Pickup trucks have always symbolized strength and capability in the United States, but in recent years, horsepower has become just as important as towing capacity or bed size.
Today’s buyers want trucks that can work hard during the week and still deliver adrenaline-pumping performance on the weekend.
Thanks to supercharged V8s, advanced turbocharging, and a new wave of electric powertrains, modern pickups are producing power figures that would have been unimaginable a decade ago.
From brutal off-road machines to high-tech electric trucks that redefine acceleration, these are the ten pickup trucks with the highest horsepower you can buy right now in the U.S. market.
1. Rivian R1T Quad-Motor
The Rivian R1T Quad-Motor currently sits at the top of the horsepower mountain, proving that electric pickups are no longer just experiments.
With a quad-motor setup one motor powering each wheel the R1T produces over 1,000 horsepower, delivering instantaneous torque and jaw-dropping acceleration.
Unlike traditional trucks that build power through revs, the Rivian delivers its performance the moment you press the accelerator, making it feel incredibly quick despite its size.
Beyond straight-line speed, the quad-motor system provides exceptional traction and control, especially off-road, where precise power delivery to each wheel matters more than raw numbers.
This makes the R1T not only the most powerful pickup available but also one of the most technically advanced trucks on sale today.
2. Tesla Cybertruck Beast (Tri-Motor)
Tesla’s Cybertruck Beast trim brings the brand’s signature performance obsession into the pickup segment. With its tri-motor electric setup generating well over 800 horsepower, the Cybertruck Beast is designed to shock traditional truck buyers.
Acceleration is sports-car quick, and the instant torque gives it a sense of effortlessness when merging onto highways or pulling heavy loads.
While its radical stainless-steel design remains polarizing, there’s no denying its performance credentials.
For buyers who value cutting-edge technology, rapid acceleration, and a futuristic driving experience, the Cybertruck Beast offers a level of horsepower that rivals the most extreme performance trucks ever built.
The Cybertruck’s bold, unconventional design hides a surprisingly functional set of capabilities. It can tow up to 11,000 pounds, and its 6-foot bedthough narrower than some competitors, has no intrusive wheel wells and can still accommodate standard sheets of plywood.
Two 400-watt power outlets allow operation of power tools and accessories, and the vehicle can even supply up to 11 kW of electricity back to a home during an outage. An adaptive air suspension provides up to 16 inches of ground clearance and, combined with the truck’s all-wheel-drive system and multiple traction modes, makes it capable of serious off-road adventures.
Add to that the bullet-resistant stainless-steel body, shatter-resistant windows, and headline-grabbing performance claims, 2.6-second 0–60 mph acceleration and up to 470 miles of range, and the Cybertruck is as functional as it is extreme.
In terms of unusual styling and futuristic design, the Cybertruck has no peer. For those seeking a more traditional-looking electric pickup, alternatives include the Ford F-150 Lightning, a proven pioneer in the segment with strong towing and payload capabilities.
Joining it are the Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, and the upcoming Ram 1500 Rev. None, however, match the Cybertruck’s unique off-road features.
For off-road enthusiasts who want serious terrain capability, the Rivian R1T is a close contender. While it has a smaller bed and rear seating area, it otherwise competes well with the Cybertruck in terms of power, towing capacity, and all-terrain ability.
Getting accustomed to its quirks, such as the unconventional door-release mechanism, is part of the experience. Over the next year and roughly 20,000 miles, the vehicle will undergo extensive use and testing by staff, providing insight into what it’s truly like to live with a Cybertruck. Follow along with our ongoing Cybertruck long-term test.
3. Ram 1500 TRX
The Ram 1500 TRX represents the pinnacle of internal-combustion pickup performance. Powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8, the TRX produces 702 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful gas-powered pickups you can buy.
What truly sets the TRX apart is how it combines this immense power with off-road durability.
Designed to dominate desert terrain, it features heavy-duty suspension, massive tires, and reinforced components that allow it to handle punishment most trucks wouldn’t survive.
Despite its aggressive nature, the TRX is still comfortable enough for daily driving, making it a favorite among buyers who want raw American muscle without sacrificing practicality.
4. Ford F-150 Raptor R
Ford answered the TRX directly with the F-150 Raptor R, a truck that brings V8 power back to the Raptor lineup. Its supercharged engine produces over 700 horsepower, transforming the Raptor from an off-road specialist into a true performance monster.
Unlike standard F-150s, the Raptor R is engineered for high-speed off-road driving, with long-travel suspension and reinforced chassis components.
On pavement, the power makes highway passing effortless, while off-road it provides the kind of thrust needed to maintain momentum in sand, dirt, and rocky terrain.
The Raptor R is ideal for buyers who want extreme horsepower paired with Ford’s legendary truck reliability.
There’s something truly surreal about a vehicle weighing over 6,000 pounds being able to turn four 37-inch tires into clouds of blue smoke on command. That’s the muscle and majesty of the newly enhanced 720-horsepower supercharged V-8 in the 2024 Raptor R.
The 10-speed automatic transmission, perfectly matched to the potent powerplant, always seemed to select the right gear for any situation, and torque was instantly available whenever we felt the urge to punch it, which, admittedly, happened often.
For 2024, Ford also upgraded the torque converter, front axle, and driveshaft to handle the Predator engine’s immense output, ensuring the truck can reliably harness all 720 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque.
The truck’s performance specs are equally impressive: the supercharged 5.2-liter V8, paired with the 10-speed automatic, delivers 720 hp at 6,650 rpm and 640 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm, reaching 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds.
Top speed is governed at 114 mph, fuel economy (combined) is observed at 10.1 mpg, towing capacity reaches 8,700 pounds, and payload capacity is 1,400 pounds.
With its supercharged V-8, upgraded drivetrain, and sophisticated suspension, the Raptor R is not just a high-powered off-roader; it is a commanding, thrilling machine capable of delivering both desert-trail domination and street-level excitement.
5. GMC Hummer EV Pickup
The GMC Hummer EV Pickup brings military-inspired design and extreme electric performance together in one massive package.
Producing over 800 horsepower in its higher trims, the Hummer EV is as much a technological showcase as it is a pickup truck.
Its electric powertrain allows for features like CrabWalk, which lets the truck move diagonally, and adaptive air suspension that adjusts ride height for different conditions.
Despite its size and weight, the Hummer EV accelerates with shocking speed, reminding drivers that electric power changes the rules of performance.
This truck is aimed at buyers who want maximum presence, luxury, and power wrapped into one unmistakable package.
6. Chevrolet Silverado EV RST
Chevrolet’s Silverado EV RST trim shows how electric power can enhance a traditional full-size pickup platform.
With around 750 horsepower, the Silverado EV RST delivers strong acceleration while maintaining the practical design Silverado buyers expect.
Unlike performance-focused trucks that sacrifice efficiency for power, this electric Silverado balances both, offering competitive range alongside impressive output.
It’s designed for drivers who still need a functional work truck but want the smoothness and power of an electric drivetrain.
As electric infrastructure improves across the U.S., the Silverado EV RST is positioned as a powerful yet sensible alternative to gas-powered performance trucks.
We tested a Silverado EV RST, and at our test track, it accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. While quick, that actually puts it on the slower end compared with other electric trucks we’ve tested.
Whether straight-line acceleration is the most important performance measure for a pickup is subjective, but in real-world driving, the Silverado EV never felt sluggish.
Braking is strong, and our test truck easily outstopped heavy-duty trucks of similar weight. On the open road, the Silverado EV proves pleasant to drive.
Its robust regenerative braking allows you to rely mostly on the accelerator pedal, rarely needing to touch the brake. The truck’s low center of gravity and four-wheel steering make it nimble enough to hustle around corners, though it’s not a particularly thrilling experience.
Comfort-wise, the Silverado EV earns an 8/10. Its front seats are comfortable and feature heating and cooling integrated with the automatic climate control. We appreciated the ability to heat the seatback separately, and the maximum heating setting is especially welcome on frigid days.
The climate system delivers ample cold or warm air and relies on intuitive knobs and buttons for primary controls. The suspension keeps the truck’s body composed over larger bumps, but smaller impacts, like tar strips or expansion joints, can be felt more noticeably. Some drivers may find the ride a bit firm, and the cabin is slightly noisier than expected.
There is noticeable tire and wind noise at highway speeds, but the most intrusive sound comes from the pedestrian warning system. Chevrolet explains this is for safety, but it quickly becomes annoying during normal driving.
Also Read: 7 Best Sedans That Handle City Traffic Comfortably
7. Ford F-150 Lightning Extended Range
The Ford F-150 Lightning Extended Range may not match the extreme numbers of the Rivian or Hummer, but its 580 horsepower still places it firmly among the most powerful pickups on sale.
What makes the Lightning special is how seamlessly it integrates electric power into America’s best-selling truck platform.
The instant torque makes it feel quicker than many gas-powered trucks with higher horsepower ratings, especially when loaded or towing.
For buyers who want strong performance without stepping into radical styling or unfamiliar brands, the Lightning offers a reassuring blend of tradition and innovation.
With more than 200,000 reservations, it’s clear that the Ford F-150 Lightning is set to teach a lot of Americans firsthand what it’s like to drive a blockbuster electric pickup.
Whether drivers learn on the road or by reading detailed tests like this one, MotorTrend’s real-world driving range and charging data offer a practical cheat sheet for planning long-distance trips with fewer surprises.
According to Ford, the Lightning can travel 230 miles on the standard battery, while XLT and Lariat trims with the optional extended-range battery can reach up to 320 miles.
The top-tier $92,669 Lightning Platinum, which comes exclusively with the larger battery pack, is rated for 300 miles of range due to its heavier 22-inch wheels and additional equipment.
However, these figures can be overly optimistic for highway travel. Electric vehicles are generally more efficient in low-speed, stop-and-go traffic than at sustained highway speeds, and the official EPA range is calculated from a mix of city and highway driving.
Driving consistently above 55 mph will almost always result in a range lower than the sticker number. In this test, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum achieved a real-world range of 255 miles, roughly 15 percent below its EPA-rated 300 miles.
As with gasoline vehicles, mileage can vary depending on extreme temperatures, high speeds, significant elevation changes, or heavy accessory use. Drivers can extend the effective range by maintaining slower speeds, minimizing air-conditioning and other electrical loads, and limiting hard braking.
8. Rivian R1T Dual- and Tri-Motor Variants
Beyond the quad-motor flagship, Rivian’s dual- and tri-motor R1T variants still offer impressive horsepower figures that outperform many gas-powered trucks.
These trims provide a more accessible entry into high-performance electric pickups while retaining Rivian’s refined ride quality and off-road capability.
They are especially appealing to buyers who want strong acceleration and modern tech without necessarily needing the extreme output of the quad-motor setup.
Rivian’s approach shows how horsepower can be scaled intelligently to suit different budgets and driving needs.
Also Read: Top 10 Cars Cheap Enough to Own and Fast Enough to Scare You
9. Ram 1500 RHO
The Ram 1500 RHO represents a new direction for high-performance trucks, using a turbocharged inline-six rather than a massive V8.
Producing over 500 horsepower, the RHO balances performance with improved efficiency compared to older muscle-focused pickups.
It delivers strong acceleration and confident towing while offering a more refined driving experience for everyday use. This truck is aimed at buyers who want serious power but also care about comfort, technology, and long-term usability.
The fire-breathing Hellcat V-8 that once powered the TRX, summoning 702 supercharged horsepower, may be gone, but its legacy of breakneck acceleration and a thunderous soundtrack remains unforgettable. While it’s sad to say goodbye to that brute, there’s more to love about the TRX than just its iron-block 6.2-liter Hemi.
The new 2025 Ram 1500 RHO inherits the trophy-truck mantle, maintaining the wide-body stance and Baja-ready suspension, though with two fewer cylinders.
With the TRX officially retired, Ram needed a top-tier off-roader to compete with half-ton rivals such as the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2, GMC Sierra AT4X, Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, and the Ford F-150 Raptor. Apart from the 700-hp Raptor R, the Ram 1500 RHO still offers the most horsepower and second-most torque in this class.
Under its new grille, featuring a raised “RAM” logo with a flow-through design, the RHO is powered by a high-output version of Stellantis’ Hurricane engine, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six producing 540 horsepower and 521 pound-feet of torque.
This matches the output of the Hurricane H/O found in the upper trims of Ram’s refreshed 1500 lineup, paired with a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic and a full-time all-wheel-drive system.
While the RHO’s Hurricane engine sacrifices 162 hp and 129 lb-ft compared with the TRX, Ram points out that the six-cylinder is 150 pounds lighter and its placement improves front-to-rear weight balance by removing 180 pounds from the front axle.
Fuel economy is expected to improve as well; while the RHO awaits official certification, other high-output Hurricane-equipped half-ton Rams are estimated at 15 mpg city and 21 mpg highway, versus the TRX’s 10/14 mpg.
Although the RHO won’t replicate the supercharged Hemi’s signature roar, Ram says the dual exhaust system with large five-inch tips gives it a distinct and aggressive sound among its siblings.
Performance estimates suggest the RHO is nearly as fast as the TRX, with a claimed 0–60 mph time of 4.6 seconds, just a tenth slower than the TRX.
Both trucks have an identical limited top speed of 118 mph, and the RHO’s claimed quarter-mile time of 13.1 seconds at 105 mph is slightly slower than the TRX’s 12.9 seconds at 108 mph.
By comparison, a 2021 TRX we tested was considerably quicker, 3.7 seconds to 60 mph and a 12.3-second quarter-mile at 110 mph, so we’ll need to test the new RHO before drawing final conclusions.
Fundamentally, the Ram 1500 RHO remains very similar to the TRX in terms of architecture and capability. Both share a reinforced frame and a long-travel suspension with forged aluminum front control arms and adaptive Bilstein dampers.
The RHO rides on chunky 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory all-terrain tires, and 18-inch beadlock-capable wheels remain available as an option for extreme off-road use.
10. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 6.2-Liter V8
Rounding out the list is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 equipped with the 6.2-liter V8, producing over 420 horsepower.
While it doesn’t compete with electric or supercharged monsters in raw output, it remains one of the most powerful traditional half-ton pickups available.
Its appeal lies in its balance of reliability, strong resale value, and familiar V8 performance. For many American buyers, this engine represents the sweet spot between everyday practicality and satisfying power.
The modern pickup truck market has entered a golden age of horsepower. Electric powertrains are pushing output beyond 1,000 horsepower, while traditional manufacturers continue to refine supercharged and turbocharged engines that keep gas-powered trucks competitive.
The L87 is a 6.2-liter, eight-cylinder engine from General Motors, used across a variety of pickup trucks and SUVs. Built with a pushrod OverHead Valve (OHV) design in a V configuration, the L87 is part of GM’s Gen V Small Block architecture, known in trucks and SUVs as EcoTec3.
As a second-generation EcoTec3 engine, the L87 directly succeeds the L86 and made its debut in the all-new 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 fourth-generation models.
The engine displaces 6.2 liters (376 cubic inches) and is naturally aspirated, paired with GM’s Hydra-Matic 10-speed automatic transmission. It is SAE-certified at 420 horsepower (313 kW) and 460 lb-ft of torque (623 Nm), making it the largest and most powerful gas V-8 in its segment at the time of launch.
Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) adds versatility, allowing the engine to operate on fewer cylinders when full power isn’t needed, which improves fuel efficiency without compromising performance.
Better yet, the transitions are transparent, and because the system is torque-based, you’ve always got that satisfying feeling of power on demand that comes from Chevy’s Gen V Small Block V-8 engines.
The L87 also features driver-selectable stop/start technology to save fuel in stop-and-go traffic. Initially, this engine was offered in LTZ and High Country trims. Its performance and refinement earned it a spot on Wards 10 Best Engines in 2018, evaluated based on horsepower, torque, technology, fuel economy, noise characteristics, and relative competitiveness.
The L87’s construction combines durability with lightweight design. Both the block and cylinder heads are cast aluminum, the crankshaft is forged steel, main bearing caps are cast nodular iron, the camshaft is billet steel, and connecting rods are forged powder metal.
It uses a naturally aspirated configuration with a compression ratio of 11.5:1, two valves per cylinder, and spark-ignited direct injection (SIDI). The engine’s bore and stroke measure 4.065 by 3.622 inches (103.25 x 92 mm), and it has a maximum engine speed of 6,000 rpm.
For emissions control, the engine incorporates an auto start/stop system, a three-way catalytic converter, positive crankcase ventilation, and the Dynamic Fuel Management system, also known as Dynamic Skip Fire.
Whether you prioritize extreme acceleration, off-road dominance, towing strength, or future-proof electric performance, today’s high-horsepower pickups offer more choice than ever before.
In the U.S., where trucks remain a way of life, these machines prove that power and practicality can coexist at unprecedented levels.
