The pickup truck market is evolving rapidly, with new models that promise to deliver exciting innovations in both power and design. From electrification to advanced powertrains, the next few years will bring significant changes for truck enthusiasts. In 2025 and beyond, automakers are introducing vehicles that focus on improving performance, sustainability, and off-road capabilities. The trucks featured in this preview offer something for every kind of buyer, whether they prioritize rugged off-road performance or cutting-edge electric technology. Let’s explore the most anticipated pickups set to make their mark in the coming years.
1. 2025 Ram 1500 RHO: Rugged Performance Meets Innovation
The 2025 Ram 1500 RHO brings a new level of off-road performance to the table. Equipped with a high-output straight-six Hurricane engine, the RHO delivers 540 horsepower, ensuring it’s ready for tough terrain. This pickup features 14 inches of rear axle travel and 35-inch tires, making it ideal for those who want to take their trucks off the beaten path. Its long-travel suspension system adds to its appeal, offering a smooth ride even when traversing rough surfaces. The RHO is designed to carry on the legacy of the Ram TRX, providing both power and durability for adventure seekers.
2. 2025 Ram 1500 REV and Ramcharger: Pushing the Boundaries of Electrification
Ram is making waves with its all-electric 1500 REV and hybrid Ramcharger, two models expected to arrive in 2025. The REV will compete with electric pickups like the Ford F-150 Lightning and the GMC Sierra EV. However, the standout model is the Ramcharger, which combines a gasoline-powered V6 engine with an electric powertrain. This setup delivers over 650 horsepower and offers a combined range of 1,000 km, making it an ideal option for long-distance travel. The hybrid configuration aims to provide the best of both worlds, offering powerful performance and impressive fuel efficiency, which will set it apart in the growing electric truck market.
3. 2027 Scout Terra: A Rugged EV Pickup
The 2027 Scout Terra, part of the Volkswagen Group’s Scout brand, is an electric truck designed with off-road enthusiasts in mind. Built with body-on-frame construction, solid rear axles, and mechanical lockers, the Terra will have the rugged capabilities required for tough trails. Some trims will also feature a disconnecting sway bar, further enhancing off-road performance. Another notable feature is its range-extender, a gasoline-powered generator that recharges the battery, enabling the Terra to travel longer distances. The combination of traditional truck durability and eco-friendly electric power makes the Scout Terra a promising model for adventurous drivers.
4. 2027 Ford Project T3: Ford’s Next-Generation Electric Pickup
Ford’s Project T3 is set to be a major advancement in the electric truck market. While details remain under wraps, this second-generation electric vehicle is expected to build upon the F-150 Lightning and offer improved performance and features. The “Trust the Truck” moniker reflects Ford’s commitment to creating a reliable, durable electric truck that will appeal to traditional truck owners. Although the T3’s release has been pushed back to 2027, Ford aims to introduce a prototype soon, giving truck lovers something to look forward to. This electric pickup could potentially replace the F-150 Lightning, continuing Ford’s dominance in the truck market.
5. 2025 Kia Tasman: Kia’s Bold Entry into the Pickup Market
Kia’s 2025 Tasman marks the brand’s first entry into the pickup truck market. Featuring body-on-frame construction, the Tasman is designed to handle tough tasks while maintaining a unique aesthetic. With a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, this truck is built to compete with other mid-sized pickups. The Tasman will first be launched in Korea before being made available in other markets like Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. While its availability in North America is uncertain, its bold design and solid capabilities make it an intriguing option for buyers in other regions.
6. 2027 Ram Dakota: A New Mid-Size Pickup
The return of the Ram Dakota could fill the gap in the mid-size truck segment, which has seen strong competition from models like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma. Ram fans have long called for the Dakota’s revival, and it looks like Stellantis is finally listening. The Dakota is expected to be built on the new STLA Medium or Large platform, making it a versatile and competitive choice in the market. With the ongoing restructuring at Stellantis, it’s unclear exactly when the Dakota will arrive, but there is strong demand for a mid-size Ram truck that can rival other popular models in this category.
7. 2025 Jeep Gladiator 4xe: Hybrid Power for Off-Road Adventures
The 2025 Jeep Gladiator 4xe will introduce a hybrid powertrain to this rugged pickup, providing both power and efficiency for off-road adventures. With an expected 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, the Gladiator 4xe will be a capable workhorse for both on-road and off-road needs. The hybrid powertrain, which is based on the Wrangler 4xe, will offer better fuel efficiency without sacrificing the Gladiator’s off-road prowess. The Gladiator 4xe’s hybrid system promises to provide the best of both worlds for adventure-seeking drivers who want a more eco-friendly option without losing performance.
8. 2026 VinFast VF Wild: Compact Electric Pickup
VinFast, a Vietnamese automaker, is introducing the VF Wild, an all-electric pickup that could potentially compete with smaller trucks like the Ford Maverick. While the details about its power and range are limited, the VF Wild’s compact design makes it an interesting alternative to larger electric pickups. Slightly longer than the Ford Maverick but smaller than full-size EV trucks like the Ford F-150 Lightning, the VF Wild shows that VinFast is aiming to offer a more compact and efficient electric option for those looking for a smaller, eco-conscious truck. Although its availability in North America is uncertain, it represents a fresh approach to the growing electric pickup market.
9. 2025 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty: Enhanced Towing and Power
The 2025 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty will provide more towing power and increased performance for those who need a truck that can handle serious workloads. With an expected 430 horsepower and 1,075 lb-ft of torque, the 2500 Heavy Duty will be even more capable than its predecessors. This enhanced power will make the 2500 ideal for towing heavy loads and handling tough tasks. In addition to the power upgrades, the truck will receive a styling update to keep it competitive in the heavy-duty truck segment. Whether for work or recreation, the Ram 2500 Heavy Duty will be a force to be reckoned with.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, pickup trucks are becoming more innovative and versatile than ever. Manufacturers are integrating new technologies like hybrid and electric powertrains into their trucks, which makes them more efficient without sacrificing the rugged performance truck owners demand. The models featured here reflect a growing trend toward combining power, durability, and eco-friendliness. From the Ram 1500 RHO’s off-road prowess to the hybrid Jeep Gladiator 4xe, the trucks of 2025 and beyond are sure to meet the diverse needs of truck enthusiasts.
The pickup trucks of the future are shaping up to be more powerful, efficient, and innovative than ever before. With electrification on the rise and manufacturers pushing the limits of performance and design, 2025 and beyond will bring exciting new options to the market. Whether you’re interested in the hybrid capabilities of the Ram 1500 Ramcharger or the rugged off-road features of the Scout Terra, these new pickups will offer something for every type of driver. As automakers continue to evolve, the future of pickups looks brighter than ever.
