Alexandra Ramirez
With so many trucks on the market offering the latest upscale features and customization packages, determining which one will be the best for you can be a daunting task. Despite this fact, the number-one thing to keep in mind when considering a vehicle is how it will cater to your lifestyle and needs.
Below, we’ve rounded up the best trucks to buy in 2018 to help you make a more well-informed and confident decision on your next mode of transportation. These are the best trucks to buy in 2018 (note that all are 2018 models):
Ford F-150
Anything from the Ford series will have a respected reputation. They aren’t called “America’s Pickup Truck” for nothing. In fact, the Ford F-Series trucks have been the best-selling vehicle in the US since 1986 and the best-selling pickup truck since 1977 – what’s more, it’s been named by Motor Trend as “Truck of the Year.”
The 2018 Ford F-150 is a full-size truck crafted with bed and body panels made of aluminum, a material significantly lighter than steel, which allows for better fuel economy but never sacrifices the vehicle’s strength. It’s powered by the Ford 5.0L V8 engine that optimizes 295 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. Plus, the Ford F-150 offers the option of choosing features to enhance your vehicle, such as their smart towing features and technology that automatically detects when the truck and a trailer are unaligned and stabilize the truck when it treads on any unstable ground.
Towing capacity: 5,000 – 8,000 lbs.
Overall US News score: 8.9/10
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 earned itself multiple recognitions from the J.D. Dependability Awards. In the words of Chevy, “this truck was made by truck people for truck people.” The truck is comprised of a lineup of small block engines that act as the foundation for the main engine system, each with fuel-conscious technology that promises both efficient performance and reliability with 285 to 355 horsepower and 305 to 383 lb.-ft. torque.
A fun feature of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is that it can include built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi, which will give you access to the internet on up to seven devices while you’re on the road. Last but not least, if you tend to travel down steep hills, the truck includes a feature called “Hill Start Assist” which enables you to switch between the brake and accelerator without the risk of rolling backward. In regards to towing extra weight, the truck is also equipped with an automatic system that utilized both the truck and trailer brakes when it detects the trailer is misaligned behind the truck.
Towing capacity: 5,500 – 9,400
Overall US News score: 8.8/10
Toyota Tacoma
The best-selling features of this midsize compact truck are its adaptive cruise control and sensitive braking system that helps prevent collisions when you are unlikely to press the brake in time. Subsequently, its twin-turbo engines promise both superior performance and efficient fuel economy. You’re also given the option to install the off-roading CRAWL control feature, an advanced system that adapts to the surrounding environment by influencing the throttle’s five-low speed settings to help you focus on navigating across rough and jagged terrains. But take it easy since it has up to 278 horsepower and 180 to 265 lb.-ft. torque!
Towing capacity: 3,500 – 6,800 lbs.
Overall US News score: 8.6/10
GMC Sierra 1500
If you need a basic light-duty truck that’s able to take you to and fro destinations on the road and the dirt, but still carry a decent amount of cargo and tow load, the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 is a prime choice. Its 6-2L V8 engine is the most supreme in its class, and a solid foundation for the vehicle’s 305 to 460 lb.-ft. torque and 420 horsepower. In addition, you may find yourself more inclined to travel off-road since the truck can be upgraded with an All-Terrain X Package which features all-terrain tires and hill descent control for those unpredictable landscapes. The interior also feels like a comfortable cabin since it’s equipped with heated and ventilated leather seating to keep you comfortable at the wheel no matter the weather.
Towing capacity: 5,500 – 9,300 lbs.
Overall US News score: 8.4/10
Nissan Titan XD
The Nissan Titan XD is deserving of its powerful name: the execution of the engine is excellent, with a 310 to 390 horsepower and 394 to 555 lb.-ft. torque. This behemoth of a vehicle is a heavy-duty truck esteemed for its braking performance since its Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) reduces engine power and implements brake pressure to the wheels when the car is detected to be either oversteering or understeering. Subsequently, the vehicle can be operated by a diesel engine, if you didn’t want to go down the gasoline route.
Towing capacity: 9,230 – 9,740 lbs.
Overall US News score: 7.9/10
