Ratings for nearly all 2022 pickup trucks are out from consumer sites. The Ram 1500 was one of the favorites — no surprise there. Typically, the Ram rates highly in several categories, including overall reliability. This year, the Toyota Tundra also joined the ranks of recommended trucks. What makes these two full-size pickup trucks better than the rest?

Every full-size pickup truck beats the 2022 Ram 1500 Classic

The Ram 1500 Classic is one of the worst pickup trucks for fuel economy, earning only 15 mpg combined city/highway in real-world testing. It also gets a poor overall rating because of its bulky dimensions and unreasonably high step-in height. Unlike many other rivals, the Ram 1500 Classic doesn’t have any standard or available steps for the cargo bed.

Even with its flaws, this truck still earns praise. It’s powerful enough for tough towing jobs, and its full-time 4WD makes it a confident off-roader. It has surprisingly secure handling by truck standards, plus a quiet cabin filled with intuitive technology.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra and 2022 Ram 1500 rate the highest

Thanks to an available turbodiesel engine, the 2022 Ram 1500 with this powertrain is rated for 26 mpg combined according to EPA estimates. However, it’s recommended to get the V8 if you want the best performance (which can also be optioned with eTorque). It has 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque on tap, paired with a responsive eight-speed transmission. 

Even the V8 models equipped with eTorque have impressive towing and payload capacities (11,610 pounds and 1,970 pounds, respectively). This truck offers a smooth ride, complemented by a quiet and roomy interior. It also has user-friendly controls, though some of them are a bit hard to reach.

The Toyota Tundra rates high this year thanks to its above-average acceleration (6.3 seconds to 60 mph). This truck also comes with a composite cargo bed and offers one of the most comfortable (and spacious) crew cabs in its segment. The Tundra is very dependable, as you might expect from a Toyota.

However, the Tundra has room to grow. Low gas mileage, jittery ride, and inconsistent interior quality among trims can use some improvement, especially with Toyota’s reputation for quality and reliability.

The compact pickup truck recommendations for 2022

If you’re looking for a smaller truck, the Honda Ridgeline is one of the best. It earns an extremely high owner satisfaction rating, primarily because of its upscale cabin and confident handling. Its sole engine is a capable 280-hp V8, paired with standard AWD and a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Though this powertrain doesn’t give the Ridgeline an impressive towing capacity, you’ll save money at the pump. Rated for 18/24 mpg city/highway, it’s more efficient than most other V6-equipped trucks. We like the Ridgeline’s standard composite bed, which includes a dual-action tailgate.

The Ford Maverick is another good choice, boasting the highest real-world fuel economy numbers (16/32 mpg city/highway). The Mav scores high for its quick acceleration, ease of access, and above-average visibility. It’s also quite affordable: Even an Ecoboost model at the highest trim level costs less than $27,000.

The Ford Ranger also makes the list, though it definitely has more flaws than the Maverick. Engine noise permeates the cabin, and you’ll likely feel every bump in the road while driving. Its main redeeming quality is its engine, which remains peppy for its class and gets great mileage.

Updated: 5/30/2023