Best Full-Size Trucks
The best full-size trucks adjust to modern living with features from job site basics to luxurious accouterments. Here's a list of the best full-size trucks.
Read time
8 minutes
Date
07.07.2023
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Whether it’s built tough like a rock or has the guts and glory to handle anything life throws at you, the best trucks to buy vary from one person to the next. But the same backbone of any good full-size pickup can be found in many bestselling trucks today, from household names like Ford, Dodge, Chevrolet, and GMC.
This list of the best full-size trucks includes seven contenders vying for you to get behind the wheel. These trucks have repeatedly proven that what looks great on paper can still hold up to the nitty-gritty. Take a closer look at the best full-size trucks of 2023.
What is a full-size truck?
Top-rated pickup trucks include half-ton models that you can purchase for everything from work to cruising in style. Fuel economy varies with fuel type (gas and diesel). While full-size trucks tend to have large engines, they can tow anywhere from 10,000 to almost 40,000 pounds.
Regarding trim levels, pickup truck manufacturers tend to focus on creature comforts and capabilities. Single, extended, and crew cabs scale to fit as many passengers as two-row SUVs. Bed lengths vary from six feet and under to upwards of eight feet.
7 best full-size trucks
If you’re learning how to buy your first car and you want a pickup truck, you’ve come to the right place. If this isn’t your first rodeo and you’re looking for some of the best trucks to buy, the list below includes several that know the ropes.
The following list consists of leading competitors for the best full-size truck of 2023. These full-size trucks offer everything from brute towing capabilities and sophisticated interior appointments to unmatched reliability. A few even have a streak of wanderlust running through their off-road capable chassis.
1. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Average price: $35,600
- Number of seats: 2 to 6
- Maximum towing capacity: 9,500 pounds
- Available engines: 2.7-liter 4-cylinder, 3.0-liter 6-cylinder diesel, 5.3-liter V8, 6.2-liter V8
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 takes on the brunt of the work compared to its high-class sibling, the GMC Sierra 1500. The Silverado shares engines with its GMC twin but has a slightly higher tow rating. Chevy recently updated the 3.0-liter diesel engine. Many drivers find that Ram offers finer cabin appointments while Chevy struggles to deliver a smooth ride.
1. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Average price: $35,600
- Number of seats: 2 to 6
- Maximum towing capacity: 9,500 pounds
- Available engines: 2.7-liter 4-cylinder, 3.0-liter 6-cylinder diesel, 5.3-liter V8, 6.2-liter V8
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 takes on the brunt of the work compared to its high-class sibling, the GMC Sierra 1500. The Silverado shares engines with its GMC twin but has a slightly higher tow rating. Chevy recently updated the 3.0-liter diesel engine. Many drivers find that Ram offers finer cabin appointments while Chevy struggles to deliver a smooth ride.
2. RAM 1500
- Average price: $37,410
- Number of seats: 2 to 6
- Maximum towing capacity: 8,320 pounds
- Available engines: 3.6-liter V6, 5.7-liter V8, 6.2-liter V8
A long-standing competitor to the next best full-size truck on our list, the RAM 1500 is the lowest variant of the powerhouse trucks this brand is known for. Many consumers prefer the RAM 1500 because of its coil-link rear suspension and responsive handling. However, it lacks the shoulder strength of its blue oval and bowtie counterparts.
2. RAM 1500
- Average price: $37,410
- Number of seats: 2 to 6
- Maximum towing capacity: 8,320 pounds
- Available engines: 3.6-liter V6, 5.7-liter V8, 6.2-liter V8
A long-standing competitor to the next best full-size truck on our list, the RAM 1500 is the lowest variant of the powerhouse trucks this brand is known for. Many consumers prefer the RAM 1500 because of its coil-link rear suspension and responsive handling. However, it lacks the shoulder strength of its blue oval and bowtie counterparts.
3. Ford F-150 Series
- Average price: $34,585
- Number of seats: 2 to 6
- Maximum towing capacity: 12,300 pounds
- Available engines: 2.7-liter V6, 3.3-liter V6, 3.5-liter V6, 5.0-liter V8, 5.2-liter V8
Ford recently made headlines with its fully-electric Lightning addition to the well-loved F-Series lineup. On the flip side are the off-road-ready Raptor and Raptor R models that make trophy trucks look like they’re trying too hard. Ford may not spend as much time on their interiors as Dodge, but the brand certainly makes up for it in other areas.
3. Ford F-150 Series
- Average price: $34,585
- Number of seats: 2 to 6
- Maximum towing capacity: 12,300 pounds
- Available engines: 2.7-liter V6, 3.3-liter V6, 3.5-liter V6, 5.0-liter V8, 5.2-liter V8
Ford recently made headlines with its fully-electric Lightning addition to the well-loved F-Series lineup. On the flip side are the off-road-ready Raptor and Raptor R models that make trophy trucks look like they’re trying too hard. Ford may not spend as much time on their interiors as Dodge, but the brand certainly makes up for it in other areas.
4. GMC Sierra 1500
- Average price: $37,100
- Number of seats: 2 to 6
- Maximum towing capacity: 9,500 pounds
- Available engines: 2.7-liter 4-cylinder, 3.0-liter 6-cylinder diesel, 5.3-liter V8, 6.2-liter V8
Considered by some to be the fancier version of the Silverado 1500, the GMC Sierra 1500 prioritizes looking good and going fast. It achieves both objectives, though it’s less reliable on the job site than its plainer companions. The AT4 and Denali Ultimate trims can get expensive, but if you spend hours in your truck, you might as well be comfortable.
4. GMC Sierra 1500
- Average price: $37,100
- Number of seats: 2 to 6
- Maximum towing capacity: 9,500 pounds
- Available engines: 2.7-liter 4-cylinder, 3.0-liter 6-cylinder diesel, 5.3-liter V8, 6.2-liter V8
Considered by some to be the fancier version of the Silverado 1500, the GMC Sierra 1500 prioritizes looking good and going fast. It achieves both objectives, though it’s less reliable on the job site than its plainer companions. The AT4 and Denali Ultimate trims can get expensive, but if you spend hours in your truck, you might as well be comfortable.
5. Nissan Titan
- Average price: $39,950
- Number of seats: 2 to 6
- Maximum towing capacity: 9,323 pounds
- Available engines: 5.6-liter V8
Nissan continues its quest of shouldering aside the big names in pickups to claim the throne. The brand relies on the Frontier and Titan (including the Titan XD) to make a bid for the best mid-size and full-size pickup trucks. The Titan lacks configurations, but it’s hard to beat the warranty and safety features Nissan adds to sweeten the pot.
5. Nissan Titan
- Average price: $39,950
- Number of seats: 2 to 6
- Maximum towing capacity: 9,323 pounds
- Available engines: 5.6-liter V8
Nissan continues its quest of shouldering aside the big names in pickups to claim the throne. The brand relies on the Frontier and Titan (including the Titan XD) to make a bid for the best mid-size and full-size pickup trucks. The Titan lacks configurations, but it’s hard to beat the warranty and safety features Nissan adds to sweeten the pot.
6. Rivian R1T
- Average Price: $73,000
- Number of seats: 2 to 5
- Maximum towing capacity: 11,000 pounds
- Available engines: dual-motor and quad-motor
Rivian’s R1T proves that creating an electric truck doesn’t have to be complicated. This green pickup carries a sophisticated simplicity that belies the complex inner workings of this dynamic truck. Base models sport a 400-mile range, 600 horsepower and identical torque numbers, and an impressive towing capacity of 11,000 pounds.
6. Rivian R1T
- Average Price: $73,000
- Number of seats: 2 to 5
- Maximum towing capacity: 11,000 pounds
- Available engines: dual-motor and quad-motor
Rivian’s R1T proves that creating an electric truck doesn’t have to be complicated. This green pickup carries a sophisticated simplicity that belies the complex inner workings of this dynamic truck. Base models sport a 400-mile range, 600 horsepower and identical torque numbers, and an impressive towing capacity of 11,000 pounds.
7. Toyota Tundra
- Average price: $38,965
- Number of seats: 2 to 6
- Maximum towing capacity: 12,000 pounds
- Available engines: 3.4-liter V6
The Toyota Tundra and Tacoma hold firm in their respective segments. The Tundra is the larger of the two pickups, offering plenty of trims and features. The Tundra tends to please or repel customers. However, it’s a capable jack-of-all-trades.
7. Toyota Tundra
- Average price: $38,965
- Number of seats: 2 to 6
- Maximum towing capacity: 12,000 pounds
- Available engines: 3.4-liter V6
The Toyota Tundra and Tacoma hold firm in their respective segments. The Tundra is the larger of the two pickups, offering plenty of trims and features. The Tundra tends to please or repel customers. However, it’s a capable jack-of-all-trades.
How to choose a full-size truck
Selecting the best full-size truck can be challenging. Here are a few ways to narrow your results to pick the best pickup truck.
1. Budget
In many pickup truck comparison tests, “Should you buy a new or used car?” often comes up. Buying a used truck will undoubtedly save you money, but it truly depends on the availability and condition of used trucks. However, most new trucks are an investment that you can use as collateral in the future.
2. Desired features
Most people choose a truck based on the creature comforts and other features that make using that pickup a better experience. If you purchase a pickup truck for work, you may also need to look for specific towing or payload capacities. Electric powertrains are also popular among those who don’t travel as far and want to save on gas money.
3. Engine type
Believe it or not, pickup trucks have joined the go-green movement with the addition of the Ford Lightning, the Hummer EV, and the Rivian R1T. You can also purchase a gas, diesel, eco-diesel, or hybrid truck. Budgets and trim features will vary between engine choices.
4. Brand loyalty
When you set out to lease, buy, or subscribe to a car, it’s often easiest to stick with a specific brand. Many people have brand loyalty based on past positive experiences, but there’s nothing wrong with trying something new if you’ve done your homework.
5. Lifestyle
Driving a fully-electric pickup truck is a lifestyle choice, especially considering you’re limited by range and charging stations. You may also choose a gas engine instead of a diesel to save on maintenance costs. However, diesel trucks tend to be practically bullet-proof, so it’s often a toss-up between what’s out there and what best fits your life.
Sometimes buying or leasing a pickup just isn’t in the cards. That’s when you need a car subscription service such as FINN. With a car subscription, you can choose your vehicle and deliver it to your door. You only pay a monthly fee, including your registration, deprecation, maintenance, and insurance. The fuel costs are your only other monthly car bill.
What is the most reliable full-size pickup truck?
The fight for the most reliable full-size pickup truck title often comes down to the Toyota Tacoma and the Ford F-150 Series. Both platforms are made from durable materials and incorporate solid engine performance and proven technology. The F-150 and Tacoma also keep maintenance and repair costs low and offer a respectable fuel economy.
What is the best-selling full-size truck in America?
The best-selling truck in America is the Ford F-150. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and RAM 1500 come in second and third for the best-selling full-size trucks in America.
What is the most roomy truck?
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 incorporates the most room in its cabin. The headroom maxes out in regular cab variants at 43.1 inches. The legroom in the front is 44.5 inches across all variants, with crew cab variants offering 43.4 inches of legroom in the rear.
Final thoughts
The best full-size pickup trucks include the Ford F-150 Series, Dodge Ram 1500, and the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 twins. The Rivian R1T, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra round out this list of the best full-size trucks you can depend on.
Each of these half-ton pickups has the grit to tackle any worksite job and the refinement to travel the inner roads of the country with ease. Plenty of creature comforts and handy additions make these pickup trucks practically part of the family. When you need a workhorse to depend on, these pickups stand tall.
Affording one of these best pickup trucks can be difficult, whether leasing or purchasing. With FINN’s subscription service, you can subscribe to a truck and try it out in your daily life. See how a truck can improve your life with a FINN subscription today.
Final thoughts
The best full-size pickup trucks include the Ford F-150 Series, Dodge Ram 1500, and the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 twins. The Rivian R1T, Nissan Titan, and Toyota Tundra round out this list of the best full-size trucks you can depend on.
Each of these half-ton pickups has the grit to tackle any worksite job and the refinement to travel the inner roads of the country with ease. Plenty of creature comforts and handy additions make these pickup trucks practically part of the family. When you need a workhorse to depend on, these pickups stand tall.
Affording one of these best pickup trucks can be difficult, whether leasing or purchasing. With FINN’s subscription service, you can subscribe to a truck and try it out in your daily life. See how a truck can improve your life with a FINN subscription today.