Utility vehicles are built to endure. These machines are designed for the rigors of work and play. Here are 23 utility vehicles that are more than just a pretty grill; they are the unsung heroes of the automotive world.
Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 is the Leatherman arc of trucks—there’s a tool for every task! With its power, technology, and comfort blend, the F-150 has been America’s best-selling truck for over four decades. It boasts a variety of engine options, including the fuel-efficient EcoBoost, allowing you to save at the pump while still hauling heavy loads. Plus, with a maximum towing capacity of 14,000 pounds, this truck can pull your boat or camper. Plus, with its spacious interior and plush seating, you won’t mind that five-hour drive to your cousin’s wedding.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a rugged truck with a spacious cabin, strong towing capabilities (up to 13,300 pounds), and an impressive selection of engines. Whether you prefer the V6, V8, or the new turbocharged four-cylinder, there’s a Silverado for every job and budget. Chevy has also stepped up its game in the tech department. The available infotainment system is user-friendly and offers compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 combines tough capability with a refined interior, making it a top contender for anyone who values comfort alongside utility. With a maximum towing capacity of 12,750 pounds, the Ram can haul your heavy trailer without sweat. However, its impressive storage options truly set the Ram apart. From the in-floor storage bins to the innovative RamBox cargo management system, this truck ensures that everything you need has a designated spot.
Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma has features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control and can tackle everything from sandy beaches to rocky trails. The Tacoma’s V6 engine offers a respectable towing capacity of up to 6,800 pounds. And let’s not forget the Toyota Safety Sense suite, which helps keep you and your passengers safe while you navigate the wild (or your local shopping mall parking lot).
Honda Ridgeline
Introduced in 2005 and now in its second generation (launched in 2017), the Honda Ridgeline is built on a unibody platform, distinguishing it from its body-on-frame competitors. Powered by a 3.5L V6 engine, it offers 280 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft of torque. The truck boasts impressive fuel efficiency for its class, with up to 24 mpg on the highway. Also, its car-like ride, spacious interior, and advanced safety features—like Honda Sensing—make it popular among drivers seeking practicality over pure off-road performance.
GMC Sierra 1500
The GMC Sierra 1500 shares much of its platform and engineering with the Chevrolet Silverado, but the Sierra stands out with more upscale trims and additional features. Notably, the 2024 model offers multiple engine options, including a 2.7L turbocharged inline-4, a 5.3L V8, and a 6.2L V8, with power outputs ranging from 310 to 420 horsepower. The Sierra 1500 also has advanced towing capabilities—up to 13,200 pounds. And with advanced safety features like forward collision and lane change alerts, you’ll feel safer navigating busy highways or unpredictable roads.
Nissan Titan
Built primarily for the US market, the Nissan Titan competes with heavyweights like the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado. Available in both Crew Cab and King Cab configurations, the Titan is known for its spacious interior and smooth ride, thanks to its multi-leaf rear suspension. Notable features include an intuitive infotainment system, Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite, and available 4WD. Despite its underdog status, though, the Titan delivers solid performance and durability, making it a niche favorite among loyalists.
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback’s design balances practicality and adventure. It features a high ground clearance of 8.7 inches for off-road performance. The body is sculpted for aerodynamics, reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency. The bold, hexagonal grille and LED headlights give the front end a modern, assertive look, while roof rails with integrated crossbars enhance functionality, ideal for carrying bikes or extra luggage.
Ford Transit
Designed for flexibility, the Ford Transit comes in various configurations, including cargo, passenger, and chassis cabs, adapting to different transport needs. The current design emphasizes fuel efficiency, offering diesel, gasoline, and electric versions (E-Transit) while maintaining robust hauling capabilities. The Transit also offers advanced technology options, including Ford’s SYNC infotainment system, which keeps you connected on the go. Whether you’re a contractor needing to transport tools or a family on a road trip, the Transit has the space and versatility to meet your needs—without sacrificing comfort.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
A vital feature of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is the high roof option, which offers ample headroom for standing. The van’s aerodynamic shape minimizes drag, enhancing fuel efficiency. Sprinter’s front grille and headlights have evolved, embodying Mercedes’ luxury brand DNA. It also offers advanced safety features like crosswind assist and active brake assist, showcasing the blend of functionality and cutting-edge tech. Plus, you’ll impress everyone at the job site when you also roll up in a Mercedes.
Ram ProMaster
The Ram ProMaster is a commercial van that combines functionality with practicality. Introduced in 2014, it’s based on the Fiat Ducato platform but adapted for North American roads. The ProMaster’s distinctive front-wheel-drive layout is rare for its class, allowing a lower load floor and better maneuverability, especially in tight urban spaces. Its tall, flat roof design maximizes cargo volume, with the high-roof version offering up to 6’4″ of standing height. Its 2024 iteration also includes modern upgrades, such as LED headlights and a 10-inch infotainment system, keeping it competitive in the growing cargo van market.
Chevrolet Express
The Chevrolet Express is a classic utility vehicle. The van’s exterior design has remained unchanged over the years, with its boxy, utilitarian shape prioritizing function over form. In cargo, passenger, and cutaway versions, the Express offers configurations with different wheelbases, seating arrangements, and payload capacities. It also features a variety of engines, from V6 to V8 options, including a diesel variant, allowing for solid towing and hauling capabilities.
Toyota Land Cruiser
If you’re seeking an SUV that can handle rugged terrains and city streets with equal ease, look no further than the Toyota Land Cruiser. Over the years, the Land Cruiser has embraced a boxier, more utilitarian look, with the J40 series (1960-1984) becoming iconic for its off-road capability. By the 1990s, the design shifted towards luxury, with the J80 and J100 series blending sophistication with off-road prowess, featuring smoother, aerodynamic lines. The latest 300 Series (2021) embraces a modern, imposing front grille, sleek LED headlights, and an overall streamlined silhouette without compromising its off-road heritage.
Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is the quintessential off-road vehicle. Introduced in 1986, it’s a descendant of the WWII military Jeep. It comes in 2-door and 4-door options and can rock either a soft or hard top. It is equipped with features like skid plates and solid axles, and some models even have a front sway bar you can disconnect for better articulation.
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is a versatile SUV perfect for families who need a reliable vehicle for daily commutes and weekend adventures. With a whopping 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, it can tow your kids’ sports gear (and maybe a secret stash of snacks). And, with plenty of cargo space and smart technology, the Explorer makes every journey comfortable—whether it’s a trip to the grocery store or a cross-country road trip.
Honda CR-V
Launched in 1995, the Honda CR-V has evolved from a compact crossover into a spacious wonder, perfect for hauling that questionable collection of gym equipment. With a turbocharged engine in the latest model, the CR-V can go from zero to “let’s get to soccer practice” in no time. Fuel efficiency? It sips gas like a dainty tea drinker, boasting up to 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Safety? It’s got more airbags than a bouncy castle! In short, the Honda CR-V is your trusty sidekick in the quest for family adventures—minus the spandex suit.
Ram 2500
If you need a truck that can handle heavy-duty tasks, the Ram 2500 is up for the challenge. It can haul your boat or trailer with a maximum towing capacity of around 19,980 pounds. Under the hood, it often boasts a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine, delivering a hearty 410 horsepower. Also, it offers comfort that rivals a luxury sedan—because who says you can’t enjoy a massage while hauling lumber? And, with advanced technology features and a rugged exterior, this truck is built to endure the most challenging jobs while keeping you comfortable.
Toyota Tundra
Launched in 1999, the Toyota Tundra is a full-size truck that has been strutting its stuff for over two decades, making it a staple for contractors and weekend warriors. In his heart, it’s got a roaring V8 engine, available in two sizes, that promises to haul anything from lumber to your in-laws’ luggage. The Tundra can tow up to 12,000 pounds. Plus, its spacious interior and user-friendly tech make it like driving a luxury hotel on wheels.
Chevrolet Colorado
The Chevrolet Colorado is a midsize truck that offers a perfect blend of capability and fuel efficiency. Its compact size makes it easy to maneuver in urban settings while providing ample cargo space for larger items. The latest model, refreshed in 2023, mainly offers a more muscular look, enhanced aerodynamics, and a spacious interior that can fit your dog, your camping gear, and maybe even a friend or two. Also, features like the available Multimatic DSSV dampers mean it’s not just tricky; it handles like a dream on rough terrain.
Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Frontier is a midsize truck that can handle various tasks. The latest design, introduced in 2022, flaunts a bold, aggressive front fascia, resembling a bear that’s just found its favorite snack. The exterior features muscular lines and a distinctive grille, making it stand out in a parking lot full of “meh” vehicles. It’s also a tech-savvy haven with an 8-inch touchscreen and optional 9-inch display. Plus, the spacious cabin can comfortably host your friends or help you cope with the aftermath of a camping trip that has gone slightly awry.
Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Hyundai Santa Cruz combines the versatility of a truck with the comfort of an SUV. Beneath its surface, it offers a choice between a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a turbocharged 2.5-liter option that makes driving feel like a mild rollercoaster. Inside, you’ll find a surprisingly spacious cabin with an 8-inch touchscreen that could easily be mistaken for an iPad on a diet. Also, with its unique open bed design, you can easily haul everything from sports gear to gardening supplies.
Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is a midsize SUV launched in 2019 that offers a spacious interior and impressive utility features. It sports a rugged yet sophisticated exterior. Inside, the Telluride offers a spacious cabin that feels like a luxury lounge on wheels, complete with available Nappa leather and a massive touchscreen that could probably double as a TV. With three rows of seating, it’s perfect for transporting your entire family.
Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas is a three-row SUV that combines practicality with style. This midsize SUV can comfortably seat up to seven humans or a staggering amount of grocery bags. With its roomy interior, the Atlas measures 198.3 inches long, making it longer than your average garage. Under the hood, it offers two engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.6-liter V6, providing enough power to escape those awkward family gatherings. Safety features? It’s got them, including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
Reliability is a core feature that defines a vehicle. Over the last few decades, some vehicles have emerged as a reliable and durable option, standing out as workhorses that never quit. These vehicles not only prove themselves in terms of performance but transcend their role and become reliable partners, always fulfilling their role. Here are 12 Cars known for their unbreakable reliability.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
