Pickup trucks have always been the No.1 segment in North America, so it’s no wonder that the offer of these vehicles is pretty big these days. Of course, there are different classes but all models go in the same direction, to provide excellent capabilities, but also to offer a high level of comfort and driving experience. Therefore, we’ve picked some of the 2021 Pickup Trucks that could be an excellent choice for anybody who wants to get a good pickup truck.
The upcoming list includes models from all segments, so keep that in mind when picking a model for you.
2021 Pickup Trucks: Best Mid-Size Pickup Trucks
Toyota Tacoma
The Tacoma rules the segment of small pickup trucks and that’s for a reason. Simply, it is a quintessential pickup truck, which offers pretty much everything a typical trucker needs. It is a great hauler and also offers a decent towing capacity. Also, all models feature strong off-road performances, while the TRD Pro version is particularly amazing. Finally, it is the most reliable pickup truck in the segment. More than enough to take its place on our list of best 2021 Pickup Trucks.
Given the last-year update, we don’t expect too many changes for 2021 Tacoma. The overall layout will certainly remain the same, but there is a new Trail version to come. This will be a limited edition of the truck, based on the SR5 trim, which several upgrades, mostly in terms of aesthetics. You may count on a different grille, wheels, black badging etc.
Bigger changes in price are not expected, so the base 2021 Tacoma should go around 27.500 dollars.
Honda Ridgeline
Compared to other trucks in the segment, the Ridgeline is a completely different story. This truck rides on a unibody platform and it’s rather focused on things like comfort and driving experience. The ride quality is far superior compared to other models but that goes at a fairly big price. As we are talking about a crossover-based pickup, the max towing capacity is notably lower compared to traditional BoF pickup trucks. Still, of hauling and towing aren’t your main concern but you still want this kind of a body style, search no more.
For the next year, the Ridgeline probably won’t feature any bigger changes. Although the company is still quiet about this model, we are pretty sure that the current model will remain in the same form for a couple more years. Still, that doesn’t mean there’s no chance to see a couple of additions in terms of standard equipment. Under the hood, the 2021 Ridgeline will carry on with a well-known 3.5-liter V6. The base model should go around 34.000 dollars.
Jeep Gladiator
The Wrangler-based pickup truck arrived recently after years of waiting. As a pretty fresh model, we have no doubt that the second production year won’t bring any particular novelty. You may count on the same design, but there is one big novelty on the way. Of course, we are talking about a diesel version, which will come with a familiar 3.0-liter turbodiesel, which puts out around 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. At this point, details about towing capacity and fuel economy are still unavailable.
You may count on a pickup truck that looks fantastic but also offers pretty impressive working capabilities. If features some of the highest towing ratings in the class. At the same time, it features one of the most spacious cabins in the segment, so we can say we are talking about a pretty versatile vehicle, definitely among the best 2021 Pickup Trucks. We also like the infotainment system, which is one of the best in business. Base models will go around 36.000 dollars.
Chevy Colorado
Another strong player in the segment, actually the second best-selling mid-size pickup truck and that’s for a good reason. Despite it’s one of the oldest models in the class, it still features lots of impressive characteristics, starting from the capable turbodiesel option, which features the highest towing ratings in the class. Also, the price is affordable and all kinds of configurations are available.
For the 2021 model year, Colorado comes with big changes. It’s received a facelift, which brings the new front bumper and grille, more appealing than before. Most of these visual changes will come to the ZR2 model, which will also come with a new Sand Dune metallic paint color.
We expect to see the new version later in the year, while the exact pricing is yet to come. Still, we presume that base models will go around 26.000 dollars.
Ford Ranger
The well-known pickup truck returned to the U.S. market last year. Expectations were pretty big but the new model is essentially the same truck as the one for the Australian market. It doesn’t feel as new as you would expect. That’s normal, considering that this is actually a decade-old vehicle. Still, it has a couple of strong points, starting from a new turbo-four engine, strong towing capacity and decent off-road performances.
The company is still quiet about the changes for the next year. Some sources suggest a possible arrival of the Raptor-badged off-roader, but that isn’t official at the moment. This version would come with some serious chassis and suspension upgrades and maybe with a new engine as well. Of course, we would see recognizable styling details as well, mostly borrowed from the full-size F-150 Raptor. Other than this version, the next-year Ford Ranger probably won’t feature more important changes. All models will come equipped with a 2.3-liter turbo-four, which puts our around 270 horsepower and comes in pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The max towing capacity goes around 7.500 pounds.
When it comes to the price, base versions should go around 25.000 dollars.
2021 Pickup Trucks: Best Full-Size Pickup Trucks
Ford F-150
This is the most anticipated model in North America for the next year. The best-selling pickup truck in the world is coming completely redesigned and we count on all kinds of novelties and improvements. From what we know so far, changes will mostly be evolutionary. We are about to see quite subtle changes in terms of the styling, as the focus will be put on things under the skin. This particularly refers to the powertrain department.
Besides familiar gasoline and diesel engines, the new F-150 will also come in a hybrid version. The new system will be based on a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, so we have no doubt that there will be plenty of power. The numbers are still unavailable, but the Blue Oval company claims a range of 700 miles with one tank.
Another aspect that should bring improvements is the interior design. The current cabin looks good but if we consider that Ram 1500’s new, very luxurious cabin, it’s obvious that Ford will have to do something with the dashboard. We count on finer materials, more attractive aesthetics and more tech goodies in the offer.
The new 2021 Ford F-150 will hit showrooms late in the year, with the base price around 31.000 dollars.
Ram 1500
The current generation of Ram’s half-ton pickup arrived a while ago and it completely changed the game. It came with a completely new level of comfort, with a cabin that looks luxurious and features SUV-like aesthetics. Sound insulation is also pretty impressive, while the key feature is probably spring coil suspensions, which provide class-leading comfort while keeping towing and hauling capabilities at an impressive level as well.
Although we are talking about a pretty fresh model, there is a pretty long list of novelties that come with the 2021 Ram 1500. The most interesting one is definitely the addition of the TRX version, which comes with a monstrous 6.2-liter Supercharged V8 engine that puts out around 702 horsepower. This is an off-road version, so there are also numerous chassis and suspension upgrades.
The list of novelties also includes a couple of additions to the list of available features, starting from things like a head-up display and Trailer Reverse Steering Control. The new Ram 1500 starts around 32.000 dollars.
Chevy Silverado 1500
The current generation of Chevy’s light-duty pickup truck came about the same time as the Ram 1500, so we can say it is still a pretty fresh model. The new generation has brought a lot of improvements, so some of the versions are now even more capable compared to the same versions of class-rivals. The new model is capable but many drivers don’t like the fact that the cabin has remained the same as in the previous-generation model. It doesn’t look bad, but rivals look more opulent. Still, this is certainly one of the best 2021 Pickup Trucks.
There were some reports suggesting a new cabin design for the 2021 Pickup Trucks, but that won’t happen. Most likely, we will have to wait for another year or two to see a new dashboard, which will probably take a lot of inspiration from the new Chevy Tahoe/Suburban. Meanwhile, the base design will remain the same.
Still, that doesn’t mean there are no novelties for the 2021 Pickup Trucks. GM has prepared three new editions. The first one is called Texas Edition Plus, which besides more standard features also comes with exclusive styling details like wheels, badges etc. The next one is called All-Star Edition Plus, which also comes with an exclusive list of standard features, as well as with a couple of unique styling details. The same story is with the LTZ Premium Texas Edition.
Toyota Tundra
Despite that the current-generation Tundra feels outdated in many aspects, it is still a great enough to be on our list of best 2021 Pickup Trucks. Simply, one of the most important things for every truck driver is reliability and in this aspect, Tundra dominates the segment. Also, it is a great truck in terms of interior space, which easily accommodates adults in both rows, no matter the cab style you pick. Finally, another strong point of this model is a powerful V8 engine, which is standard across the whole range.
Still, there is a good reason to wait for another year before you buy a Tundra. The redesign is on the way and a completely new model will arrive in the next year, as the 2022 model. It will come with significant improvements, including a completely new powertrain, which will feature a mighty hybrid setup with 450 horsepower. The new Tundra should be efficient and capable at the same time.
2021 Pickup Trucks: Best Heavy Duty Pickup Trucks
Ram 2500
When it comes to HD pickup trucks, the choice is a little bit easier, but there are still a few pretty amazing models in the offer. The first one that comes to mind is Ram 2500. It is probably the best 3/4-ton truck around because it’s not just capable, which is the case with all HD trucks, but also delivers an impressive level of comfort. This is particularly noticeable if you get an optional self-leveling air suspension, an exclusive feature for this class of pickup features.
For the next year, the 2021 Ram 2500 won’t feature too many changes. It will carry on with the same layout, which includes two familiar engine options. Base models are equipped with a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 gasoline unit, while a well-known 6.7-liter turbodiesel from Cummins is also available and provides pretty impressive towing ratings, which go up to nearly 20.000 pounds. The max payload capacity is also impressive and goes over 4.000 pounds.
The base price will go around 34.000 dollars.
Ford F-250
The F-250 is a rational choice, even though rivals are notably younger. Simply, this model offers a good balance between working capabilities and convenience. Moreover, it offers an impressive amount of configuration options, which include typical bare-bone work trucks, mid-level options and pretty luxurious versions. Also, we like the recently added 7.3-liter engine, which is quite torquey for a gasoline engine.
For the next year, the Blue Oval company will introduce subtle but quite nice novelties. For example, there are new color options – Antimatter Blue, Carbonized Gray, and Lithium Gray colors. Also, base models with the dual-rear-wheel axle now come with an upgraded XL Power Equipment package which adds trailer-tow mirrors with heated glass and manually adjustable folding-and-telescoping functions. Also, a bed step is now available across the whole range.
Base models go around 34.500 dollars.
Chevy Silverado 2500
Although introduced just a year ago, Chevy Silverado 2500 will come with a couple of updates for the second production year. First of all, there are few exterior tweaks, particularly in terms of new color options. You can now get this truck in Mosaic Black Metallic and Cherry Road Tint Coat finishes. On the inside, there is a new design of front bench seats, as well as additional USB ports and a couple more tech goodies.
Still, the overall layout remains the same. We are talking about a pretty fresh model, which arrived just a year ago. It is one of the most capable pickup trucks in the class, which comes available with two quite capable engines. There is a new 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine that puts out around 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. On the other side, the well-known turbodiesel remains unchanged and puts out around 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque. While the gasoline engine comes in pair with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the diesel uses a more advanced 10-speed unit.
Base models should go around 34.500 dollars.