The Top 10 Pickup Trucks You'll Need in 2023
Whether you need a super-capable workhorse, a rugged off-roader, or maybe just a super-practical family hauler, a pickup truck is the way to go. It's still the most versatile body style you can buy, so it's no surprise that nearly 3 million pickups were sold in North America in 2022 alone. There are so many to choose from, with trucks of all sizes and for all purposes, that we wanted to make it easy for you. We have prepared a list of the top 10 pickup trucks you will need in 2023. Buckle up because the countdown is about to start.
NO.10: Jeep Gladiator
With its Wrangler-like looks, the Gladiator definitely looks like a show-off. But once you drive it, you will realize just how impressive this pickup is. Not only does it look great and offer strong towing capabilities, but it is just about the best off-road truck in the mid-size pickup category. Whether you need a truck for rock crawling or desert running, the Gladiator is the answer with its two range-topping models, Rubicon and Mojave. The rest of the lineup is equally impressive. Two powertrain options are currently offered, and the Gladiator remains the only mid-size pickup with a diesel engine. In addition to the capable V6 turbo diesel with 442 pound-feet of torque, there is the base 3.6-liter gasoline V6. While the latest reports also suggest a plug-in hybrid version in the near future with 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. But not everything about the Gladiator is great, and that's why it doesn't rank higher on our list. If off-roading isn't your top priority, there are some midsize pickups that are more refined and practical for everyday use. On top of that, the Gladiator is more expensive than its competitors, with a starting price of just over forty thousand dollars.
NO.9: Ford Ranger
Although the next-generation Ranger will arrive in North America as a 2024 model, it definitely earns its place on our list because the first deliveries are expected in August. The new model has already been on sale in Australia for a while, and our Australian colleagues had nothing but praise for it. The new model looks more attractive and offers better ergonomics, while the class-leading payload capacity of over 1,800 pounds is another thing you can expect from the 2024 Ranger. The new generation will get significant updates in terms of technology and safety features, while the powertrain department will finally have more than a single option to offer. A 2.7-liter V6 will join the 2.3-liter turbo 4 with a maximum output of 315 horsepower. Finally, for the first time in North America, Ford will offer the Ranger Raptor, an ultimate off-road vehicle with a class-leading 405 horsepower engine. In addition to plenty of power, the Raptor comes with a full complement of off-road upgrades and a unique look. We expect base models to start around forty thousand dollars.
NO.8: Honda Ridgeline
If you don't necessarily need a pickup that can tow a boat, then the Ridgeline is a natural choice for you. Honda's pickup is the best of both worlds. On one side is the practicality of a pickup truck, and on the other is a unibody platform that provides an SUV-level driving experience. The Ridgeline shares most of its parts with the Pilot, giving it a superior ride compared to other pickups. It also has one of the most spacious cabs around, easily accommodating five adults. Finally, the super-smooth V6 engine provides not only good driving dynamics, but also a quiet and comfortable ride. The trade-off for such a design approach is below-average towing capacity. This pickup can tow up to 5,000 pounds, while most competitors can easily handle 7,000 pounds. Another problem is the price, which starts at around forty thousand dollars.
NO.7: Chevy Colorado
Completely redesigned for 2023, the Chevy Colorado is the freshest mid-size pickup truck you can buy today. The new model has significant improvements over the previous generation, starting with attractive styling, high-quality interior, lots of tech features, and a peppy turbocharged 4-liter engine. Speaking of the engine, all models now feature a 2.7-liter turbo 4 available in three configurations ranging from 237 to 310 horsepower and from 259 to 430 pound-feet of torque. Like its predecessor, the new Colorado offers a class-leading towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds. Utility has always been the Colorado's forte, but the new model also impresses with its off-road potential. The ZR2 is more capable than ever, but the upcoming ZR2 Bison will be even more impressive with further upgrades and a full load of off-road equipment. Another thing to like about the Colorado is the price, as base versions start under thirty-one thousand dollars.
NO. 6: Toyota Tundra
Toyota's full-size pickup has improved significantly with the latest redesign, and while it still can't keep up with the American competition in some areas, it's still a great value. This pickup looks muscular and has one of the most comfortable cabins among full-size pickups. While competitors still offer V8 engines, the Tundra relies exclusively on turbocharged V6s. The base model has 349 horsepower, but a 389-horsepower version is also available. If that's not enough, there's a hybrid version with 437 horsepower and an impressive 583 pound-feet of torque. In addition to plenty of power, the Tundra Hybrid is able to return 20 miles per gallon in an urban environment, which is quite impressive for a full-size truck. Despite some pretty impressive features, the Tundra still has a few drawbacks. In the best case scenario, the maximum towing capacity goes up to 12,000 pounds, while the maximum payload is 1,940 pounds. Both ratings are lower than its North American counterparts. At the same time, the base price of nearly forty thousand dollars is above average for the segment.
NO. 5: GMC Sierra
The GMC Sierra has always been a more upscale variant of the Chevy Silverado, but under the skin you still get a quintessential pickup, strong in just about every way. Strong towing and payload capacities, capable engine options, and a decent off-road model with the AT4 badge are just some of the things we like about it. There's also the familiar 3-liter inline-6 turbo diesel, which has been upgraded for the 2023 model year and now makes 305 horsepower and an impressive 495 pound-feet of torque. Even more impressive is its fuel economy, which goes up to 24 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway, something you'll hardly get from any other full-size pickup on the market. Still, the super-efficient diesel engine wasn't enough to move it higher on our list because there are still a few things we don't like. One of them is the fact that the base versions still have the old dashboard design, which looks rather cheap and outdated. Another is the price, which is higher compared to the Silverado and starts at around thirty-seven thousand five hundred dollars.
NO. 4: Chevy Silverado
Chevrolet's pickup is mechanically identical to the GMC Sierra, and the only reason it's ranked higher is a slightly lower starting price. Otherwise, the two pickups share the same qualities. They are strong in all areas, and like the Sierra, the Silverado is available with an efficient diesel powertrain. Just like the Sierra, it comes with a couple of V8s on offer, as well as the efficient turbo 4 that offers a respectable 420 pound-feet of torque. The maximum towing capacity of 13,200 pounds is also impressive, second only to the F-150. As mentioned, the Silverado is slightly cheaper than the Sierra and starts at around thirty-seven thousand dollars. In terms of drawbacks, there is the same problem as with the Sierra, as the base model has an old interior. Also, we'd like to see an off-road version comparable to the Raptor and TRX.
NO. 3: Toyota Tacoma
The next generation of the most popular midsize pickup in North America will be completely redesigned with significant improvements that will only strengthen its dominant position on the market. Although technically a 2024 model, the new Tacoma will debut by the end of this year, which is early enough to be on our list. One of the key advantages over the competition will be the new hybrid powertrain with class-leading torque that counts all the way up to 465 pound-feet. At the same time, we expect class-leading fuel efficiency from this setup. More basic versions will be powered by a new turbo 4 that is also quite efficient and quite capable. While the competition still relies on leaf springs, the Tacoma will feature a multi-link rear suspension in most of its variants, which should ensure superior ride quality. The new Tacoma will also remain one of the few mid-size pickups to offer multiple cab and bed configurations, while the new PreRunner and Trail Hunter will significantly expand the Tacoma's off-road offerings. As for pricing, base models are expected to go for around thirty thousand dollars.
NO. 2: Ford F-150
The F-150 has been the best-selling pickup in the world for decades, so it's obviously an excellent choice. It offers numerous configurations, multiple powertrain options, and class-leading towing capacity. Plus, it is the only pickup available not only as a hybrid, but also as an all-electric model. A spacious and well-built cabin is another strong point, as is an intuitive infotainment system. And let's not forget that there are several off-road trims in the lineup, including the impressive Raptor and Raptor R models. With a starting price under thirty-six thousand dollars, it's also one of the most affordable full-size pickups on the market. But that was only good enough for second place on our list.
Now it's time to announce:
NO. 1: Ram 1500
Okay, let's try to keep this simple. We picked the Ram 1500 as the winner because it is just as capable as the F-150 in Silverado, but it also comes with a few extras. The main reason this pickup stands out from the crowd is its overall sophistication. It has the most advanced suspension setup, which ensures class-leading ride quality. Things are equally impressive on the inside, where this pickup offers a layout that could easily be mistaken for a luxury SUV if you choose some of the higher trim levels. The materials are super nice, while the sound insulation is superior to the competition. Finally, there is the monstrous TRX trim, the ultimate desert runner with 702 horsepower and some of the craziest exhaust notes on the market. The Ram 1500 gets the job done, but in a more stylish way than others, and that's why it's our top pick.
Do you agree with our list? Are any of these pickups overrated or underrated? Have your say in the comments section below, and be sure to sign up for our newsletter. If you have already purchased your truck, come check out MOSTPLUS and we will provide you with the most specialized accessories to help you protect and upgrade your truck.
