Best Large Trucks | 2026 Full Size Trucks Rated | CarBuzzWith pickups continuing to dominate the sales charts, those in search of a do-it-all vehicle with loads of space and utility may find themselves searching for the best full-size truck on the market. Not only can these machines ferry the family around in comfort, but the top models carry and tow enormous loads without breaking a sweat. Plus, the very latest trailering technologies and camera systems make towing easier and safer than it has ever been.The leading manufacturers have built something for everyone, and this article is a full-size truck comparison featuring only the best models. You get your pick of gasoline or diesel engines, electric powertrains, single or dual rear wheels, short or long beds, and regular cabs or crew cabs. This does not even take into account different trims and optional packages, making for enough choice to confuse the savviest shoppers. Fortunately, it’s easy to compare every full-size truck against similarly sized competitors. Here is our take on the best full-size trucks for 2026.Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here. These lists are continuously updated with the latest BuzzScores and vehicles as they become available.Only half-ton trucks and larger have been considered for this list. GMC Sierra EV The best full-size truck, according to its impressive 8.8 out of 10 on the BuzzScore scale, is the GMC Sierra EV. We know electric pickups aren't everybody's favorite, but you'd be surprised at how comfortable and capable this model is. No matter which trim you choose, you'll have a dual-motor setup with standard all-wheel drive; horsepower ranges between 605–745 hp, and torque is between 605–785 lb-ft. It can tow up to 12,500 pounds, and its payload capacity reaches 2,250 pounds. Our road tester says it can also sprint to 60 mph from a standstill in about 4.3 seconds."Road noise in the Sierra EV is lower than its Silverado counterpart, and there is no annoying pedestrian hum that's audible when you are sitting in traffic. Super Cruise is available on most trims, taking full advantage of the truck's impressive range to make highway driving a joy. Even tight parking maneuvers are simple thanks to four-wheel steering on AT4 and Denali trims."- Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz Ram 1500 Ram takes multiple places on this list of big trucks, starting with the 1500 half-ton pickup. Not long ago, the automaker ruffled some feather by ditching the 1500's V8 engine, but it's back for the 2026 model year. The 5.7L V8 is actually less powerful than either version of the Hurricane inline-6; the V8 makes 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque, while the Hurricane makes 420–540 hp and 469–521 lb-ft of torque depending on the variant. When properly configured, the Ram 1500 can tow up to 11,610 pounds with the standard Hurricane engine. As for pricing, the Ram 1500 starts at $41,575 before destination."It's also good that it sounds good to wind out, because the Hemi is not quick. Nearly 400 horsepower and more than 400 pound-feet of torque isn't nothing, but it's also not as much as on the standard Hurricane. Worse, the Hurricane engines are turbocharged, and as such, they make their extra power and torque sooner, so they feel noticeably quicker and more effortless."- Joel Stocksdale, Senior Road Tester, CarBuzz GMC Hummer EV Pickup When speaking in terms of curb weight, the largest pickup truck is the GMC Hummer EV Pickup. This behemoth weighs about 9,000 pounds, and still manages to provide impressive acceleration and great off-road handling. It's available in two trim levels: the 2X trim level makes a standard 570 horsepower, but can be optioned for up to 635 horsepower; the 3X adds another motor to the mix, boosting output to 830 standard horsepower, and 1,160 optional max horsepower. The only drawback is its price tag. Buyers will have to fork over at least $97,200 for the base model, and $105,300 for the 3X trim."Yes, the Hummer's acceleration is a hoot, but the rest of the driving experience isn't very sporty. It still feels every bit of 9,000 pounds, though the air suspension helps to greatly reduce body roll in the corners and improve ride comfort. We must commend GMC on the Hummer's rear wheel steering. It greatly reduces the turning radius and makes this behemoth easier to park than a standard full-size truck."- Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz Ford F-150 Lightning The Ford F-150 Lightning is another all-electric large truck that we found to perform better than many gas models. Unfortunately, Ford is discontinuing the model soon. With that said, you still have a chance to buy one for the 2026 model year. This new model year is identical to the outgoing model year, except for a new base trim: the STX, which starts at $63,345 before destination and options; this new trim has 563 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque that can sprint to 60 mph in about 4.2 seconds. When properly equipped, the F-150 Lightning can tow up to 10,000 pounds."The die-hard ICE (internal combustion engine) fans who want to be buried with their V8 engines may take more convincing, but the average truck owner would be blown away by a test drive in the Lightning. This thing puts any truck that doesn't have a Hummer or Rivian badge to shame. No gas-powered truck gets off the line like the Lightning, including supercharged behemoths like the Raptor R and Ram TRX. That instant torque hits like a gut punch, and there's no transmission shifts to delay the acceleration. Since the battery is mounted low in the floor, the Lightning also handles better than its gas-powered sibling."- Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz GMC Sierra 1500 GMC's full-size pickup trucks start with the Sierra 1500. While the Sierra EV we talked about earlier is great, this gas- or diesel-powered model fits more buyer's agendas. Engine choices include a 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-4, a 5.3-liter gas V8, a 6.2-liter gas V8, and a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-6. When properly equipped, the Sierra 1500 can tow up to 13,300 pounds, and haul up to about 2,200 pounds. It comes in a variety of trims that range from $38,300 for the Pro base model, all the way to the Denali Ultimate for $84,400. We prefer the AT4 or AT4X for the best off-roading experience. Ram 3500 The biggest pickup truck Ram has to offer is the 3500. Ram shows what it's made of at the highest level in this model — it uses the same powertrains as the 2500, which we'll talk about at the end of this article, but can tow and haul thousands of pounds more. Engine options include a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 that runs on gas; this engine makes 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque for a maximum towing capacity of 18,150 pounds. The 6.7-liter Cummins turbo-diesel inline-6, however, can tow more than 36,000 pounds. Not to mention that the diesel engine is the more reliable choice. As far as pricing goes, the Tradesman model in its simplest form starts at $47,785."...we still had heavy trailers. It was easy to get up to highway speeds and easy to manage going back down the hill. It inspired confidence, whether an expert or a towing novice."- Nicole Wakelin, CarBuzz Ford F-150 Raptor The most extreme off-roader on this list of the best large trucks is the Ford F-150 Raptor. Sure, there are other off-road-capable trims of trucks we've talked about today, but the Raptor and Raptor R are purpose-built to tackle the gnarliest trails and soar over desert dunes. In its more "basic" form, this truck gets a high-output 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that makes 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque, but choosing the Raptor R model upgrades it to a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 with 710 hp and 640 lb-ft of torque. It's fairly expensive, though, with the standard version starting at $79,005."...the suspension and the all-wheel-drive system does a superb job of taking the edge off of inexperience, but it's not magical. Physics can only be held off so far, but the Raptor R often defies it, particularly when braking hard to set up for a corner when sand is building up under the front of the tires and wanting to unsettle the chassis as you let off. Getting the power down is grin-inducing, with the tires hooking up and needing gentle corrections to get and keep it in a straight line."- Ian Wright, Senior Road Tester, CarBuzz Ford F-150 If you need the best full-size truck for the money, it's hard to argue against the Ford F-150. There's a reason this classic model has been one of the best-selling vehicles - not just trucks - in the country for decades. It's a versatile model with more engine options than any other model on this list; Powertrains include a 2.7L Ecoboost I4, two versions of the 3.5L Ecoboost V6, a 3.5L V6 hybrid, a 5.0L V8, and a 5.2L supercharged V8. The F-150 can tow up to 13,500 pounds and haul up to 2,440 pounds. Pricing starts with the XL trim for $39,330 before destination, then it's topped by the Platinum for $68,800. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Chevrolet's full-size trucks might not be as luxurious as their GMC counterparts, but models like the Silverado 1500 are just as capable. This truck features all the same engine options as the Sierra 1500, which include the 2.7L TurboMax I4, a 5.3L V8, 6.2L V8, and 3.0L diesel I6. When properly equipped, the Chevy Silverado 1500 can tow up to 13,300 pounds and haul 2,260 pounds in its bed. Out of the Silverado 1500's nine available trims for the 2026 model year, the WT is the cheapest at $36,900, while its off-road model, the ZR2, tops the lineup at $71,700. Ram 2500 It might not be the largest truck Ram has to offer (that honor is bestowed upon the 3500), but the Ram 2500 is a formidable long truck in the 3/4-ton segment. It's nice inside, too, with an up-to-date infotainment system, plus our road tester says the Harman Kardon sound system in higher trims could belong in a European luxury car. Engine options include a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 that makes 405 hp and can tow 17,750 pounds, or a Cummins 6.7-liter inline-6 turbo-diesel that tows up to 20,000 pounds. The base model, the Tradesman trim, starts at $46,485 before destination, options, and other fees."Trucks in this segment rarely feel spry, but the Ram 2500 feels more easily maneuverable than rivals from Ford or GM. It still has hydraulic steering, but the effort is lighter than competitors, making it easier to park this behemoth, and keep it centered in its lane. The ride is also superior to the competition thanks to a five-link solid rear axle."- Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz Characteristics Of Large Pickup Trucks There is certainly no shortage of models in this rather fit-for-purpose segment, and here are some of the commonalities that set the biggest pickup trucks apart: Sheer size: From double-cabs to dual rear wheels, full-size pickups are large and imposing. They are designed to be utility-focused and come in various configurations. Handling: Such massive trucks can be difficult to maneuver due to their size and weight, but usually have driver assists as standard or optional to make parking lots and tight spaces a little easier. Power on tap: Since they have to haul and carry heavy loads, they are usually equipped with monstrous engines with high power outputs. This ranges from gas to diesel and even electric power with tons of torque available. Capability: Towing capacities are not just limited to regular hitches in full-size trucks, and the ability to equip fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitches to tow upwards of 37,000 lbs is expected. Payloads should be equally impressive. Space and comfort: While these are by no means luxury cruisers, the top large trucks come with space for up to six passengers and are fitted with high-end materials and conveniences that make long road trips a breeze. Fuel economy: Due to their proportions and powerful engines, these types of trucks don’t offer good gas mileage, and you’ll have to budget carefully. Electrified options will likely lose out on some capability and range and require frequent recharging. What To Consider Before Buying A Large Pickup Truck While the SUV market, with its compact and practical configurations, is growing rapidly in the USA, it has not managed to dislodge these burly workers. Even the midsize or big crossovers cannot compare when it comes to hauling capability and utility. Here are some of the features to consider when looking at buying a large truck: Pros High output engines offer pure power These heavy-duty machines often take a beating and keep on ticking for ages Customizability in terms of body style, bed size, and engine choice High tow ratings mean you can haul almost anything Spacious cabins offer space for your family, too Loads of tech available to make driving and towing a breeze Luxury features and materials are available on lower trims Budget-friendly trims are available Cons Expect poor gas mileage, although diesel options may boast slightly better mpg ratings A rough ride in the cabin is common in lower trims where the focus is on utility, not comfort Expensive in higher trims Difficult to maneuver in tight spaces and narrow roads Sources: GMC, Ram, Ford, Chevrolet
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