Yahoo Finance 5 Best Trucks of 2018
Crossovers may have taken over the roads, but trucks still own our hearts. Rugged, hardworking, and able to explore the toughest terrain with a turn of the wheel, they’re as reliable as the western sunrise and as American as lemonade on a summer day.
Luckily, all that romance doesn’t come at the price of practicality. Take a look at the Honda Ridgeline. (Seriously, you should do that.) It’s fast, fuel efficient, exceptionally safe, and family friendly. Fun fact: It’s one of the easiest vehicles in which to install a child seat.
For folks who believe bigger is better, there’s the full-size classic Ford F-150. Posting some of the best acceleration, roadholding, and braking results in its class, it balances all of that with a pleasant ride and good agility-a combination unmatched by its competitors.
The Chevy Colorado’s fuel economy and safety ratings fall short of the Ridgeline’s, but it does win out in terms of bad-assery.
Meanwhile, if you’re pining for safety tech like automated emergency braking and forward-collision warning, then turn to the Toyota Tacoma-it has the most standard active safety features in its class and doesn’t compromise on ruggedness either.
To tow an elephant, the F-150 should do. But for a whole circus, you need the Ford F Series Super Duty (F-250, F-350, and F-450), the ultimate in heavy-duty trucks. Capable of towing up to 32,500 pounds, with topnotch tech and plenty of luxury options, the Super Duty is sure to get you noticed, whether you’re dragging something behind you or not.
Best Mid-Size
1. Honda Ridgeline
Transcending pickup-truck tropes, the Ridgeline tosses tradition to the wind with unconventional comfort and ingenious features.
Looking for a quintessential crossover? It has a comfortable cabin and refined road manners. Yet, its towing capability and innovative cargo box, which has an in-bed trunk and available audio system, exploit and enhance truck tradition.
A speedy 280-hp V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission comprise the sole powertrain; front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. Honda’s pickup not only compares with class competitors, it excels with exclusively available features such as automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
Although it’s only built as a crew cab with a 5.3-foot bed, the Ridgeline caters to and satisfies a wider society than its rivals-a key reason it was named one of our 2018 10Best Trucks and SUVs.
Styling and Appearance
It’s not a pickup unless it looks like a pickup, right?
The Ridgeline has relinquished the previous generation’s odd exterior elements in favor of a more traditional pickup profile. However, Honda’s designers still managed to mix in unique and useful features to make it stand out from the crowd.
Those who want a Ridgeline Sport in any color other than black will be happy to learn that White Diamond Pearl and Lunar Silver Metallic are available for 2018.
Although the Ridgeline continues to use a unibody construction, the designers ditched the flying buttresses, squared off the roofline, and inserted a fake gap between the cab and the rear fenders to make it look like a truck. Still, the front end appears disjointed from the rest of the body, with a setup that resembles the Honda Pilot crossover.
The Ridgeline’s interior is top in its class in terms of practicality and comfort. Expertly laid out and extremely functional, the cabin also claims the most spacious rear seat.
Like most other mid-sizers, the Ridgeline features hard plastics below the dash level. Otherwise, the materials are above average. While it will never be considered luxurious, the Honda ranks highly compared with its rivals.
Value and Warranty
Honda Ridgelines come in a single body style (a four-door crew cab) and six trim levels, all with one powertrain: a 280-hp 3.5-liter V-6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available for $1900 on all but the base RT trim; it’s standard on the top-tier RTL-E and Black Edition.
We’d choose the mid-level RTL and opt for all-wheel drive, as it increases the tow rating from 3500 to 5000 pounds. For $760, the RTL adds a number of features over the lower Sport trim, including:
Leather-trimmed interior
Heated front seats
10-way-power-adjustable driver’s seat and four-way-power-adjustable passenger seat
The total cost of our nicely equipped Ridgeline was $36,770.
While the Ridgeline has relatively competitive warranties, the Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon are favorable because they offer complimentary scheduled maintenance and much longer periods of roadside assistance.
How It Hauls
The Ridgeline offers inventive, low-key cargo solutions. An in-bed trunk, an extra-wide cargo floor, and several interior storage devices differentiate the Honda from its more pedestrian rivals.
The Ridgeline offers only one bed length, 5.3 feet, which lines up with competitors’ short beds and has the second-lowest volume at 34 cubic feet. The antidote to this disparity is its locking, weather-tight in-bed trunk with a 7.3-cubic-foot capacity. It incorporates a drain plug for those who want to use it as a cooler.
There’s one more advantage: with 50.0 inches between its wheel wells, the Ridgeline is the only mid-size pickup that can fit a sheet of four-by-eight-foot building material flat on the bed floor.
Best Full-Size
2. Ford F150
The F-150 has been Ford’s top-selling model and company cash cow for decades.
Matching its modern aluminum-body construction is a slew of advanced engines and high-tech driver assists. This handsome hauler can be outfitted for every job and every personality, with three cab and bed styles as well as numerous appearance packages.
Its premier powertrain is a lively twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, it’s capable of towing a best-in-class 13,200 pounds.
From top to bottom, the iconic F-150 is the most complete and compelling full-size pickup to be found. Period.
Styling and Appearance
Handsome, hard-nosed styling and an extensive list of desirable personalization options make the F-150 one of the most appealing pickups in its class. Its innovative use of mostly aluminum body panels to reduce its weight also sets it apart from the competition.
The 2018 F-150 can be easily identified by its updated grille styles and revised front and rear lighting. Depending on the model, the evolution includes nostril-like intakes, twin grille bars, and varying mesh patterns.
Likewise, the headlights and taillights have been reworked. The tailgate now features either a stamped F-150 logo or a horizontal appliqué on higher trim levels. A slew of all-new wheel designs round out the changes.
While the F-150’s aluminum body panels and front-end design are different from past generations, the recessed wheel arches and drooping front windows are nostalgic. A large, wide windshield extends high into the roofline and benefits the driver with relatively small A-pillars.
On the interior, the F150 seduces with everything from massaging seats to a panoramic sunroof, plus the roomiest back seat in the class. New interior colors and materials keep things fresh for 2018.
Value and Warranty
While we’ve gushed over the rowdy Raptor off-road specialist and its predisposition for pure, dumb fun, the practical purchaser will prefer the regular F-150.
The well-rounded Ford can be outfitted for every occasion, from a bare-bones workhorse (starting at $28,675) to a luxury limo costing as much as $65,000 for the top-tier Limited trim. We think the mid-level Lariat SuperCrew with the 6.5-foot cargo bed represents the best combination of versatility and value.
The 325-hp twin-turbo 2.7-liter V-6 is the standard engine, but upgrading to the more powerful 375-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 only costs an extra $1600. This engine is responsive and quick, and it pumps out 470 lb-ft of torque. Adding all-wheel drive isn’t necessary for everyone, but the $3375 option is a must for harsh winters.
We’d also opt for the Max Trailer Tow package ($1295), which adds coolers for engine oil and transmission fluid, an electronic locking rear axle (3.55 axle ratio), a 36-gallon fuel tank, a trailer backup assist, and more. In total, our all-wheel-drive Lariat SuperCrew costs $50,910.
The F-150 has competitive limited and powertrain warranties. Ford doesn’t offer complimentary scheduled maintenance, unlike the Toyota Tundra and the GM pickups.
How It Hauls
There’s plenty of storage space in the F-150. You can carry a couch as easily as a ham sandwich. But cargo space and cubby storage are so close among full-size pickups that they all rate essentially the same.
The F-150’s three cab configurations (Regular, SuperCab, SuperCrew) and three box sizes (5.5 feet, 6.5 feet, and 8.0 feet) are more than enough to play with, so overall length depends on the setup. All three beds can be mated to the Regular cab.
The SuperCab only offers the 6.5-foot and 8.0-foot bed options, while the SuperCrew only comes with the 5.5-foot or 6.5-foot beds. The F-150 is the longest in the segment when the SuperCrew is matched to its largest bed, and it’s significantly shorter than other extended cabs when paired with its smallest box.
Its strongest engine is a powerful twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 that is capable of towing a class-leading 13,200 pounds.
Best Safety Tech
3. Toyota Tacoma
The Tacoma is like a punk-rock band-an edgy alternative to more sophisticated, grown-up mid-size rivals.
Its iconic off-road cred is demonstrated by definitive trail-ready trims and packages featuring rugged equipment and impressive capability. The Tacoma has typical pickup-truck versatility with multiple powertrains and body configurations.
It also boasts the most standard active safety features in its class, including automated emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
Although the Toyota isn’t as compelling as the competition, it has the pedigree and practicality that are perfect for an adventurous personality.
Styling and Appearance
The Tacoma has been around for a long time, so it’s no surprise that its exterior styling is instantly identifiable and the most trucklike in its class. Its brawny, squared-off design boasts a hexagonal grille, narrow headlights, and bulging fenders.
The 2018 Tacoma has minor cosmetic updates depending on the trim. The SR and SR5 have a mildly restyled grille; the TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road have a darker mesh grille, and the Limited has a new satin-chrome grille.
In the paint department, Midnight Black replaces Black on all models. While Cement is now available on the TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited trims, it’s replaced by Cavalry Blue on the TRD Pro.
Sticking to your roots is commendable, but doesn’t work in the Tacoma cabin’s favor. The utilitarian layout and materials are of a different era. The absence of power-adjustable seats is disappointing, and even the higher trim levels rely heavily on hard plastics and minimalistic materials.
Value and Warranty
The Tacoma is at its best when it’s outfitted to take the really dirty, beaten path. We’d choose the TRD Off-Road model, which starts at $33,190.
The lone engine is a 3.5-liter V-6 that teams with a six-speed automatic as standard or a six-speed manual as an option. The manual gearbox requires four-wheel drive, but it’s better than the finicky automatic. Choosing the manual means no selectable drive modes.
Our Tacoma TRD Off-Road with the six-speed manual and four-wheel drive cost $35,175; the only option was the V-6 Tow package ($650), which includes a Class IV trailer hitch.
The Toyota Tacoma does offer the best complimentary scheduled maintenance plan in its class at two years or 25,000 miles.
How It Hauls
Load up the cargo bed, but leave your suitcases and loose items at home. The Tacoma has more than enough volume in its two different bed lengths, but it disappoints with few storage cubbies and limited carry-on space inside.
Storage capacity is restricted inside the Tacoma, and the Double Cab we tested was only able to hold nine carry-ons in the back seat.
The Tacoma is available with a 5.0-foot or a 6.0-foot cargo bed. The smaller Access Cab only uses the 6.0-foot box. The Double Cab can be configured with either length; however, some trim levels only have one choice of bed. The Limited and the TRD Pro are only offered as a Double Cab with the 5.0-foot bed.
The TRD Off-Road can only be had with the Double Cab, which offers rear-seat space for taking up to four friends on an adventure.
Best Style
4. Chevy Colorado
Call it the Swiss Army Truck. The Colorado can do everything from off-road exploring and hefty towing to running school carpools. Chevrolet’s mid-size pickup is highly configurable and aptly skilled, with a trim for every occasion as well as the rugged-and-ready ZR2.
It can tow a class-leading 7700 pounds with General Motors’ exclusive diesel inline-four-along with its corporate cousin, the GMC Canyon. The Colorado has two cab and cargo-bed styles that pair with several powertrain choices. A base 200-hp inline-four has a standard six-speed manual, a 308-hp V-6 is exceedingly quick, and a fuel-efficient diesel makes 369 lb-ft of torque.
Its handsome looks and excellent infotainment system are undermined by a cheap-looking interior and limited active safety technology. Still, the Colorado is a multipurpose pickup truck that is clever and capable.
Styling and Appearance
Chevy’s mid-sizer sports a sleeker look than its blocky GMC Canyon sibling, and trail-ready trims such as the Z71 and the bad-ass ZR2 take aim at Toyota’s Tacoma TRD. The Colorado serves up unique options, too, including an illuminated bowtie and a sport bar with LED lights.
Chevrolet celebrates its 100th anniversary with a commemorative Colorado. The special edition package is available on the extended- and crew-cab Z71. It includes a color-keyed grille and rear bumper, heritage badging, a spray-in bedliner, chrome exterior bits, and unique 18-inch wheels. The 100th Anniversary Edition also has exclusive paint colors-Satin Steel Metallic, Kinetic Blue, and Centennial Blue.
Those familiar with the front seats of full-size pickups will feel right at home in the Colorado, which boasts the most spacious cockpit in the mid-size class. Stuffing more than two people in the crew cab’s back seat will be tough, however, and its interior materials seem as if they’re straight out of a ’94 Chevy S10-that is to say, cheap.
Value and Warranty
The trail-ready Colorado ZR2 appeals to our animal instincts-just like the high-flying Ford F-150 Raptor.
However, we’d exercise restraint here and opt for the Colorado LT with the crew cab, standard box, 3.6-liter V-6, and all-wheel drive. Starting at $34,770, it combines a cabin with seats for five, all-weather capability, and impressive acceleration and towing performance-up to a maximum of 7000 pounds.
Standard with the LT is an impressive 8.0-inch infotainment system that features attractive menus and responsive touch functions. The only way Chevy could improve the MyLink interaction experience would be by incorporating telepathy.
GM provides the best warranty coverage in the mid-size-pickup segment with the Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon. The two have the best corrosion protection and the most impressive roadside-assistance coverage. Coverage also includes two complimentary scheduled-maintenance visits.
How It Hauls
The Colorado doesn’t hold as many carry-ons as the Honda Ridgeline, but it’ll carry more stuff in either of its two voluminous cargo beds. A variety of interior storage spaces are highlighted by a deep center-console bin and a massive compartment under the crew cab’s rear seat.
The Colorado extended-cab model is only available with the longer 6.2-foot cargo bed. It’s optional on the crew cab, which otherwise has the 5.2-foot box.
General Motor's towing system called Active Tow is now available to help the driver align the pickup when reversing to hook up a trailer. This feature is standard on the V-6 and diesel models but not available with the four-cylinder.
Best Heavy Duty
5. Ford F Series Super Duty
Whether it’s the F-250, F-350, or F-450, Ford’s Super Duty lineup has the ultimate heavy-duty pickups.
Headlining the trio of aluminum-bodied behemoths is the optional Power Stroke diesel. It makes a monstrous 925 lb-ft of torque, making the F-450 capable of towing up to 32,500 pounds-which tops its competitors.
The Super Duty trucks have the latest and greatest tech available, including automated emergency braking and useful towing assists. The serene cabin can be outfitted for a king or stripped down for a contractor.
The leader of this ultra-competitive class is decided by what can tow the most, hold the most, and be noticed the most-and that’s the Super Duty until further notice.
Styling and Appearance
Think of the Ford F-150 as Bruce Banner and the Super Duty pickups as his hulking alter ego. There’s still a resemblance despite the bolder aluminum body panels and beefed-up design elements of the bigger beasts.
For 2018, Ford introduces the fanciest-of-fancy Super Duty models with the new Limited trim. It’s only available with the Power Stroke diesel and four-wheel drive. Paired with the F-450 and every available option, this range topper costs as much as $94,455. Along with a sumptuously appointed interior, the Limited wears a unique twin-bar satin grille with chrome accents, quad-beam LED lights, and special badges.
Fashion and function live side by side in harmony inside the Super Duty, which has a handsome dash design and a practical layout. Top-tier trims reach heights of luxury previously reserved for presidents and tyrants.
Ford’s premier trim features exclusives such as camelback two-tone leather seats, a microsuede headliner, ash-wood trim, and other high-end touches. Every Limited also has its VIN laser etched on the center console armrest.
Value and Warranty
The F-350 Lariat is the Super Duty that best mixes business with pleasure. Equipped with the SuperCrew cab, the standard 6.8-foot box, the Power Stroke diesel, and four-wheel drive, it is priced starting at $62,085-only $1175 more than a similarly equipped F-250.
Like a tuxedo T-shirt, the Lariat is formal but ready to party, with standard leather-trimmed front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 10-speaker Sony audio system.
To optimize the F-350’s towing capacity, we’d choose the 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Trailer Tow Prep package ($370) and the Tow Technology package ($1935), which includes adaptive steering, automatic high-beam headlights, rain-sensing wipers, lane-departure warning, and the Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera system. The final price of our F-350 was $64,390.
Coverage for Ford’s diesel and gas powertrains is competitive with its domestic rivals-the Nissan Titan XD has a much better limited warranty and gasoline-powertrain protection. The Ford can’t compete with the GM heavy-duty pickups for roadside assistance on diesel models, and those GM twins are the only trucks on the list that offer complimentary scheduled maintenance.
How It Hauls
Super Duty pickups have the largest cargo beds in the land. There’s enough storage space for a team of superheroes to stow all their weapons and intergalactic artifacts.
Buyers have the choice of two bed sizes on the Super Duty: a 6.75-footer and an 8.0-foot box. Both boast the most available volume in their class. Regular-cab models can only be outfitted with the long box.
Compared with a similarly equipped F-250, the F-350 can tow 6600 pounds more and holds a 1020-pound advantage in maximum payload capacity. The F-450 is capable of towing up to 32,500 pounds-can't beat that.
Towing things is easier than ever with innovative options such as an in-cab trailer-tire-pressure monitor and a Trailer Reverse Guidance system. Additionally, multiple cameras and steering guidance make hooking up a hitch a breeze.
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