4 Reliable Alternatives to a Used Ford F-150
Ford loves to remind us that the F-150 is “America’s favorite truck.” And while the F-150 is among the most reliable full-size trucks on the used pickup market, you have many alternatives. One truck actually scored higher than any F-150 in J.D. Power ‘s reliability rankings: the 2019 Nissan Titan. Here are several makes and models years if you want to buy a reliable used pickup truck without paying for a Blue Oval.
2019 Nissan Titan
While Ford offers a wide array of F-150 powertrains, Nissan spends its effort perfecting a single option for its full-size Titan. The 2019 Nissan Titan only came with a 5.6-liter naturally-aspirated V8 and seven-speed automatic. The engine makes an impressive 390 horsepower, and J.D. Power gave it a predicted reliability score of 89/100 because it had been proving itself in Nissan trucks since 2003.
For the 2019 model year, Nissan offered Apple CarPlay/Android Auto in every single Titan pickup truck. Buyers could choose between a standard, crew, or “King” four-door cab. Overall, U.S. News gave the truck an 8.1/10 score when it was new. Because Nissan gave the 2020 Titan a visual refresh, reliable 2019 trucks are relatively affordable in the current used pickup market.
Here’s what makes the Nissan Titan XD a heavy-duty pickup truck.
2018 Chevrolet Silverado
The 2019 Ford F-150 won the model’s highest predicted reliability score from J.D. Power with an 86/100–and just only managed to tie with the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, which also got an 86/100. Back when this Silverado first came out, U.S. News was very impressed with its easy-to-use infotainment touchscreen and available hybrid V8, giving it an overall score of 8.4/10.
General Motors offered the same features and options in its mechanically-identical 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The 2018 Silverado was also the final year of the truck’s third generation (the Sierra’s fourth generation), and is thus another affordable, reliable truck on the used pickup market.
See which full-size pickup truck is still built in the U.S.A.
2017 Toyota Tundra
Similar to Nissan, Toyota built the most recent generation of its Tundra for many years. This means the automaker had ample time to work out any technical problems, and by 2017 the full-size Tundra earned an 84/100 predicted reliability score from J.D. Power. At the same time, U.S. News considered the truck’s technology a bit dated and only awarded it a 7.2/10 overall score.
The 2017 Toyota Tundra is slightly notable because it was the first year to offer blindspot monitoring on some trims. Toyota offered the truck with the 4.6-liter V8 or the 5.7-liter V8, both paired with a six-speed automatic. The larger engine made 381 horsepower.
Overall, Toyota built its second-generation Tundra from 2007 through 2021, with a major refresh in 2014. As more third-generation Tundras (2022-present) hit the road, we should see the price of these older Tundras drop, which is great news for anyone looking for a reliable used Ford F-150 pickup truck alternative.
Find out the one year of Toyota Tundra that suffered an ‘Average’ reliability rating.
2018 Ram 1500
J.D. Power awarded the 2018 Ram 1500 an 83/100 for reliability. The automaker then released a fifth generation of its half-ton 1500 pickup truck for the 2019 model year, but most of the changes were either visual or to the interior. In fact, a used 2018 model features the same rear coil springs, eight-speed automatic transmission, and available 5.7-liter HEMI V8 as a brand new Ram 1500. The only drivetrain technology Ram’s added is an available eTorque mild-hybrid system, which smooths out the engine’s automatic start/stop feature. Some 2018 trim levels even featured Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
U.S. News gave the advanced 2018 Ram 1500 an overall score of 8.6/10. If you’re alright with the older crosshair grille and fourth-generation interior, you can get a 2018 Ram 1500 for less money than a comparable 2019 Ram 1500.
Next, learn more about the differences between the 2018 Ram 1500 vs. the 2019 Ram 1500, or see more options for a used truck under $25k in the video below:
