Everyone wants a powerful pickup truck. But in reality, we rarely use our trucks’ full hauling and towing capacity. Aside from power, trucks have many other properties to look out for. Reliability, off-road capacity, ride quality, and cabin size are vital for a good truck. If you’re looking for a modern truck that checks all the right boxes. Consider one of the top 10 pickup trucks of 2023.
Top 10 Pickup Trucks of 2023
Nowadays, buyers want a modern pickup that performs like a regular sedan or SUV. They expect their trucks to transport the family comfortably and still haul exceptional payloads when needed. So, we reviewed the top 10 pickup trucks of 2023 to help you choose from. Most of them are still top performers today. Let’s check them out together.
1. 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty
Ford has redesigned its heavy-duty truck for 2023, incorporating an impressive range of technology and a new interior. The Super Duty comes with four engine options this year. The first engine is a 6.8-liter V8 that can generate 405 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. Another option is a 7.3-liter V8 engine generating 430 horsepower and 485 pound-feet of torque.
The standard-output Power Stroke 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8, equipped with upgraded fuel injectors and a higher cooling capacity for the cylinder heads, produces a remarkable 1,050 pound-feet of torque. Lastly, a new, high-output Power Stroke 6.7-liter generates 500 horsepower and 1,200 pound-feet of torque. All engine options rely on Ford’s TorqShift ten-speed automatic transmission and a standard 4WD system.
When it comes to performance, the 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 is capable of hauling up to 3,943 pounds and towing 24,000 pounds. The truck is also equipped with Ford’s 2.0-kilowatt auxiliary Pro Power Onboard, providing outlets for power tools and accessories in the cargo bed and cabin. The Super Duty offers several new driver assist and safety features, including the Co-Pilot 360-Degree Trailer Camera System, which eliminates blind spots and makes close-quarter maneuvers easier. The 2023 Ford Super Duty ranges between $45,965 and $98,090, depending on the trim and options.
2. 2023 Ram 1500 TRX
The Ram 1500 TRX ranks among the top 10 pickup trucks of 2023. It comes with a supercharged and intercooled 6.2-liter Hemi V8 Hellcat engine with an iron block, aluminum heads, and port fuel injection. The engine generates up to 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, and it powers the 4WD system via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from zero to 60 mph takes 3.7 seconds, and can reach the quarter mile in 12.3 seconds at 110 mph.
The TRX’s off-road capabilities rely on a robust suspension built with a reinforced steel frame with over 13 inches of travel. Even the most challenging obstacles are handled by Bilstein remote-reservoir shock absorbers and electronic-locking rear differential, while massive 15-inch front brakes provide the braking power. The TRX achieves a ground clearance of 11.8 inches and can get through water 32 inches deep thanks to its gigantic 35-inch all-terrain tires mounted on 18-inch wheels.
This Ram trim can tow 8,100 pounds and haul up to 1,310 pounds. It gets a gas mileage of 10 MPG in the city and 14 on the highway. Its luxurious and comfortable interior has high-quality materials and enough insulation to filter out most outside noise. The 12-inch infotainment touchscreen provides access to numerous tech features. A brand new 2023 Ram 1500 TRX costs around $87,090.
3. 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor
Ford’s 2023 Raptor R is one of the most powerful off-road trucks on the market. It runs on a supercharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve 5.2-liter V8 engine from the Mustang Shelby GT500, which boasts an aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection, and can generate 700 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque. The Raptor R can go from zero to 60 mph in about 3.6 seconds and cover a quarter mile in 12 seconds at 112 mph.
The Raptor R’s advanced suspension system, with large internal bypass dampers and a five-link rear coil-spring setup, makes it an unbeatable off-road vehicle that can handle challenging terrains seamlessly. The suspension system also provides exceptional traction and ride quality.
The Raptor R’s maximum payload rating is 1,400 pounds, with a maximum towing capacity of 8,200 pounds. The 2023 Ford Raptor and Raptor R cost $76,775 and $107,359 respectively. The base Raptor drives on a twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that can produce up to 450 horsepower. Both engines come with a paddle-shifted ten-speed automatic transmission. Buyers can choose between AWD and 4WD systems.
The base Raptor has a gas mileage of 15 MPG for city driving and 18 on the highway. Meanwhile, the Raptor R has larger 37-inch tires that lower its gas mileage to 14 MPG for city driving and 16 for highway driving.
4. 2023 Honda Ridgeline
The Ridgeline is another truck on our list built with a unibody structure. Despite its off-road ability, this mid-size truck delivers a comfortable, refined ride in the city like a typical SUV. Under the hood, the 2023 model has a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates a respectable 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission, sending power to its torque-vectoring AWD system. The setup facilitates its impressive acceleration from zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds.
With a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, the truck has a max payload of 1,600. Many drivers praise the roomy interior, which features lots of modern-day tech. You get an easy-to-use 8.0-inch infotainment screen on the dash and lots of cool driver-assistance tech.
This truck features a dual-action tailgate hinged at the bottom and the side. You can open it by dropping it down or swinging it like a door. This makes climbing into the bed or loading up the cargo bed easier than other trucks. Also, it is fitted with a plug in the bottom for easy cleaning or use as an onboard cooler (filled with ice). Depending on your preferred trim, you can get a new 2023 Honda Ridgeline for between $40,195 and $47,625.
5. 2023 Jeep Gladiator
The Gladiator is among the top 10 pickup trucks of 2023, thanks to its dependability and off-road ability. For 2023, the series features a five-seater crew cab configured with a 5-foot cargo bed. You get a standard off-road-enabled 4WD configuration across all trims. The top and doors are detachable on all models, as with the Wrangler.
The base powertrain is a 3.6-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 gasoline engine featuring an aluminum block and heads with port fuel injection. This engine delivers 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.
You can opt for the diesel-powered turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V6 engine for better fuel economy. This trim features an iron block, aluminum heads, and direct fuel injection to deliver up to 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. You can choose your preferred engine for other trims, but the Mojave trim can only come with the diesel engine. Both engines pair with the same standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional 8-speed automatic.
Additionally, Jeep equipped the Gladiator to deliver outstanding off-road performance. These features include the maximum traction from the 4×4 system, special water sealing to facilitate going through water bodies up to a depth of 31.5 inches, precision steering, optimized wheelbases for navigating challenging spots off-road, a high level of articulation, with 11.1 inches of ground clearance (Rubicon) for tackling obstacles.
The 2023 Jeep Gladiator ranges from $41,515 to $56,855, depending on the trim.
6. 2023 Toyota Tacoma
Toyota’s Tacoma delivers impressive off-road capability for a midsized pickup. The exterior is rugged, with a double cab and a 5-foot bed. The TRD Off-Road trim comes with a tuned suspension. You also get leather upholstery and additional off-road features in some trims. The 2023 Tacoma has reasonable ground clearance, gearing, and traction to tackle serious terrain, with precise brakes and responsive throttle for low-range crawling situations.
The base trims run on a naturally aspirated 2.7-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, producing 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine amasses 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. Both engines rely on a six-speed automatic transmission. However, a six-speed manual transmission is optional for the V6 engine.
The four-cylinder engine accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 10 seconds, while the V6 does it in 7.7 seconds. The Tacoma 4WD V6 can tow up to 6,800 pounds with an EPA-estimated combined gas mileage of 20 MPG. All trims have a max payload rating of 1,685 pounds, and the RWD V6 tows 6,500 pounds max.
Optional features include a power-adjustable driver’s seat, an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, a Smart Key, and a 360-degree camera. A new 2023 Toyota Tacoma starts at $30,095. Depending on the trim and additional features, it can cost as much as $49,530.
7. 2023 Ford Maverick
Ford’s new innovative compact truck, the Maverick, offers buyers an affordable version of the F-150. The 2023 Ford Maverick runs on a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine that pairs with an electric motor and a 1.1 kWh battery. This setup generates a decent 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque.
A CVT automatic transmission is standard for powering the FWD driveline. The truck accelerates from zero to 60 mph in about 7.6 seconds. If you want more power, you should go for the gas-only powertrain, which has less gas mileage. This turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generates 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with an eight-speed conventional automatic transmission to power the standard AWD layout. Buyers can upgrade to the FX4 off-road, 4K tow, or Tremor packages. The zero to 60 mph time for this model is 7.0 seconds.
Regarding performance, the Maverick hybrid has a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and can haul up to 1,500. Meanwhile, the turbo-four model has a max tow rate of 4,000 pounds. The EPA estimates that the hybrid delivers a gas mileage of 42 MPG for city and 33 for highway driving. In contrast, the turbo charges 23 MPG in the city and 30 on the highway. Things get worse when you opt for any off-road driveline upgrades; the gas mileage drops by 1-2 MPG.
A new 2023 Ford Maverick ranges from $24,170 to $35,310, depending on the trim and additional features.
8. 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz is among the top 10 pickup trucks of 2023. Its car-like build gives a wrong impression as this truck can tow more weight than the Ford Maverick. Many drivers also favor it for boasting good driving dynamics and interior comfort. Santa Cruz shares the same platform and powertrains as Tucson. It is a four-door compact pickup truck built with a unibody chassis. This design may explain its excellent maneuverability.
The Santa Cruz runs on a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, putting out 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. You can opt for the turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine for more power. This powertrain includes port and direct fuel injection to generate up to 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic is the standard transmission to power the AWD layout, which is also standard. The turbo engine accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds, which is impressive for a truck.
The unibody structure limits the towing capacity. However, the turbo model can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Meanwhile, the base inline-four can only tow up to 3,500 pounds. Additionally, the cabin for the high-end trims is super comfortable. They are packed with the best tech yet priced comparably to the base trims. A new 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz ranges between $27,035 and $41,905, depending on the trim and additional features.
9. 2023 Ford F-150
The 2023 Ford F-150 is definitely among the top 10 pickup trucks of 2023. For this year, Ford has added a hybrid and an all-electric to the gas powertrains. The base models run on a 3.3-liter V6 engine delivering 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque with a gas mileage of 22 MPG combined. The Rattler trim relies on an off-road suspension system, electronic rear-locking differential, hill-descent control, special skid plates, and 18-inch wheels to perform in challenging terrains.
For performance, the V6 trims deliver a maximum towing rating of 8,200 pounds. Meanwhile, the diesel V6 is rated at 12,100 pounds, and the hybrid model is 12,700 pounds. The V8 model tows up to 13,000 pounds, while the 400-horsepower V6 tows up to 14,000 pounds. The maximum haulage capacities range from 1,840 to 3,250 pounds across trims and powertrains.
The price range for a new 2023 Ford F-150 is between $35,830 and $84,115, depending on the trim and options.
10. 2023 Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 is among the top 10 pickup trucks of 2023, with up to 105,350 units sold in the first quarter.
Ram offers four engine options, all pairing with an eight-speed automatic to power the standard RWD system. A 4WD is standard for the Ram TRX trim and optional for the others. The 3.6-liter V6 engine uses Ram’s eTorque hybrid system, producing 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque. The 5.7-liter V8 is available with or without eTorque, generating 395 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque. The 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6 produces 260 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque, and the top-of-the-line supercharged 6.2-liter V8 makes 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque on the TRX.
Ram 1500 is known for delivering an exceptionally smooth ride. All the Ram trims employ an independent rear suspension using coil springs instead of leaf springs found on many domestic models or optional air springs. Models equipped with the four-corner air suspension can adjust the ride height for improved off-road performance and fuel efficiency.
The Ram 1500 boasts a spacious and quiet upscale interior with plenty of tech features highlighted by the optional 12-inch touchscreen. The pickup can haul up to 2,320 pounds, and the maximum towing capacity is 12,750 pounds. The 2023 Ram 1500 starts at $39,900 and goes up to $66,290, depending on the trim and options.
Let’s Wrap Up
Some truck lineups have earned the reputation of consistently delivering great models yearly. Furthermore, some models are produced with different engine options, exterior build, cabin quality, and extra features every year. This is why we reviewed the top 10 pickup trucks of 2023 to help you point out their unique features and performances. Our list highlights the best from all categories; compact, mid-size, full-size, half-ton, heavy-duty, three-quarter, and full-ton.
