Trucks dominate today’s automotive landscape, offering comfort, space, and cutting-edge technology. Modern trucks seamlessly blend practicality with entertainment, boasting powerful yet fuel-efficient engines and customizable options. This list showcases the best trucks for 2024, catering to various budgets, family sizes, and driving preferences. Whether you need a reliable daily driver or a specialized workhorse, these trucks deliver in both style and performance. The Ram 1500 takes the crown as the best overall truck, thanks to its advanced technology and exceptionally smooth ride.
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Top Trucks at a Glance
| Product | Category |
|---|---|
| Ram 1500 | Best Overall Truck |
| GMC Sierra 1500 Denali | Best Luxury Truck |
| Jeep Gladiator | Best Off-Roader |
| Honda Ridgeline | Best Truck for Car Lovers |
| Chevrolet Colorado Diesel | Best Fuel-Efficient Truck |
| Ford F-150 Raptor | Best Performance Truck |
| Toyota Tundra | Most Reliable Truck |
Ram 1500: The Best Overall Truck
Why Buy? Combines capability with cutting-edge technology.
Ideal For: Anyone seeking a versatile pickup for daily driving and more.
Starting Price: $32,145+
The Ram 1500 exemplifies the pinnacle of truck engineering. Its Uconnect infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an available 12.0-inch touchscreen, sets a new standard for in-vehicle technology. Drivers also enjoy access to SiriusXM’s 360L streaming service. Safety features like adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning enhance driver confidence and ease of handling.
Beyond its technological prowess, the Ram 1500 offers a car-like driving experience. Coil springs provide a remarkably smooth ride, complemented by a quiet cabin. While many manufacturers offer high-end trucks with luxurious features, the Ram 1500 genuinely delivers on the luxury promise. For off-road enthusiasts, the Rebel model stands ready to conquer any terrain.
Powering the Ram 1500 is a range of robust powertrains, including a standard mild hybrid system with a 3.6-liter gasoline V6 and electric assist. A 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 (rated at 26 mpg combined) and a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 are also available. The Hemi V8, when paired with the mild hybrid system, generates an impressive 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. With a towing capacity of up to 12,750 pounds when properly equipped, the Ram 1500 handles heavy-duty tasks with ease.
GMC Sierra 1500 Denali: The Best Luxury Truck
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Why Buy? Redefines luxury in the truck segment.
Ideal For: Discerning drivers who demand the best.
Starting Price: $54,700+
The GMC Sierra 1500 Denali goes beyond superficial luxury, offering a truly premium experience. Its refined design and high-quality materials create an upscale ambiance. Redesigned for 2019, the Sierra boasts numerous updates, including the exclusive CarbonPro carbon-fiber pickup box, which is significantly lighter than a standard steel box. The innovative MultiPro tailgate offers versatile configurations for various cargo needs.
The Sierra 1500 Denali is available with a 5.3-liter or 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engine, with a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 option. Standard features include adaptive suspension and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Available options include a towing assist app and a rear-camera mirror. Adaptive cruise control was added for the 2020 model year.
Jeep Gladiator: The Best Off-Roader
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Why Buy? Purpose-built for serious off-road adventures.
Ideal For: Those who crave the thrill of the trail.
Starting Price: $33,545+
Built on the legendary Wrangler platform, the Jeep Gladiator reigns supreme in the off-road arena. With a four-door cab and a 60-inch cargo box, it’s ready to tackle any terrain. The Gladiator offers three top options: a standard soft top and two hardtop choices. The unique open-air experience, with a foldable windshield and removable doors, sets it apart from other trucks.
Modern amenities like the Uconnect infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, air conditioning, heated seats, and advanced driver-assistance features ensure comfort and convenience. The Rubicon model boasts a forward-facing camera for enhanced visibility on challenging trails.
The Gladiator is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed automatic transmission. A 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 option, generating 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque, will be available in 2020 with the eight-speed automatic. Four-wheel drive comes standard on all models.
Honda Ridgeline: The Best Truck for Car Lovers
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Why Buy? Delivers car-like driving dynamics with truck versatility.
Ideal For: Those who need a truck but prefer the comfort and handling of a car.
Starting Price: $33,900+
The Honda Ridgeline stands out with its unibody construction, similar to a crossover, resulting in a smoother ride and improved handling compared to traditional body-on-frame trucks. It features car-like suspension and all-wheel drive with Honda’s i-VTM4 torque-vectoring system for enhanced on-road performance.
For 2020, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all trim levels, along with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Ridgeline offers practical features like a lockable in-bed trunk and a dual-opening tailgate. An available in-bed audio system adds a fun touch for tailgating.
Chevrolet Colorado Diesel: The Best Fuel-Efficient Truck
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Why Buy? Maximizes fuel economy without compromising capability.
Ideal For: Drivers seeking efficiency and power.
Starting Price: $37,710+
The Chevrolet Colorado Diesel, with its 2.8-liter Duramax four-cylinder engine, achieves an impressive EPA-rated 23 mpg combined in rear-wheel drive and 22 mpg combined with four-wheel drive. Its 369 pound-feet of torque rivals much larger gasoline engines.
Beyond its fuel efficiency, the Colorado offers midsize maneuverability, car-like steering and suspension, and modern tech features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.
Ford F-150 Raptor: The Best Performance Truck
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Why Buy? The ultimate high-performance off-road truck.
Ideal For: Adrenaline junkies who demand uncompromising performance.
Starting Price: $52,855+
The Ford F-150 Raptor sets the benchmark for performance trucks. The second-generation model boasts a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. Upgraded Fox Racing shocks, tuned springs, and aluminum control arms enhance its off-road prowess. 35-inch BF Goodrich All-Terrain tires and a new four-wheel drive transfer case provide exceptional capability. The Raptor’s aggressive styling, blistering speed, and off-road dominance make it a true standout.
Toyota Tundra: The Most Reliable Truck
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Why Buy? Legendary Toyota reliability in a full-size package.
Ideal For: Those who prioritize dependability and longevity.
Starting Price: $33,575+
The Toyota Tundra embodies Toyota’s reputation for reliability. The 2020 Tundra features a 5.7-liter V8 engine producing 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of up to 10,200 pounds. The TRD Pro model offers enhanced off-road capability.
Standard Toyota Safety Sense-P features include a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. The infotainment system features a 7.0-inch touchscreen with navigation, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
How We Test
The MaagX automotive team rigorously evaluates vehicles through comprehensive testing. We analyze exterior and interior qualities based on our expertise and experience, considering the vehicle’s category and price. Entertainment technology and safety features are thoroughly tested in controlled environments. Our test drivers conduct extensive real-world testing, evaluating performance on highways, back roads, off-road trails, and race tracks when applicable.
Pickup Truck Size Categories Explained
Understanding truck size categories is essential when choosing the right vehicle.
Midsize: The smallest trucks currently available in the U.S., offering a balance of hauling capability and everyday drivability. Examples include the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Honda Ridgeline, Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon, Ford Ranger, and Jeep Gladiator.
Full-size/Half-ton: The most common truck type, known for their size and capability. Examples include the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado 1500/GMC Sierra 1500, and Ram 1500. The “half-ton” designation refers to their historical payload ratings.
Heavy-duty/Three-quarter-ton/One-ton: Designed for heavy towing and hauling, exceeding EPA weight regulations for passenger vehicles. Examples include the Ram 2500 and 3500, Ford F-Series Super Duty, and Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra 2500 and 350. These trucks typically feature powerful V8 engines and often include dual rear wheels.
