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Buying Guide

How to Find the Best Pickup Truck

From budget-friendly compact trucks to heavy-duty haulers, compare top-rated models, reliability scores, and key features before hitting the dealership.

2026 Ram 2500 pickup truck driving at CR's Auto Test Center

Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports

Top Pickup trucks Questions

What Are the Best Pickup Trucks?

Consumer Reports rates vehicles based on our independent testing and reliability and owner satisfaction survey data for over 300,000 vehicles. These lists include the top-ranked brands and models for new and used pickup trucks.

  • 10 Top Picks of 2026

    These 10 vehicles set the standard for excellence in Consumer Reports’ testing. See the 10 Top Picks.

    Photo: Manufacturer
  • Subaru, BMW, Porsche, Honda, Toyota, and Lexus logos on background of tinted green overhead view of highway overpasses

    Which Brands Make the Best Cars, SUVs, and Trucks?

    Models from 31 brands are rated on reliability, owner satisfaction, safety, and road-test scores. See how the manufacturers rank based on their Overall Scores.

    Photo Illustration: Consumer Reports, Getty Images, Manufacturers
  • A 2023 Ford Maverick seen on a worksite with piles of dirt.

    Most Reliable Used Pickup Trucks

    These models tested well when they were new and have stood the test of time. See the most reliable used pickup trucks.

    Photo: Ford

Who Makes the Most Reliable and Safest Trucks?

Consumer Reports’ reliability and owner satisfaction scores are based on survey data of over 300,000 vehicles. Our safety scores incorporate crash test results, distracting controls, and safety tech.
  • photo illustration of Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS, and BMW 2 Series with graphic horizontal lines and desert landscape in background

    Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars, SUVs, and Trucks?

    See the brands ranked by reliability based on extensive and exclusive owner surveys. See the brand reliability ratings.

    Photo Illustration: Consumer Reports, Getty Images, Manufacturers
  • photo illustration of Rivian, BMW, Subaru, Tesla and Ford logos with highway of cars tinted green in background

    Most Satisfying Car Brands

    Our exclusive ratings show which cars have the most satisfied owners. See the brand satisfaction ratings.

    Photo Illustration: Consumer Reports, Getty Images, Manufacturers
  • Cars with scores

    Safest Car Brands Ranked by Consumer Reports' Safety Verdict

    Our analysis of crash tests, braking, handling, and crash-avoidance technology reveals the brands that make the safest new cars, SUVs, and trucks. See the safest brands.

    Photo Illustration: Consumer Reports, Getty Images

Video: The State of the American Auto Industry

Talking Cars covers Detroit’s struggles with reliability, whether there are more EVs coming, and why the car-buying experience isn’t better.
The podcast panel tackles a long-running debate: are American cars inferior to their Asian and European counterparts? We break down the truth about Ford, GM, Stellantis, and Tesla, and how they stack up to Toyota, Honda, and other top automakers, revealing how performance and reliability drive our ratings.

Should I Buy a Small, Midsized, or Full-sized Pickup Truck

Pickup trucks come in a wide range of sizes, capabilities, and prices. Here's how to narrow your choices to the type that best matches your needs and budget.
  • grey 2026 Ford Maverick 3/4 facing left

    Small Pickup Trucks

    PRICE RANGE $24,000 to $35,000
    pros & cons
    • Perfect for small jobs, these trucks ride and handle like well-performing SUVs. Their small engines make them fuel-efficient enough for daily use.
    • These trucks generally have a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, and their compact cargo beds limit the size of what can be carried.
  • grey 2026 Honda Ridgeline 3/4 facing left

    Midsized Pickup Trucks

    PRICE RANGE $32,000 to $55,000
    pros & cons
    • These trucks are often a better choice than a full-sized pickup truck because they offer strong towing and hauling capabilities in a more manageable size.
    • Most have a stiff ride when the cargo bed is empty, and their fuel economy isn’t significantly better than that of some fullsized pickup trucks.
  • black 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3/4 facing left

    Full-Sized Pickup Truck

    PRICE RANGE $37,000 to $80,000
    pros & cons
    • If you need a workhorse truck, these let you tow a big trailer and haul heavy loads in the open bed. Crew-cab versions can easily seat four adults.
    • Besides being thirsty for fuel, most trucks have ponderous handling and a stiff, bouncy ride when the bed is empty. With add-ons, these trucks can cost as much as a luxury SUV.

How Can I Save Money on My Next New or Used Pickup Truck?

  • A woman in a car dealership taking a photo of a New car

    Build & Buy Car Buying Service

    Through this service, members can compare in-stock vehicles, see what others paid for the car they want, and get up-front price offers online from local certified dealers. Learn more about Build & Buy.

    Photo: Getty Images
  • An illustration of a balance scale with a car on one side and a large stack of money on the other.

    Trade In: What's Your Car Worth?

    Check your car's value on a trade-in and private sale with this easy tool. See the car value estimator.

    Illustration: Kiersten Essenpreis
  • illustration of 3 different color cars with license plates that say "used"

    Used Car Marketplace

    View local pre-owned vehicles alongside CR’s reliability and satisfaction ratings. Browse the used-car marketplace.

    Illustration: Consumer Reports/Getty Images
  • 2024 Toyota Tacoma Limited driving at CR's Auto Test Center

    New Pickup Truck Ratings

    See how new full-sized trucks rank for Overall Score, road test, reliability, owner satisfaction, and more. See the new truck ratings.

    Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports

  • Used Pickup Truck Ratings

    Sort and filter used pickup truck ratings to find the right model for you, and click through to the model page for far more information. See the used truck ratings.

    Photo: Alex Knizek/Consumer Reports
  • 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 front

    Best Deals on New Trucks

    Save money on models recommended by Consumer Reports that have incentives. See the latest truck deals.

    Photo: Chevrolet

What Does It Cost to Own and Insure a Pickup Truck?

  • Chevrolet Silverado tire testing

    Best SUV and Truck Tires

    CR's testing reveals the ones that stand out for performance, safety, and treadwear. See the best SUV tires of the year.

    Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports
  • Car battery in engine compartment

    Best Car Batteries

    Consumer Reports charges and discharges car batteries from popular brands to find out how long they’ll last. See the best car batteries of the year.

    Photo: Getty Images
  • Illustration of an Orange sedan driving through stormy weather with rain, wind, and deer nearby.

    Best Car Insurance Companies

    The top-rated car insurance companies based on a survey of over 40,000 policyholders about coverage, price, and other vital factors. See the best car insurance companies.

    Illustration: Federico Gastaldi