If you’re shopping for a pre-owned truck, there are several key factors to weigh before making your decision. While it’s crucial to consider elements such as safety features, towing capability, mileage, and your overall budget, one essential aspect that should not be overlooked is reliability.
After all, regardless of how many impressive features a truck offers, it’s not a worthwhile investment if it can’t consistently deliver on its primary purpose getting you from point A to point B.
Finding a trustworthy truck may seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. To make your search easier, we’ve compiled a list of our top-rated picks for the most reliable trucks on the market.
Keep reading to find out if the truck you’re eyeing made the cut.To put it simply, reliability measures how consistently a truck performs as expected.
If a truck is often in the shop for repairs or has a reputation for mechanical issues whether due to its specific history or the general track record of its make and model it’s not considered dependable.
Typically, brand-new trucks offer higher reliability than used ones. However, that doesn’t mean all pre-owned pickups are problematic.
You can often answer these questions by reviewing the vehicle’s CARFAX report. If the report isn’t available on the dealership’s website or if you’re buying from a private seller be sure to request one.
It’s also wise to ask if you can take the truck to a trusted mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) before committing to the sale.
Trucks That Rarely Need Major Repairs
As mentioned earlier, the reliability of a truck is also influenced by its make and model. Some automakers have built stronger reputations for durability and quality than others. Below, we’ve listed of our favorite picks for the most reliable trucks, presented in alphabetical order.
Chevrolet Colorado
If you want a truck that delivers solid performance but don’t require the muscle of a heavy-duty pickup, this versatile midsize model might be just what you need.
Many Colorado owners are drawn to this truck for its wide selection of available engines and trims, smooth and comfortable ride, and easy handling.
With a reliability score that’s above average RepairPal gives it a 4 out of 5 and a lower-than-average annual repair cost ($599 per year compared to $652 for all vehicles), the Colorado stands out as a reliable option.
The 2025 Chevrolet Colorado stands out as one of the top contenders in the midsize truck market. It offers a wide range of trims and options that cater to various needs, from daily commuting to off-road adventures.
Chevrolet’s Colorado is built for versatility, with impressive payload and towing capacities that place it among the leaders in its class.
Beyond its workhorse capabilities, the Colorado excels in ride quality, offering a surprisingly smooth and comfortable driving experience for a pickup. It also boasts user-friendly technology, including a Google-based infotainment system, making it a standout for drivers who appreciate modern tech.
Under the hood, the Colorado now comes standard with a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. This engine, previously an upgrade option, provides robust power, enabling the Colorado to tow up to 7,700 pounds, enough to haul trailers or heavy loads.
The truck’s strong performance is complemented by a composed ride quality, a feature not always associated with pickups. However, the base engine remains somewhat underpowered, and the rear seats are not particularly comfortable, which might be a drawback for families or those who frequently have passengers in the back.
The 2025 Colorado competes in a competitive midsize truck market, with rivals like the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger, both of which have recently received redesigns.
The Tacoma continues to be a top choice due to its reputation for reliability and excellent off-road capabilities, while the Ranger offers a modernized interior and smoother ride.
Other alternatives include the Honda Ridgeline, known for its spacious interior, and the off-road-focused Jeep Gladiator. The Colorado’s 2025 redesign is a notable improvement, with a focus on offering more power and better tech, making it a strong contender in the midsize truck segment.
This long-term review provides a detailed look at how the Colorado performs day-to-day, offering valuable information for potential buyers.
Also Read: 5 Trucks With the Best Cold Weather Reliability and 5 That Freeze Up Fast
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Silverado 1500 is a popular pick among consumers for many reasons it provides multiple powertrain choices, boasts a spacious interior, and comes with a generously sized bed.
It’s also recognized for its dependability, receiving a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 from RepairPal, which places it 5th out of 17 full-size trucks. With an average ownership cost and relatively few major repair issues, this pickup is a strong candidate if reliability is one of your main concerns.
In 2023, America’s second most popular vehicle continues to play second fiddle to the Ford F-150, which has been the best-selling U.S. vehicle for decades.
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 remains a reliable, full-size pickup truck that’s always ready for tough work, whether at construction sites, warehouses, or ranches. It’s also versatile enough to tow a boat, trailer, or any recreational gear, while serving as a practical family hauler.
It can fulfill all these roles, thanks to its array of engine options, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, two different V-8s, or an efficient Duramax diesel. The Silverado, true to its pickup nature, delivers a rather rough ride at times, but its larger V-8 engine is both powerful and surprisingly refined.
Inside, the cabin can range from basic to luxurious, although it doesn’t quite match the extravagant finishes of the Ram 1500’s higher trims. For those who enjoy off-roading, there’s the Silverado 1500 ZR2, which is reviewed separately, and for those seeking an alternative to gasoline, there’s the battery-electric Silverado EV.
The 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 introduces two new paint options—Cypress Gray and Riptide Blue Metallic. Additionally, Work Trucks now come equipped with a new Universal Vehicle Module, tailored for use by public safety agencies.
The 2025 model lineup includes the Work Truck, Custom, LT, RST, Custom Trail Boss, LTZ, LT Trail Boss, and High Country trims. All models, except the Trail Boss, offer the option of rear- or four-wheel drive, with the Trail Boss being available exclusively with four-wheel drive.
Starting at $37,845 and topping out at $64,895, the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 comes in various trims. The Work Truck and Custom trims are ideal for tradespeople or those on a budget. However, we recommend the LT trim, which offers a more refined interior.
If you’re seeking ample cargo and passenger space, opt for the crew cab with a standard-length bed. The 5.3-liter V-8 is the preferred choice over the optional diesel engine, as it’s more affordable and quicker. This engine also allows you to select the Z71 Off-Road package, which adds upgraded hardware that makes off-road driving more enjoyable.
The Silverado 1500 offers a range of engine options to suit various needs. The 6.2-liter V-8 produces 420 horsepower, while the 5.3-liter V-8 delivers 355 horsepower. The turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine provides 310 horsepower, and the Duramax diesel 3.0-liter inline-six generates 277 horsepower.
Despite its large size, every version of the Silverado feels more nimble than expected, with surprisingly agile handling and firm, reassuring brake feedback. Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate the Trail Boss model, which comes with a 2.0-inch lift, rugged tires, and other upgrades designed to enhance the truck’s off-road capability and fun.
Ford F-150
If you choose to drive home in a pre-owned Ford F-150, you’re in good company this full-size pickup is frequently called “the best-selling vehicle in the United States.” What contributes to its widespread popularity?
We believe it’s a combination of the truck’s impressive towing and payload capabilities, robust safety features, and powerful engine options. Naturally, reliability is also a key factor, with the F-150 receiving a 3.5 out of 5 rating.
In addition, the Ford F-150 tends to cost less annually for repairs than others in its category ($788 per year compared to $936 for all full-size trucks) and usually requires fewer visits to the shop for unplanned maintenance.
The F-150 offers a comfortable and smooth ride, which might lead you to believe you’re driving a smaller pickup. Its steering is responsive, making it easy to navigate tight spaces while maintaining stability on the highway.
The models equipped with the available adaptive suspension provide the best handling within the F-150 lineup, although even the lower trims are still enjoyable to drive.
The F-150 offers a range of engine options, with powertrains delivering anywhere from 325 horsepower to 720 horsepower. The hybrid version stands out as the most fuel-efficient, although the transition between gas and electric power can be abrupt at lower speeds.
The non-hybrid V6 strikes a great balance between power and refinement, while the V8 offers strong and smooth performance. When properly equipped, the F-150 has an impressive towing capacity of up to 13,500 pounds and can haul a maximum payload of 2,445 pounds, outmatching many of its competitors in terms of capability.
Ford Ranger
With a strong 4 out of 5 reliability rating, lower-than-average repair costs (compared to the average for all vehicles), and rare trips to the repair shop outside of routine maintenance, the Ford Ranger secures the third spot out of seven midsize trucks for dependability.
Beyond its reliability, the Ranger is often selected for its turbocharged engine, comprehensive array of safety features, and budget-friendly pricing.
Pickup trucks are highly popular in the United States, with sales even surpassing practical urban vehicles like SUVs. However, not all pickups are heavy-duty workhorses designed to tow massive loads across the country. Some are versatile all-rounders, equally at home on city streets as they are navigating dirt trails and rocky terrains.
The 2024 Ford Ranger fits this description perfectly, offering impressive capabilities for any task it faces. Confidence in its performance comes from a choice of two EcoBoost engines (four-cylinder or V6), with the more powerful option delivering 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque.
This allows the Ranger to tow up to 7,500 pounds, placing it in a competitive position against rivals like the Toyota Tacoma and Chevrolet Colorado. As a result, there’s a strong likelihood that the Ranger will remain the top-selling mid-size pickup in the country.
For 2024, the Ford Ranger enters its sixth generation, bringing more features than ever before. Many of these updates are focused on enhancing the truck’s trailering capabilities, though its maximum towing capacity remains the same.
Storage solutions have been significantly improved, with more innovative features added both inside the cabin and in the cargo bed. The new Ranger rides on a longer wheelbase and sports a more rugged look compared to its predecessor.
Some styling elements are inspired by the smaller Maverick truck, which should help attract a wider range of buyers. The 2024 Ranger also offers two engine options and boasts an upgraded interior with higher-quality materials and additional technology features.
Regarding pricing, the 2024 Ford Ranger is available in three trim levels, each offering either a rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive configuration.
The base XL model starts at $32,565, with the 4WD version priced at $36,210. The XLT trim comes in at $36,005, with the 4WD version priced at $39,490. The top-tier Lariat trim is priced between $43,525 and $47,010, depending on the drivetrain choice.
The Lariat trim is also the only one that allows for the more powerful V6 engine, though it is expected to be a late availability option, so its cost remains unknown. Additionally, Ford charges a destination fee of $1,595.
GMC Canyon
Offering an ideal blend of towing capability and easy handling, the Canyon is a solid choice if you’re in the market for a midsize pickup that delivers strong performance.
Its smooth ride and spacious interior further help it stand out among competitors. When it comes to reliability, the Canyon scores well, receiving a 4 out of 5 rating from RepairPal.
Additionally, you can anticipate spending $104 less annually on repairs compared to the average for all vehicles ($652).
The GMC brand retains significant influence in the truck market, which justifies the mid-size GMC Canyon’s position as a more upscale counterpart to the Chevy Colorado.
While both models share a similar foundation, including a 310-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Canyon differentiates itself by omitting a base work-truck trim. Instead, it offers a range of unique design elements that help it stand apart from its Chevy counterpart.
Notably, the Canyon features an available Denali trim, which lives up to its prestigious name with an abundance of chrome, leather, and high-end tech and luxury features. All Canyon models come with a four-door cab and a 5.5-foot bed, with the option for either rear- or four-wheel drive.
The Canyon’s maximum towing capacity is an impressive 7,700 pounds, making it a class leader, and for off-road enthusiasts, an AT4X AEV Edition is available, offering unparalleled off-road capability. With its blend of performance and refinement, the GMC Canyon presents a strong case for its higher price point.
Also Read: Top 10 Budget-Friendly & Luxury Trucks You Can Buy
Trucks That Spend Too Much Time in Shops
Originally designed as a tool for labor, the pickup truck has transformed over the years from a utilitarian workhorse into a versatile vehicle category that fits a wide array of lifestyles.
While it’s often said that popularity breeds contempt, in the automotive world, it actually fuels competition. With a wide variety of trucks now available to suit nearly every type of driver, it’s only natural that some models stand out while others fall short.
Fortunately, determining whether a particular truck fits your needs is straightforward with a bit of research and a thorough test drive.
Automaker reputations are also shaped by expert review platforms that perform rigorous road tests and evaluate vehicle features that matter most to consumers.
Although it’s wise to approach reliability rankings such as those published annually by Consumer Reports (CR) with some caution, since they’re largely based on feedback from subscribers, these evaluations are still valuable tools for distinguishing top performers from underwhelming options.
Nissan Frontier
MSRP: $29,770
In a market crowded with contenders vying for consumer dollars, the midsize Nissan Frontier faces fierce competition from brands like Chevrolet/GMC, Ford, and Toyota.
Over the last two years, the Frontier has seen minimal updates, and that lack of change may have been a misstep on Nissan’s part. As we put it, “There’s plenty to like about the Nissan, just not as much as there is to like about most of its rivals.”
The 2025 Nissan Frontier is a midsize pickup truck available in two cab sizes and two bed lengths, with rear- or four-wheel drive options.
It features a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. While the Frontier was fully redesigned in 2022, it lacked some features found in its competitors. However, Nissan has made significant improvements for the 2025 model year.
The truck now includes a refreshed front grille and bumper design, with a telescoping steering column standard across all trims, addressing previous concerns about finding a comfortable driving position. The dashboard has also been updated to accommodate a 12.3-inch touchscreen on the SV trim and higher.
Additionally, the truck’s towing capacity has been increased to 7,150 pounds, which positions the Frontier in the middle of its class. A major update for the 2025 model is the expanded availability of the crew-cab/long-bed configuration, which was previously offered on just one trim but is now available on three of the upper trims.
The Frontier has some notable pros, including its smooth ride quality, stable handling, and practical storage spaces for small items. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as the odd layout of some controls and on-screen menus, overly heavy steering, and less rear-seat space compared to other midsize crew-cab trucks.
The truck is expected to cost around $184 per month for the Frontier S trim, with an average monthly cost of $212 for compact trucks in its class.
Competitively, the Frontier faces strong rivals, including the 2024 Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger, both of which were redesigned recently, as well as the 2023 Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon.
These competitors offer multiple powertrain options, various cab and bed configurations, and off-road-focused trims. The Honda Ridgeline should also be considered for its comfort, space, and handling, as it is the best-handling truck in the group.
Jeep Gladiator
MSRP: $41,085
Jeep, a brand renowned for its off-road capabilities, has ventured into the pickup truck market, with results that have been somewhat mixed.
The Gladiator maintains the signature rugged Jeep aesthetic and prioritizes off-road performance over a refined street driving experience.
As we puts it, “Loud road noise, compact crew cab, poor fuel economy, meh on-road handling” make the Gladiator a more suitable choice for an off-road enthusiast than for someone living in an urban environment.
At first glance, the Jeep Gladiator appears to be the ideal option for off-road enthusiasts who also need a pickup truck. With its Wrangler-level capabilities and a 5-foot, 3-inch bed, it seems to check all the boxes. However, in its attempt to be everything to everyone, the Gladiator makes some frustrating compromises.
There is no doubt about the Gladiator’s off-road abilities; it comes equipped with all the same off-roading gear as the Wrangler. Additionally, it can be equipped with the Mojave X and Rubicon X trims for serious rock-crawling or trail-running performance.
However, on the road, the ride quality is bouncy, and steering requires frequent corrections. While Jeep made structural improvements for the 2024 model year, it remains to be seen whether these changes result in a noticeable increase in rigidity.
Towing is another area where the Gladiator falls short. Previous models felt strained under heavy loads and struggled to maintain control while towing a trailer, and it’s unclear if the 2024 updates have improved this.
Despite these shortcomings, the Gladiator still retains much of the Wrangler’s charm. Jeep offers a wide variety of customization options, and the Gladiator allows you to remove body panels and the roof for an open-air driving experience.
Those who enjoy the Gladiator’s blend of ruggedness and fun should consider the Mojave or Mojave X trims, both of which offer great off-road performance in dirt or sand while retaining much of the Rubicon’s rock-crawling capabilities.
For 2025, the Gladiator’s standard engine remains a 3.6-liter V-6 producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with four-wheel drive. The eight-speed automatic transmission is now standard, as the previously available six-speed manual has been discontinued.
In testing, the pre-refresh Gladiator Sport reached 0-60 mph in 7.9 seconds, while Gladiator Rubicon trims clocked times between 8.1 and 8.7 seconds. The 2025 Gladiator is now rated by the EPA at 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway with the automatic transmission.
For 2025, Jeep introduces the Gladiator 4xe, which builds on the success of the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid. The Gladiator 4xe is expected to share the same turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine and electric motor found in the Wrangler 4xe.
This combination delivers 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler 4xe uses a 17.3-kWh battery that provides up to 22 miles of electric-only range, and the Gladiator 4xe could feature a larger battery, potentially offering even better fuel economy and acceleration compared to the standard V-6 engine.
In terms of safety, Jeep made structural improvements to the Gladiator for the 2024 model and added standard first- and second-row side curtain airbags.
However, most active safety features are not available on the base Gladiator Sport trim. To access features like adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, full-speed forward collision warning with automatic braking assist, and advanced brake assistance, buyers will need to opt for higher trims.
Ford F-150 Hybrid
MSRP: $36,570
The standard Ford F-150 has held the title of the best-selling truck in America by a significant margin for decades, and it is likely to maintain this status for many more years.
So, why would someone choose to avoid purchasing its hybrid version? The 2021 F-150 Hybrid was the least reliable truck on the market that year, earning a Customer Reliability (CR) rating of just 4 out of 100. The situation has only slightly improved for the 2024 model, which received a CR rating of 19 out of 100.
The powertrain remains the same but continues to impress. Ford pairs its 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V-6 engine with an electric motor placed between the engine and the 10-speed automatic transmission.
The addition of the electric motor provides enough extra power to bring the total output to 430 horsepower and a strong 570 lb-ft of torque. While this falls short of the Lightning’s 580 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque, it is still more powerful than the standalone 3.5-liter EcoBoost, which delivers 400 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque.
One of the most significant updates for the F-150 this year is the Pro-Access Tailgate, which features a multi-position door to access the bed even when the tailgate is closed.
Our Platinum test vehicle, however, did not come with this feature, which is unusual since the Pro-Access Tailgate is supposed to be standard on the Platinum trim. This could be explained by our test unit being a pre-production model.
Another notable addition is the standard inclusion of BlueCruise 1.2 on most trims, Ford’s impressive hands-free driving technology. It performs similarly to GM’s Super Cruise, which we regard as the industry standard. In its 1.2 version, the truck can now switch lanes hands-free when the turn signal is activated.
During a 125-mile drive from Palm Springs to Los Angeles, we rarely had to touch the steering wheel. Also noteworthy is the price increase. Ford F-150 prices rose across the board for 2024, with some models experiencing particularly steep price hikes.
Rivian R1T
MSRP: $80,800
As the first all-electric pickup truck to enter the market, the Rivian R1T offers impressive battery capacity, allowing for an estimated range of 400 miles on a single charge, along with above-average towing capabilities.
However, with limited trim options available (Rivian currently offers only the Adventure and Adventure All-Terrain models) and the truck being relatively new, there are no long-term reliability reports available for the R1T.
Despite receiving a 22/100 reliability score from Consumer Reports for 2024, reviews from other sites have been generally positive, meaning individual experiences may differ.
Large pickup trucks have long dominated American car sales, so it’s no surprise that many companies are working to develop electric versions, despite the considerable challenges of powering such large, heavy vehicles with equally large and heavy batteries.
What is perhaps more surprising, however, is that the first company to launch a full-size electric pickup in the U.S. market was EV start-up Rivian.
The company introduced the R1T in 2021, several months ahead of Ford’s F-150 Lightning and long before the Tesla Cybertruck, which at that time seemed more like something out of Elon Musk’s futuristic imagination rather than an actual production vehicle.
A key aspect of this deal was the creation of a new joint venture that will develop a new software architecture, heavily based on the system used in the R1T, which will be used in future Volkswagen Group and Rivian EVs. These will include the next-generation Volkswagen Golf and the Rivian R2 and R3 crossovers.
Nissan Titan XD
MSRP: $54,210
The full-size Nissan Titan XD offers a solid driving experience, but those in need of superior towing and hauling capabilities might find better options with more powerful competitors or even with a half-ton model like the Chevy Silverado 1500 or GMC Sierra 1500.
Consumer Reports (CR) gives the Titan XD a low reliability score and places it among the worst vehicles of the year. Highlighting its subpar pulling and handling performance, we note, “The Titan XD exists in the gray space between half-ton and heavy-duty trucks, and seems lost in that no man’s land.”
For 2024, the Nissan Titan XD lineup sees the removal of the base-level S trim, with the SV now serving as the entry-level model. This change results in a higher base price, with the least expensive Titan XD now priced nearly $4,000 more than before.
Furthermore, this will be the final model year for both the Titan XD and its half-ton variant, as Nissan plans to discontinue both and transition to producing electric sedans at the Mississippi plant where the Titans have been assembled.
Considering the Titan XD’s position as a “middle-ground” pickup, the recommendation is to go with the more affordable SV trim, as it provides the best balance of payload and towing capacity, making it competitive against similarly priced heavy-duty rivals.
Fortunately, four-wheel drive comes standard across the lineup, and all models are well-equipped with driver-assistance features and 20-inch wheels.
The Titan XD’s standard engine is a 5.6-liter V-8 gasoline engine that produces 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive.