Pickup Trucks: Still a Top Choice
For decades, pickup trucks have been beloved by Americans because of their unrivaled versatility and robust capabilities. From compact models to full-size behemoths, today’s trucks are packed with modern technology and premium features, solidifying their position at the top of the sales charts.
However, this popularity creates intense competition, meaning buyers have high expectations. Finding the best pickup truck in 2025 can be a challenging task, which is why we’ve provided our rankings to help you navigate the market.
Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors. Please note, the vehicles on this list, while similarly scored, may not necessarily be directly competing against each other. These lists are continuously updated with the latest BuzzScores and vehicles as they become available. [Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here](Link to BuzzScore explanation).
2025 Pickup Truck Rankings:
Here’s a look at some of the top contenders for 2025:
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2025 Ram 1500: 8.7/10
- Base MSRP: $40,275
- Engine: 3.6L V6 Gas, 3.0 L Inline 6 Gas
- Horsepower: 305-420 hp
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive, Four-wheel drive
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2025 Ford F-150 Lightning: 8.4/10
- Base MSRP: $47,780
- Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive
- Horsepower: 452 HP
- Engine: Electric
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2025 Honda Ridgeline: 8.4/10
- Base MSRP: $40,150
- Engine: 3.5L V6
- Horsepower: 280 hp
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2025 GMC Sierra 1500: 8.4/10
- Base MSRP: $38,300
- Engine: 2.7L TurboMax I4 ICE
- Horsepower: 310 HP @5600 RPM
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2025 Ford F-150: 8.1/10
- Base MSRP: $38,710
- Engine: 2.7L V6 Turbo | 5.0L V8 | 3.5L V6 Turbo | 3.5L V6 Turbo Hybrid
- Horsepower: 325 hp (2.7L) | 400 hp (V8 and 3.5L V6) | 430 hp (3.5L V6 Hybrid)
- Drivetrain: RWD or 4WD
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2025 Toyota Tundra: 8.1/10
- Base MSRP: $40,090
- Drivetrain: Four-Wheel Drive
- Engine: 3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 | 3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid
- Horsepower: 358-389 hp (V6) | 437 hp combined (V6 hybrid)
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2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: 8.0/10
- Base MSRP: $37,000
- Engine: 2.7L I4 Turbo | 5.3L V8 | 6.2L V8 | 3.0L I6 Turbodiesel
- Horsepower: 310 hp (2.7L) | 355 hp (5.3L V8) | 420 hp (6.2L V8) | 277 hp (3.0L Turbodiesel)
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2025 Ram 2500: 7.9/10
- Base MSRP: $45,565
- Engine: 6.4L HEMI V8 ICE
- Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
- Horsepower: 405 HP @5600 RPM
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2025 Nissan Frontier: 7.8/10
- Base MSRP: $32,050
- Engine: 3.8L V6 Gas
- Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
- Horsepower: 310-hp
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2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz: 7.8/10
- Base MSRP: $28,650
- Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine: 2.5L I4 | 2.5L I4 Turbo
- Horsepower: 191 hp (2.5L) | 281 hp (2.5L Turbo)
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2025 Ford Maverick: 7.4/10
- Base MSRP: $26,550
- Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine: 2.5L I4 Hybrid | 2.0L Turbo I4
- Horsepower: 191 hp combined (2.5L Hybrid) | 238 hp (2.0L)
Additional Notable 2025 Trucks:
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2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger
- Engine: 3.6L V6 (Gas Engine + Electric Motor)
- Horsepower: 663 hp
- Drivetrain: AWD
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2025 Ram 1500 RHO.
- Base MSRP: $69,995
- Engine: 3.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-6 Gas
- Horsepower: 540 hp
- Drivetrain: 4WD
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2025 Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster
- Base MSRP: $83,900
- Horsepower: 281 hp
- Drivetrain: Four-Wheel Drive
- Engine: 3.0L Turbo I6
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2025 Rivian R1T Truck
- Base MSRP: $69,900
- Engine: Electric
- Horsepower: 533-850 hp
- Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
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2025 Tesla Cybertruck
- Base MSRP: $79,990
- Engine: EV
- Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive
- Horsepower: 600 HP
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2025 Fisker Alaska
- Engine: Electric
Characteristics of the Best Pickup Trucks
While many pickup trucks are available, each with different capabilities and target consumers, all trucks share a similar foundation of core traits.
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Size: Even the smallest trucks are more substantial than most cars, and SUVs rarely match the footprint of these powerful vehicles. Their size gives them superior ride height and ample ground clearance for tackling rough terrain.
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Power: Potent V6 or V8 engines are common in pickup trucks. However, turbocharging and electric motors are being incorporated more often.
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Capability: The combination of size, power, and engineering allows pickup trucks to exceed almost any other type of vehicle. They can haul impressive loads, and towing capabilities are similarly significant, with some trucks exceeding 20,000 pounds.
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Customizable: New owners can choose from several body configurations and engine options. These customizations generally come down to the type of cabin and the length of the loading bed.
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Dependability: The best trucks are built to last with plenty of hard plastics inside and heavy-duty metal outside. If well-maintained, trucks can remain fully functional for years, which keeps the used market saturated with options allowing the top new pickup trucks to last for years to come.
What to Consider
As impressive as they may sound, pickups are not perfect, nor are they for everyone. Before you buy, weigh these pros and cons:
Pros
- They are extremely capable when it comes to doing hard work or venturing off-road
- Versatility is also a primary factor, allowing them to be customized to suit specific needs
- Their hardy construction makes them long-lasting and extremely safe vehicles
- There is no denying the curb appeal of a monstrous pickup truck
Cons
- Sometimes, their size can work against them in the urban environment
- The elements that make them sturdy and durable often come at a cost to ride comfort
- Pickups are generally not cheap, and the cost of running them only adds to the price