A pickup truck is an incredibly versatile workhorse. They can cope with off-roading, towing and the demands of company car drivers. Yet, they are also able to provide family motoring and some even get close to the refinement of SUVs. Running costs are generally higher than those of SUVs and the driving experience is quite different, so choosing a pickup as a new car or used buy needs careful consideration. Here’s our pick of the 10 best cars in the pickup sector.
Best Pickup Trucks 2024
- Fiat Fullback (2016-2019)
- Ford Ranger (2023-)
- Ford Ranger Raptor (2023-)
- Isuzu D-Max (2021-)
- Mercedes-Benz X-Class (2017-2020)
- Mitsubishi L200 (2015-2021)
- Nissan Navara (2014-2022)
- SsangYong Musso (2018-)
- Toyota Hilux (2016-)
- Volkswagen Amarok (2023-)
Fiat Fullback (2016-2019)
The Fiat Fullback had a relatively short time on sale in the UK, being offered between 2016 and 2019. Don’t let that put you off, though, as the Fiat shares almost all of its components except the badge with the Mitsubishi L200. This means it comes with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine with either 150- or 180bhp. The less powerful engine came with a six-speed manual gearbox, while the more powerful version had the option of an automatic gearbox.
The Fullback was only sold as a double-cab pickup - no single-cab or king-cab options here - so it offers good practicality as a workhorse or family car. There’s a good size of load bed and the more powerful engine is rated to tow a 3.1-tonne maximum, though many rivals can manage 3.5-tonnes. The lower-power engine has a towing capacity of 2.7-tonnes. Still, with four-wheel drive, the Fiat is good for off-road use and is more affordable than many of its competitors.
Fiat Fullback Review
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Ford Ranger (2023-)
The Ford Ranger is class-leading in the new car market for pick-ups and also as a used buy. Ford offers a wide variety of body styles, with everything from the commercial vehicle favourites of a chassis cab model all the way to the double cab that offers plenty of space for five people. There are also different trim levels to choose from - from basic entry-level XL trim to top-spec Wildtrak and Platinum variants - so it’s easy to tailor the Ford to be one of the best pickup trucks going.
For the 2023 model, power comes from either a turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel engine with 170bhp or 205bhp, or from a 3.0-litre diesel V6 with 240bhp. Good handling, above-average comfort, and the ability to tow up to 3.5-tonnes makes the Ranger a tough act to beat.
Ford Ranger Review
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Ford Ranger Raptor (2023-)
The Raptor deserves a separate entry from the rest of the Ford Ranger line-up because it’s a very different proposition. Where most Rangers are designed as a working vehicle, the Raptor is all about performance. It mixes either a 292bhp twin-turbo V6 petrol engine or a 213bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine with suspension and tyres designed for competitive off-road racing. It’s quick off the mark, but don’t think it will stay with hot hatches in the corners. Head off-road, however, and nothing this side of a modified Land Rover will keep up.
The latest Raptor has what Ford calls a ‘Baja’ mode for even more extreme off-road ability. Inside, this Raptor has a large infotainment system with a central screen similar to that in a Tesla, so you can access music and apps through Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, and you even get sporty leather seats and a leather steering wheel.
Ford Ranger Review
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Isuzu D-Max (2021-)
Isuzu doesn’t hold back when it comes to the number of body styles it offers with the D-Max. There’s something to suit everyone here, and you can choose between two- and four-wheel drive. It’s also good value and very well equipped in most forms, plus there’s a long list of safety equipment that earns the D-Max a five-star Euro NCAP rating.
On the road, the Isuzu is not as good to drive as a Ford Ranger and the 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine has its work cut out to keep things moving at a reasonable pace when towing or using the full payload of its pickup bed. Still, it can tow up to 3.5-tonnes and it’s excellent off the road. The cabin is also one of the most comfortable and spacious in this class. Fancy something more hardcore? Check out the AT35 version of the D-Max, which has been fettled by Icelandic off-roading experts Arctic Trucks, and features high-performance suspension and a range of hardcore body enhancements.
Isuzu D-Max Review
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Mercedes-Benz X-Class (2017-2020)
Realising that pickup trucks appealed to a large number of company car drivers because of their tax breaks, Mercedes looked to get in on the action with the X-Class. It was based on the Nissan Navara and came with a choice of four-cylinder and V6 turbodiesel engines. Mercedes only offered the X-Class with a double-cab body style and the load bed could carry around a tonne. The X-Class could also tow up to 3.5-tonnes.
The engines offer superb refinement, strong performance and good fuel economy. However, the X-Class is still expensive to run and the interior doesn’t match up to the standards found in the likes of a GLE or E-Class estate.
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Mitsubishi L200 (2015-2021)
A longtime stalwart of the pickup market, the Mitsubishi L200 can also be credited with broadening the appeal of this type of vehicle. When company car drivers realised they could save money on tax and VAT by choosing a pick-up, the L200 was ideally placed to take advantage. Its good looks and image made it a hit and it remained that way until Mitsubishi stopped selling cars in the UK in 2021. The L200, in particular, was a sad loss to the British automotive market.
The most recent generation of L200 – sold from 2015 and facelifted in 2019 – is a great workhorse. It has superb durability, a comfortable, classy cabin, and performs day-to-day duties with ease. The popular Warrior trim is equipped with all the kit you could want, including climate control, Bluetooth and music streaming, a rear-view camera, cruise control, and a wide range of safety gear, including automatic emergency braking.
Mitsubishi L200 Review
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Nissan Navara (2014-2022)
It was a surprise when Nissan withdrew the Navara from its range in 2022, because it had been one of the best-selling and most popular pickups for many years. The Navara’s handsome looks, practical nature, and all-round abilities made it a leader in the pickup market. However, changes to emissions legislation meant Nissan decided it was time to call it a day for the Navara, but it still makes a great used choice.
The Navara can tow 3.5-tonne trailers, carry up to a tonne in its load bed, and it’s superb off-road. It’s also one of the most refined pickups to drive in normal daily life thanks to its Renault-sourced 2.3-litre turbodiesel engine that comes in 160- and 190bhp forms. A mild facelift in 2019 saw the lower power engine increase to 163bhp. Either way, the Navara is one of the few pickups that gives SUVs a close run on handling and refinement.
Nissan Navara Review
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SsangYong Musso (2018-)
The SsangYong Musso may be pitched as a more affordable entry to the new pickup market, but don’t think there’s anything cut-price about it. It comes with a superb seven-year warranty as standard, as well as a double-cab interior with generous amounts of space and equipment. It will also lug a 3.5-tonne trailer with ease and it’s more than able to deal with muddy, rough terrain.
Where the Musso does fall behind its rivals is with on-road refinement. The 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine is now up to 202bhp, so it has plenty of pulling power, but it’s noisy compared to most rivals. You’ll also find the ride in the Musso very bouncy unless there’s quite a bit of cargo in the load bay, which can carry up to 1,140kg. As a cost-effective beast of burden, the Musso works, but there are better family-biased rivals out there.
Ssangyong Musso Review
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Toyota Hilux (2016-)
The Toyota Hilux has a thoroughly well-earned reputation as one of the toughest and most reliable workhorses there is. This has made it a huge hit with farmers, forestry workers, builders, and anyone else who relies on their vehicle for their livelihood. However, Toyota also offers the Hilux in more lifestyle-leaning versions, such as the Invincible X and GR Sport versions that come as four-door double-cab models.
The 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine offers 150bhp, but it can feel a shade underpowered, so the 204bhp 2.8-litre diesel is the better choice. Neither is as refined as a Ford Ranger’s engines, but the Hilux can still haul a 3.5-tonne trailer or carry up to a tonne in its load bay with ease. It will also shrug off driving on demanding terrain and will always get you home. Toyota is so confident of this it offers a warranty of up to 10 years and 100,000 miles, providing you have your car serviced at a franchised dealer every year.
Toyota Hilux Review
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Volkswagen Amarok (2023-)
The Amarok took a different tack from other pickup trucks when it arrived in 2010. Rather than go all-out for a rugged, workmanlike machine, Volkswagen made it feel more like an SUV. It was a stroke of genius and made the Amarok an instant hit thanks to the comfortable, quiet way it drove. Volkswagen has stuck with that ethos for the all-new model, launched in 2023. It's actually based on the Ford Ranger, which means it shares that pickup's 3.5-tonne towing capacity and choice of 2.0-litre four-cylinder or 3.0-litre V6 diesel engines. Climb up into the cabin and you could also be in a Ranger save for the VW steering wheel and a few detail changes to the controls. However, with Ford leading the pickup pack in 2023, VW has at least chosen a good partner as a base for the latest Amarok.
Volkswagen Amarok Review
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