What are the three best trucks of 2023? While a subjective question, if you trust some experts, you’ll find comprehensive lists that help you choose.
Full-size pickup trucks are some of the most popular vehicles in America. While the popularity shows that we’re unconcerned about fuel mileage, trucks offer the versatility, passenger space, and capability not found in other vehicles. Whether you want to take your truck out on the trails for some fun or simply want to pull a boat or trailer to your favorite destinations, a truck can get the job done.
These are the three best trucks of 2023, according to MotorTrend.
Toyota Tundra
Toyota made the commitment to build more efficient powertrains and include them in their full-size vehicles. This began with the Tundra, which comes equipped with a new i-Force V6 engine or an i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain. Both of these engines use a 10-speed automatic transmission and provide more power than the previous V8 offered. This new Tundra is an excellent choice when searching for a great balance between efficiency, power, and capability.
Pros
- Optional hybrid powertrain
- Many modern tech features
- Improved road manner
Cons
- No available V-8 engine
- Grille is extremely large
- Towing and payload falls behind competition
The regular turbocharged i-Force engine is a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that returns 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Moving up to the i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain, you receive a hybrid motor with the output of 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. Fuel mileage reaches 17/22 mpg for the regular engine and 18/24 mpg for the hybrid model.
The max towing capacity for the 2023 Toyota Tundra is 12,000 pounds, which is less than most full-size trucks but still adequate for most truck owners.
Ford F-150
Most people aren’t surprised to learn that the Ford F-150 is one of the best trucks of 2023. This pickup has been the best-selling vehicle in America for many years, and it’s been trusted for many activities. The F-150 received its recent upgrades for the 2021 model year, as it was improved to continue to be one of the best trucks for work, play, towing, and hauling. The 2023 model continues to be a sales king, but a new Raptor R model gives this truck some serious power at 700 horsepower from a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine.
Pros
- Gas, hybrid and all-electric powertrain options
- Useful, well-executed interior qualities
- Supercharged Raptor R model
Cons
- Same-as-ever exterior design
- Not the most luxurious truck
- Hybrid model has sensitive braking
The Ford F-150 lineup continues to provide several excellent powertrain options, from the base 3.3-liter V6 that offers 290 horsepower and 265 lb-ft on up to the 700-horsepower Raptor R model. This truck also features the venerable 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine that returns 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, but it also comes in the PowerBoost Hybrid model and Lightning fully-electric version, making it easy to find a Ford F-150 to meet your needs.
The max towing capacity is 14,000 pounds, making the F-150 one of the most capable trucks in the market.
Ram 1500
MotorTrend lists the Ram 1500 as the best of the pickup trucks for 2023. The Ram has all of the qualities required to make it a great truck with its comfortable cabin, impressive powertrains, and upscale tech features. The Ram 1500 is the most powerful truck in this class, with the TRX model that comes with the Hellcat 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 engine that delivers 702 horsepower. For 2023, the Ram still comes with an efficient diesel engine that returns 30 mpg on the highway, making it useful in any situation.
Pros
- Extensive luxury and tech features
- Impressive ride and handling
- Supercharged TRX powertrain
Cons
- Fuel economy is lacking in all powertrains except the diesel model
- Towing and payload fall short of some competitors
- Expensive options
The max towing capacity of the Ram 1500 is 12,750 pounds, and the most popular choice is a version with the 5.7-liter Hem V8 engine that returns 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. The Ram 1500 can be had with a cabin filled with impressive tech features, including a 12.0-inch fully digital instrument cluster. When you move up to the Limited Elite Edition, you’ll find one of the most luxurious trucks in the market.
Will you choose one of the three best trucks of 2023 to be the pickup that takes you where you need to go, hauls your trailer, and provides the off-road fun you’re looking for?
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