5. 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty
Look, the Ford Super Duty pickups are polarizing in a few ways. You either love or hate the looks, and you’re either drawn to or despise the class-exclusive aluminum body that it now has. Even with an opinionated audience, there’s no way to avoid considering the Ford F-Series Super Duty as the best pickup truck.
Personally, that wide grille is stunning to me, and the new headlight design is cool. There are awesome features that set it apart from the crowd including Trailer Reverse Guidance and driver assist features you won’t find in other HD truck lines.
Most impressive is the engine lineup. The V8 gas engine is a 6.2-liter with 385 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, and that’s all right. The better choice is Ford’s 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel, though, making 440 horsepower and a best-in-class 925 lb-ft of torque. You’ll have a very hard time convincing me that it’s not the best HD truck based simply on its 21,000-pound max towing capacity.
4. 2017 Chevrolet Silverado
You won’t find one in my driveway, but the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado is undeniably popular and a contender for best pickup truck. Whether it’s because of brand loyalty, fairly attractive looks, a well-done interior, or the vast range of trims from base to luxury, people keep buying the Silverado. In fact, last year alone more than 500,000 Chevy Silverado pickups hit the streets.
Let’s recap the good things about it: good infotainment available with Chevy’s MyLink system, engine options that range from 285 to 420 horsepower, decent fuel efficiency ratings, and class-leading max towing of 12,500 pounds. And while I’m forced to consider the fact that so many people like and buy the Silverado, I just personally don’t see its appeal.
3. 2017 Honda Ridgeline
Controversially placed in the top three is the 2017 Honda Ridgeline. Why is it controversial, you ask? It’s a pickup truck that’s not only unibody but available in front wheel drive. But don’t just take my word for it – the Honda Ridgeline is the 2017 Motor Trend Truck of the Year.
It’s a more modest design than the previous generation, abandoning the side stanchions. But it has the good stuff from before plus much more. The in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate are still awesome many years later, and the in-bed audio system and inverter are top-notch available features.
As a truck, it’s not up to the same performance standards as V8 models or diesels. Its 3.5-liter, 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 is powerful enough for the common driver, and the i-VTM4 AWD system makes it feel like a true 4WD truck in its performance. You’ll get better fuel mileage than the other pigs. Just please don’t choose the front-wheel-drive only version if you have any self-respect at all.
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