There's no vehicle more American than the pickup truck. And while they're still at home hauling cargo and tackling terrain, modern rigs have come a long way from their workhorse roots.
But there are times, and reasons, that a brand new truck just won't do it for you. And with that, we present our favorite modern and used trucks on the market today.
2016 Ford F-150
You can't have discus pickups without including the Ford F-150, as it's an icon of rugged reliability. Base models are among the most affordable in its class, and with six different engine options, there's a perfect fit for every buyer. Right now, Ford's Raptor owns the hardcore off-roading segment, and the range-topping King Ranch edition provides all the extravagant touches you could ask for. Aluminum construction has made today's F-150 lighter and more fuel efficient, and properly equipped F-150s can haul up to 3,300 pounds, and tow up to 13,200.
For a used Ford F-150, you can't go wrong with the 2014 model year. You'll find a few different engine options, including an EcoBoost V6 engine. Consumer Reports gives the 2014 Ford F-150 three out of five for reliability ratings, outperforming earlier model year editions of this popular pickup.
2016 is when the Ford F-150 really begins to shine with modern tech and cabin features; from the SYNC 3 system to Pro Trailer Backup Assist, you'll find all these in more in Ford F-150 from 2016 and 2017. And moving on up into the 2018 model year, you'll get a Wi-Fi hotspot.
2014 Chevrolet Silverado
For generations, the F-150's arch rival has been the Chevrolet Silverado, it's the automotive version of the legendary Hatfield-McCoy feud, and it's caused both companies to create better and better trucks. Notably, the Silverado was completely redesigned for 2019, and is now available with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. At 310 horsepower, it's more powerful than the base V6, but buyers looking for the best hauling and towing specs will want to opt for one of the available V8 engines, which are rated to haul almost 3000 pounds and tow over 12,000.
If you're on the hunt for a used Silverado, check out the Silverado Vortec Max introduced in 2006. This high-performance Silverado wows fans and fanatics alike, with a V8 engine under the hood. With that, it outclassed every Silverado that came before it. Before the 2006 Silverado Vortec Max came onto the scene, the Silverado was barely a blip in your average truck enthusiast's eyes.
Thinking of something slightly more modern? Your 2014 Chevrolet Silverado brought the High Country trim package along with it for the model year, and solidified its standing in the luxury truck market. With modern amenities like the touchscreen and heated and cooled leather seating, you won't have to sacrifice style to save a few bucks.
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2018 RAM 1500
Of course, each member of America's Big Three offers a pickup, and the RAM 1500 is also all-new for 2019. And while it doesn't offer the bevy of engine choices as its domestic competition, both the 305-horsepower V6 and the 395-horsepower V8 provide plenty of motivation for Ma Mopar's rig. Along with fantastic ride quality, an excellent infotainment system, and a class-leading interior quality, the RAM can also walk the walk. Check the right boxes on the options list, and a shiny-new RAM will handle a payload of 2,300 pounds and tow 12,750.
When you're talking about a used American truck that's going to get truly put to the test like any RAM 1500 should, the 2018 model year offers a high customer satisfaction rating over time. The 2018 RAM 1500 offers three cab styles and up to 395 horsepower engine, with 20 city MPG and 27 highway MPG. Overall, the 2018 RAM 1500 has an above-average reliability rating, straightforward infotainment features, including standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
2020 Toyota Tacoma
Now, for many years, America manufactures largely had the truck segment to themselves. But the Toyota Tacoma has found a niche in the small truck market, and been embraced for both its bullet-proof reliability and high resale value. While a 159-horsepower four-cylinder is available, we think most buyers will be better off opting for the 278-horsepower V6 model, and the TRD trims offer beefed up suspension bits that'll make short work of even the toughest trails. While not the stoutest truck here, the Tacoma can be configured to haul 1,620 pounds and tow 6,800.
If that's the case, a compact SUV like a Ford Escape would fit the bill. People with multiple children often gravitate to midsize, three-row CUVs like the Honda Pilot with seating for up to eight. Not only are three-row CUVs great for accommodating children who want to bring their friends along, but placing kids in different rows lessens the likelihood of hearing a brat screaming, "Mom, he hit me!"
For a little bit of that old school feeling, you could consider a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. The second-generation model of the Toyota Tacoma lasted until 2015, and offers a high reliability rating on model years ranging during that time. You might sacrifice some modern comforts, but the price and longevity of this era of the Toyota Tacoma might be worth the hunt.
But the current generation is nothing to sneeze at, either: and the newer, the better. Consider a 2020 or a 2019, which includes many modern features from infotainment to interior comforts. With more on the lots to test drive, you'll probably find a better priced model in this generation than some of the more sought-after models from the second generation.
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2019 GMC Sierra
Rounding out of our look at America's five best selling trucks is the GMC Sierra, the corporate cousin to Chevy's Silverado. Since it rides on the same architecture, it shares all the benefits of the all-new platform for the 2019 model year, and offers similar performance. Where the Sierra distinguishes itself from the Silverado is inside the cabin, where even the base models feature materials are a few notches above its counterpart. That makes it a great choice for luxury-focused buyers who also need all the towing and hauling capabilities of a full-size truck.
Coincidentally, the 2019 GMC Sierra is considered by the automotive press to be the favorite model year to buy used for the GMC Sierra. Because of the modernization of many of its cabin features, fans are flocking to the 2019 to save a little on the MSRP and still retain modern infotainment and safety features. It even outshines the Ford F-150 in many cases, including overall reliability.
To test drive one of these versatile workhorses, check out our inventory of used American trucks near you here at AutoNation USA.
Contributed by - AutoNation USA Staff
