Pickup Truck Primer: Finding the Right One
Pickup trucks are incredibly popular, and for good reason. These versatile vehicles offer a wide range of capabilities, from hauling cargo to navigating off-road terrain. The demand for these vehicles has increased over the past decade. If you’re planning to buy a new pickup truck, the sheer number of options can feel overwhelming. This guide is here to help you through the process.
Note: This guide focuses on mainstream consumer trucks and doesn’t delve into the complexities of commercial models or highly technical specifications.
Haulin’ on a Budget
The sticker price is the first thing shoppers should prepare for when buying a new pickup truck, as they’re often more expensive than the average passenger car or SUV. For example, the base model of the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 starts at $38,945. However, that price point buys you a bare-bones configuration, and you can expect substantially higher prices with popular options such as all-wheel drive and a crew-cab body style. For example, the same Sierra equipped with those options costs $47,945.
The least expensive versions of most trucks are generally geared toward tradespeople or commercial fleets. Fully loaded trucks can easily exceed $100,000. More compact pickups like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz offer a more accessible entry point, starting between $28,000 and $30,000.
It’s important to be aware of the potentially wide price range before starting your search.
What Size Is Right for You?
Pickup trucks are defined by their open cargo beds. Identifying the two size categories (mid-size and full-size) and two classifications (light-duty and heavy-duty) can be more challenging. Each one comes with its own pros and cons.
Mid-size trucks, such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma, are more compact. Lower asking prices and more manageable dimensions make them easier to park and maneuver, while offering respectable fuel economy and accessibility.
Full-size trucks have both light-duty and heavy-duty variants. The heavier the classification, the greater the towing and hauling capabilities.
Because light-duty pickups offer impressive capabilities, they are the more practical choice for most people.
The Long and Short about Cab Sizes and Bed Lengths
There are three main cab sizes: the regular cab (two doors, seating for up to three), the extended cab (also known as double or king cab), and the crew cab. The crew cab configuration is the largest and most popular, with four doors and the most spacious back seat.
Most mid-size or smaller trucks only come with one configuration. Trucks with multiple bed size options will always have short and long beds. The shorter ones are often called standard beds, measuring between 5 and 6.5 feet. Long beds can measure up to 8 feet. Not all bed and cab sizes are compatible between models.
Picking the Right Pickup Powertrain Platter
Many new trucks come with multiple engine options. While some believe that real trucks only have V8 engines and four-wheel drive, smaller four-cylinder engines can now generate considerable power. The variety of engines and their accompanying transmissions (the powertrain) can complicate the truck-buying process.
Full-size trucks typically offer the most diverse choices. Fuel economy generally improves with smaller engines, though they may have to work harder when moving weight. Those planning on towing frequently should consider more powerful engines, with diesel options often available on heavy-duty models.
Know Your Limits, as in Towing and Payload
Payload and towing capacity are influenced by the size and classification of the truck. Larger trucks can pull and haul more. Obscure variables such as axle ratios, gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), and gross combined weight rating (GCWR) also play roles.
Automakers often advertise the maximum capabilities of their pickups, but these ratings often apply to less common configurations. It’s essential to consider body-style configuration and mechanical specifications when deciding what truck to buy.
EV Trucks Have Entered the Chat
Electric trucks offer another option. All EV pickups offer maximum tow ratings similar to gas-powered versions.
However, the electric models’ range decreases significantly while towing. Electric trucks can also cost more than gas-powered counterparts.
