Like many others, you’re probably interested in getting a new pickup truck during 2023. This year, there are many excellent options to choose from in the compact, midsize, and full-size categories. Pickups are one area where America is always flourishing, as the top-selling models are almost always from this segment. When experts formulate lists based on quality, value, and other crucial metrics, finding the best options is easy. Here are the three best pickup trucks of 2023, according to Cars.com.

Finalist: 2023 Ram 1500

To no one’s surprise, one of the best pickup trucks of 2023 is the Ram 1500. Year after year, the automaker has improved its popular offering, which now is one of the only models to genuinely rival the Ford F-150. Moreover, Cars.com says it “still does so many things so very well,” despite not receiving significant updates for a few years.

The 2023 Ram 1500 uses high-quality materials throughout the interior. It’s one of many reasons why so many experts have an excellent, luxurious experience riding inside the pickup. Additionally, there’s something in the lineup for everyone. Whether a customer wants a do-it-all work truck, a rugged off-roader, or the Supercharged V8-powered TRX performance model, Ram has it covered. With so much versatility and capability in the lineup, it’s easy to see why the Ram 1500 is so popular.

Finalist: 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning

Another of the finalists for the best pickup truck of 2023 is the Ford F-150 Lightning. The all-electric version of America’s best-selling pickup for more than 40 years is out to prove its worth. Cars.com says there’s one reason the Lightning is “remarkable,” and that’s its functionality. While other EVs seem like a sci-fi fantasy or an over-the-top version of a mainstream truck, the F-150 Lightning does everything a gas version does, and maybe even more.

Unfortunately, the distance the Lightning EV can cover while towing isn’t quite as good as the gas-powered model. However, it’s just as capable as a regular full-size truck for towing and hauling. Additionally, the frunk makes it so owners can store even more in their F-150 than ever before. Best of all, it doesn’t invade the interior space, which is plentiful and comfortable.

The Blue Oval also introduced the Pro Power Onboard generator feature, which allows the Lightning to power a house or just about everything else.

Best pickup truck of 2023: Ford Maverick

Finally, the Ford Maverick is the best pickup truck of 2023, according to Cars.com. Although it isn’t a full-size model like the other finalists, it’s impressive in many ways. Additionally, this is the second year in a row the publication has awarded this honor to the compact model. Highlights include the standard hybrid powertrain, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. The two combine for 191 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque, but the real highlight is fuel economy, which is a phenomenal 42 city and 33 highway mpg.

Those seeking even more capability can also upgrade to the EcoBoost non-hybrid engine. With it, Maverick owners can get 4,000 pounds of towing capacity, all-wheel drive, and the fuel economy remains decent. The interior shows its price point, but customers can choose a cheap but comfortable cabin or a luxurious leather-trimmed one. Like any good pickup, there’s also an off-roading option, the Tremor Off-Road package. It adds a better AWD system, better cooling, and new suspension components.

Finally, the price is the primary reason the Maverick is the best pickup. It’s tough to argue with the value provided by the compact truck. Ranging from $24,190 to $32,170, any version is affordable compared to other models. With a surprising amount of capability and massive fuel savings, the Maverick is a bargain.

Cars.com’s favorite truck of 2023

In conclusion, the best pickup truck of 2023, according to Cars.com, is the Ford Maverick. The other two finalists for the award are the Ford F-150 Lightning and Ram 1500. We’re not surprised to see any of these models in the top three. Each is more popular than the last, with the winning Maverick being so popular you probably can’t even find one on a dealer lot. We’re hopeful the Blue Oval will soon iron out production issues, making the best model more readily available.