The 2025 pickup market offers a wide spectrum of options, from high-tech electric newcomers to updated versions of trusted workhorses. Whether you’re towing heavy loads, tackling trails, or commuting in comfort, today’s trucks are designed to meet a variety of needs.
This article breaks down top contenders—including the bold Tesla Cybertruck, refined Ram 1500, and off-road-ready Rivian R1T—highlighting their strengths, shortcomings, and unique features.
As powertrains shift and technology takes center stage, understanding how these models stack up is essential for buyers looking to make the most informed decision on their next truck.
5 Trucks Built to Tow for Life
1. 2025 Tesla Cybertruck
With a maximum towing capacity of 11,000 pounds and an overall score of 8.2 out of 10, the 2025 Tesla Cybertruck brings bold design and innovative engineering to the electric truck market—though not without compromise.
Its angular stainless steel body and dual- or tri-motor all-wheel-drive options deliver up to 2,500 pounds of payload and strong performance specs. Notable features include an adjustable air suspension, rear-wheel steering, and under-bed storage, along with an optional $16,000 range extender that adds 120 miles at the cost of cargo space.
However, the Cybertruck’s functionality is undercut by limited interior visibility, awkward bed access, and quirks like an unstable wiper and complex infotainment interface.
While it handles better than expected and includes off-road capability, its unfinished Full Self Driving system and divisive styling may deter traditional truck buyers. For those drawn to cutting-edge tech and making a statement, it’s compelling—just not universally practical.
2. 2025 Rivian R1T
With a maximum towing capacity of 11,000 pounds and a class-leading overall score of 9.6 out of 10, the 2025 Rivian R1T sets a high bar for electric pickups. Now in its second generation, the R1T offers enhanced battery options, updated suspension tuning, and a choice of dual-, tri-, or quad-motor configurations.
Despite being sized between compact and full-size trucks, it delivers big performance—most notably in the Quad Motor variant, which rockets from 0–60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. The truck offers up to 420 miles of range and a payload capacity of 1,764 pounds, balancing daily utility with exhilarating speed.
Off-road modes like Drift, Rock Crawl, and Rally add serious trail capability, though the Tri Motor version did encounter overheating on steep climbs. Some minor ride issues remain over light trails, but overall, the R1T stands out as a versatile, high-tech, and performance-oriented truck that excels in both adventure and utility.
3. 2025 Ram 1500
With a maximum towing capacity of 11,570 pounds and an impressive overall score of 9.5 out of 10, the 2025 Ram 1500 stands out as one of the most refined and well-rounded full-size pickups on the market.
The biggest change for this model year is the move away from the legendary V8 engines, now replaced by a more efficient twin-turbo inline-six available in 420- and 540-horsepower variants. Despite the shift, the Ram’s performance remains robust—especially in the 420-hp Quad Cab configuration that unlocks its top towing figure.
Updates include larger infotainment screens, a refreshed interior, and the debut of a luxury-focused Tungsten trim, adding upscale appeal. Competitive fuel costs, especially for the mild-hybrid Tradesman model, further boost its value.
While the off-road TRX trim has been retired, the Ram 1500 continues to deliver a winning mix of capability, comfort, and innovation that rivals the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, and Toyota Tundra.
4. 2025 Toyota Tundra
The 2025 Toyota Tundra earns an overall score of 8.8 out of 10 and boasts a maximum towing capacity of 12,000 pounds, making it a well-rounded choice in the full-size truck segment.
Powered by a lineup of twin-turbo V6 engines—including a 437-horsepower hybrid—all paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission, the Tundra delivers responsive and refined performance. When equipped with the i-Force V6, SR5 Double Cab, 6.5-foot bed, and rear-wheel drive, it reaches its full towing potential.
Comfort is a standout, thanks to its coil-spring rear suspension and upscale, tech-friendly interior. While its part-time four-wheel drive trails some competitors’ full-time systems, the Tundra remains a capable, fuel-efficient, and reliable alternative to segment leaders like the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Chevy Silverado.
5. 2024 GMC Hummer EV Pickup
The 2024 GMC Hummer EV Pickup delivers a bold take on electric capability, positioning itself more as an adventure rig than a conventional workhorse. With a maximum towing capacity of 12,000 pounds and an overall score of 8.3 out of 10, it pairs real utility with eye-catching performance.
Its tri-motor setup cranks out up to 1,000 horsepower, launching this nearly five-ton truck from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. Unique features like four-wheel steering and “Crab Walk” mode enhance low-speed maneuverability, making the Hummer EV as much about off-road flair as it is about raw strength.
A dual-motor version produces 570 horsepower, while towing capacity tops out at 12,000 pounds. Range estimates vary from 311 to 381 miles, though off-road packages and towing reduce those numbers. All trims include a height-adjustable air suspension, Super Cruise hands-free driving, and a five-foot cargo bed.
Despite its extreme off-road hardware and cutting-edge tech, the Hummer EV’s high price isn’t fully justified by its interior quality. Still, it stands apart in the EV truck market as a bold, capable, and high-performance option that blends futuristic design with off-road utility.
5 That Struggle With Small Loads
While innovation is reshaping the truck market, not every pickup is designed for towing strength. These models cater more to daily driving and light utility than hauling heavy trailers, appealing to urban users or crossover shoppers more than traditional truck buyers.
1. Ford Maverick
The Ford Maverick is one of the few compact pickups on the market and sits at the lower end of the towing spectrum, with a maximum rating of 4,000 pounds. With a base price below $25,000, it offers strong value thanks to a long list of standard features and practical design.
It comes with a standard 2.5-liter hybrid engine making 191 horsepower, while a more robust 2.0-liter turbocharged engine boosts output to 250 horsepower. The hybrid variant is limited to just 2,000 pounds of towing, while the turbocharged engine doubles that figure to 4,000 pounds.
However, even in its best configuration, the Maverick falls short of its only real rival, the Hyundai Santa Cruz, in towing performance. While the Maverick may suffice for light utility tasks, it is clearly built more for daily driving and lifestyle convenience than rugged work, making it a niche choice in the broader truck market.
To understand the Maverick’s place in the truck world, it’s worth looking back at compact pickups from the 1980s. Trucks like the Isuzu P’up and Toyota Pickup were significantly smaller, often more than two feet shorter than today’s Maverick.
Despite their compact dimensions, those older trucks held their own in towing and hauling tasks, aided by body-on-frame construction and lower curb weights. They lacked modern crash safety features, which allowed for lighter designs.
While the Maverick boasts higher horsepower and better acceleration, the simplicity and ruggedness of older trucks allowed them to compete in work-related tasks despite having engines with less than 100 horsepower.
Some even came with diesel options—a powertrain choice currently unavailable for the Maverick. Additionally, the cost difference is stark: today’s Maverick is roughly 30% more expensive in inflation-adjusted dollars than its older counterparts, making it less accessible as a basic utility vehicle.
2. Hyundai Santa Cruz
The Hyundai Santa Cruz outpaces the Ford Maverick in nearly every category except base price. It offers a more refined driving experience, better handling, and higher interior quality, making it the better all-around compact pickup.
With two available engine choices—a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 191 horsepower and a turbocharged version delivering 281 horsepower—the Santa Cruz can tow up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the latter. This is a full 1,000 pounds more than the Maverick’s top rating.
However, it still lags behind midsize competitors like the Ford Ranger, which can tow up to 7,500 pounds and comes at a similar cost. Despite its limitations in heavy-duty tasks, the Santa Cruz stands out with its more upscale interior and car-like ride.
It feels more like a compact SUV with a truck bed than a true work truck, which appeals to buyers prioritizing comfort, tech, and urban maneuverability over rugged utility and towing muscle.
3. Honda Ridgeline
The Honda Ridgeline offers a unique blend of truck utility and crossover comfort. Unlike most midsize pickups, it features a unibody construction, making it less suited for off-roading or heavy-duty towing but better for ride quality and day-to-day livability.
Powered by a 280-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, the Ridgeline can tow up to 5,000 pounds. While its towing numbers match the Santa Cruz, they are modest for a midsize truck.
The Ridgeline’s closest competitor, the Ford Ranger, boasts a higher towing capacity of 7,500 pounds and costs roughly $12,000 less. Despite this, the Ridgeline remains a solid option for those seeking a comfortable, practical vehicle with truck-like capabilities.
It shares its platform with the Honda Pilot and Odyssey, which contributes to its superior ride and interior space. However, for buyers needing serious towing or off-road performance, other midsize trucks offer more muscle at a lower price.
4. Nissan Frontier
Redesigned in 2022, the third-generation Nissan Frontier improved its styling and cabin quality but still trails in midsize towing capabilities. It features a 3.8-liter V6 generating 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Available in rear- or all-wheel drive, the Frontier’s max towing capacity is 6,720 pounds—adequate but not impressive. This figure falls short of even the aging Toyota Tacoma and well behind class leaders like the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, which tow up to 7,700 pounds.
For 2025, updates include a redesigned grille, new wheel options, and a larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The Frontier also expands its driver-assistance features and introduces a more competitive 7,150-pound towing figure in select trims.
While it now includes thoughtful tech and versatile configurations like crew cab and extended cab options, the Frontier remains a mid-pack performer. Still, it offers decent value and solid performance for those not needing best-in-class capability.
5. Nissan Titan
The Nissan Titan, now deep into its second generation since 2016, shows its age against newer full-size rivals. With a standard 5.6-liter V8 engine making 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, the Titan has strong specs on paper but disappoints in real-world towing.
Its 9,323-pound towing capacity significantly lags behind segment leaders like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and Ram 1500, which can all tow well over 13,000 pounds. The Titan’s interior design and technology also feel outdated, lacking the refinement and modern features found in newer competitors.
Despite these shortcomings, the Titan still appeals to buyers looking for V8 power and a simpler alternative to increasingly tech-laden trucks.
However, without a major overhaul, it struggles to compete in a segment that increasingly demands innovation, versatility, and higher capability. The Titan remains a capable but aging option that is gradually being outpaced by more modern and capable full-size pickups.
Choosing the right 2025 pickup depends on what matters most—power, comfort, innovation, or versatility. The Tesla Cybertruck brings an eye-catching design but stumbles in daily usability.
The Rivian R1T combines excitement and practicality, while the Ram 1500 and Toyota Tundra offer proven capability with modern upgrades. Compact trucks like the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz favor urban convenience over heavy-duty strength.
Meanwhile, the aging Nissan Titan and solid-but-unremarkable Frontier show the importance of ongoing updates. No truck is perfect, but each offers a distinct mix of features to suit drivers across a wide range of priorities and preferences.
Also Read: 5 Cars With Best Remote-Start Systems And 5 With Frustrating Key Fobs
