JD Power Reveals The Truck Brand Drivers Refuse To LeaveMoney DigestDaniel FeiningerMon, September 21, 2026 at 10:30 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleLisa5201/Getty ImagesWhen looking at how frequently truck owners purchase a new vehicle from the same brand as their old vehicle, one carmaker is the clear winner. In J.D. Power's 2025 U.S. Automotive Brand Loyalty Study, Ford was the highest-ranked truck brand for the fourth year running. Moreover, the brand's 66.6% loyalty rate for truck owners was the highest recorded figure in the study across all vehicle categories surveyed. That loyalty may also contribute to the Ford F-Series' continued sales dominance. As of Q2 2026, it was the best-selling truck in the U.S., with roughly 357,801 units sold compared to 272,556 for the second-place Chevy Silverado, per U.S. News & World Report.The 2026 F-150 is an ideal choice for a buyer looking for a lower price tag without sacrificing size and hauling capability. The truck's starting MSRP is $39,585 in its base trim, and Ford touts the F-150's status as top ranked for initial quality among full-size pickups thanks to J.D. Power's 2026 Initial Quality Study. This isn't the only high-profile truck in Ford's stable, however. U.S. News & World Report names the Ford Maverick the best compact pickup truck in 2026 and the F-250 Super Duty the year's best heavy-duty option. Ford trucks haul in frequent praise and awards from automotive outlets, and they've developed a fiercely loyal following. Owners praise both the brand's history as a pioneering American truck maker and more intangible features like the tactile sound and feel of the doors closing.Read more: You've Been Warned: Consumer Reports Says These 9 Electric Vehicles Are The Least ReliableFord trucks are built for a wide range of user demandsAround the World Photos/ShutterstockOne thing that perhaps sets Ford trucks apart from competitors is the sheer range of options. The brand's mainline trucks, the classic F-Series, offer specifications that can support just about any kind of user requirement, from heavy-duty jobsite performance to a commuter vehicle with some extra "trunk" space. Perhaps surprisingly, Consumer Reports has called the F-150 one of the least reliable options on the road, all while the truck continues to outperform in total sales year after year. Its versatility may be one reason buyers are willing to look past potential setbacks.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Maverick, on the other hand, offers useful towing capability while operating with an available hybrid powertrain that flips the tired script that all too often shoehorns trucks into the gas-guzzling category. The truck is also less expensive than the F-150, with a starting MSRP of $28,145 for the 2026 model year. The truck retains solid capability, delivering up to 1,500 pounds of payload capacity and 4,000 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped. The Ford Ranger splits the difference, with a 2026 starting MSRP of $33,550 and towing capacity that maxes out at 7,500 pounds, compared to the F-150's 13,500 pounds.Americans prioritize the possibilities that a pickup truck brings to the table, allowing the vehicle to act as a pack mule for home improvement projects aimed at improving home value, supporting camping trips or sporting events (tailgating, after all is named for the rear hatch on a pickup truck), and much more. That versatility helps explain why a pickup can become a lifestyle choice as much as a vehicle for routine transportation — and why Ford's wide range of options may help keep buyers within the brand.Found this helpful? Subscribe to the Money Digest newsletter and unlock your financial potential. And add Money Digest to your preferred sources for smart money insights!Read the original article on Money Digest.