Yahoo Autos Best pickup trucks for 2023
In 2023, it seems like there’s a pickup truck for everyone. This wasn’t always the case, as it wasn’t until fairly recently that the midsize truck segment started becoming competitive again, and even more recently that we’ve got choices for economical compact trucks or cleaner electric pickups. As the diversity of choices continues to grow, so does the potential customer base for vehicles with an open bed.
Whether you’re looking for something luxurious to drive in style, an absolute workhorse to tow the heaviest of loads, something small and practical, or a dune-blasting monster, you’ve got options. Whatever it is you need it to do, here are what we think are the best pickup trucks for 2023.
Before we start really categorizing these trucks, let's go over the scores our editors have given the best-selling pickup trucks in America.
Best Full-Size Pickup Trucks for 2023:
Best Midsize Pickup Trucks for 2023:
It's worth noting that the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon were redesigned for 2023, and we like them quite a bit. We haven't yet been able to pass them around to all of our editors in order to give them official rankings, but we're certain they'll come out at or near the top.
Now, remember what we said at the outset about there being a pickup truck for every buyer? Let's break it down.
Best luxury truck: Ram 1500 Limited
With an exceptionally comfortable interior with high-quality materials, excellent fit and finish, plenty of space, useful technology and a wealth of convenience features, this is the cabin in which we’d want to spend the most time. We especially like touches like the ventilated reclining back seat, clever storage and 12-inch vertically oriented touchscreen. All the American trucks can be ultra-luxurious, though. What really seals the deal for Ram is its choice of either coil spring or air spring rear suspension that provide unmatched ride quality, no matter which you choose. The 1500 Limited will truly keep you feeling kingly on those long hauls.
Read our review of the Ram 1500.
Best truck for cowboys: Ford F-150 King Ranch
(Honorable mention: Ram 1500 Limited Longhorn)
Need a truck to match those new cowboy boots and shiny belt buckle? Look no further than the Ford F-150 King Ranch, unless looking further brings you to the Ram 1500 Limited Longhorn. These are both on the luxury side of the half-ton market. The F-150 King Ranch gets its name from King Ranch in Texas, with styling to match the legacy and prestige of the storied agribusiness. Likewise, the 1500 Longhorn is inspired by Texas ranching, and like the Ford, is full of brown leather and wood (although the Ram’s wood is literally branded to “Longhorn”). Despite their capability and rugged inspiration, each is loaded with convenience features that will make you forget the hardships out on the trail.
Read our review of the Ford F-150.
Best truck for actual cowboys: Ram 2500 Rebel
This one needs to do double duty: Work and play. It needs to be truck enough to haul, pull, and be a mobile work station. Its available factory-installed winch is a plus (with gas V8 only, though), as are its various storage systems and its versatile interior space. It needs to tackle a variety of terrain including steep trails and slippery creek beds, for which its front and rear locking differentials and all-terrain tires are a boon. As for play, it’s plenty capable of getting off the beaten path for recreation, and towing your toys along with you (the Rebel has substantially better towing capacity than the 2500’s more off-road-capable Power Wagon version). The Rebel is also plenty comfortable and spacious for hitting the town with your friends or family, and looks good doing it, too, especially with a little bit of mud on it.
Read our review of the Ram 2500 Rebel.
Best truck alternative to a small SUV: Hyundai Santa Cruz
While it’s not the only pickup based on a unibody platform, the Hyundai Santa Cruz leans into the outdoor adventurer vibe of crossovers like the Subaru Crosstrek. And it’s one of only two compact pickups on the market right now, along with the Ford Maverick. Compared to other trucks, it’s lighter, more agile and more fuel efficient than its larger counterparts. It looks, lives and drives like a sporty compact SUV, but with the utility afforded by a versatile bed.
Read out review of the Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Best midsize truck: Chevrolet Colorado
While the then-new Ford Ranger won our midsize truck comparison a few years ago, GM launched a new version of its Colorado for 2023, and it’s great. We like its updated looks, improved tech and interior, and the option to improve performance with a software flash from the dealer. Off-roaders will appreciate the hard-charging ZR2 trim, as well.
Read our review of the Chevy Colorado.
Best truck for people who really just want a Toyota Tacoma: Toyota Tacoma
Do you just really want a Toyota Tacoma? Well, have we got the truck for you! It’s the Toyota Tacoma, a midsize truck sold by Toyota called the Tacoma, and it sure seems like that’s good enough for the people who buy them in droves. We suspect it’s because of the truck’s reputation for reliability in addition to looking pretty cool. Now, it’s not actually very good when compared to its competitors, which have all been redesigned (sometimes twice) since the Tacoma underwent a full redo. Its cramped interior, aging tech and unrefined engine are just the tip of the iceberg. But hey, it’s called the Toyota Tacoma.
Read our review of the Toyota Tacoma.
