Big, tough, and dependable, pickups are the workhorses of the motoring world. And with improvements in fuel efficiency technology over the past decade, the pickup truck is more popular than ever, with many of us looking to it as a great all-rounder-type vehicle.
Whether you need a pickup for hauling, towing, grand adventures, or plain old transportation, take a look at our pickup top picks below to help you make up your mind:
The Starter Pickup: Honda Ridgeline
The Honda 2021 Ridgeline is a fantastic entry point into the world of pickup trucks. As a mid-size truck, the Ridgeline has universal appeal and is easier to drive than some of the larger alternatives.
When it comes to towing, the Ridgeline can pull up to 5,000 pounds, an impressive amount considering its minivan origins. It also features a scratch-resistant truck bed with a unique dual-action tailgate that is an industry first.
As well as the benefits of improved fuel efficiency, being a mid-size allows the Ridgeline to excel in stability and handling, with a multitude of driver assists that come as standard.
Although the Ridgeline isn’t strictly an off-road vehicle, it does feature Honda’s i-VTM4 all-wheel-drive system with settings for snow, sand, and even mud. Coupled with a 280-horsepower V-6 and the Ridgeline is more than capable of standing next to the big boys in the market.
The Classic: Jeep Gladiator
The last time Jeep offered a truck with a full-size cargo bed, Vanilla Ice was topping the charts in the early 1990s. Jeep fans will therefore be glad to see the 2021 Gladiator sporting a spacious bed giving the vehicle a lot more versatility.
Another mid-size truck, the Gladiator can tow up to 7,760 pounds. This is more than double that of the Jeep Wrangler, its SUV counterpart, making this the obvious choice for Jeep die-hards that need a reliable workhorse.
This extra power is thanks to its tuned V-6 diesel engine capable of delivering 442lb-ft of torque. With a wider wheelbase giving a smoother ride alongside removable body panels, the 2021 Gladiator is a vehicle designed for rugged activity and comfort while you’re at it.
The Top of the Class: Ram 1500
The legendary Ram 1500 returns with its 2021 model, raising the bar for pick-up trucks yet again.
With a host of accolades, the Ram 1500 has a spacious crew-cab interior that exudes luxury. This quality carries on throughout the car leading to quiet and smooth rides that are only made better by heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a fantastic built-in media system operated by a large touchscreen display.
But make no mistake, this is still a pickup. As with previous Rams, you can still expect air suspension, split-tailgates, and the ability to tow up to 12,750 pounds, thanks to the offerings of V-6 or V-8 powertrains. Alongside this, you can carry a payload of 2320 pounds in the spacious cargo bed.
With a 5-star crash-test rating, you can rest easy knowing the Ram 1500 isn’t just looks but also keeps you and your family safe.
And for those who can’t quite get enough power, the TRX model is available; a half-tonne monster that is truly spectacular.
The Absolute Unit: Ram HD 2500/3500
Whether you opt for the 2021 Ram 2500 or 3500, choosing a heavy-duty Ram means you’re getting the best possible ride quality and interior cabins.
With many options available, Ram HD’s offer luxurious interiors as standard. This level of detail and quality can be seen even in the base models, including acoustic glass and active noise cancellation built into the truck’s audio system. With the inclusion of multiple driver assists, the result is a comfortable and quiet ride for both those in the front and the back. With the ability to tow up to 37,100 pounds, the Ram HD range is no slouch when it comes to being a workhorse, either. With engines available that can deliver up to 1075 lb-ft of torque, the 2021 models of the 2500 and 3500 are exactly what you expect from a pickup: power, comfort, and reliability.
The Top Pick: Ford F-150
A full-size pickup truck that is renowned for its reliability and powerful performance. With the 2021 Ford F-150, you can expect the same impressive capability as its predecessors but with even more reason to go for the blue badge.
With their 2021 model, Ford has completely redesigned the F-150 from the ground up. This redesign has allowed for a host of upgrades and exciting features.
Perhaps most exciting is the introduction of a hybrid option amongst the impressive six powertrains on offer. As well as this, Ford is allowing customers to really tailor the F-150 to their liking with three configurations available for the cab and two options for the vehicle length.
Inside you’ll find a suite of gadgets and great additions designed with modern life in mind. At the touch of a button, the shift lever retreats inwards, allowing the center console to fold flat for use as a laptop stand or a desk. And for those who need to get their sleep when they can get it, the Max Recline seats fold nearly flat, allowing you to rest in an almost horizontal position.
With a max towing capability between 8200 and 14,000 depending on which of the V-6 to V-8 engines you choose, the 2021 F-150 is capable of meeting everyone’s use case.
And there is, of course, the bigger and beefier F-150 Raptor for those who simply need their pickup to be the envy of the entire neighborhood.
