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Shopping cars within 250 mi of your nearest EchoPark.
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Published May 31, 2022
Which pickup is best for you?
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The top three best-selling vehicles in the U.S. for 2021 pickup trucks - the Chevrolet Silverado, Ram and Ford F-Series at No. 1. Drivers love trucks, especially those best-selling full-size haulers, for their versatility. Ranging from rough-and-tumble workhorses to luxury chariots, the trucks on our most reliable list can impress clients with plush interiors and the latest tech features, get dirty at a construction site or take the whole family on new adventures, towing a boat or camper or going off-road. With all that brawn and sometimes beauty, pickups can come with a hefty price tag, so it’s a good idea to look at used trucks. And when buying used, you’ll want a truck with a reputation for reliability, so it will last through all those tough jobs and road trips for years to come.
So, what do we mean by reliability? Simply put, a reliable truck won’t break down often. A reliable pickup will get you from A to B without any issues, and on the rare occasion it does need repairs, you won’t have to spend a fortune. We use the following to measure reliability:
Reliability rating: 4/5
Approximate used price: $30,567-$73,720
The 2020 Ford F-150 is available in seven trims, three body styles (Regular, Extended and Crew Cab) and three bed lengths. There are also five engine options for 2020 models, so there’s sure to be a configuration to suit what you want to do with your Ford pickup. In 2021, Ford added a hybrid to the lineup. In addition to the choice of customizations, the F-150 gets great fuel economy for a full-size pickup truck. It also gives a smooth ride with responsive steering. Looking for a workhorse? The F-150 can tow 7,400-13,200 pounds and carry a max payload of between 1,990 and 3,270 pounds, depending on configuration. “That's by far the highest payload capacity of any light-duty full-size pickup truck,” according to U.S. News and World Report.
Reliability rating: 4/5
Approximate used price: $24,083-$44,645
Highlights for the 2020 GMC Canyon include capable engine options and one of the highest towing capacities in the compact pickup truck segment - up to 7,700 pounds when properly equipped. The Canyon drives more like a SUV, offering a gentle ride and composed handling around turns. Love to play in the dirt? Try the All Terrain model, which can off-road with gear like four-wheel drive, tow hooks, hill descent control and a locking rear differential. Fuel economy is decent, especially with the turbodiesel with rear-wheel drive, at 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.
Reliability rating: 4/5
Approximate used price: $24,401-$45,860
While not the most upscale truck on our list, the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado has three capable powertrains and the highest towing capacity in its class, like its twin, the GMC Canyon, at up to 7,700 pounds. Like the Canyon, the Colorado also has good fuel economy with its turbodiesel, rear-wheel drive option at 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. With both cab styles, the Colorado is available with a bed that measures 6 feet, 2 inches long, which is one of the longest beds of any compact pickup truck (and also the same as the GMC Canyon). A 5-foot-2-inch bed is available with Crew Cab models.
Reliability rating: 5/5
Approximate used price: $37,135-$44,286
If you’re looking for both truck utility and the comfort of a sedan, the Honda Ridgeline is a great choice. U.S. News and World Report’s highest-rated compact truck, the Ridgeline has an upscale, roomy and comfortable cabin and cushioned ride, although it won’t haul or tow as much as competitors like the Toyota Tacoma. But let’s talk truck beds. Although the Ridgeline’s is shorter than most rivals, it boasts a household-style power outlet, an audio system, a 7.3-cubic-foot storage trunk below the bed floor that features a built-in drain plug, and a dual-action tailgate, which can be lowered like a traditional tailgate or swung open to the side.
Reliability rating: 4/5
Approximate used price: $30,553-$51,320
Lovingly called the Taco by Toyota fans, this tough-as-nails compact pickup truck comes loaded with standard features, has an easy-to-use infotainment system and is a fantastic off-roader. The 2020 Tacoma is a little rough around the edges, with a stiff ride and what Consumer Reports describes as “ponderous” handling. But go ahead, find the toughest trailhead - the Tacoma will get you there with ease. The TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims feature unique suspension tuning and off-road-oriented shock absorbers, a locking rear differential and skid plates for taking the roads less traveled.
Reliability rating: 5/5
Approximate used price: $38,758-$60,253
Besides its stellar reliability, the Toyota Tundra has a powerful V8 engine and roomy seating, and the 2020 Tundra received an infotainment system upgrade for compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. When properly equipped, a used Tundra can tow between 8,800 and 10,200 pounds, a low total for the class. Fuel economy is another con - an EPA-rated 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. Off-road chops are respectable, with the TRD Pro trim that provides 10.6 inches of ground clearance, heavy-duty shock absorbers, skid plates and all-terrain tires. The Tundra was redesigned for 2022, and reviews of the 2019-2021 models call the interior dated and in need of a refresh.
Reliability rating: 3/5
Approximate used price: $34,595-$60,282
Rugged utility AND refinement? Yes, you can have it all with the Ram 1500. This full-size pickup truck tops best-of lists for many reasons. It gives a composed ride with good handling, but is also a capable hauler and off-roader. Its best-in-class interior is “dressed to the nines,” even on lower trims, according to U.S. News and World Report. Fuel economy for the Ram is above average, and the 2020 Ram 1500 can tow 7,710 to 12,750 pounds, depending on configuration. That’s a lot of boat or camper. If you’re looking for a workhorse, the base model Tradesman is a good pick, for its roster of convenience features. Upgrade to the Laramie trim if leather upholstery, heated seats and Apple CarPlay are necessities.
Reliability rating: 5/5
Approximate used price: $29,701-$41,071
Featuring a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 270 horsepower, the Ford Ranger has potent engine power and is a leader for towing and hauling in the small truck class. U.S. News and World Report recommends the Super Cab model with rear-wheel drive for the most utility. Reintroduced after a long hiatus in 2019, the Ranger has roomy front seats, but its interior looks dated. Ford added the Tremor Off-Road package for the 2021 Ranger, which includes a lifted suspension with special off-road shocks and springs, 32-inch all-terrain tires and other assorted interior and exterior trim features.
Reliability rating: 1/5
Approximate used price: $33,996 to $62,556
The Chevrolet Silverado has poor reliability scores for model years 2019-2021, according to Consumer Reports. However, brand loyalty is big when it comes to trucks, and the Silverado was the No. 3 best-selling vehicle in the country for 2021, with 519,774 units sold. Engine options range from a potent V6 and a turbocharged four-cylinder to a pair of brawny V8s and a straight-six turbodiesel. The turbodiesel with rear-wheel drive gets the best fuel economy, at 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The Silverado is a smooth ride and manuevers well for a vehicle of its size. It has a spacious cabin, although it’s a bit “cheap” looking, according to U.S. News and World Report.
Reliability rating: 1/5
Approximate used price: $32,226-$61,135
Essentially a Chevrolet Silverado, the GMC Sierra also has poor reliability ratings but ranks well for owner satisfaction and among car critics. The Sierra and Silverado share the same engines, transmissions, bed and body styles and tech and safety features. According to U.S. News and World Report, the Silverado has the better towing capacity, besting the Sierra’s 6,600 to 12,100 pounds, and used Silverados often tend to be less expensive. While not upscale, the Sierra’s cabin is spacious and comfortable. Good fuel economy makes the Sierra stand out in the full-size truck segment.
Ready to hit the road in a used truck? Start browsing for a reliable pickup from EchoPark today.