When it comes to buying a truck, you want to get the most bang for your buck. These days, trucks aren’t just for the working man and now offer the same luxuries one finds in most sedans and SUVs. While there are many truck options available on the market, not every make and model offer the same abilities and features. Many of the top models are household names, but other trucks on this list may surprise you.
Here are the best trucks on the market right now to get the most out of your purchase:
1. 2021 Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 is a household name when it comes to trucks. It’s durable without sacrificing comfort and its full-size version offers 40 cab, engine, and drivetrain configurations.
In 2021, the 14th version of the F-150 debuted. This truck is totally customizable with options like a full hybrid powertrain, flat-reclining seats, and an onboard generator, making it truly worth every penny. The truck is a 5-seater that’s available in 6 different trim levels, the most popular being the XLT SuperCrew 5.5’ Box 4WD. This F-150 starts at $45,500 and gets approximately 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway.
If you’re looking for a powerful truck made for hauling and towing, with various trim levels and powertrains to choose from and an upscale, roomy cabin, Ford’s F-150 is for you.
Starting MSRP: $30,635
Starting Market Average: $29,958
2. 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Chevrolet Silverado is an amazing truck option for people who want a powerful engine, intuitive tech features, and excellent towing capabilities. The Silverado is the perfect full-size option that packs a powerful punch.
This vehicle offers 11,500 pounds of towing capacity. It comes standard with a 285-horsepower V6 engine with plenty of other options available, such as a 310-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder, a 355-horsepower V8, a 420-horsepower V8, and a 277-horsepower turbocharged six-cylinder diesel. Although the gas mileage varies per engine, models with diesel yield an impressive fuel economy with 23/33 mpg city/highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient trucks in its class.
Starting MSRP: $29,300
Starting Market Average: $32,088
3. 2021 Dodge Ram 1500
The Dodge Ram 1500 is a classic that comes with all the bells and whistles. A full-size offering with a smoother powertrain and quiet cabin, the Ram has an upscale feeling with a comfortable spacious interior making it a versatile choice for families.
The Ram 1500 has a towing capacity of 12,750 lbs and 2,300 lbs of payload. It’s a perfect truck for off-roading, especially in the Hemi-powered TRX trim.
There are 9 trim levels available for the Ram 1500, the most popular being the Laramie Crew Cab 5’7” Box 4WD, which starts at $50,025. The truck offers on average 20 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. It’s a spacious and comfortable option with a strikingly smooth suspension and a tech-savvy interior.
Starting MSP: $34,490
Starting Market Average: $32,948
4. 2021 Honda Ridgeline
Leave it to Honda to do things a little differently when it comes to a pickup truck. With a unique unibody frame, the Ridgeline drives like a car with easy handling, a quiet ride, and an improved fuel economy. What this truck lacks in brute strength, it makes up for in civilized driveability.
The Ridgeline is equipped with 5 seats and comes in 4 trim level options. The Ridgeline Sport is the most popular option with a price tag of around $37,665. The Sport has a 3.5L V6 engine and All Wheel Drive.
On the road, this truck averages 18 MPG city and 24 MPG on the highway. Driver safety technology comes standard, and the interior is innovative and spacious.
Starting MSP: $37,665
Starting Market Average: $37,094
5. 2021 Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is a compact yet tough truck with features, unlike its competitors. The Tacoma is offered in 6 trim levels that range from family-friendly to off-road savvy. It’s got enough towing and hauling ability for most shoppers and is a great size to maneuver around town.
The Tacoma is a 5-seater truck with both rugged and comfortable components. The hauling strength is comparable to a larger-sized truck, regardless of the Tacoma’s more compact size Driver safety features come standard in all trims.
The most popular trim level is the SR5 Double Cab 5’ Bed V6 2WD Automatic, which starts at $33,655. This version has a 3.5L V6 engine and rear-wheel drive and offers 19 MPG in the city and 24 MPG.
Starting MSP: $27,575
Starting Market Average: $26,921