The Rise of Full-Size Trucks in America
In recent years, full-size trucks have dominated the American automotive landscape. Last year, four of the top 10 best-selling vehicles in the United States were full-size trucks, with two of them being the top-selling models overall. These four models alone sold more than 2 million units, demonstrating the significant market presence of full-size trucks.
Characteristics of Modern Full-Size Trucks
Modern 1/2-ton pickups have evolved to become versatile vehicles, offering excellent towing and payload capacity, off-road capability, and comfort suitable for family use. They have become the modern equivalent of the ‘family trucksters.’
Comparison of 2025 Full-Size Trucks
We compared three of the five available full-size trucks in 2025: the Toyota Tundra, Ram 1500, and Ford F-150. The comparison was conducted in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Shenandoah National Park.
Third Place: 2025 Toyota Tundra
The Toyota Tundra came in third in our comparison. It is a reliable, fast, and fun-to-drive pickup truck. The Tundra offers a choice between a 389-horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine and a hybrid version based on the same engine. It provides up to 12,000 pounds of towing capacity and features a comfortable, user-friendly interior.
The Tundra’s ride is quiet and comfortable, making it suitable for daily driving. However, some drivers may find the steering too light and the seats too firm. The Tundra’s resale value remains one of its strongest attributes.
Second Place: 2025 Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 secured the second spot in our comparison. Ram significantly updated the 1500 pickup for the 2025 model year, replacing the V8 engine with a twin-turbo inline-6. Our tester was the Warlock trim, which is the most affordable way to get an off-road-capable Sport Truck in the Ram 1500 lineup.
The Ram 1500 offers excellent comfort, capability, and power. It features the ‘Hurricane’ engine, which felt responsive and powerful. The Warlock trim comes with off-road gear, enhancing its capability.
First Place: 2025 Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 emerged as the winner of our comparison. It offers the most trim levels, cab and bed combinations, and powertrain varieties among the three trucks tested. The F-150 boasts the best towing and payload capacity in its segment and is available with various engine options, including a hybrid and an electric version.
The F-150 we tested was an FX4 model, which impressed us with its off-road capabilities and innovative workstation setup. It offers ample space in both rows and has the most rear headroom and overall legroom among the three trucks compared.
Conclusion
The 2025 full-size truck segment is highly competitive, with each model offering unique strengths. The Ford F-150 stood out due to its versatility, capability, and range of options. However, the Toyota Tundra and Ram 1500 are also strong contenders, each with their own advantages.
