- From light-duty pickups to super duty heavy haulers, there’s a pickup truck for every job.
- More electric models are starting to pop-up in 2023.
- Major brands have released specialty off-road trims for many of the most popular models.
- These trucks all start between about $35,000 and $90,000.
The 2023 lineup of trucks is paradise for anyone in need of a rugged pickup. Whether it’s for work or just personal recreation, there have never been more options. There’s a perfect truck out there for you, no matter what you need it for and how large your budget is. There are even multiple all-electric models, something that was merely a dream not that long ago.
It doesn’t matter if you’re spending Monday to Friday on a job site or taking your truck off-roading on the weekends. Or maybe both. Regardless of why you’re looking to buy a new truck in 2023, we have narrowed down this list of some of the most attractive options.
Rivian R1T
Starting Price: $73,000
Most readers will likely be familiar with the Rivian R1T electric truck. It’s the first mass-produced electric pick-up truck to hit the market, and it’s been winning praise from critics for its driving ability and appearance. The front end looks a bit futuristic, but there’s no denying that this truck is unique inside and out and unlike any other truck currently on the market.
MotorTrend magazine took an R1T on a cross-country trek and named it the “Truck of the Year.” They suggested the R1T will be the electric truck that changes everything going forward. Only time will tell how the R1T will be received by consumers. Will it hold up in real-world conditions as it exits the prototype phase and enters mass production? We’ll see, but this is definitely one pick-up to watch.
Source: RivianFord Lightning F-150
Starting Price: $55,974
Another fully electric option is the Ford Lightning F-150. Unlike many other EVs, the F-150 Lightning actually looks like a normal, classy pick-up. Electric power does not necessitate bizarre or strange exteriors. Luckily, manufacturers are realizing that customers just want normal, not some eclectic science project when it comes to their fully electric trucks.
The Lightning is powerful with a 2,000-pound payload, 10,000 pounds of max towing, 563 horsepower, a 300-mile driving range, and an estimated 0-to-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Best of all, it has a “frunk” (front trunk) that can hold 400 pounds of stuff. Ford says its electric F-150 is going to start at $41,669, a reasonable entry point.
Source: FordNissan Frontier Pro-4X
Starting Price: $38,720
An all-new Nissan Frontier midsize truck hit the market last year. The Frontier Pro-4X top-tier trim is one good-looking truck. It’s not going to dominate the midsize segment or the off-roading category. However, it still packs more modern technology than most other trucks on the market today.
The Nissan Frontier Pro-4X is contemporary inside and out, and it looks different than the old model. Nissan has given the truck a complete facelift. Its off-road capabilities are winning praise, as is the sophisticated interior that boasts a 9.0-inch touchscreen display.
Source: NissanRam 1500 (G/T Package)
Starting Price: $51,985
The Ram 1500 has won both Truck Trend and MotorTrend‘s Truck of the Year events in 2019 and 2020 respectively. Ram has since flooded the market with a plethora of special edition Rams. For this list, we’ve chosen the G/T Package for the 2023 Ram 1500 Laramie and Rebel trims configured as Crew Cabs.
These trucks get the sport performance hood, unique graphics, bucket seats, a metal pedal kit, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, a console-mounted performance shifter, Uconnect performance pages, and a factory-installed Mopar cold-air intake and cat-back exhaust system. The G/T Package results in a sporty drive that offers added performance.
Source: RamToyota Tacoma TRD Pro
Starting Price: $47,185
The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro remains an exceptional midsized truck. Introduced for the 2015 model year, the TRD Pro model is a beloved midsize off-road truck. It looks both classic and futuristic at the same time. And with their endurance, they’re pretty much indestructible.
The Tacoma TRD Pro is available with a six-speed manual transmission, which is great. The refreshed Tacoma gets a few updates: a little more lift (improving rebound travel, approach, departure, and break-over angles), new black TRD wheels, debossed TRD Pro stampings, etc.
Source: ToyotaChevrolet Colorado ZR2
Starting Price: $48,295
The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is no ordinary truck. It has numerous add-ons that impress. The latest Colorado is also outfitted with extensive armor (boron steel bumpers and skid plates) and other visual identifiers (wheels, fender flares).
The result is a midsize off-roader that’s functional and looks killer. Instead, Chevy handles the job, so you needn’t build your own overland rig, which is great news for adventurers who want to just jump in and go.
Source: ChevroletRam 2500 Power Wagon
Starting Price: $64,145
There is no bad choice when it comes to the current offerings of the Ram 2500. And the 2023 Ram 2500 Power Wagon comes with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 gas-powered off-road engine, perfect for gravel or dirt roads.
The Ram Power Wagon can be optioned with premium leather seating, an electronic transfer case, and a full center console. There’s also a Level 3 Equipment package that adds blacked-out styling details, a 12-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 17-speaker audio system. Impressive!
Source: RamToyota Tundra TRD Pro
Starting Price: $69,420
Everything between the Tundra’s front and rear bumpers is brand new as of last year. The rear leaf springs have been ditched in favor of a five-link setup, and the trusty V8 engine has been replaced by a pair of 3.4-liter turbocharged V6s. It all adds up to an exceptional truck for the model year 2023.
The Tundra TRD Pro looks to be ready to tackle tough terrain with its skid plates, Fox 2.5-inch-diameter internal bypass dampers with external reservoirs, latest generation Toyota Crawl Control, and TRD Pro grille.
Source: ToyotaShelby F-150 Super Snake
Starting Price: $86,085
The Shelby Ford F-150 Super Snake is a gorgeous muscle truck that comes complete with 775 horsepower, making it the most powerful performance street truck that Ford has made yet. The horsepower is produced by a Whipple-supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine.
The lowered truck rides on 22-inch Shelby chrome alloy wheels wrapped in low-profile Toyo Proxes. Do you go with the two-door Super Snake Sport for a true sport truck look and feel, or do you go with the four-door Super Snake for more utility? For fun and style, we recommend the two-door version. Act fast, though, since Shelby is only making 250 of these.
Source: Shelby/FordGMC Hummer EV
Starting Price: $108,700
What truck can make a massive Ford F-450 look cute? The Hummer EV, that’s who. This electric truck is not petite, but looks great fully tricked out in an Edition 1 model that weighs in at 9,046 pounds, but with no exhaust emissions.
With an engine and console that pays respect to the electrification of the automobile and a body that pays homage to the giant, larger-than-life, I-rule-the-road attitude of the original Hummer, the EV version is a definite buy for those who can afford it.
ShutterstockChevrolet Silverado ZR2 Bison
Starting Price: $78,490
Like Ford and Ram, who have their share of off-road pick-ups, Chevy has added another option to its fleet. As part of the Silverado refresh last year, Chevy has introduced the Silverado 1500 ZR2 Bison.
It doesn’t have a widened track width and increased wheel travel, but it is still very aggressive. The ZR2 has Multimatic DSSV dampers, front and rear locking differentials, terrain mode, a high-clearance front bumper, a 13.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and tons more features. It’s powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine, making 420 horsepower.
Source: ChevroletGMC Sierra AT4X
Starting Price: $81,700
The GMC Sierra 1500 has a brand new AT4X variant as of last year. There’s a group of GM fans who highly favor the more traditional styling of the GMC trucks over the more edgy, polarizing Chevy Silverado.
They may be the same truck underneath, but you can’t deny that the front ends look nothing alike. A handsome, athletic truck like the 2023 GMC Sierra AT4X off-road variant will get compliments wherever it goes. The proportions are natural, the styling affirming everything that a truck should be and look like.
Source: GMCFord Raptor F-150 37
Starting Price: $105,275
The Ford Raptor remains one of the best go-fast off-road trucks. Since its inception, Ford has dominated the niche desert space thanks to this mainstream pre-runner. Its wide fenders, functional skid plates, and beefed-up suspension — all applied to the best-selling F-150 platform — add up to a great pick-up with tremendous resale value.
The Raptor 37’s 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine produces 450 horsepower. There’s a Raptor 37, which is a variant that comes with BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A tires, something off-roaders have been wanting for a long time.
Source: FordRam 1500 TRX
Starting Price: $84,555
Introduced for the model year 2021, the Ram 1500 TRX walks the walk, and any truck enthusiast knows where all the local TRXs live. Powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 Hellcat engine that makes an astonishing 702 horsepower, the TRX is one of the greatest additions to the truck market in recent history.
For its second year, they introduced the Ram 1500 TRX Ignition Edition, easily recognized by its bright orange exterior and special graphics. This year, you can still find bold styling. Truck fans rejoice!
Source: RamGMC Sierra Denali & Denali Ultimate
Starting Price: $65,800
The GMC Sierra got a nice update for the last model year. The refresh brings a brand new interior, a new ultra-lux Denali Ultimate trim (that GMC says makes it the most luxurious pick-up truck ever), and support for Super Cruise, GM’s hands-free driving system.
The Sierra Denali Ultimate also supports hands-free towing, which will be key for long-distance road trips that many full-size truck buyers love to take. The Ultimate starts at just over $81,000 fully equipped. Not cheap, but worth the expense.
Source: GMCThe Bottom Line
Truck enthusiasts have a lot to choose from in 2023. The move to electrification and revamped models arguably provides more choice and selection than in recent memory. No matter what you’re looking for, there’s something to like.
Consumers looking to get into a new pick-up this year should have an embarrassment of riches laid out in front of them. 2023 is truly a banner year for trucks — excellent news for those in the market for a new vehicle. Happy shopping.
Shutterstock
