New light-duty truck prices continue to soar as demand exceeds availability. As a result, those in the market for a new-to-them truck are searching for reliable used pickup trucks. Let’s look at five of the best 2018 pickup trucks based on quality and reliability.

Five of the best and most reliable used 2018 pickup trucks

In 2021, J.D. Power reviewed “verified owner” responses for the following 2018 light-duty pickup trucks based on driving experience, resale value, quality, and reliability. The results show that the following five best 2018 pickup trucks are worth your consideration if you’re in the market for a used pickup. Let’s take a look at some of these options from automakers like Ford and Ram.  

The 2018 Toyota Tundra won the 2021 Dependability Award

The winner of the 2021 Dependability Award was the popular and reliable 2018 Toyota Tundra which finished in a two-way tie for quality and reliability. 2018 Toyota Tundra owners reportedly liked the Tundra’s acceleration, interior storage, and comfortable second-row seating while expressing disappointment with the audio system, dashboard styling, and the feel of the seat material. 

Engine options include a 4.6-liter V8 and a 5.7-liter V8 with horsepower ratings ranging from 310 hp to 381 hp. Available two-wheel or four-wheel drivetrains include a six-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Fuel economy ratings range from 13 MPG to 15 MPG in the city and 18 MPG to 19 MPG on the highway. Average prices for used 2018 Toyota Tundras range from about $28,000 to just over $47,000.

The 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 bested the Toyota Tundra in one area

The 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500, beloved by critics, bested the Tundra in owner-reported driving experience to achieve the best overall score from J.D. Power. 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 owners liked the Silverado’s heating and air conditioning systems, the quiet interior, and the way the cabin materials feel. However, they didn’t like the truck’s acceleration, the uncomfortable second-row seats, or the difficulty they experienced entering and exiting the vehicle. 

Available with V6 and V8 engine options, six- and eight-speed automatic transmissions, multiple cab and bed configurations, and two and four-wheel drive, the 2018 Silverado gets an estimated 15 MPG to 18 MPG in the city and 20 MPG to 24 MPG on the highway. Average used prices range from about $24,000 to $50,000. 

What 2018 Ram 1500 owners appreciate about the truck

Third on the list of the best 2018 pickup trucks is the 2018 Ram 1500, with only a few points behind the leaders and the best resale value. 2018 Ram 1500 owners appreciate Ram’s smooth-shifting transmission, the interior storage space, and its interior color and texture schemes. However, they do not like the way the seat material feels, the vehicle’s heating and air conditioning systems, or feeling unsafe while driving the truck. Still, it’s a worthy contender for the best 2018 pickup truck.

2018 Ram 1500 engine options include a V6, a V8, and a turbo-diesel available in two and four-wheel drive with horsepower ratings from 240 hp to 395 hp. Fuel economy ranges from 13 MPG to 20 MPG in the city and 18 MPG to 27 MPG on the highway. Used prices fall between $23,000 to $49,000. 

The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 didn’t score an award

While the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 made the list of the best 2018 pickup trucks, it did not win any of J.D. Power’s categories. However, it had similar scores for driving experience and resale value. Sierra’s quality and dependability score dropped far below its corporate rival. 2018 GMC Sierra owners like how the interior materials feel, the vehicle’s heating and air conditioning, and the sound system but do not care for how the transmission shifts, the forward visibility, and the lack of interior storage space. 

Like the Silverado, the Sierra offers multiple engines, drivetrains, and cab configurations. The Sierra receives an EPA-estimated 15 MPG to 18 MPG in the city and 20 MPG to 24 MPG on the highway. Used 2018 GMC Sierra models have an average price of $23,089 to $49,846.

The 2018 Ford F-150 is one of the best 2018 pickup trucks

According to owner reports, the 2018 Ford F-150 offers the best driving experience of the trucks listed here, though only by a small margin over the trucks offered by Chevy and GMC. Owners report satisfaction with the 2018 Ford F-150’s navigation systems, interior storage space, and ease of folding or adjusting the rear seats. However, they do not care for the truck’s heating and air conditioning systems, the truck’s maneuverability, or the way the transmission shifts. 

Engine options range from V6 to V8 versions, including a twin-turbo gasoline V6 with horsepower ratings from 250 hp to 450 hp. Available drivetrains include two-wheel or four-wheel drive, with six-speed or 10-speed automatic transmissions, and multiple cab and bed configurations. Fuel economy started from 15 MPG in the city and 18 MPG to 26 MPG on the highway. Used 2018 Ford F-150 prices range from $24,531 to just over $60,000. 

Shopping for a reliable used pickup truck doesn’t need to be stressful

If you’re shopping for a reliable used truck, it’s hard to go wrong with the best 2018 pickup trucks. From the 2018 Toyota Tundra to the used Ford F-150, J.D. Power’s list offers no shortage of options worth considering.