The pickup truck was one of the first mass produced vehicles in America and remains a fan favorite on the car market. With their abundant of cargo space, extreme towing capabilities, and interiors full of the latest technology, it’s easy to see why pickup trucks appeal to a wide range of drivers. We’re all familiar with trucks like the Chevy Silverado and Dodge Ram but popularity isn’t everything. For their superior power, strength, and overall comfort, these are five of the best new pickup trucks.
Hyundai Santa Cruz
Hyundai Press Room
The Santa Cruz is the smallest truck in the lineup but don’t underestimate it—this little guy is packed with cool tech and provides drivers with a smooth ride. The Santa Cruz is available in three trims, and the base level SEL comes equipped with a naturally aspirated I4 engine that generates 191 horsepower. If you want more power, you’ll have to upgrade to the SEL Premium or Limited which feature a turbocharged I4 engine that produces 282 horsepower. Regardless of the trim level, the Santa Cruz has an eight-speed automatic transmission that contributes to sharp handling and a comfortable ride. The Santa Cruz is also full of handy tech features, including a 10-inch touchscreen, LED daytime running lights, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and Highway Driving Assist.
Toyota Tacoma
Toyota Press Room
The Tacoma is a great mid-size pickup truck with impressive off-road capabilities. You can choose from two different engine setups: a 16 valve I4 engine that gives 159 horsepower or a V6 direct injection engine that produces 278 horsepower. The Tacoma comes in six trim levels, and each is equipped with safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The TRD Off-Road trim is the best for tackling rough terrain as it comes with automatic transmission, 4WD, active traction control, and hill start assist.
Ford F-150 Raptor
Ford Press Room
The Raptor is a formidable improvement on other F-150 models, in part due to its twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine that generates 450 horsepower. Other improved features on this truck include 10-speed automatic transmission, AWD, and a 76-millimeter (3-inch) exhaust system that allows the Raptor to easily tow heavy loads without sacrificing performance and comfort. It also has a state-of-the-art suspension system with front and rear bypass shocks, electronic control technology, and multi-link rear suspension. These features give the Raptor incredible traction and handling and make it a very capable all-terrain vehicle.
Jeep Gladiator
Jeep Press Room
It comes as no surprise that a Jeep pickup truck outshines the rest when it comes to off-road performance. The Gladiator was specifically created to handle treks across rough terrain and comes equipped with Jeep’s iconic 4x4 system and a two-speed transfer case. It is also equipped with a V6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and your choice of six-speed manual transmission or eight-speed automatic. When you combine these features with several skid plates and high ground clearance, the Gladiator can easily tear through any kind of off-road terrain in any type of weather. It’s the perfect truck for those who like adventures off the beaten path.
Rivian R1T
Rivian Press Room
The R1T has the distinction of being the first electric pickup truck and has taken the auto world by storm with its lightning-fast acceleration and 300-mile driving range. The R1T features quad-motor AWD with a dual-motor drive system for each axle. With the front axle producing 415 horsepower and the rear producing 420 horsepower, the R1T has an outstanding total of 835 horsepower. When you combine that with 4-wheel torque vectoring, you get a truck that can comfortably haul up to 11,000 lbs over any landscape. For its ability to handle any payload, cross extreme terrain, and sheer engine power, the Rivian R1T is the best new pickup truck of the year.
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