corners with the help of locking front and rear differentials, and a 10-speed automatic gearbox. The 2024 Ranger Raptor is coming, and it is an excellent off-roader that will also double up as a performance truck. So if you want a faster and more exciting alternative to the Tacoma, look no further.”
Pickup trucks are more than just vehicles; they're symbols of ingenuity and independence. “Ford’s fighter in the midsize truck division is the Ranger. The base, mid-level, and top-of-the-range Rangers have significantly more power than their 2024 Tacoma rivals. Dubbed the SR, the base Toyota is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine producing 228 horsepower and 310 pound-feet. Its Ford Ranger peer, the XL, features a 2.3-liter turbocharged engine producing 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet,” shares Top Speed.Â
When you invest in a pickup, you're investing in longevity and the Ford Ranger provides a great return on your investment. “The Ranger will be a midsize truck that is designed to provide an alternative to full-size pickups,” shares Skope Mag. “It will be available in two- and four-wheel drive configurations and will be powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Ranger will also have a 10-speed automatic transmission and will offer various advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.”
3. Ram 1500
For the drivers who aren't afraid to roll up their sleeves and get things done, the Dodge Ram appears on the scene. “The Ram 1500 is renowned for its blend of power and capability, and the upcoming 2024 model promises to be even better,” predicts Skope Mag. “It will come with a range of engine options, including a hybrid engine and a host of advanced safety features. It is available in a variety of trims and body styles, including two- and four-wheel drive configurations, three-cab styles, and two-bed lengths. The Ram 1500 is powered by either a 3.6L Pentastar V6 or a 5.7L Hemi V8 engine and is available with either a 6-speed automatic or 8-speed automatic transmission.”
Being equipped to handle a wide range of tasks makes the Ram 1500 indispensable for both work and play. “The 2023 Ram 1500 is a half-ton truck with a ton of attributes. With a roomy and well-appointed interior, it's just as capable of being a comfortable family vehicle as it is of doing typical truck tasks like towing and hauling,” raves US News.
“Ram has unveiled the production version of the Ram 1500 REV electric pickup, showcasing a design that closely resembles the gas-powered Ram trucks. The REV features futuristic headlights, taillights, and unique wheels. While it retains the familiar body shape of a crew-cab with a short bed, it rides on a new STLA Frame, designed explicitly for electric body-on-frame models. Ram has also confirmed that a range-extender version with a gasoline engine will be available. Although it may not include some of the concept’s more extravagant features, like third row jump seats, it does offer a frunk. However, more details regarding power output, battery size, and range estimates will be revealed soon,” Cars Jade notes.
4. GMC Sierra
Enter the GMC Sierra. Car enthusiasts are delighted to see the upgrade for 2024. “The 2024 GMC Sierra is one of the most versatile full-size pickup trucks on the road, with models proficient in towing, hauling and off-roading, as well as shuttling around the family in luxury. It aims to be ‘pretty good' in most facets without a singular focus,” notes U.S. News.
“The GMC Sierra is another popular pickup truck, and the upcoming 2024 model promises to be even better. It will come with a range of powerful engines and the latest in-vehicle technology, including a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot,” shares Skope Mag. Their rugged design and powerful engines make every drive an exhilarating experience.
5. Toyota Tacoma
Rumor has it that the Tacoma will be among the updated pickups released in 2024. “The last time Toyota updated Tacoma it felt like it had been a century since it'd done so,” writes Men's Journal. “Once again, we’re approaching nine years since that 2015 do-over. Do we know when Toyota’s updating its midsize category king? Nope, but the rumor mill is running overtime and most guestimates put money on early 2024 or thereabouts.”
With their muscular frames and versatile designs, the Toyota Tacoma effortlessly combines style and functionality. “Toyota pickup trucks have long been known for their reliability and performance. The Tacoma, in particular, has been a bestseller in its class for 17 years, thanks to its reputation for durability and high resale value. In 2024, Toyota is introducing a fully electric version of the Tacoma, the Tacoma EV, or Tacoma Electric. Although details are limited, the Tacoma EV is expected to offer zero emissions, easy maintenance, and instant torque. The leaked images of the electric Tacoma reveal a sleek design with modern updates and off-road capabilities. All the other exact specifications are yet to be released,” shares Cars Jade.
According to Gear Junkies, “The 2024Â Toyota Tacoma has a 228 horsepower (243 pound-feet) 2.4L turbo-four in the SR version of its trucks. Not many buyers are going to pick that work-truck spec, though, and most will probably get the 278-horse (317 pound-feet) version of that engine or the top in the class 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet i-Force Max hybrid.”
Which pickup truck are you most excited about for 2024? Leave a comment to let us know!
You might also be interested in:
Sources:
- Gear Junkies
- Motor Biscuit
- Cars Jade
- Mens Journal
- Skope Mag
- True Car
- U.S. News
- Top Speed
- Auto Car
- The Car Connection
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. EdNews is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations.
I’m most excited about the Toyota all day! Domestic trucks are just too overpriced.
How can you rate a truck when it's not proven itself?