- U.S. News’ top 3 full-size pickup trucks for 2022 and 2023
- 2023 Ford F-150
- 2023 Ram 1500
- 2022 Rivian R1T
- Other top-ranked pickup trucks
A three-way tie for first place in a roundup of full-size pickup trucks isn’t unheard of, but it’s rare. It’s incredibly unique that one of Detroit’s auto giants didn’t make the top three. And it gets almost weird when you learn one of the winners is fully electric.
U.S. News’ top 3 full-size pickup trucks for 2022 and 2023
U.S. News published a list of the nine best full-size pickup trucks for 2022 and 2023, including a three-way tie for first place based on an extensive scoring system. Though a three-way tie is rare enough, having two all-electric full-size pickup trucks in the top four is new. Base-model prices for the two gas-powered trucks are in the $30,000-to-$35,000 range, and all three brands offer range-topping models for around $85,000. However, the entry-level electric truck starts at $67,500.
2023 Ford F-150
2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R interior (pre-production model) | Ford Motor Company
The 2023 Ford F-150 is available in various cab configurations that offer seating for three to six and boasts higher towing and payload capacities than any other half-ton pickup. In addition, its list of available powertrains includes the standard 3.3-liter V6 making 290 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, a hybrid 3.5-liter V6 producing 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque, and a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 harnessing 700 hp and 640 lb-ft of torque featured in the Raptor R.
U.S. News says the 2023 F-150 has “confident handling and a balanced ride.” In addition, its interior is spacious, with plenty of high-tech features and quality materials. Like most other trucks, the F-150 is available in rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.
2023 Ram 1500
2023 Ram 1500 | Ram
While the F-150 shines with its high towing and payload capacities, the 2023 Ram 1500 is nearly as capable and offers more interior comfort and a smoother ride. Its cabin outshines the competition even at the lowest trim levels, and upper levels add luxurious touches and an even quieter interior.
In addition, three infotainment systems are available, with the entry-level system featuring a five-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, six speakers, and USB ports. The top-tier system includes a 12-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a 19-speaker premium stereo, two rear USB ports, navigation, and HD Radio.
While the Ram’s towing and payload capacity falls short of the F-150’s, the 1500 still offers rear-wheel or four-wheel drive and an engine lineup that provides more power. The standard 3.6-liter V6 makes 305 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque, while upper trim levels pack a 5.7-liter V8 with 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. For more torque, you could opt for the diesel-powered 3.0-liter V6 with 260 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque or go all out with the Ram 1500 TRX, equipped with a 702-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8 producing 650 lb-ft of torque.
2022 Rivian R1T
The 2022 Rivian R1T’s high base price is one of two major strikes against this top-ranked all-electric pickup truck. The other is its “distracting infotainment system,” U.S. News reports. However, the R1T base model is a few steps above its rivals’ starting point because it boasts all-wheel drive, 600 hp, and 74 MPGe. In addition, the Rivian R1T provides up to 314 miles of driving range on a full charge, a comfortable interior, high-quality components, and enough cargo space for the proverbial (or literal) kitchen sink.
The R1T has an 11,000-pound towing capacity, but evidence suggests towing heavy loads reduces the driving range. In addition, the R1T’s infotainment system offers “slick graphics, prompt responses, and straightforward menus.” However, because the touchscreen controls every function, simple tasks like adjusting air vents and stereo volume are tricky when driving.
Other top-ranked pickup trucks
2023 Ford F-150 Lightning | Ford
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Finishing just out of the tie for first is the all-electric 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning, starting at about $56,000 and topping out at nearly $100,000. The fifth-place 2022 GMC Sierra 1500, followed by the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, demonstrates GM’s efforts to improve interior comfort and quality, with prices ranging from $31,000 to $82,000. Coming in seventh place, the 2023 Toyota Tundra is a nice truck following a 2022 redesign, but it can’t keep up with rivals when putting in work.
At eighth on the list, the 2022 GMC Hummer EV Pickup delivers “stunning performance, impressive range, and state-of-the-art tech,” U.S. News reports. However, the $108,700 MSRP pushes this truck out of most consumers’ range. Finally, the 2022 Nissan Titan lands at the bottom of the list due to “its mixed-bag interior and subpar towing capabilities.”
Keyword: 3 Trucks Are #1 in U.S. News’ Best Full-Size Pickup Trucks for 2022 and 2023