Some trucks are perfect for pulling trailers, hauling lumber, or clawing their way up rocky trails. But when it comes to eating up hundreds of miles in comfort, quiet, and stability, some models miss the mark badly. Here are ten trucks that, while excellent at certain jobs, will have you counting the minutes until the next rest stop on a cross-country run.
Ford F250 Super Duty Regular Cab (2020)
Few trucks scream “job site” like the Ford F250 Super Duty Regular Cab. Built to drag enormous loads without breaking a sweat, it feels indestructible in the right setting. But take it on a road trip without a trailer, and its heavy-duty suspension becomes your worst enemy. Every pothole, every ripple in the pavement is transmitted directly into your spine. The short cab makes long stretches feel claustrophobic, and while the Power Stroke diesel pulls like a freight train, the droning at highway speeds will wear on you. This is a truck you want for work, not wandering.
Toyota Tacoma (2018)
The Tacoma is an icon among midsize trucks, especially with off-road fans, but extended highway use reveals its rougher side. The upright driving position, firm suspension, and relatively noisy cabin make it fatiguing on long drives. The steering demands constant micro-corrections, and the seats do not offer the support you need for hours behind the wheel. Even the more recent Tacomas, while improved, still lack the plush ride and hushed interiors of highway-focused rivals, proving that trail capability and road-trip comfort do not always go hand in hand.
Jeep Gladiator Sport (2020)
The Jeep Gladiator Sport brings Wrangler character into the pickup world, complete with removable doors, an upright windshield, and rugged good looks. Unfortunately, those same qualities make highway driving a noisy, wind-buffeted affair. The suspension is tuned for tackling boulders, not smoothing out interstate expansion joints. Steering feel is intentionally loose for off-road control but becomes tiring when you are trying to maintain a straight line for hours. It has personality in spades, but after 500 miles, you might trade some of that charm for a quieter cabin and a softer ride.
Nissan Frontier (2019)
The 2019 Frontier was already a relic when it rolled off the showroom floor, riding on a platform that had barely changed in over a decade. While rugged and reliable, it lacks refinement where it counts on long trips. The low seating position, minimal adjustability, and basic interior materials do not encourage relaxed cruising. Road and wind noise are constant companions, and while the V6 has the muscle for passing, it is far from whisper-quiet. This is a truck that shines in short bursts, not marathon runs.
GMC Canyon Base Model (2020)
In top trims, the GMC Canyon can be a competent highway cruiser. The base model, however, strips away many comfort features, leaving you with an unremarkable interior, flat seats, and no advanced driver aids to ease the miles. Without sound insulation upgrades, road noise seeps in from the wheel wells and mirrors. Its chassis is tuned for a balance of hauling and comfort, but without weight in the bed, bumps and cracks still make their way into the cabin. It will get you there, but not with much grace.
Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman (2019)
The Ram 1500 Classic kept an older generation alive for budget-conscious buyers and fleets, but those savings come at the cost of refinement. Compared to the newer Ram, the Classic rides firmer, its cabin is noisier, and its interior design feels outdated. The vinyl bench seats lack the long-distance comfort found in higher trims, and the basic suspension tuning makes for a choppier ride over uneven pavement. For a day’s work, it is fine; for a cross-country trip, it falls far short.
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 WT (2020)
The Silverado 2500 WT is built for towing boats, horse trailers, or construction equipment. Without that heavy load to settle its suspension, the ride is relentless. Inside, hard plastics dominate, and the lack of amenities makes the cabin feel more like a contractor’s break room than a place to spend 12 hours. The gas and diesel options both have the torque for mountain passes, but neither is quiet at sustained highway speeds. It excels at work but offers little joy in wandering.
Ford Ranger (2020)
Ford’s midsize Ranger has plenty of pep from its turbocharged four-cylinder, but on long highway runs, the cabin’s snug dimensions and firm ride wear you down. Rear-seat passengers, in particular, will find legroom lacking. Wind and tire noise are noticeable, and while the powertrain is quick to respond, the steady engine drone can become irritating after hours. It is a truck that works for weekend adventures, but long-distance comfort is not its strongest suit.
Honda Ridgeline First Generation (2006–2014)
The first-gen Ridgeline offered a clever in-bed trunk and car-like handling, but by modern standards, its long-distance manners are dated. The seats, though wide, lack the bolstering and adjustments found in newer trucks, and road noise is more pronounced. The suspension, while comfortable for city driving, can float and wallow at higher speeds. It remains an interesting truck historically, but if you are racking up miles, you will want something newer and quieter.
Chevrolet Colorado Base (2019)
Like its GMC twin, the Colorado improves greatly in upper trims. The base model’s bare-bones approach means thin seat padding, minimal sound deadening, and no advanced highway aids. It will tackle a long drive if necessary, but without upgrades, every mile feels longer than it should. The ride is fine for short trips, but extended time in the cabin highlights just how much more comfortable a better-equipped version can be.
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