TRUCK BRANDS: The Best Picks in 2023 (Exhaustive List )

Table of Contents Hide

Best Truck Brands
Semi-Truck Brands
Electric Truck Brands
Things to Consider When Choosing Truck Brands
Conclusion
Related Article
References

Getting the best truck brand might seem impossible if you are not familiar with the brands. Each truck has its own specific purpose. Will you only be driving locally, or will you be traveling significant distances? You might also find it stressful, and you might not get the best truck for whatever purpose you need it for if you don’t get to know the trucks. To avoid purchasing the incorrect one, we have compiled a list of the best truck brands for you to become acquainted with before you go to buy so that you know which one to choose. We also have a list of semi-truck brands and electric truck brands in this article to give you a wide range to choose from.

Best Truck Brands

Confused about the best truck brand to go for? Worry not because we’ve listed below the best truck brands you can go for. Here are the best truck brands you can go for:

#1. Ford Maverick

The Ford Maverick is a fantastic pickup for individuals who desire actual truck capacity with small proportions because of its agile driving and unexpected utility. There are 3 trim options available for the 5-seat Ford Maverick. According to estimates, this Maverick will get 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

Customers have been waiting for a small pickup truck at a reasonable price, which is why the Ford Maverick is selling so well. The Maverick is popular with purchasers for good reasons simple it’s to drive, the park gets excellent fuel economy, and can accomplish tasks that other cars in this price range just can’t.

Other Ford trucks rely on bulky, antiquated body-on-frame construction, unlike the Maverick. Instead, the Maverick is constructed like a car with a combined frame and body that is lighter in weight. Its mechanical components are also used by the Ford Bronco Sport and Ford Escape. It drives more like a small SUV than a traditional pickup truck, which is not necessarily a negative thing. No huge pickup truck can equal the Maverick’s agility and ease of driving.

#2. Nissan Frontier

The Nissan Frontier, which was completely redesigned for 2022, is one of the most cutting-edge midsize trucks. It comes standard with a V6 engine, has electronics that are easy to use, and has the best seats in its class. Although some vehicles can carry more weight, the Frontier’s comfort and off-road prowess make it a top choice. There are 4 trim levels available for the 4-seat Nissan Frontier. The expected city and highway MPG for this Frontier are 17 and 22, respectively.

In 2022, the Nissan Frontier was completely remade to give it the power, style, and technology upgrades that it needed for a long time. The current model is a great car to drive every day because it has a smooth V6 engine and the famously comfortable interior that Nissan is known for. The Frontier is still a great value and a trustworthy travel companion on and off the road, even though some competitors offer more towing and standard equipment.

#3. Ford Ranger

The midsize 2023 Ford Ranger provides a ton of strength and toughness. It’s easy to drive on a regular basis because it has a wide range of features and driver safety systems. The Ranger’s engine is well-built, effective, and simple to configure. This is a good choice if you need a vehicle but don’t want something big or heavy. There are 3 trim options available for the 4-seat Ford Ranger. According to estimates, this Ranger gets 19 city MPG and 24 highway MPG.

A midsize vehicle that combines American flair and power is the 2023 Ford Ranger. The Ranger is still simple to maneuver around town despite having a 7,500-pound towing capacity.

#4. Chevrolet Colorado

The Chevrolet Colorado is the most established midsize truck on the market, which has grown in popularity in recent years. With a powerful V6 engine, good towing and off-road capabilities, a large choice of trims, and options to suit every budget, Chevy has still kept the truck fresh. The Chevrolet Colorado has 4 trim levels and seats 4 people. The predicted city and highway MPG for this Colorado is 17 and 24 respectively.

Customers from a wide range of industries can use the Chevrolet Colorado. The midsize truck is available with two cabs and two different bed lengths (5-foot-2-inch and 6-foot-2-inch) (Extended and Crew). And both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are options for every model. Along with the WT (Work Truck), LT, and Z71 trims, there is also a top-of-the-line ZR2 model that is specifically intended for challenging off-road terrain. It is on par with the best Jeep Gladiator in terms of capability.

The majority of Colorados have a powerful 306-horsepower V6 under the hood. On some models, a four-cylinder is the standard engine; a more expensive diesel is also offered. Compared to other midsize trucks, the V6 has more power and better acceleration. Despite being the veteran of the midsize pickup class, the Colorado is still a strong contender thanks to its smooth ride, good handling, and, in some variants, superior off-road performance to most 4X4 vehicles.

#5. Toyota Tundra

The Toyota Tundra was completely redesigned last year and gained a number of improvements, including a hybrid engine option, enhanced suspension, and a significantly upgraded infotainment system. Although it lacks the variety of configurations and engine options provided by rivals, this full-size pickup truck is nevertheless an appealing alternative. The 5-seat Toyota Tundra is available in 10 model levels. The estimated MPG for this Tundra is 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway.

With numerous improvements, the Toyota Tundra was completely redesigned last year. The addition of a hybrid powertrain, improved electronics, and a reworked suspension system that provides a significantly better ride is the most prominent modifications. The Tundra’s interior was also made better to keep up with what rivals were offering. For those who desire a little luxury in their powerful truck, a new top-of-the-line Capstone trim offers a fully refined experience. Seven trims, Double or CrewMax cabs, three-bed lengths, and a choice between rear- or four-wheel drive are now available in the lineup.

The Tundra can handle anything from work to family fun thanks to its many options.

#6. Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is an attractive mix of pickup trucks and crossover utility features. The truck, which comes in two configurations, is a comfortable daily commuter that’s appropriate for weekend excursions. The 5-seat Hyundai Santa Cruz is offered in 5 trim levels. According to estimates, this Santa Cruz gets 19 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway.

More than forty years ago, the U.S. market for small pickup trucks essentially disappeared. But their practical size and superb usability have spurred a comeback. The Hyundai Santa Cruz of 2023 differs significantly from the compact pickups of the 1970s in that it has five seats inside. Its interior may easily be mistaken for a small SUV. The Hyundai Tucson crossover provides much of it. The lack of power and handling in the classic compact pickups is another distinction. On the other hand, the Santa Cruz feels more like a sport sedan with a pickup truck bed when equipped with the optional 281-horsepower turbocharged engine.

The Ford Maverick is Santa Cruz’s major rival. Although the vehicles are of a similar size, the Maverick has a more traditional appearance and behavior, and the Santa Cruz has a more overtly athletic personality.

#7. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTD

For those with limited funds, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTD makes the ideal weekend adventure vehicle. We prefer it best when it has the large, potent V8 engine option. There are 8 trim options available for the 3-seat Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTD. The anticipated city and highway MPGs for this Silverado 1500 LTD are 15 and 20, respectively.

You’re probably familiar with the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LTD. The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 shares the same design. The widely revised Chevrolet Silverado 1500, which receives new external styling, a new interior, and other enhancements, will be sold alongside the well-liked truck in Chevy showrooms. Budget-conscious shoppers who want a full-size pickup that is comfortable and capable but doesn’t require the most recent technologies may consider the Silverado 1500 LTD. Almost everything, including the Silverado’s selection of five outstanding engines, is carried over from 2021. There are two large V8s and a powerful turbodiesel on the list. Additionally, buyers can select from eight trim levels, three cab types, three-bed widths, and two Trail Boss versions that are suitable for off-road driving.

#8. Jeep Gladiator

Jeep is known for its famed off-road prowess, but the Gladiator also has a pickup truck’s functionality and adaptability. Unfortunately, it is at the expense of drivability on the road. There are 10 different trim levels available for the 5-seat Jeep Gladiator. According to estimates, this Gladiator will get 16 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway.

Pickup trucks are among the most popular cars in the US, and they have grown bigger and more expensive over time. Since consumers’ desire for more affordable, smaller alternatives has increased over the past ten years, the midsize truck class now has an equal number of options as the full-size market. However, it wasn’t until 2020 that admirers of the off-road-capable Jeep Wrangler received the Gladiator model, which was initially made from 1962 to 1988.

The Jeep Gladiator shares a lot of similarities with the Wrangler up front, where the bed measures 5 feet. Since it’s difficult to distinguish between them from the front, the Gladiator retains a lot of what makes the Wrangler so well-liked. The roof, doors, and windshield can all be taken off for a true open-air safari experience. Naturally, it also has impressive off-road tools and abilities.

#9. Ford F-150

Due to its several trim levels and many engine choices, the Ford F-150 is the most popular full-size truck in the United States. Although the ride isn’t as smooth as in some rivals, the F-150 succeeds in all other respects thanks to strong tow ratings, a roomy cabin, and a flexible selection. The Ford F-150 has three seats and eight trim levels. According to estimates, this F-150 gets 22 MPG on the interstate and 19 MPG in the city.

Not only is the Ford F-150 the most popular truck in the nation, but also the most popular car overall. By providing the features and combinations that truck purchasers want, it keeps this position. It features strong payload and towing capabilities in trim levels ranging from budget to deluxe. An effective hybrid and the new electric F-150 Lightning are available as engine choices (reviewed separately). The F-150 can be further customized by selecting between rear-wheel and four-wheel drive, three different beds, and three different cabs.

#10. GMC Sierra 1500

The 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 stands out from the pack of full-size trucks because of its tough exterior, roomy interior, and user-friendly technology. The GMC is styled to be more upscale and shares a base with the Chevrolet Silverado, although Ford and Ram challenge it for first place in terms of luxury trims. There are several strong engines available, but a fuel-efficient diesel that achieves up to 30 mpg stands out. With clever cargo features and some of the best trailering software in the business, GMC sweetens the deal. The 3-seater GMC Sierra 1500 is offered in 8 trim levels. According to estimates, this Sierra 1500 will get 19 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

The GMC Sierra 1500 is a substantial truck with a wealth of trailering technology, roomy front seats, and an available turbodiesel engine that strikes an appealing balance between efficiency and power. The Sierra is one of the most attractive pickup trucks on the market, but as a luxury car, it falls short of Ford and Ram. But the Sierra 1500 is a difficult act to follow because it is a large, tough vehicle that can do the most difficult chores while still looking sharp.

#11. GMC Canyon

There are many different configurations and a ton of possible amenities for the GMC Canyon midsize vehicle. Although it has a smooth ride and a good tow rating, it has mediocre safety ratings. There are 4 trim levels available for the 4-seat GMC Canyon. According to estimates, this Canyon gets 25 MPG on the interstate and 19 MPG in the city.

The GMC Canyon midsize truck, which comes in four trim levels, has a model for most buyers, including the luxurious Denali and off-road AT4 pickups. A 6-foot bed is included with the extended cab model, which has four seats. The five-passenger, four-door crew cab with either a 5- or 6-foot bed is available for those who require greater inside space. Rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, as well as two gas engines or a turbodiesel, are all options for the Canyon. It is simple to locate a Canyon that meets your demands due to the broad variety of configurations.

Semi-Truck Brands

Looking out for the semi-truck brands? Here s a list of si truck brands you can check out:

#1. Freightliner Trucks

American truck manufacturer Freightliner Trucks is a part of Daimler Trucks North America. The division is mostly recognized for the heavy-duty class 8 diesel trucks and class 5-7 trucks it provides.

The semi-truck that sells the most in America today is a Freightliner. Around 190,000 trucks are sold by Freightliner each year! With 40% of the commercial truck market, Freightliner dominates. Additionally, they have a factory in MT. Holly and Cleveland employ over 3,000 people.

Freightliner makes a wide range of commercial truck models and styles, including on-highway, medium-duty, heavy-duty, and natural gas vehicles. The Freightliner e-Mobility, a new range of all-electric commercial vehicles, will shortly go on sale. The eCascadia and eM2 106 will be the two available models.

#2. Kenworth Trucks

In Kirkland, Washington, there is a company called Kenworth that makes medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. They belong to PACCAR, their parent business, and are one of three divisions. As Gerlinger Motor Car Works, Kenworth was established in 1912 by George T. and Louis Gerlinger.

In a commercial vehicle, they were the first to install a six-cylinder engine in 1914. After a century, Kenworth sold more than 154,000 trucks in 2015. With a 14% market share, they are only ahead of Peterbilt Motors.

#3. Volvo Trucks

One of the world’s top producers of large trucks and engines is Volvo Trucks. Volvo Trucks now produces a wide range of Class 8 on-road and work vehicles. To make your journey to success easier, each new or used purchase is supported by a strong dealer network and market-leading parts and service programs.

Around 10% of the American market share is accounted for by Volvo trucks. The well-known trucking company Mack Trucks is owned by Volvo, a Swedish manufacturer of commercial vehicles. Volvo comes in at number five in the USA, but it is the second-best maker of heavy-duty trucks globally.

#4. Peterbilt Motors Company

The American company Peterbilt Motors Company was established in 1939 and produces medium- and heavy-duty trucks. a division of Paccar, which also owns Kenworth, a company that makes heavy-duty trucks.

The most durable, dependable, and effective products in the business have been given by Peterbilt to the North American commercial vehicle market for 80 years. With its headquarters in Denton, Texas, Peterbilt produces medium-duty, work, and highway trucks that are valuable to their owners and give their drivers pride.

Truck manufacturer Peterbilt is well-known. Their red oval emblem with script-style lettering can be seen on a variety of items, including trucker gear and hats. About 13% of the market is accounted for by Peterbilt. A well-known and adored trucker brand is Peterbilt.

#5. Navistar International

The business creates and produces diesel engines for the van, SUV, and pickup truck industries. They also offer servicing and parts for engines. More than 60 dealers offer Navistar’s goods and services in 90 different nations.

Approximately 11% of the US commercial transportation market is occupied by Navistar International. With more than 16,000 people, the business operates internationally from its headquarters in Lisle, Illinois. It is one of the best semi-truck brands you can opt for.

Electric Truck Brands

The growth of the electric truck brands seems so alarming and I know you did want to get one for yourself too. I have listed some of the best electric truck brands below so you can know the best brand to go for. Here is a list of the best electric truck brands:

#1. Rivian R1T

Whatever happens, Rivian will go down in history as the company that introduced the battery-powered vehicle. What the future holds for Rivian is still uncertain. The R1T, the company’s debut vehicle, was begun being built this past September, and what a way to enter the automotive industry. The svelte truck has a quad-motor drive unit that distributes power to each wheel and produces a combined 800 horsepower and 900 pound-feet of torque. It is constructed on the Irvine, California-based start-exclusive up’s “skateboard” architecture.

With that configuration, the truck has a payload capacity of 1,760 pounds and a towing capacity of 11,000 pounds. However, the powerful truck isn’t simply for transporting equipment and cargo. It is one of the best electric truck brands you can go for.

#2. GMC Hummer EV Pickup

The Chevy Bolt, a first-ever all-electric vehicle from GMC, was released in 2016. The car gives the Hummer brand, which was previously only associated with infamous gas guzzlers, fresh life. GMC has since pledged to deliver 12 distinct electric vehicle alternatives across various body shapes by 2023.

And GMC made sure to keep their word; in October 2020, they revealed the all-electric Hummer EV pickup truck, with manufacturing set to start in late 2021. The first of the four trims will be produced in 2021, followed by one more each year through 2024.

#3. Tesla Cybertruck

There is no vehicle Elon Musk has been more enthusiastic about than the Cybertruck. He likes to speak big.. Even though it’s supposed to be a truck, he went so far as to call it “the coolest car [he’d] ever see.” Of course, it’s difficult to discern at first glance.

The Cybertruck is unlike any production vehicle we’ve ever seen in that it has an angular, geometric shape. It does, however, feature a bed where you may put freight and equipment (or the matching Cyberquad ATV). With a payload and towing capability of 3,500 pounds and 14,000 pounds, respectively, it also sounds like it will be rather capable. It won’t lack for anything either: Should you decide to drag race the EV, it will be able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than three seconds. Of course, the major issue surrounding the Cybertruck is whether or not we’ll ever get to witness it in action.

Before the end of 2018, the pickup was planned to begin manufacturing after being first unveiled in the fall of 2019. The truck was put on hold in January and now won’t be ready until at least 2023, which begs the question: Is this just a supply chain issue, or will the Cybertruck become the next Tesla to experience unending delays?

#4. Lordstown Endurance

The Lordstown Endurance, the company’s newest model, is one of the reasons why it hasn’t yet been formally confirmed that Lordstown intends to make any EVs other than pickup trucks.

Due to the integration of cutting-edge hub motors that are housed inside the truck’s wheels, the Lordstown Endurance has the distinction of having the fewest moving components of any vehicle. Electric scooters and motorcycles typically have this feature, but larger electric vehicles don’t yet have it.

It might be challenging to stand out in a crowded market. With its distinctive motor system and easily accessible instrument cluster that is only to the right of the steering wheel, the Lordstown Endurance aims to achieve precisely that. The truck’s straightforward features and practicality for the working person are intended to be authentically Midwestern.

#5. Ford F-150 Lightning

Ford won’t release an EV until the F-150 Lightning, but that vehicle may end up being the most significant. The Lightning is a pure battery-powered variant of its best-selling vehicle, unlike the Mustang Mach-E, which is a crossover SUV rather than a muscle car. The Detroit juggernaut has clearly gone above and beyond to ensure that the all-electric version can live up to the nameplate’s reputation. It knows better than anybody how seriously customers take their trucks. Ford’s entry may not have as much power as some of the other pickups on this list, but the F-150 Lightning can pull 10,000 pounds and carry 2,000 pounds of payload. With these specifications, Lightning is more than capable of fulfilling the needs of the automaker’s consumers who desire a truck they can drive to work.

Additionally, there are some intriguing new features that may make life simpler both on and off the job place. One of these is a generator that allows power to flow in both directions, allowing you to use your truck to charge another EV or, in grave circumstances, keep your complete house operating for up to three days. Ford’s biggest concern right now might be meeting the demand for its $39,974 electrified truck.

#6. Chevrolet Silverado EV

Did you really believe that Chevrolet would sit back and watch while Ford unveiled an electric truck? Late last year, the Silverado EV, the second half of the largest competition in Detroit, was launched. It was created for the type of individuals who want to be identified by the type of truck they drive, much as the F-150 Lightning. It was therefore created with the job site in mind.

The Silverado EV’s dual-motor drive system generates 664 horsepower and 780 ft-lbs of torque, both of which are more than those of the Ford EV. Its payload capacity is 1,300 pounds, 700 pounds less than that of its competitor, but it can tow the same amount, so it isn’t exactly lightweight. The $42,000 vehicle, which is more streamlined than its gas-powered sibling, will also support bi-directional charging, which may be useful if another EV needs its battery topped off. The multi-flex tailgate, which considerably boosts cargo capacity, is one of its special features. The Chevy vs. Ford rivalry is prepared for the EV age in either case.

#7. Bollinger B2

The B2 truck was revealed in October 2018 by Michigan-based Bollinger, a small automaker. Another member of the expanding class of electric vehicles being offered to off-road enthusiasts is the B2.

Although the Bollinger B2 is expensive, it does have qualities that some buyers may find to be worth the cost. It is an excellent choice for off-road excursions thanks to its tough Jeep-like design and interior. The detachable door and window panels allow for a degree of customization that is lacking in most electric vehicles.

#8. Nikola Badger

In order to produce electric trucks, Nikola Motors, a start-up electric vehicle company, is partnering with General Motors. It will take a few years before Nikola vehicles are on the roads as they are a newcomer to the field of electric trucks.

The Nikola Badger, however, was unveiled in February 2020, and manufacturing is expected to start in late 2022. A battery-electric (BEV) or hydrogen-electric (FCEV) truck can be reserved by customers. An electric motor is powered by a hydrogen-electric fuel cell, which mixes hydrogen and oxygen. These fuel cells may be refueled in as little as 10 minutes.

Several years from now, there will still be a lot of information that has to be made public. The Nikola Badger is one of the more intriguing alternatives on this list thanks to its hydrogen fuel cell, though.

It would be interesting to observe the ultimate maximum towing capacity even though the engine performs well in the majority of performance parameters.

Things to Consider When Choosing Truck Brands

There are a few things to check when you are choosing or buying any of the truck brands. Here is the checklist:

#1. What Is Your Budget?

Do you intend to finance your purchase or make a cash payment? And will you buy something brand-new or used? Which big rig you choose to buy will depend significantly on the pricing.

#2. What Kind of Driving Will You Do?

Will you only be driving locally, or will you be traveling significant distances? You can also determine that having the option to drive all three is important.

#3. How Heavy Are the Loads You’ll Be Hauling?

For truck drivers that haul cargo of a given weight, certain vehicle manufacturers are better suited. Consider brands that are experts in big-duty trucks if you know your concentration will be on higher loads.

#4. What Style of Cab Suits Your Needs?

What aspects of the cab are most crucial to you? Features to take into account include noise reduction, safety, technology, sleeper space, and aesthetically pleasing design.

Conclusion

Go through the above-listed truck brands and get the one that best suit the specific purpose you need it for. Get the best truck brand to avoid wasting money!