We might have to call 2020 the year of the pickup as there are some highly anticipated trucks finally showing up. We have waited years for the overhaul of these popular pickups and now they’ll finally arrive sometime in the new year. This will also be the year a new model that never existed before will arrive. 

2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Never before available, the Santa Cruz also marks the first time anything close to the car/truck Chevy El Camino/Ford Ranchero has been available. Granted, it will be a four-door as opposed to those two-doors from the past, it is still an entirely new segment being more car-like in size and proportions. The Santa Cruz will be based on the Santa Fe platform. Probable engines will be a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder, 2.0-liter turbo-four, and 2.4-liter four. While we will see them roll out at the end of 2020 it will be designated as a 2021. The Santa Cruz will be built on the same Alabama assembly line as the Santa Fe.

2020 Silverado 2500 and 3500

The heavy-duty versions of Chevy’s all-new 2019 half-ton pickups will be available for 2020. Many dislike the front end styling of the 2019 1500. If so, you’ll not like the 2020 2500/3500 front ends either. It features a more exaggerated version of the 1500 front. Gas versions can tow up to 17,400 lbs with a 7,466 lb payload. The diesel version can tow up to 35,000 lbs. Engines are a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8 rated at 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque. The base engine is a 6.6-liter V8 making 401 hp and 464 lb-ft of torque. Silverado 2500 Work Truck is the base model and starts at $35,695; while the top-of-the-line Silverado High Country increases to $63,895. Long beds are an additional $200.

2020 Ford F-250/F-350/F-450 Super Duty

The F-Series is the leading pickup in the full-size segment. With Ram and Chevy/GMC debuting all-new pickup designs in 2019 Ford will be the last to market with a new full-size pickup. The Super Duty can now be ordered with the same interiors as the F-150. An all-new 7.3-liter V8 gas engine produces 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque. It’s hooked to a 10-speed TorqShift transmission. The Power Stroke 6.7-liter diesel V8 comes in a 475 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. Towing capacity is 37,000 lbs. The F-250 XL lists for $34,000, with the top-of-the-line F-350 Limited having a list price of $86,000.

2020 Nissan Frontier

The last really new Frontier was in 2004, so we’ve waited a long time to see a new one. Since the midsize pickup market is red hot at the moment, the Frontier is coming none too soon for Nissan. Both the new Frontier and full-size Nissan Titan will ride on the same chassis-but the Frontier will be a smaller pickup. The new Titan won’t show up until 2021. Nothing is known about the powertrain other than it will feature all-new engines as well. Figure an all-new inline four-cylinder and a couple of reconfigured V6 engines from the passenger car lines. We can’t wait to get a glimpse of this all-new Nissan midsize.

2020 Ford Ranger Raptor

While all eyes will be on the unveiling of the Ford Bronco there are many who are highly anticipating the midsize Raptor. Already available in Australia the 2020 Raptor with superior off-road capable features. The Australian version features Fox Racing shocks, 33-inch BFG tires, and six driving modes. The Australian Raptor features a 2.0-liter twin-turbo diesel four-cylinder engine. This won’t be available here. But the Ranger Raptor should be getting the 2.7 twin-turbo EcoBoost V6. Prices haven’t been announced but should be way north of the Ranger’s $25,000 base. 

2020 Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon

The first Canyon/Colorado pickups were released in 2014 as 2015 models. So, after six years of reviving the midsize category, GM will bring out all-new midsize pickups. Available later in 2020 the two trucks will be released as 2021 models. Engine choices will be the same as current Colorado/Canyon models. The base engine is a 200 hp 2.5-liter four. A 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel four-cylinder. The new 10-speed automatic will back up the engine choices for the first time.