Modern trucks are not just workhorses. They can also be used for commuting, off-roading, and general transportation. That is why reliability is a critical consideration when looking for a new or used truck to buy.
Each year, the J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) highlights the most dependable trucks in each segment. Consumers use it to make informed decisions about which truck to buy, and automakers use it to improve their products. The 2023 release highlighted the following 2020 model year trucks from Toyota, Chevrolet, and GMC as the most dependable.
Toyota
Toyota unsurprisingly made two appearances in the list of the most dependable trucks. J.D. Power ranked the Toyota Tundra as the second most dependable large light-duty pickup truck and the Toyota Tacoma as the most dependable midsize pickup truck.
Given the brand’s legendary reliability, this isn’t at all surprising. In the J.D. Power 2023 VDS, Toyota received the most model-level awards of all parent companies, with six, and owned the two highest-ranked models—the Toyota C-HR and the Lexus RX.
Toyota has consistently ranked highly in reliability surveys. It was named the most reliable brand by Consumer Reports, and Lexus, Toyota’s luxury division, was named the second most reliable. The high reliability means Toyota vehicles retain their value more than other brands, resulting in a higher resale value.
According to SBI Motor Japan, the reliability of Toyota vehicles is due to two primary reasons. The first is total quality management (TQM), which means all cars are monitored at all stages of production to meet high-quality standards. The second is the brand’s high build quality.
Chevrolet
2023 Chevy Colorado Z71 | Chevrolet
Chevrolet also has two appearances on the J.D. Power list. The Chevrolet Silverado HD is the most dependable large heavy-duty pickup, and the Chevrolet Colorado is the second-most dependable midsize pickup truck.
Chevrolet builds some very decent pickups, but its appearance in the list of most dependable trucks is quite surprising because the automaker is known for being less than reliable. Chevrolet pickup truck owners deal with various issues throughout a car’s lifetime. Some of the problems include the following:
- Fuel sensor issues
- Loose brake pedals
- Severe transmission vibrations
- Ticking sounds from wheels
- Electrical issues
The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD has already received seven recalls and earned a low reliability rating from Consumer Reports. Many users reported issues with its brakes, power equipment, and in-car electronics.
GMC
Related
The GMC Sierra took the top spot as the most dependable large light-duty pickup. Despite the brand’s strong reputation for its rugged driving qualities, Consumer Reports ranked it the brand poorly due to reliability concerns. Many GMC trucks share the same reliability issues as Chevrolet trucks. Seeing it in J.D. Power’s list of the most dependable cars is just as surprising as seeing Chevy.
J.D. Power uses a different set of criteria
The 2023 release of J.D. Power VDS highlighted three brands in the most dependable trucks segment: Toyota, Chevrolet, and GMC. The inclusion of Toyota on the list isn’t surprising, as the brand name is synonymous with reliability. However, Chevrolet and GMC have a reputation for being less than reliable and share the same reliability issues, so their appearance on the list is quite surprising.
Nonetheless, J.D. Power is a global leader in consumer insights. Its ranking is based on different criteria, so it is still a valuable resource to help consumers make informed decisions.
Keyword: J.D. Power’s Most Dependable Trucks for 2023 Could Surprise You