Best Trucks of 2022

Pickup trucks have been the most beloved means of transportation in the USA for decades by virtue of their unrivaled versatility and hardy capabilities. From small to full-size classifications, today’s trucks are packed with modern technology and premium features, which is why they remain strong in their position at the top of the sales charts. However, this popularity means that competition is stiff and buyers won’t settle for a second-rate product. Finding the best pickup truck in 2022 can, therefore be challenging, which is why we have provided our rankings to help you out:

Top Picks

Best of the Rest

Best Trucks by Price

Best Trucks by Tonnage

Best Trucks by Fuel Type

Best Trucks by Size

Best Trucks by Activity Type

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Characteristics of the Best Pickup Trucks

While there are many pickups to choose from on the market, each with varying different capabilities and target consumers, all trucks share a similar foundation. This means that many of qualities that make them so popular are shared among the various top trucks:

Size: Even the smallest of trucks is larger than any regular car, and even increasingly popular SUVs will seldom exceed the footprint of these burly brutes. This is more than just a cosmetic concern, as their large size grants them superior ride height and enough ground clearance to handily overcome most rough terrain.
Power: Potent V6 or V8 engines are common among pickup trucks. These powertrains aren’t just there to bestow trucks with surprisingly lively acceleration, but also enable them to tow and haul impressive loads. That said, turbocharging and torquey electric motors are being incorporated more and more often.
Capability: A combination of size, power, and engineering, the capabilities of pickup trucks exceed those of almost any other type of vehicle. They can haul impressive loads thanks to their reinforced bodies. Towing is similarly impressive, with some trucks boasting max capacities in excess of 20,000 pounds.
Customizable: A very common quality among pickups is their ability to be built to spec. This means that new owners can often choose from several body configurations to go along with the choice of engine. These customizations generally come down to the type of cabin and the length of the loading bed. Sometimes, dual rear wheels are also available. Trucks with lifts are also a relatively common sight, but this is an aftermarket alteration not recommended by manufacturers.
Dependability: These rugged machines are built to last, with plenty of hard plastics inside and resilient metal outside. So long as they are well-maintained, trucks can remain fully functional for many years, which helps keep the used market saturated with options. It also means that new pickup trucks could last you half a lifetime.

What to Consider Before Buying a Pickup Truck

As impressive as they may sound, pickups are not perfect, nor are they for everyone. These vehicles are far from perfect, despite their many endearing qualities. Before you spend your hard-earned cash on one of the new trucks of 2022, carefully weigh the pros and cons like we have:

Pros

They are extremely capable when it comes to doing hard work or venturing off-road.
Versatiliy is also a primary factor, allowing them to be changed 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.

FAQs about Pickup Trucks

Which brand of truck is the best?

There is no shortage of truck manufacturers, especially in the US. However, few have the expertise of brands like Ford or GMC. Products like the Ford F Series of trucks are among the top sellers. Ram, Chevrolet, Honda, and Toyota each have excellent products, too.

What truck will last the longest?

Most pickups are extremely durable, so exceeding 100,000 miles isn’t all that unusual. However, some will last siginificantly longer if properly cared for. One of the best truck models is the Honda Ridgeline, which often travels for more than 200,000 miles without any significant problems.

What are the best diesel-powered trucks for the USA?

Unsurprisingly, the Ford F-350 Super Duty with its familiar 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 is CarBuzz’s highest-ranking diesel-fed juggernaut. Be sure to look up our in-depth review on this behemoth for pictures and more information.

Are there any electric pickup trucks?

Yes. Many automakers are experimenting with the new technology, and while trucks might not seem like a natural fit for electric motors, the results have been inspiring. Ford has introduced the F-150 Lightning, while Chevrolet has the Silverado EV, GMC the Sierra EV, and Toyota the Tacoma EV. Of course, we can’t forget the unique Tesla Cybertruck.