When it comes to trucks, payload capacity often defines how well a vehicle performs in practical, real-world tasks. Whether you’re hauling construction material, transporting heavy equipment, or just loading up for a big move, a truck’s ability to carry weight safely and efficiently is critical.
Some trucks are engineered for this exact purpose—built with reinforced frames, heavy-duty suspensions, and robust drivetrains to handle massive payloads without breaking a sweat.
These trucks are the unsung heroes of work fleets and the backbone of logistics in rugged environments. On the other hand, there are trucks that, despite their aggressive styling and marketing hype, underperform in terms of payload capacity.
These might look the part but are held back by lighter-duty builds, softer suspension setups, or drivetrain limitations that make them ill-suited for serious hauling.
For consumers, especially those investing in a truck as a work tool, knowing this difference is essential. In this comparison, we’re exploring both ends of the spectrum—5 trucks with the highest payload capacity and 5 with the lowest.
It’s about identifying the true workhorses and calling out the pretenders, helping potential buyers make informed choices based on real utility, not just brand perception or appearance.
5 Trucks With Highest Payload Capacity
When selecting a truck for hard work, payload capacity should never be an afterthought. It’s the figure that determines how much weight your truck can carry in the bed—not to be confused with towing, which refers to pulling weight behind the vehicle.
Payload is the foundation of true work utility, particularly for industries like construction, farming, moving, and roadside assistance where the truck bed becomes a mobile workspace.
High payload capacity directly translates to fewer trips, more efficiency, and better returns on investment, especially for business owners who need to maximize productivity.
Automakers understand this and have engineered some pickups to push the limits of what’s physically possible on four wheels. These models aren’t just about torque and horsepower; they come equipped with heavy-duty axles, upgraded shocks, a beefier frame, and a reinforced bed.
Some of them blur the line between consumer vehicle and commercial-grade tool, effectively serving as light-duty haulers and heavy-duty performers in one package.
Payload specs are often buried under marketing gloss, so highlighting the top five trucks in this category is more than just a list—it’s a guide to actual performance in demanding real-life use cases.
We’re highlighting five standout performers that lead the market in payload capability. These are the trucks that construction foremen, ranchers, and serious DIYers count on when the job can’t wait and every kilo matters.
They’re the ones tested under load, not just polished for a showroom floor. And with the right configuration—usually specific cabs, beds, and rear-wheel-drive setups—these trucks can carry upwards of 3,000 lbs or more, sometimes even exceeding a ton and a half.
Let’s break down the five trucks that truly pull their weight and then some.
Also Read: 5 Cars With Encrypted Key Fobs and 5 That Broadcast Constantly
1. Ford F-350 Super Duty (2025)
Maximum Payload Capacity: Up to 7,850 lbs
The 2025 Ford F-350 Super Duty is the undisputed king of payload capacity among consumer-available pickups.
With the right configuration—namely, a regular cab, 8-foot bed, rear-wheel drive, dual rear wheels, and the 6.8-liter gas V8 engine—this beast delivers a jaw-dropping payload capacity of up to 7,850 pounds. That’s not just class-leading; it verges into commercial-grade territory.
Ford’s design priorities with the F-350 are evident the moment you glance under the body. The frame is a fully boxed high-strength steel platform engineered to absorb stress and distribute weight evenly.
The rear leaf spring setup is tuned for serious loading conditions, allowing the bed to hold far more than your average truck. When paired with the heavy-duty axle and upgraded tires, the F-350 is purpose-built to serve contractors, landscapers, and haulers who routinely carry massive gear.
Importantly, Ford doesn’t rely on diesel power to achieve this max payload. The highest rating comes from the gas engine model, which avoids the added weight of a diesel powertrain. This makes the truck lighter and more payload-efficient.

Meanwhile, Ford’s Pro Power Onboard system provides in-bed outlets, letting users power tools and equipment right on-site—adding to its value in work zones.
What sets the F-350 apart is how it balances brute strength with usability. The interior, even in the work-oriented trims, is spacious and smartly laid out.
Vinyl seats, easy-to-clean surfaces, and optional fleet management systems turn this into a rolling command center. Add Ford’s upfitter switches and trailer brake controller, and you have a complete solution for payload plus towing.
While it’s not the best choice for casual daily driving due to its sheer size and stiffness under light loads, the F-350 Super Duty isn’t built for comfort cruises.
It’s engineered for serious payload demands, and for those who genuinely use their truck as a jobsite tool, it delivers uncompromising value and unmatched capability.
2. Ram 3500 Heavy Duty (2025)
Maximum Payload Capacity: Up to 7,680 lbs
The 2025 Ram 3500 Heavy Duty earns its place near the top of the payload hierarchy with an impressive maximum capacity of 7,680 pounds when properly configured.
Like its Ford counterpart, this capability is only unlocked with a very specific setup: regular cab, 8-foot bed, rear-wheel drive, dual rear wheels, and the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 gas engine.
Opting for the diesel might be tempting for towing, but the gas model wins out for payload due to the lighter engine weight.
The Ram 3500 is built on a solid frame that uses 98.5% high-strength steel. Its rear leaf springs are finely tuned to handle massive bed loads, while its axle design distributes weight effectively over the dual rear wheels, improving traction and overall stability.
What’s especially notable is that Ram achieves this payload without compromising cabin features. Even the lower trim levels can be optioned with modern driver aids, durable cloth interiors, and intuitive Uconnect infotainment systems.
Where the Ram stands out is in refinement. Despite its brute strength, it manages a smoother ride than many competitors, thanks in part to the finely balanced suspension tuning.
For those who do daily highway driving and heavy work alike, this dual nature is a major advantage. Ram also gives attention to practical features that help when the bed is fully loaded. The optional Cargo View Camera lets you keep an eye on what’s in the back while driving.
Bed lighting, integrated tie-downs, and factory-applied bedliner options add usability to what is already a capable work truck.

It’s a favorite among contractors who haul heavy construction materials like bricks, stone, or large toolboxes. The high payload rating allows them to reduce trips and move more in a single go—saving time and fuel.
Combined with Ram’s solid reliability reputation in heavy-duty applications, the 3500 HD is a smart investment for those who expect their truck to take a beating and still show up the next day ready for more.
If you’re choosing a truck based on payload performance without sacrificing cabin usability or tech, the 2025 Ram 3500 HD deserves strong consideration.
3. Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD (2025)
Maximum Payload Capacity: Up to 7,234 lbs
The 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD makes its mark in the heavy-duty world with a maximum payload capacity of 7,234 pounds, making it one of the most capable trucks in the consumer segment.
This figure comes from a specific configuration: regular cab, 8-foot bed, rear-wheel drive, dual rear wheels, and the 6.6-liter gas V8 engine. Just like with the Ford and Ram models, skipping the diesel helps the Silverado shed weight and carry more in the bed.
The Silverado 3500HD is engineered with a high-strength steel frame and fortified suspension components.
Its boxed frame rails and crossmembers contribute significantly to its weight-handling prowess, while heavy-duty leaf springs in the rear help manage massive loads without excessive squat.
The payload advantage becomes apparent on jobsites where trucks are expected to haul concrete mix, timber, or heavy machinery without relying on trailers.
Chevrolet designed this truck with practicality in mind. The Durabed cargo box is built from roll-formed steel, offering more strength and less weight than traditional stamped steel.
It also features 12 fixed tie-downs, integrated bed steps, and LED lighting, making it easier to load and secure cargo—especially in low-light conditions. The tailgate can be lowered with a key fob, which adds convenience when unloading heavy gear solo.

The cabin experience in the Silverado 3500HD is rugged but smart. Even in work trims, you’ll find standard smartphone integration, a backup camera, and optional trailering tech like the Advanced Trailering System and in-bed camera views.
These features might not directly improve payload, but they make hauling a fully loaded bed much easier and safer.
This truck appeals to independent contractors, small business owners, and utility fleet managers who need consistent, heavy-duty performance.
Whether you’re hauling roofing tiles, engine parts, or landscaping boulders, the Silverado 3500HD proves itself to be a reliable partner under pressure.
While some may find the ride quality a bit stiff when unladen—a common trait in high-payload trucks—the Silverado more than makes up for it when the bed is full and the workload is heavy. It’s built to take the strain so you and your team don’t have to.
4. GMC Sierra 3500HD (2025)
Maximum Payload Capacity: Up to 7,290 lbs
The 2025 GMC Sierra 3500HD may share mechanical DNA with the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD, but it adds a layer of refinement while delivering equally formidable payload numbers.
With a maximum payload of 7,290 pounds in its ideal configuration—regular cab, 8-foot bed, dual rear wheels, rear-wheel drive, and the 6.6-liter V8 gas engine—the Sierra is a workhorse with premium ambitions.
Built on the same GM heavy-duty platform, the Sierra 3500HD offers a fortified boxed frame constructed with high-strength steel, giving it the backbone to support serious weight.
Its suspension components, including robust leaf springs and heavy-duty axles, are specifically engineered to balance large payloads over long distances without compromising stability.
The dually setup further spreads the load and adds confidence when navigating uneven jobsite terrain or steep access roads.
But where the Sierra distinguishes itself is in its available luxury features and attention to driver comfort—rare in trucks of this caliber. Even mid-level trims come equipped with soft-touch materials, dual-zone climate control, and the intuitive GMC Infotainment System.
For those who spend long hours behind the wheel, this refinement can make a significant difference without sacrificing payload performance.
For practical hauling, the MultiPro Tailgate adds versatility—serving as a step, workbench, or load stop depending on how it’s folded.
The Durabed cargo box, shared with the Silverado, features LED lighting, multiple tie-downs, and a rugged roll-formed steel construction designed to resist dents and handle heavy loads.
With these features, the Sierra 3500HD becomes more than just a hauler—it’s a well-equipped mobile workstation.

Owners frequently use the Sierra 3500HD in roles requiring daily heavy lifting: agricultural tasks, equipment transport, and fleet service jobs where reliability and maximum payload are mandatory.
GMC’s edge is offering a high-capacity hauler that doesn’t skimp on premium touches, allowing business owners to have both capability and comfort in one package.
For those who want class-leading payload paired with a touch of luxury and thoughtful engineering, the GMC Sierra 3500HD hits that rare sweet spot between brute force and sophistication.
5. Ford F-250 Super Duty (2025)
Maximum Payload Capacity: Up to 4,268 lbs
While it doesn’t match the sheer payload figures of its F-350 sibling, the 2025 Ford F-250 Super Duty earns its spot on this list for offering the highest payload capacity in the three-quarter-ton class, topping out at 4,268 pounds when equipped properly.
That means regular cab, 8-foot bed, rear-wheel drive, and the 6.8-liter gas V8 engine—a configuration that strikes an impressive balance between work-readiness and daily usability.
The F-250 benefits from Ford’s heavy-duty engineering expertise. It shares the same military-grade aluminum-alloy body and high-strength steel frame as the larger F-350, giving it a solid structural foundation.
The reduced weight from the aluminum body panels directly contributes to its high payload rating, allowing the truck to carry more without compromising structural rigidity.
What makes the F-250 so appealing is its versatility. It’s less intimidating to drive than a one-ton truck, but still highly capable for jobs like hauling landscaping supplies, heavy toolboxes, or industrial equipment.

Its advanced trailer assist systems and optional onboard scales (which measure payload weight in real time) add layers of safety and practicality rarely seen in this segment.
Ford also equips the F-250 with its Pro Power Onboard feature, turning the truck into a rolling generator—a significant bonus for contractors and mobile businesses.
Inside, the cabin balances work-friendly durability with tech features like SYNC 4, large digital displays, and optional fleet management tools. Whether in a work-spec XL trim or a better-equipped XLT, the F-250 remains a strong value.
Despite not reaching the extreme payload figures of the F-350 or Ram 3500, the F-250 stands out for being lighter on its feet, easier to maneuver, and more accessible to both individual owners and small business fleets.
It’s ideal for those who want top-end capability without stepping fully into the heavy-duty commercial realm.
In short, the F-250 Super Duty offers best-in-class three-quarter-ton payload performance and enough built-in utility to satisfy a wide variety of professionals who need real muscle in a manageable package.
5 Trucks With Lowest Payload Capacity
While heavy-duty trucks dominate headlines with towering payload numbers, not every truck on the market is built for brute strength. In fact, some pickups—especially those tuned more for comfort, style, or urban driving—fall short in their ability to carry real loads.
Payload capacity, in many cases, is quietly sacrificed in favor of sleeker design, fuel efficiency, or ride comfort. That may be fine for the weekend warrior or style-conscious commuter, but it becomes a major drawback for buyers who expect their truck to work.
Low payload capacity isn’t inherently a flaw—if a truck is used for light-duty tasks or urban transportation, less capacity might be acceptable.
But problems arise when these trucks are marketed or perceived as “tough” or “ready for anything,” while their actual payload numbers tell a very different story.
For buyers who plan to haul gear, construction material, camping equipment, or heavy tools, those low numbers can lead to dangerous overloading, premature wear, or even voided warranties.
In this next section, we’ll break down five trucks with the lowest payload capacities available in 2025. These are pickups that, while offering good aesthetics, technology, or ride comfort, simply don’t hold their own when it comes to bed strength.
Whether due to smaller engines, unibody construction, soft suspension setups, or design compromises, these trucks are far better suited for grocery runs than gravel deliveries.
This list isn’t just about calling out weaklings—it’s about setting realistic expectations. If you’re buying a truck to look the part and handle occasional hauling, you’ll be fine.
But if you’re expecting daily jobsite work, these trucks may disappoint. Let’s take a closer look at the trucks that look tough but can’t carry their weight—literally.
1. Hyundai Santa Cruz (2025)
Maximum Payload Capacity: Up to 1,753 lbs
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is more of a crossover with a bed than a traditional truck—and its maximum payload of 1,753 pounds reflects that.
While that figure is serviceable for casual users, it’s significantly lower than what most people associate with “truck-level” capability.
And that’s a critical distinction for buyers who may be swayed by its rugged looks and open-bed design but intend to use it for serious hauling.
The Santa Cruz is built on the same unibody platform as the Hyundai Tucson, which prioritizes comfort, handling, and interior space over heavy-duty performance.
Unlike body-on-frame trucks, unibody construction lacks the rigid backbone necessary to handle high payloads consistently, especially over uneven terrain or extended work use.
That doesn’t mean the Santa Cruz isn’t capable—but its capability has a very specific ceiling.
Under the hood, the Santa Cruz offers either a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine or a turbocharged variant. While the turbo provides respectable power and makes the Santa Cruz feel zippy, it doesn’t add much to its payload rating.
The suspension is designed more for road composure than load-bearing toughness, and overloading the bed can make the rear squat dramatically—a sure sign it’s outside its comfort zone.
Hyundai targets a different audience with this vehicle: urban and suburban drivers who want the flexibility of a small bed for occasional tasks like moving mulch, carrying bikes, or hauling weekend camping gear. It’s essentially a lifestyle vehicle that blends SUV comfort with minor truck-like convenience.

For that role, it excels. But for users expecting it to double as a jobsite companion, the Santa Cruz will come up short—both literally and figuratively.
While it deserves credit for innovation and appeals to a specific niche, the Santa Cruz clearly doesn’t belong in conversations about serious payload capacity.
It’s a great compact hauler for light-duty users—but if your daily grind includes loading pallets, carrying tools, or transporting heavy cargo, this is not your truck.
2. Honda Ridgeline (2025)
Maximum Payload Capacity: Up to 1,583 lbs
The 2025 Honda Ridgeline is a comfortable, well-mannered pickup that drives like an SUV—and that’s because it basically is one.
Built on the same unibody platform as the Honda Pilot, the Ridgeline prioritizes ride quality, interior space, and ease of use over brute strength. Its maximum payload capacity of 1,583 pounds puts it near the bottom of the pickup class, despite its mid-size dimensions.
Honda markets the Ridgeline as the truck for people who don’t like trucks—and that’s not a slight. It offers all-wheel drive, a well-appointed interior, and a smooth, car-like driving experience that’s unmatched by body-on-frame rivals.
For urban dwellers or suburban families who want to haul light equipment, furniture, bikes, or weekend supplies, it’s an ideal option. The innovative in-bed trunk and dual-action tailgate are smart, practical touches rarely found elsewhere.
However, the Ridgeline’s comfort and clever design don’t make up for its limited payload. Beneath the stylish shell lies a soft rear suspension that’s not engineered for high loads.
Put more than 1,200 pounds in the bed and the ride noticeably suffers. Push it close to its payload limit and you’ll feel it—handling becomes sluggish, and rear sag is visible.
One overlooked issue is the Ridgeline’s curb weight. Despite being car-based, it’s a fairly heavy vehicle.

That eats into the available payload, since the rating reflects the maximum weight a truck can carry—including passengers, gear, and cargo. With a few adults onboard, your bed capacity drops even further—potentially into sub-1,200-pound territory.
That makes the Ridgeline best suited for light-duty users who value comfort over capability. It’s great for hauling paddleboards, moving college kids into dorms, or doing some weekend DIY projects.
But it’s not designed for jobsite work or regular payload stress. Anyone expecting commercial utility from the Ridgeline will be disappointed.
In short: the Ridgeline is one of the best “lifestyle” trucks money can buy. But in the raw numbers game of payload capacity, it finishes near the bottom—not because Honda failed, but because they aimed at a different target altogether.
3. Ford Maverick (2025)
Maximum Payload Capacity: Up to 1,500 lbs
The 2025 Ford Maverick may wear the Blue Oval badge and carry the proud name of a pickup, but at its core, this is a light-duty truck designed with fuel economy and daily versatility in mind—not raw strength.
With a maximum payload of 1,500 pounds, the Maverick ranks among the lowest-capacity trucks on the market today, even in its most capable trims.
Like the Hyundai Santa Cruz, the Maverick rides on a unibody platform borrowed from Ford’s Escape and Bronco Sport. That means it behaves more like a compact SUV than a traditional truck.
Ford aimed this vehicle at a new segment: buyers who don’t want—or need—a full-size pickup, but want the convenience of an open bed for light hauling. Judged by those standards, the Maverick succeeds. But when it comes to payload, its performance is limited by design.
Most Mavericks are sold with the 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain, which offers impressive fuel economy—up to 40 mpg in the city—but also reduces overall capacity. The hybrid version tops out at only 1,200 lbs of payload.
For those who want more, the optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged gas engine with all-wheel drive pushes that limit to 1,500 lbs. That’s the best-case scenario, and even then, you’ll start cutting into usable capacity quickly once passengers and gear are added to the cab.

Ford did engineer the Maverick with clever utility in mind. Its FLEXBED system offers pre-threaded bolt holes, storage cubbies, and multiple DIY accessory options. For light hauls—bags of soil, bicycles, camping gear—it shines.
But if you’re trying to move stacks of lumber, pavers, or heavy tools, the Maverick just isn’t built for that.
Despite its modest numbers, the Maverick has a large and loyal following. Its low cost, ease of use, and clever design make it a fantastic choice for urbanites, students, and casual truck users. But for those who interpret “truck” to mean payload muscle, the Maverick will feel underwhelming.
In summary: it’s a great runabout, not a workhorse. If hauling heavy is part of your daily grind, look elsewhere.
4. Nissan Frontier (2025)
Maximum Payload Capacity: Up to 1,610 lbs
The 2025 Nissan Frontier looks tough, drives well, and boasts an appealing mix of ruggedness and tech.
However, it lands on this list for one key reason: its maximum payload capacity of just 1,610 pounds—a surprisingly modest figure for a body-on-frame midsize truck.
While it performs better than some crossover-based trucks like the Ridgeline or Maverick, its payload is still on the lower end of the pickup spectrum.
Nissan’s Frontier has seen a major redesign in recent years, modernizing both its looks and its cabin. The truck now sports a 3.8-liter V6 as standard, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
This powertrain delivers solid performance and smooth acceleration, but the chassis and suspension tuning seem to lean more toward off-road comfort and ride refinement than hauling brawn.
In many configurations—especially crew cab and 4WD trims—the Frontier’s curb weight quickly climbs, which chips away at the usable payload. By the time you’ve added passengers and gear, you’re left with a relatively shallow payload margin.
It’s not unusual for owners to find themselves limited to around 1,200 to 1,400 pounds of real-world carrying capacity—significantly below what most commercial users expect from a midsize truck.
To its credit, the Frontier does include useful bed features like spray-in liners, Utili-track tie-down cleats, and a dampened tailgate, giving it a practical edge for casual hauls. It’s great for light-duty jobs like moving appliances, garden supplies, or camping gear.

But when tasked with carrying heavy construction materials or equipment, it can feel outmatched by competitors like the Tacoma or Ranger—which edge it out in payload figures.
The Frontier fits best in the hands of weekend adventurers, occasional haulers, or daily drivers who like the look and feel of a real truck but don’t need the workhorse specs.
It’s honest about what it is—but still risks disappointing buyers who assume midsize size means midsize strength.
In essence, the 2025 Nissan Frontier is a capable and stylish truck—just not one built to haul the heavy stuff.
5. Jeep Gladiator (2025)
Maximum Payload Capacity: Up to 1,710 lbs
The 2025 Jeep Gladiator may look like it’s ready to conquer mountains while towing boulders, but despite its aggressive off-road image, it lands squarely in the lower tier of trucks when it comes to payload.
With a maximum capacity of 1,710 pounds—and often less in real-world configurations—it’s a case of form not quite matching function when measured purely by hauling strength.
Built on the same platform as the Wrangler Unlimited, the Gladiator is engineered primarily for off-road prowess. It features solid axles, locking differentials, disconnecting sway bars, and high ground clearance.
These are fantastic for rock crawling and trail running—but they come at a cost to everyday work utility. The Gladiator’s suspension is designed to flex, not hold weight, and that significantly limits its stability under heavy payload conditions.
The situation worsens when you opt for higher trims or additional off-road gear. The Rubicon trim, for instance, is heavier due to extra equipment, dropping its payload capacity to around 1,200–1,300 pounds—less than what you’d find in some compact crossovers with trailers.
Add four adult passengers and a few bags of gear, and you’re already approaching that limit. Try adding heavy cargo to the bed, and the rear end starts to sag quickly.
Jeep fans love the Gladiator for its removable roof, rugged styling, and trail dominance. It’s the only convertible pickup on the market and delivers on fun, uniqueness, and capability in the wild. However, those qualities don’t translate well to jobsite hauling or utility-based work.

The long wheelbase gives it more bed space than the Wrangler, but the frame and suspension still aren’t optimized for load-bearing.
In short, the Gladiator is an off-roader disguised as a truck. If you’re buying it for trail runs, overlanding, or camping—go for it.
But if your days involve lumber, gravel, or heavy equipment, it’s not up to the task. That disconnect between appearance and actual payload performance makes it a surprising—but deserving—final entry on the low-capacity list.
Payload capacity is one of the most misunderstood and overlooked specs when buying a pickup. People often focus on horsepower, torque, or towing numbers, forgetting that payload—the weight a truck can safely carry in its bed and cab—is just as critical.
Whether you’re hauling bricks to a jobsite or bikes to a trailhead, knowing what your truck can truly handle keeps you safe, legal, and efficient.
In this comparison, we explored the two extremes: trucks with the highest and lowest payload capacities. On the heavy-hitting end, models like the Ford F-350 Super Duty and Ram 3500 HD pushed past 7,000 pounds of payload with ease, offering true commercial-grade capability.
These trucks are engineered to carry the heaviest loads all day, every day. Reinforced frames, robust suspensions, and high-output engines give them the strength to tackle the toughest jobs. They’re not always glamorous to drive, but they’re machines built to move mass, and they do so brilliantly.
On the other end, we examined trucks that wear the “pickup” badge but fall short in actual load-bearing performance. Vehicles like the Hyundai Santa Cruz, Honda Ridgeline, and Ford Maverick serve a different purpose.
They’re lighter, smoother, and more affordable—but their payload ceilings are often under 1,600 pounds. For casual drivers, that might be enough. But for anyone expecting truck-level utility, these models can disappoint if misunderstood or misused.
The lesson here is simple: buy a truck that matches your lifestyle and your needs. If you’re a contractor, hauler, or rancher, you need a machine that can carry literal tons.
But if you’re a city driver who occasionally visits a hardware store or goes camping, a smaller, lighter truck might be perfect. What matters most is clarity—knowing what your truck can do, and more importantly, what it can’t.
Payload may not be a flashy stat, but it defines what your truck is capable of. Make sure your expectations match your payload reality—because in the world of trucks, numbers matter, and so does honesty.
Also Read: 5 Cars That Are Flipper-Friendly vs 5 That Only Work for Personal Use