Best Pickup Trucks: 8 Trucks for Working Hard and Playing Harder

Once upon a time, trucks were the hallmark of the working man or woman. They offered the towing and hauling capacity needed to complete a hard day’s work. They still do, but today’s trucks are becoming more and more ideal for play, too. They’ve also become much more popular with a wider range of buyers. Motor Trend points out that in 2014, truck sales were second only to mid-size sedans, outpacing even the vaunted SUV. In addition, Motor Trend notes that three of the four top-selling vehicles in America last year were pickup trucks. So, what are the best pickup trucks?It’s not hard to see why they’re so popular. They offer plenty of get up and go. They can haul and tow with ease. There are super-duty versions available for those who have serious carrying needs, as well. Of course, that doesn’t do anything to tell you which are the best options for your money. There are quite a few, but the right one for your needs may not be the right one for someone else.Let’s take a look at some of the best trucks for working hard and playing even harder.1. Ford F-150When talking about the best pickup trucks, we have to include the Ford F-150. It remains one of the most popular trucks in the US, and it’s held that place for as long as most of us can remember. The F-150 is very capable, and it’s available in a range of configurations to fit different needs. Want a basic truck? You’ll find it here. Want something with four doors and a short bed? No problem. What about an extended cab and a super-long bed? That’s here, too. There’s even an all-aluminum version, and let’s not forget the Ford Raptor, the automaker’s suped-up off-road version of the F-150 designed for pure adrenaline.2. Chevy SilveradoLike the F-150, the Silverado has been around for a long time, and it’s remained a perennial favorite with American truck drivers. Again, you’ll find a wide range of different cab and bed configurations here, from the standard two-door affair to extended cabs, four-doors, short or long beds and more. There’s also the Silverado HD variant, which offers super-duty performance in hauling and towing.3. Dodge RamThe Ram might not get the same press as the F-150 or the Silverado, but it’s still a definite contender for your purchase. Dodge has done a lot to upgrade the truck’s appearance and performance, and it’s on par with both Ford and Chevy in terms of options, hauling capabilities, and even cabin comfort and refinement. The 1500 version is the ideal model for most drivers, but you can upgrade to the 2500 for more capabilities (and an engine that pumps out almost 400 horsepower).4. GMC SierraIf you like the Silverado but want a touch more luxury in the cab, then the GMC Sierra is the option for you. It’s the same truck as the Silverado, but GMC brings additional luxury touches to this option without sacrificing performance or capabilities. Those luxury additions include a large touchscreen infotainment system, a spacious cabin, luxury materials inside, and an included rearview camera and a power liftgate.5. Chevy Colorado/GMC CanyonThe Colorado/Canyon is a half-ton pickup truck that’s smaller than the Silverado or the Sierra. It’s designed for those with minimal hauling and towing needs, but who nevertheless need the capabilities offered by a traditional pickup, rather than an SUV. Both have a 4-cylinder engine as the base option, but you can upgrade to the V6 for more power and capabilities.6. Nissan TitanThe first revamped Nissan Titan in a decade will be hitting dealer showrooms for the 2016 model year, and it’s supposed to be a real game changer. There’s a strong new V8 engine under the hood, as well as a V6 alternate option to help you save on fuel. The interior has been updated completely, and you’ll find lots of cab and bed options, too. Nissan claims that it will also offer more towing capacity than any other half-ton pickup on the market, although it won’t beat out full-size trucks like the F-150 or Silverado.7. Toyota TacomaThe Tacoma has been a fixture of the truck segment for over 20 years at this point, and it’s become the best-selling truck in its segment (particularly after Ford decided to stop production of the Ranger). The Tacoma offers a couple of different cab and bed configurations for buyers, and you get the legendary reliability and value-holding capabilities of the Toyota brand. The truck’s V6 engine is no slouch, although the base 4-cylinder is only worth it if you’re in this to save money on gas.8. Honda RidgelineIt’s weird looking, sure, but it’s pretty capable when it comes to towing. You’ll find that the short bed (the only option) is only ideal for minimal hauling needs, though. Of course, the Ridgeline comes with several other niceties, including one of the most spacious interiors in its class. The additional in-bed storage options also help add some value. That said, the Ridgeline is one of those trucks that will appeal more to suburban or urban dwellers. For others, a full-size pickup will be necessary.There are plenty of trucks out there to satisfy your need for hauling, towing and off-road performance. The trick is choosing the right option for your needs. Now more than ever before, it’s worth considering offers from all automakers, rather than being tied to a particular brand out of loyalty. A little experimentation could give you some surprising results, and leave you with a truck that does exactly what you want, whether for work or play.

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