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Red Truck parked by a river as a father and son enjoy some fishing

Trucks and pickups

Modern pickup trucks offer towing, hauling, and off-road capabilities along with tons of available comfort and technology upgrades. Available in sizes ranging from small compact trucks to heavy-duty workhorses.

Woman jumping from back of truckbed. Man on a mountain bike in the foreground
2023 Ford F-150 Limited

1. Ford F150

CarMax owner rating

4.5

Price range*$14,998$82,998
Estimated combined MPG16 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

3.5 out of 5

Pros

  • Plenty of powertrain options
  • High tech, and highly-accessible infotainment system
  • Impressive max towing figures
  • Useful add-on options for a working truck

Cons

  • No diesel engine option, unlike its competitors
  • Hybrid powertrain option is noisy when powering the available onboard generator
2020 RAM 1500 Laramie

2. Ram 1500

CarMax owner rating

4.5

Price range*$15,998$62,998
Estimated combined MPG12 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

3.5 out of 5

Pros

  • Plenty of useful cabin storage
  • The benchmark light-duty truck for ride quality

Cons

  • Driver-assist technology only offered on upper trims
  • Small rearview mirror
2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport

3. Toyota Tacoma

CarMax owner rating

4.5

Price range*$18,998$52,998
Estimated combined MPG18 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

4 out of 5

Pros

  • Useful truck bed has power outlet and moveable tie-down cleats
  • Consummate off-road agility
  • Six-speed manual transmission option for the V6 top trim

Cons

  • Steering feels heavy on urban surfaces
  • Some will find the higher step-up a challenge
A woman sits in the back of a red pickup truck with a kayak placed next to her. A man is unloading a backpack from the truck and appears to be talking to her. The truck is parked in a serene, wooded area
2021 RAM 1500 Classic Warlock

1. Ram 1500 Classic

CarMax owner rating

4.8

Price range*$16,998$38,998
Estimated combined MPG17 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

4.5 out of 5

Pros

  • V6 or V8 powertrain options
  • Warlock trim has robust off-roading chops
  • Pleasingly smooth ride

Cons

  • Limited trim options
  • Design details are few and far between
2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport

2. Toyota Tacoma

CarMax owner rating

4.5

Price range*$18,998$52,998
Estimated combined MPG18 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

4 out of 5

Pros

  • Useful truck bed has power outlet and moveable tie-down cleats
  • Consummate off-road agility
  • Six-speed manual transmission option for the V6 top trim

Cons

  • Steering feels heavy on urban surfaces
  • Some will find the higher step-up a challenge
2022 Nissan Frontier 4x4 Pro4X

3. Nissan Frontier

CarMax owner rating

4.5

Price range*$15,998$39,998
Estimated combined MPG19 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

4 out of 5

Pros

  • Smooth ride
  • Stable and secure handling
  • Helpful storage spaces for small items

Cons

  • Limited rear-seat space
  • Cluttered infotainment system
  • Heavy steering
Group of friends getting bicycles from back of pickup truck
2022 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport

1. Toyota Tacoma

CarMax owner rating

4.5

Price range*$18,998$52,998
Estimated combined MPG18 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

4 out of 5

Pros

  • Useful truck bed has power outlet and moveable tie-down cleats
  • Consummate off-road agility
  • Six-speed manual transmission option for the V6 top trim

Cons

  • Steering feels heavy on urban surfaces
  • Some will find the higher step-up a challenge
2022 Nissan Frontier 4x4 Pro4X

2. Nissan Frontier

CarMax owner rating

4.5

Price range*$15,998$39,998
Estimated combined MPG19 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

4 out of 5

Pros

  • Smooth ride
  • Stable and secure handling
  • Helpful storage spaces for small items

Cons

  • Limited rear-seat space
  • Cluttered infotainment system
  • Heavy steering
2021 Chevrolet Colorado LT

3. Chevrolet Colorado

CarMax owner rating

4.3

Price range*$16,998$45,998
Estimated combined MPG18 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

4 out of 5

Pros

  • Swift acceleration with upgraded engines
  • Stout towing abilities
  • Capable ZR2 off-road trim

Cons

  • Lackluster base engine power
  • Uncomfortable rear seats
  • Available only with a four-door cab and five-foot bed
Boy is sitting on a truck tailgate while his smiling father helps him set up his fishing rod
2021 RAM 2500 Laramie

1. Ram 2500

CarMax owner rating

4.4

Price range*$28,998$70,998
Estimated combined MPG(data not available)
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

3 out of 5

Pros

  • Impressive engine choices
  • Rebel trim adds new off-road option
  • Useful trailering technology

Cons

  • Cummins diesel engine is noisy
  • High driver position may be challenging for some drivers
  • Fuel economy of only 15-20 mpg in actual use
2020 RAM 1500 Laramie

2. Ram 1500

CarMax owner rating

4.5

Price range*$15,998$62,998
Estimated combined MPG12 MPG
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

3.5 out of 5

Pros

  • Plenty of useful cabin storage
  • The benchmark light-duty truck for ride quality

Cons

  • Driver-assist technology only offered on upper trims
  • Small rearview mirror
2016 Ford F-250 SD Lariat

3. Ford F250

CarMax owner rating

4.5

Price range*$19,998$86,998
Estimated combined MPG(data not available)
RepairPal reliability rating 

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. These ratings are based on RepairPal Reliability data as of August 2023. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings

2.5 out of 5

Pros

  • Four-wheel drive is standard on most trims
  • Plenty of standard and available tow tech
  • Four available powertrain options
  • Spacious cabs that prioritize connectivity and comfort

Cons

  • Ride height can be a challenge on entry and exit
  • Downtown maneuvers will be challenging at this size

Research truck models

FAQs about trucks

A pickup truck is a vehicle with an enclosed cabin and open bed. Trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F-150 use body-on-frame construction, which provides greater hauling and towing capability. Some small and midsize trucks like the Ford Maverick and Honda Ridgeline use unibody construction, like a modern car or SUV, while still adhering to the closed-cab, open-bed formula.

Ready to find your pick-up truck?

How we ranked these vehicles

Our "Best of" lists represent the most popular vehicles with CarMax customers. To create the Best lists, our analysts look at CarMax vehicle and sales data over a recent 6-month period and rank the top selling vehicles in order. Looking back over a 6-month period allows for the highest sample size possible while also providing up-to-date pricing information. Each list includes the specific dates used when it was generated. Some articles may include data points with lower sample sizes.

To create our "Most Reliable" lists, our analysts pull the top most reliable vehicles—in order—according to RepairPal rankings. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2006-2020 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features. RepairPal Reliability Ratings are provided by RepairPal and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. Learn more about RepairPal reliability ratings.

* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to provide legal, financial or investment advice. We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before transacting and consider talking to a qualified professional about your unique circumstances.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.