Pickup trucks, the quintessential symbol of rugged utility and can-do attitude, have evolved far beyond their humble beginnings. Think adaptive cruise control, touchscreen infotainment systems, and even autonomous driving capabilities – all bundled into vehicles tough enough to haul a couple of tons of payload or scale a rocky mountainside. Here are 21 pickup trucks that masterfully blend durability with advanced technology.
Ford F-150 Lightning
The electric sibling of the legendary F-150, the Lightning is more than just a novelty EV. Powered by dual electric motors, the Lightning delivers 563 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful F-150s ever. Its standard battery offers a range of 240 miles, while the extended-range battery boosts this to 320 miles (EPA-estimated). The 15.5-inch touchscreen with Ford’s SYNC 4A system makes it feel like you’re driving a smartphone on steroids.
Tesla Cybertruck
Love it or hate it, the Cybertruck is a tech powerhouse. With three configurations—Single Motor RWD, Dual Motor AWD, and Tri-Motor AWD—the Cybertruck ranges between 250 and 500+ miles. The Tri-Motor version accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 2.9 seconds and boasts a towing capacity of 14,000 pounds. It includes Tesla’s Autopilot, adaptive air suspension, and six-seat seating. Sure, it looks like a prop from a sci-fi movie, but it’s here to make waves.
Ram 1500
Dubbed the luxury truck of the lot, the Ram 1500 combines brawn with brains. Inside, the Ram 1500 shines with its luxurious materials and advanced tech, including an available 12-inch touchscreen with Uconnect® 5 and segment-leading rear legroom in crew cab models. Off-road enthusiasts can opt for the Rebel or TRX trims, with the latter boasting a supercharged 6.2L V8 delivering 702 hp. Renowned for a smooth ride courtesy of a class-exclusive rear coil-spring suspension, the Ram 1500 is a top contender in the truck market.
Chevrolet Silverado EV
A relative newcomer, the Silverado EV merges Chevrolet’s legendary durability with cutting-edge tech. Practicality shines with its Multi-Flex Midgate, allowing cargo up to 10 feet and a front trunk (“frunk”) for extra storage. Charging is quick, thanks to 350 kW DC fast-charging capability, adding 100 miles in 10 minutes. It features a 17-inch infotainment screen, Super Cruise hands-free driving, and over-the-air updates. The Silverado EV starts at around $39,900, climbing with higher trims. It exemplifies Chevy’s push into the electrified future.
Toyota Tundra
Toyota’s full-size pickup received a complete overhaul, featuring a hybrid powertrain option for better efficiency and power. Introduced in 1999, it became the first full-size truck from a Japanese automaker to be built in North America, with production centered in San Antonio, Texas. The Tundra offers a powerful lineup, including a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 hybrid engine, delivering up to 437 horsepower and 583 lb.-ft of torque in the i-FORCE MAX configuration. Also, the Tundra’s blend of power, innovation, and reliability has made it a favorite among adventure seekers and professionals.
Rivian R1T
The Rivian R1T is an all-electric adventure truck that blends rugged capability with eco-conscious engineering. This midsize pickup was introduced in 2021 and boasts a futuristic design and advanced tech. Its quad-motor drivetrain delivers up to 835 horsepower, enabling an astonishing 0-60 mph sprint in 3 seconds. With three battery options—105 kWh, 135 kWh, and 180 kWh—the R1T offers a range of 270 to 400 miles per charge, ideal for both off-road enthusiasts and daily commuters.
GMC Hummer EV Pickup
Resurrecting the Hummer as an all-electric pickup, GMC has gone all out. Its range exceeds 350 miles per charge, with fast-charging capability adding up to 100 miles in 10 minutes on a 350-kW charger. Further, designed for adventure, it features Crabwalk mode, which allows diagonal movement via four-wheel steering and Extract Mode, raising the suspension for extreme terrain. Plus, it’s all screens and luxury, with a 13.4-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital driver display.
Nissan Frontier
The Frontier might be smaller than some competitors, but it packs a punch with its 310-horsepower V6 and rugged design. The latest iteration, launched in 2022, leans heavily on bold, angular aesthetics. Its front fascia showcases a prominent grille with a honeycomb mesh, flanked by sleek LED headlights, giving it an assertive road presence. The muscular wheel arches and a high beltline emphasize its off-road capability, while the integrated rear spoiler and sculpted tailgate enhance aerodynamics.
Hyundai Santa Cruz
A compact pickup with big ambitions, the Santa Cruz blends SUV comfort with truck utility. Built on a unibody platform, it shares its underpinnings with the Hyundai Tucson, ensuring car-like handling and ride comfort. Its compact dimensions make it maneuverable in city environments while retaining enough space for weekend gear. Also, the C-pillar’s slanted design enhances its sporty appeal, while distinctive wheel arches add ruggedness.
Ford Maverick
The Maverick is the definition of “small but mighty.” Its bed is functional, with 4.5 feet of length and features like configurable tie-downs. Ford also offers a variety of customizable features, appealing to urban dwellers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With a starting price lower than many competitors, the Maverick appeals to budget-conscious buyers seeking adventure-ready yet economical transportation. Affordable, efficient, and packed with tech, it’s redefining what a pickup can be.
Chevrolet Colorado
The Colorado is a midsize truck with a knack for blending capability and technology. The Colorado’s off-road variant, the Z71, is designed for adventure seekers, offering features like skid plates, hill descent control, and an upgraded suspension. The ZR2 model comes with locking differentials and off-road tires for those seeking even more rugged capabilities. Towing capacity is also impressive, with the V6 engine capable of hauling up to 7,000 pounds. The Colorado remains popular for those needing a practical and capable vehicle for work and play, with substantial resale value and reliable performance.
Jeep Gladiator
The Gladiator is the answer for those who want a truck with authentic off-road DNA. Powered by a standard 3.6L V6 or an optional 3.0L diesel, it has enough muscle to tow up to 7,700 pounds (about 3.5 elephants, if you’re wondering). Its 5-foot steel bed isn’t the longest, but it’s more about off-road glory than Costco runs. Plus, the Gladiator’s trail-ready Rubicon trim comes with rock-crawling 4×4 capabilities, locking differentials, and a winch-ready bumper so that you can feel like an action hero at a moment’s notice.
Honda Ridgeline
Honda’s unibody pickup combines car-like comfort with truck functionality. What sets it apart? The in-bed trunk is a waterproof, lockable compartment perfect for storing gear or icing down beverages for tailgate parties (it even has a drain plug!). Plus, the dual-action tailgate swings open and folds down—because why not? Inside, it’s more SUV than rugged workhorse, with plush seats and tech galore, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Fuel economy? It has around 18-24 MPG, which is decent for its class. Is it for everyone? Nope. But for a quirky, comfy, do-it-all truck, the Ridgeline delivers.
Ford Super Duty
The Ford Super Duty delivers for those needing serious towing and hauling power. Inside, it’s all luxury with tech like a massive 12-inch touchscreen and Pro Power Onboard, letting you charge tools or party lights. Built Ford Tough™ isn’t just a tagline—it’s tested in grueling conditions, from Death Valley heat to icy tundras. If you’re into tech, BlueCruise offers hands-free driving on certain highways. Long story short: it’s rugged, techy, and unapologetically over-the-top. Perfect for work or showing off at the barbecue.
Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma, aka the “Taco” to its loyal fanbase, is the compact pickup truck that eats dirt roads for breakfast. It has options like a 2.7L 4-cylinder (good for fuel sippers) or a 3.5L V6 (for the thrill-seekers). The Tacoma is also a tech-savvy workhorse, offering modern infotainment, driver-assist features, and Apple CarPlay—because even dirt roads deserve playlists. Need durability? Many Tacomas outlive their owners. Want resale value? Kelley Blue Book practically gives it a crown every year. It’s rugged, reliable, and now more connected than ever.
GMC Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate
Luxury meets capability in the Sierra Denali Ultimate. Its 13.4-inch infotainment screen, 12.3-inch digital driver display, and Super Cruise hands-free driving make it a tech-lovers dream. It has options like a 2.7L 4-cylinder (good for fuel sippers) or a 3.5L V6 (for the thrill-seekers). Inside, the Denali Ultimate pampers occupants with 16-way power front seats featuring a massage function—perfect for soothing those aches after a long day of pretending to work hard. Plus, Tech enthusiasts will appreciate the over 40 inches of combined driver-focused digital displays, ensuring you have more screens than a teenager’s bedroom.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a truck that says, “I can tow your boat, haul your lumber, and still look good at the drive-thru.” Its Multi-Flex tailgate works harder than your last intern, offering six loading, stepping, and general truck magic configurations. And, with trims like the rugged Trail Boss or the luxurious High Country, it suits every personality. Fuel efficiency is respectable—though you’re not buying this beast for its Prius vibes.
Ram 2500 Power Wagon
For heavy-duty off-roading, the Power Wagon is in a class of its own. With 14.2 inches of ground clearance, the Power Wagon laughs at boulders and water crossings up to 30 inches deep. Inside, it’s a comfy den boasting plush seats and an optional 12-inch touchscreen to remind you it’s still 2024. And, though it guzzles gas like it’s happy hour, this truck is for adventurers who think roads are just suggestions. MSRP starts around $70,000, but can you put a price on feeling invincible?
Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger is compact yet mighty. Born in 1983, this truck went global, flexing its muscles across rugged terrains and suburban driveways. The 2024 model? A beast with brains! It boasts turbocharged EcoBoost engines, towing up to 7,500 pounds—enough to haul your regrets or a boat, your call. Inside, it’s tech-savvy, with an 8- or 12-inch touchscreen and Ford’s SYNC 4 system (your co-pilot that doesn’t ask for snacks). Want to flex at the worksite or trailhead? The Ranger’s got your back—hold on tight.
Canoo Pickup Truck
A quirky newcomer, the Canoo Pickup Truck stands out with its futuristic design and EV platform. But don’t let its quirky appearance fool you; this truck means business. With a modular bed that expands from six to eight feet, it’s ready to haul everything from lumber to your latest garage sale finds. Under the hood—well, where the hood would be—it offers up to 600 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque, ensuring you can outrun any skeptical neighbor. Plus, with an estimated range of over 200 miles, you’ll have plenty of juice to get lost on your next adventure.
Lordstown Endurance
The Lordstown Endurance, an electric pickup truck, aimed to revolutionize the EV market but faced numerous challenges. Despite its ambitious design featuring four in-wheel hub motors and a 109-kWh battery, the Endurance achieved an EPA-rated range of just 174 miles, which is less than impressive compared to competitors like the Ford F-150 Lightning. Also aimed at commercial fleets, the Endurance is an electric pickup with in-wheel motors and a minimalist design. Plus, its 12-inch touchscreen and focus on efficiency show that utility and tech can go hand-in-hand.
18 Budget-Friendly Electric Cars That Last Longer Than Their Loans — Economical Electrics
Electric vehicles are no longer a luxury for the elite—they’re a smart investment for the everyday driver. With manufacturers stepping up to the plate, affordable EVs now deliver on reliability, range, and modern comforts. Here’s a look at 18 economical electric cars engineered to outlast their payment plans.
18 Budget-Friendly Electric Cars That Last Longer Than Their Loans — Economical Electrics
