Today’s pickup trucks have many options, ranging from full-size gas-guzzlers to compact and advanced battery-electric models. Here are the top five picktrucks, each standing out for specific reasons.
Top 5 Best Pickup Trucks of 2024:
- Best Overall: Ford F-150
- Best for Safety: Rivian R1T
- Best for Retained Value: Toyota Tacoma
- Best Warranty: Hyundai Santa Cruz
- Best CPO: Hyundai Santa Cruz
1. Ford F-150 (Best Overall)
The Ford F-150 has been the best-selling pickup truck in the U.S. for more than four decades because of its durability, dependable, and practicality in a wide variety of circumstances. It’s now available in eight trims. The top-tier Raptor model of the F-150 proves maneuverable in suburban settings, maintaining the F-150’s well-established prowess for rugged off-road adventures.
With a starting price of $36,570, the F-150 is an affordable option among full-size trucks. It offers various engine options, delivering horsepower ranging from 290 to 700. Depending on the engine, the F-150 achieves 16 to 20 mpg in the city and 20 to 26 mpg on the highway. Seating three to six people, it leads its class in towing capacity, reaching 14,000 pounds when properly equipped.
- Price: $36,570
- Mileage: 16/20 mpg
Ford F-150 Key Features
- Seats 3 – 6
- 16-20 City / 20-26 Hwy
- RWD, 4WD
- 290 – 700 horsepower
PROS
- Wide range of trims and engines
- Choice of cab sizes
- Durable and dependable
- Pleasing interior quality
- User-friendly technology
CONS
- Subpar fuel economy
- A smidge less upscale than the Ram 1500
2. Rivian R1T (Best for Safety)
The Rivian R1T is the only model that has the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick+ designation in this list. Most importantly, it also received high marks for its headlight protection.
The Rivian R1T, a battery-electric truck, falls in size between compact pickups like the GMC Canyon and full-size trucks like the Ford F-150. Priced at $73,000, it stands out as the highest-priced model on this list but offers Rivian’s Driver+ system, encompassing adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, and highway assist. This system facilitates automatic steering, braking, and acceleration on certain highways, enhancing overall driving assistance.
- Price: $73,000
- Driving range: 270-410 miles
Rivian R1T Key Features
- Adaptive cruise control,
- Lane-keeping assist
- Automatic emergency braking
PROS
- All-electric
- Lots of high-tech features
CONS
- Expensive
3. Toyota Tacoma (Best for Retained Value)
- Price: $31,500
- Mileage: 17/20 mpg
Toyota Tacoma Key Features:
- 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, combined with a 48-hp electric motor,
- 326 maximum horsepower and an astounding 465 lb.-ft. of low-end torque
PROS
- Reasonable price
- Available with off-roading tools
CONS
- Can feel underpowered
Toyota and its luxury brand Lexus, along with Honda, lead in JD Power’s residual value awards, each securing four accolades. The Toyota Tacoma, the top-selling compact pickup, starts at $31,500, making it one of the more affordable models on this list. Known for reliability, the Tacoma offers features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, providing added value.
4. Hyundai Santa Cruz: (Best Warranty)
The Hyundai Santa Cruz determines itself with a strong warranty, offering a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
In comparison, competitors like the Ford F-150, Toyota Tacoma, and GMC Canyon have a three-year/36,000-mile basic and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Rivian R1T, featuring battery technology, comes with a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and an 8-year/175,000-mile powertrain warranty.
- Price: $26,650
- Mileage: 19/25 mpg
Hyundai Santa Cruz Key Features:
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (191 horsepower, 181 lb-ft of torque)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission.
PROS
- Starting price low
- Very good fuel economy for a truck
CONS
- Down tow rating
Hyundai Santa Cruz: (Best CPO)
- Price: $26,650
- Mileage: 19/25 mpg
Hyundai Santa Cruz Key Features:
- SmartSense technology
- The 10.25-inch touch-screen navigation system
PROS
- Starting price low
- Very good fuel economy for a truck
CONS
- Low tow rating
A certified pre-owned (CPO) car is a used vehicle supported by the manufacturer’s or dealer’s CPO program, normally including an extended warranty. Hyundai offers the most comprehensive CPO program among top-ranked trucks, demanding vehicles to pass 173 inspection points (or 179 for EVs) and be five years old or less with fewer than 60,000 miles.
In contrast, Ford’s and Toyota’s programs are less stringent, with fewer inspection points (160 for Toyota and 172 for Ford’s top-tier level), allowing older, higher-mileage vehicles to qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
What is the best full-size pickup truck?
The top two full-size pickup trucks are the 2023 Ford F-150 and the 2024 Ram 1500, with an outstanding score of 8.9 out of 10.
What is the cheapest full-size pickup truck?
Priced at $34,585, the 2023 Ford F-150 stands as the most affordable option among full-size pickup trucks.
What is the most fuel-efficient full-size pickup truck?
The base Ford F-150 takes the lead in fuel efficiency with 16-20 MPG in the city and 20-26 MPG on the highway.
The Conclusion
In conclusion, the best pickup trucks of 2024 provide various needs, from the Ford F-150’s affordability and versatility to the Ram 1500’s mixture of power and advancement.
The all-electric engine and safety features of the Rivian R1T set it apart, but the Toyota Tacoma has excellent maintained value. The Hyundai Santa Cruz is unique because of its affordable pricing and full guarantee. Every truck has its advantages, so buyers looking for the best value in terms of performance, cost, and features in the competitive pickup truck market of 2024 will have many options.
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