4 Best Trucks to Buy According to TrueCar
Trucks are versatile, powerful, and desirable. Whether you’re a construction worker who needs to haul materials or a weekend warrior in need of a reliable ride for hauling an ATV, there is something out there for everyone. With so many options on the market, it can sometimes be hard to decide which pickup truck best suits your needs, especially when there’s a lot of hype surrounding specific models. TrueCar has compiled a list of the best trucks to consider buying, and we’ve broken them down, so you can make an informed decision.
1. 2023 Toyota Tundra
The Toyota Tundra tops the list when looking for a full-size pickup truck. After an overdue redesign in the 2022 model year, the Tundra has stepped up its game. However, it is the only full-size truck under the half-ton class that doesn’t offer a V8 engine.
Instead, the Tundra has a twin-turbocharged V6 engine that offers three different performances. Its base SR trim comes with a non-hybrid 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 348 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque, or 389 hp and 479 lb-ft when equipped with the TRD Performance package.
The hybrid version of the engine produces an impressive 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. According to Car and Driver, the hybrid takes just 5.7 seconds to hit 60 mph, which is almost half a second faster than the non-hybrid. All Tundras pair a 10-speed automatic transmission channeling power to the rear wheels with the option of having a four-wheel drive.
Getting a Tundra will cost you around $37,865 for the base SR trim and up to $76,145 for the loaded Capstone. It is worth noting that the Tundra can tow up to 12,000 pounds, slightly lower than full-size competitors.
2. 2023 Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 is not just any other pickup truck. It has been the best-selling vehicle of all time for 39 years in a row and is one of the most iconic vehicles ever made. The 2023 model offers an impressive array of engine options, from turbocharged V6 to hybrid powertrains.
In 2021, Ford redesigned the F-150 with a new interior and exterior, improved powertrain options, and best-in-class towing capability of up to 14,000 pounds. It also comes with class-leading storage technology, such as the Pro Power onboard system, that enables you to plug in power tools directly from your truck.
The F-150 comes in various trim levels, from base XL to top-of-the-line Limited trim. Under the hood, the base XL offers a 3.3-liter V6 engine that produces 290 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 is available on the XLT and Lariat trims. It generates a total of 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. It is smooth with enough power to haul 10,100 pounds of maximum towing capacity.
Top of the line is the Raptor 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo engine that produces a best-in-class 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque or a supercharged V8 option with 700 hp and 750 lb-ft of torque. All engines pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission and an optional four-wheel drive. According to Ford, the 2023 F-150 starts at around $33,695 for the regular cab and goes up to $72,925 for the super-crew cab.
3. 2022 Rivian R1T
Next on the TrueCar list, the Rivian R1T, which is an all-electric pickup truck that made its debut in 2020. Its futuristic halo-like lighting, sleek body, and lightning-quick acceleration set it apart from the traditional pickup truck. What makes this electric truck so appealing is its best-in-class range of 400 miles on a single charge.
Three different battery options are available: 105 kWh, 135 kWh, and 180 kWh. The 105 kWh can achieve a maximum range of 230 miles, while the higher-end models boast up to 400 miles on a single charge. It utilizes four electric motors, one at each wheel, resulting in an astonishing 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of 3.3 seconds.
With the 135 kWh battery, the Rivian R1T can produce up to 800 hp and about 900 lb-ft of torque. It can tow up to 11,000 pounds and has a payload capacity of 1,750 pounds. It also has an adaptive air suspension system that adjusts the ride height based on driving conditions.
Its luxurious interior is decked with heated leather seats, a touchscreen infotainment system, and even an optional panoramic sunroof. The exterior is just as elegant, with a wraparound LED light bar, 34-inch tires, black cladding, and rounded edges that add more aerodynamic elements to the body. The Rivian R1T starts at an estimated $67,500 for the 105 kWh battery pack and goes up to $90,000 for the 180 kWh version.
4. 2023 Ford Maverick
The Ford Maverick is a brand-new compact pickup truck entering its second year of production in 2023. Its small cargo bed, standard hybrid powertrain, and affordable price tag make it an attractive choice for those who don’t need to tow or haul large amounts of cargo but still want a capable and stylish truck.
The Ford Maverick is only available in a crew-cab configuration with an integrated bed that measures just over four feet long. Under the hood, the Maverick comes with Ford’s standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor that produces 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. It pairs an eight-speed automatic transmission and comes with front-wheel drive as standard, but all-wheel drive is available.
The best fuel economy rating stands at 40 mpg combined for the front-wheel drive model and 38 mpg combined for the all-wheel drive option. Inside, it offers an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a wireless charging pad, and a dual-zone climate control system. Its distinctive exterior lines match the Maverick box profile with modern touches like a distinctive grille, big lights, and plentiful chrome accents. The 2023 Ford Maverick starts at $22,595.