Pickup Trucks: A Comprehensive Buyers Guide
Pickup trucks have evolved to become so much more than rugged workhorses. Today, they’re as much about luxury, technology, and versatility as they are about hauling and towing. Whether you’re looking for a reliable work truck, or an impressive family-friendly vehicle that can also offer off-road adventures,
If you visit a site like Ennis Ford used trucks, for instance, you will see that there are so many models, trims, and configurations available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when buying a pickup truck, helping you make an informed purchasing decision.
Understanding Pickup Truck Classes – A Quick Overview
Pickup trucks come in several classes, defined by their size, capability, and intended use.
Compact/Midsize Trucks
This class is often the best choice if you are going to be using your truck for daily driving, some light towing, and a bit of off-roading.
With regard to payload & towing, compact and midsize trucks typically handle up to 7,000 lbs of towing and payloads under 2,000 lbs. Their size gives them a noticeable advantage as they are easier to maneuver, offer better fuel economy, and are often more affordable.
Full-Size Trucks
This class is often best if you are looking for a truck that is versatile, great for family use, and offers moderate towing or hauling capabilities.
Good examples of a popular and capable full-size truck would be the Ford F-150, and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. When it comes to payload and towing ability, a truck in this category would have a towing capability of around 10,000–13,000 lbs.
Full-size trucks tend to offer more spacious cabins, have stronger engines, and deliver a decent level of technology.
Heavy-Duty Trucks
This is the category that you want to choose if you are planning on towing heavy trailers, hauling large payloads, and a variety of commercial uses.
Prime examples of models in this category would be a Ford F-250/F-350, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD/3500HD, and Ram 2500/3500.
As you would expect, heavy-duty trucks really excel when it comes to payload & towing capacity. Models in this criteria can tow up to 36,000 lbs and handle payloads exceeding 7,000 lbs.
If you need a vehicle with massive torque, powerful diesel engine options, and an enviable level of durability for demanding jobs, you should be looking at buying a heavy-duty truck.
Defining Your Needs is a Good Place to Start
Understanding and evaluating how you’ll use your truck is essential in narrowing down your options.
Will it be more of a workhorse for you, or is it a vehicle that is more suited to a specific lifestyle you lead?
If you need a truck for work, focus on towing capacity, payload, and durability. However, if you’re buying for lifestyle purposes, such as camping or daily commuting, prioritize elements such as comfort, technology, and off-road capability.
If you are planning on towing trailers, RVs, or boats, check the truck’s maximum towing capacity to confirm it exceeds your needs. For hauling heavy equipment or materials, always think about payload capacity and bed size.
Engine Options and Performance
You will quickly discover that pickup trucks offer an impressive variety of engine configurations to help you achieve the perfect balance of power, fuel efficiency, and performance.
With regard to engine type, gasoline engines provide good all-around performance for most needs. These models are typically more affordable upfront, but less fuel-efficient than their diesel counterparts.
Diesel engines will give you superior torque for towing and better fuel economy on highways. This makes them ideal for heavy-duty tasks, but expect higher upfront costs and slightly costlier maintenance expenses.
You also have the option of choosing a hybrid or electric vehicle option. Trucks like the Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid deliver excellent fuel efficiency, or zero emissions if that is a priority.
Engine Size and Configuration
You will likely be told that 4-cylinder engines will be found in compact trucks, helping to prioritize a focus on fuel economy.
Other options include V6 engines, offering a good balance of power and efficiency. Or you might go for a full-size or heavy-duty truck with a V8 engine. This will be brilliant if you demand enviable towing and hauling capabilities.
Cab Styles
Pickup trucks come in three main cab configurations. These different sizes will impact passenger space and options, as well as how you utilize your vehicle.
With a regular cab configuration, you can expect two doors, and seating for two or three. This layout is more focused on being used for work, with minimal passenger needs.
An extended cab will usually have small rear seats with limited legroom, that are sometimes accessed by half-doors. This configuration is great for extra storage space, but only suitable if you intend to carry occasional passengers, rather than on a regular basis.
A crew cab pickup will likely have four full-sized doors, delivering spacious seating for five or six. This configuration is great for families, commuters, and anyone who prioritizes passenger comfort.
Fuel Economy
In fairness, pickup trucks are not traditionally known for fuel efficiency, especially when you consider their size and purpose. The good news is that recent advancements have improved mileage in many models.
You can expect a compact/midsize truck to deliver an average of 20–25 mpg, a full-size truck to range from 15–22 mpg, and hybrids like the F-150 PowerBoost reaching about 25 mpg. Heavy-duty trucks generally deliver below 15 mpg due to their size and power.
Resale Values
Another positive point to consider is that pickup trucks generally hold their value well, mainly due to their versatility and demand. Models like the Toyota Tacoma and Ford F-150 are well known for achieving strong resale values.
Although the attractions of buying a pickup truck are there for all to see, it is an investment that requires careful consideration of your needs, budget, and preferences. From compact and efficient midsize trucks to powerful heavy-duty models, the options are vast.
That’s why it pays to learn about key factors like towing capacity, engine options, cab styles, and features, so that you can confidently choose a truck that suits your lifestyle and work requirements.
Check out the range of pickup trucks available at a suitable dealership, and find the one that is tailor made for you.
