The number one quality most drivers say they want when they’re in the market for a truck is reliability. You’re buying a pickup truck because you’re the one people depend on. You want to be able to drive through any weather. You’re the person people call when they need a hand, and you need a truck that can keep up with your responsibilities.
You need a truck that can handle anything, but not all pickups are made equally. When you don’t have the luxury of letting your truck break down, you need to buy from the most reliable truck makers.
#1 GMC
The winner of J.D. Power’s most reliable truck rankings back in 2020 was the GMC Sierra, making GM the clear leader among all pickup manufacturers. That title has moved on since then, but that doesn’t mean the GMC Sierra is any less dependable.
In fact, the Sierra came in second in the most recent rankings, and coming in with 430 pounds of torque, it promises to haul whatever you need it to.
#2 Toyota
Often overlooked compared to the big American automakers, Toyota trucks like the Tundra and Tacoma have made names for themselves. Notably, the Toyota Tacoma comes with a number of driver safety features that help it stand out from the crowd. There are also a ton of off-road variants for the Tacoma that make it a reliable ride for those who live or work in the country and need something that can tackle life off the beaten path.
The Toyota Tundra is another large truck known for its reliability. It has good dynamics both on-road and off-road, and new capstone trims have elevated the Tundra to a whole new level.
#3 Chevrolet
The Chevrolet Silverado is 2023’s most reliable pickup, and it brings a combination of strong powertrain choices, great tech, and one of the more spacious interiors among its competitors. The heavy-duty Silverado has the hauling and towing capacity to tackle long trips, and the infotainment display comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
One of the features drivers praise about Chevrolet is the many different camera views you can get of your trailer. It helps drivers make sure their cargo is safe and secure.
#4 Ford
The Ford F-150 is one of the bestselling vehicles in the world, and it has been for nearly half a century. With that kind of production, Ford has had plenty of resources to solve any issues that have come up with earlier generations.
The popularity of the Ford F-150 also means there is no shortage of powertrain options and engine upgrades that can improve the performance and reliability of your truck. There are also lower-end trims that use cheaper materials in the cabin, but that can make an F-150 more budget-friendly.
It’s also not the only pickup Ford has to offer. The Ford Ranger has been a reliable pickup option globally for years, and it comes with 310 pound-feet of torque for towing and hauling.
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#5 Jeep
The Jeep Gladiator is one of the more reliable pickups out there, with a J.D. Power reliability score of 85 for the 2023 model. That’s not enough to put it in the top tier for reliability, but it’s a truck built for off-roading and capable of handling tough terrain. Off-roading tends to weaken the lifespan of a vehicle, but this is a robust pickup truck designed to take a beating.
All of that shows through the Gladiator’s resale value. Across years, the model tends to show strong resale prices, which usually suffers with less reliable vehicles.
#6 Honda
When it comes to compact pickup trucks, the Honda Ridgeline is a great choice. Coming standard with a V6 engine, all-wheel drive, and a powertrain that can make easy work of hauling, even in bad weather, the Honda Ridgeline is a truck that can get anything you need to tow where you need to go. The latest Ridgeline has a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, and it’s surprisingly comfortable when it comes to the interior. The Honda Ridgeline is also known for superior handling.
The 2023 model only has one major drawback, and that’s the infotainment system. However, if you’re looking for a truck that prioritizes reliability and towing over creature comforts, the Honda Ridgeline is a solid option.
#7 Nissan
The Nissan Frontier is one of the best-value pickups available. While the latest model doesn’t appear to lead the competition in any one category, its strong performance in all areas gives it strong marks as an everyday ride with all-around performance. As a small truck, the Nissan Frontier is outclassed by the Ford Ranger, but it can haul up to 7,000 pounds, and it’s known for its dependability.
One of the great things about the Nissan Frontier is the lower-than-average annual repair costs, which are reported to be around only $470 a year. With a low frequency of severe repairs, the Frontier is the kind of ride you can count on to get you where you need to go.
#8 Hyundai
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is one of the smaller pickup trucks out there, and it’s not going to beat much of the competition when it comes to towing. The Santa Cruz has a more urban appeal, perfect for making sure you’re the person your friends call when they need help moving. With the ability to perform a number of truck duties without taking up too much space, it’s a great option for enhanced dependability in an urban setting.
#9 Dodge
Dodge’s reputation for dependability comes from the Dodge Ram lineup, specifically the Ram 1500, the company’s bread-and-butter model. The Dodge Ram is known for meeting the demands of even the heaviest commercial drivers while also offering a comfortable and peaceful interior. Newer models make more room for passengers and have improved the interior packaging, but how reliable is it?
According to most critics, the Dodge Ram’s reputation generally falls behind the likes of Ford and Chevrolet, but it does have above-average ratings from critics, and the average lifespan of a well-maintained Dodge Ram 1500 is about 20 years and/or 200,000 to 300,000 miles.
When you’re in the market for a pickup, you need dependability.
