By Nathaniel Ehinger
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Summary
- Pickup trucks dominate sales charts in the U.S., with trucks like the Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado leading the way.
- These workhorses are popular for their versatility, from daily job challenges to family outings and off-road adventures.
- Each truck has unique features and specifications, such as powertrain options, towing capacities, and pros/cons tailored to different needs.
Pickup trucks top the charts. These workhorses are the most popular vehicles in terms of sales figures, holding the top three spots in America. Why wouldn’t trucks hit the top of the sales charts? Many people drive trucks to handle the challenges of their daily jobs, hauling materials from one jobsite to another, and pulling trailers filled with equipment.
Going back a century, trucks have been trusted on farms, ranches, construction sites, and various other locations where big work has been required. Today’s pickup trucks have many purposes other than to be used as workhorses during the week. Some trucks are extremely comfortable, giving families a great place to enjoy a ride together; some have incredible off-road qualities, and others offer a combination of capability, efficiency, and comfort to be the whole package.
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Note: Pickup truck sales figures are sourced from Good Car Bad Car, and vehicle information was sourced from various automakers. Sales figures are sorted from lowest to highest.
10 Jeep Gladiator
Total Sales Through June: 23,480

When you take the venerable off-roader, which is the Jeep Wrangler, and turn it into a pickup truck, you get the Jeep Gladiator. This impressive off-road truck fits in the midsize segment and provides a robust 4WD system, Dana 44 solid axles, and enough ground clearance to tackle the trails.
Powertrain Specifications
Engine | 3.6-liter V6 |
Transmission | 6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 285 hp |
Torque | 260 lb-ft |
Driveline | 4WD |
Fuel Efficiency | 16/21 mpg, 17/22 mpg |
Towing Capacity | 7,700 pounds |
Payload Capacity | 1,725 pounds |
Jeep added a larger center touchscreen to the Gladiator, making it more modern than before. The restyled grille gives this new model a better introduction when it arrives at any destination. For 2024, the diesel engine is discontinued, leaving the Gladiator without many powertrain options.
Pros
- Rugged Jeep character and off-road prowess
- Only convertible truck in the market
- Larger back seat than other midsize pickups
Cons
- Steering is slow and vague, especially in the Rubicon trim
- The quality of ride can get jiggly and uncomfortable at times
- Subpar fuel economy and acceleration
9 Nissan Frontier
Total Sales Through June: 39,964

The latest version of the Nissan Frontier could be the affordable pickup truck that’s right for many drivers. It has an impressive v6 engine, two cab options, and the choice of RWD or 4WD. You’ll also find two bed options, which seems to be a disappearing choice in the midsize truck class.
Powertrain Specifications
Engine | 3.8-liter V6 |
Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 310 hp |
Torque | 281 lb-ft |
Driveline | RWD, 4WD |
Fuel Efficiency | 18/24 mpg, 18/23 mpg |
Towing Capacity | 6,640 pounds |
Payload Capacity | 1,590 pounds |
When you want a midsize truck with impressive strength and utility without going to a bigger class, the 2024 Nissan Frontier could be the right choice. This modern version of the Frontier takes things to a new level, making it easy to drive and enjoy themselves on and off the roads.
Pros
- Smooth ride quality
- Stable and secure handling
- Helpful storage spaces for small items
Cons
- Hard to find a comfortable driving position
- An odd layout of some controls and on-screen menus
- Steering is overly heavy
8 Chevrolet Colorado
Total Sales Through June: 41,823

Very few midsize trucks are as sweet and impressive as the Chevrolet Colorado. This truck only has one powertrain, but it is tuned two ways and fits perfectly across the variety of impressive trims. The Colorado delivers exactly what you need for driving pleasure on any terrain.
Powertrain Specifications
Engine | 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 237 hp, 310 hp |
Torque | 260 lb-ft, 430 lb-ft |
Driveline | RWD, 4WD |
Fuel Efficiency | 19/24 mpg, 17/17 mpg |
Towing Capacity | 7,700 pounds |
Payload Capacity | 1,490 pounds |
The Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison is the king of the hill, adding AEV features for hardcore off-road and overlanding experiences. For 2024, Chevy reduced the engine output figures to two variants instead of three and added a few minor feature changes.
Pros
- Quick acceleration and strong towing
- Composed ride quality for a pickup
- Helpful Google-based integration for the infotainment system
Cons
- The base engine is coarse-sounding and down on power
- Rear seats lack comfort
- Only one cab and bed are available
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7 Toyota Tacoma
Total Sales Through June: 69,437
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma goes head-to-head with the Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado. When you look at the pickup truck sales through June, you see that the Tacoma is the most popular midsize pickup truck, which has been the case for many years.
Powertrain Specifications
Engine | 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder | 2.4-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged 4-cylinder/electric hybrid |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic, 6-speed manual | 8-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 228 hp, 270 hp, 278 hp | 326 hp |
Torque | 243 lb-ft, 310 lb-ft, 317 lb-ft | 465 lb-ft |
Driveline | RWD, 4WD | 4WD |
Fuel Efficiency | 20/26 mpg, 18/23 mpg, 19/24 mpg | N/A |
Towing Capacity | 3,500 pounds, 6,400 pounds | 6,000 pounds |
Payload Capacity | 1,460 pounds, 1,380 pounds | 1,680 pounds |
The Taco truck brings a brand-new look and feel to 2024 with a complete redesign. The new engine lineup is much more powerful and capable than the previous generation. The comfortable new truck continues to provide the qualities you want that make it a chart-topper.
Pros
- Wide variety of configurations and trims
- TRD versions are highly capable off-road
- Strong power from available hybrid powertrain
Cons
- Back seat isn’t as roomy as some competitors
- Engine gets noisy under hard acceleration
- Some rivals have better towing capacity
6 Toyota Tundra
Total Sales Through June: 78,454

The Tundra takes a different approach to the full-size truck market, offering nothing larger than a V6 engine under the hood. That doesn’t stop it from being one of the best-selling pickup trucks on the market today. This Toyota is reliable, easy to drive, and offered in several trims.
Powertrain Specifications
Engine | 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 | 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6/electric hybrid |
Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 348 hp | 437 hp |
Torque | 405 lb-ft | 583 lb-ft |
Driveline | RWD, 4WD | RWD, 4WD |
Fuel Efficiency | 18/24 mpg, 17/23 mpg | 20/24 mpg, 19/22 mpg |
Towing Capacity | 8,300 pounds | 11,380 pounds |
Payload Capacity | 1,940 pounds | 1,640 pounds |
The 2024 Toyota Tundra could be a great truck for family fun or your own adventures. This pickup can be had with a factory-installed three-inch lift kit to raise it up for off-road driving. There’s also an optional Nightshade package that gives this truck the blacked-out look many drivers desire.
Pros
- Smooth power from the engine
- Easy-to-use controls
- Standard composite bed limits dents and scratches
Cons
- Base engine returns subpar fuel efficiency
- No trick tailgate options like some rivals
- Lower towing and payload figures than some rivals
5 Ford Maverick
Total Sales Through June: 90,375

The compact pickup truck segment has returned and the 2024 Ford Maverick is the leader of the pack. To be fair, this pack is only comprised of two trucks, but the Maverick has quickly proved itself to be one of the most capable and useful small trucks to ever come along.
Powertrain Specifications
Engine | 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 250 hp |
Torque | 277 lb-ft |
Driveline | FWD, AWD |
Fuel Efficiency | 23/30 mpg, 22/29 mpg |
Towing Capacity | 4,000 pounds |
Payload Capacity | 1,500 pounds |
Ford swapped the turbocharged and hybrid powertrains, making the more capable turbocharged powertrain a standard part of the Maverick lineup. If you want the hybrid powertrain and its higher fuel efficiency figures, you can still get it.
Pros
- Low starting price on base models
- Impressive list of available equipment to enhance towing and off-roading capability
- Quick acceleration
Cons
- Bumpy ride quality
- Some features hidden in costly optional packages
- Limited range of driver’s seat and steering wheel adjustments
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4 GMC Sierra
Total Sales Through June: 122,749

The 2024 GMC Sierra is one of the most popular pickup trucks in the market. This is the ideal truck for those looking for Chevy Silverado capability but more comfort and quality features, especially for those who choose the Denali Ultimate trim.
Powertrain Specifications
Engine | 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder | 5.3-liter V8 | 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel 6-cylinder | 6.2-liter V8 |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 310 hp | 355 hp | 305 hp | 420 hp |
Torque | 430 lb-ft | 383 lb-ft | 495 lb-ft | 460 lb-ft |
Driveline | RWD, 4WD | RWD,4WD | RWD,4WD | RWD, 4WD |
Fuel Efficiency | 18/22 mpg, 17/20 mpg | 16/21 mpg, 15/20 mpg | 21/23 mpg | 15/19 mpg |
Towing Capacity | 9,100 pounds, 9,800 pounds | 13,100 pounds | 9,000 pounds | 8,900 pounds |
Payload Capacity | 2,230 pounds, 2,110 pounds | 1,980 pounds | 1,670 pounds | 1,710 pounds |
A new optional Duramax diesel engine makes more power than before, and the AT4X off-road trim is an impressive truck for the wilderness. The GMC Sierra 1500 continues to be one of the most popular pickup trucks available, giving many drivers an upscale choice.
Pros
- Broad range of powertrains for towing and hauling needs
- Large cabin provides excellent rear legroom
- Massive bed capacity and several in-bed tie-down points
Cons
- Rides rougher than primary rivals
- Higher trims can get pricey
- Broad hood and thick roof pillars impact visibility
3 Ram Trucks
Total Sales Through June: 179,524

The sales figures of Ram trucks encompass the Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500 models. The Ram 1500 is the most popular and makes up most of the sales. Ram continues providing drivers with the highest-rated truck interiors, making it easy to get comfortable and enjoy the ride.
Powertrain Specifications
Engine | 3.6-liter V6/mild-hybrid | 5.7-liter V8/mild-hybrid | 6.2-liter supercharged V8 |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 305 hp | 395 hp | 702 hp |
Torque | 269 lb-ft | 410 lb-ft | 650 lb-ft |
Driveline | RWD, 4WD | RWD, 4WD | 4WD |
Fuel Efficiency | 20/25 mpg, 19/24 mpg | 18/23 mpg, 17/22 mpg | 10/14 mpg |
Towing Capacity | 12,750 pounds, 11,340 pounds | 11,540 pounds | 8,100 pounds |
Payload Capacity | 2,320 pounds, 1,830 pounds | 1,730 pounds | 1,360 pounds |
The Ram 1500 is one of the best-selling pickup trucks available to you. With three impressive powertrains, several trims, and the incredible at the top of the list, you can see why. The TRX receives a Final Edition Package, giving this truck a fitting sendoff.
Pros
- Roomy and quiet interior with tons of tech features
- Electrified V6 and V8 engines
- Optional RamBox integrated bed storage bins
Cons
- Falls a bit short in the towing race
- Driver assist tech is optional rather than standard
- No full hybrid powertrain
2 Chevrolet Silverado
Total Sales Through June: 281,099

The “Heartbeat of America” is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. It shouldn’t be surprising that this incredible truck lineup is found in the runner-up position on this list. The Silverado 1500 has a long list of trims, features, and several powertrains to fit nearly every driving need.
Powertrain Specifications
Engine | 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder | 5.3-liter V8 | 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel 6-cylinder | 6.2-liter V8 |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 310 hp | 355 hp | 305 hp | 420 hp |
Torque | 430 lb-ft | 383 lb-ft | 495 lb-ft | 460 lb-ft |
Driveline | RWD, 4WD | RWD,4WD | RWD,4WD | RWD, 4WD |
Fuel Efficiency | 18/22 mpg, 17/20 mpg | 16/21 mpg, 15/20 mpg | 21/23 mpg | 15/19 mpg |
Towing Capacity | 9,100 pounds, 9,800 pounds | 13,100 pounds | 9,000 pounds | 8,900 pounds |
Payload Capacity | 2,230 pounds, 2,110 pounds | 1,980 pounds | 1,670 pounds | 1,710 pounds |
The 2024 Silverado adds the turbodiesel engine to the ZR2 trim and a Blackout Appearance package is now available. Other than these changes, this Chevy truck has only minor revisions as it continues on as one of the most popular trucks in the entire market.
Pros
- Available powertrains cover a wide range of towing and hauling needs
- Touchscreen display is attractive and easy to use
- Large bed capacity and several in-bed tie-down points
Cons
- Most versions ride rougher than some primary rivals
- ZR2 off-road trim is no match for Ram TRX or Ford F-150 Raptor
- Towing falls short of the Ford F-150
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1 Ford F-Series
Total Sales Through June: 352,406

The most popular pickup truck in America is the Ford F-150. It has been at the top of the chart for more than 40 years and isn’t showing any signs of falling off this pedestal. The Ford F-Series truck lineup provides more power, options, and versions than any other truck lineup.
Powertrain Specifications
Engine | 5.0-liter V8 | 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 | 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 |
Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 400 hp | 325 hp | 400 hp, 450 hp |
Torque | 410 lb-ft | 400 lb-ft | 500 lb-ft, 510 lb-t |
Driveline | RWD, 4WD | RWD, 4WD | 4WD |
Fuel Efficiency | 16/24 mpg | 19/25 mpg, 18/23 mpg | 16/24 mpg |
Towing Capacity | 13,000 pounds, 9,500 pounds | 10,900 pounds, 11,000 pounds | 13,500 pounds, 8,200 pounds |
Payload Capacity | 1,850 pounds, 1,785 pounds | 1,775 pounds, 1,720 pounds | 1,950 pounds, 1,410 pound |
In addition to these three powertrains, the Ford F-150 lineup includes a hybrid powertrain and a massive V8 that’s supercharged for the top-end Raptor R model. There’s also the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning that’s making waves. The F-150 lineup delivers the goods with the best towing and payload figures, along with various powertrains to choose from.
Pros
- Wide selection of engines, including electric and hybrid options
- High maximum towing and payload figures
- Several truck-friendly options, including an onboard generator
Cons
- Interior storage could be roomier and more versatile
- Optional hybrid powertrain is noisy when powering the onboard generator
- This truck gets expensive in a hurry
- Best Pickup Trucks
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