Best pick-up trucks 2023
Pick-up trucks need to be practical, reliable and capable workhorses. We’ve put together a list of the best pick-ups currently on sale in the UK…
Modern pick-up trucks have come a long way from their utilitarian past with the current crop of options offering a smoother ride, plushier interiors and all of the creature comforts and luxuries you’d hope for in a new car. As a result, new pick-up trucks are more versatile and usable than ever before. On top of their new-found comfort, modern pick-up trucks offer attractive tax rates and unrivalled storage space despite the mid-size pick-ups we get here in the UK being smaller and more compact than the ones over in the US.
Car manufacturers had reason to believe there would be strong demand for pick-up trucks over the past few years as they became more reliable, comfortable and suited towards everyday driving. Unfortunately the market failed to take off as the manufacturers had initially hoped and new pick-up truck sales have steadily declined over the past few years. While hybrid and electric pick-up trucks from the likes of GMC, Rivian and Tesla may be coming soon, there are fewer pick-up models on sale in dealerships today. Three of our previous favourites (the Mitsubishi L200, Nissan Navara, and Volkswagen Amarok) have all been discontinued.
If you are looking for a brand-new pick-up truck in 2022 then there is no need to panic, because there are still some fantastic options on sale in the UK. We’ve rounded up this list of the best pick-up trucks you can still buy new in 2022 to help you find the perfect workhorse.
The best pick-up trucks in the UK
But which pick-up trucks for sale in the UK are the best? Here we list all the trucks currently in dealers, with four models available to choose from.
1. Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger is the best-selling pick-up truck in the UK and we have named it our Pick-up of the Year in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Past versions of the Ford Ranger were solely focused on practicality and usability, but the current version has gone some way to ditching this perception and there is now a sense of style to go with the workhorse image. It’s closer than ever to an SUV for mechanical sophistication, but it’s built to last, has excellent off-road ability and can tow 3,500kg in some guises.
In a bid to keep rivals at bay, Ford has modernised the styling inside and out, adding a clutch of the latest technology and safety features. Engineers also moved to improve the driving experience with engine and suspension upgrades.
The Ranger's 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine comes in three power outputs: 128bhp, 168bhp and 210bhp, with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard for all versions, except the high-spec Thunder and Raptor variants, which use a 10-speed auto transmission.
Ford builds Regular Cab, Super Cab and Double Cab versions of the Ranger, with the most popular Double Cab bodystyle offering four doors and five seats to the Super Cab’s suicide back doors and occasional rear seating. You can seat five at a squeeze, too, with the Double Cab having just enough legroom for a 6ft adult to sit behind a 6ft driver. There is a decent amount of head space for rear passengers, so the Ranger should fit four passengers with relative comfort on longer journeys.
The Ranger is also extremely capable in heavy-duty use on the road with the Double Cab offering a 1,199kg payload and a class-leading 3,500kg maximum towing weight. Ford’s added a load of advanced safety equipment too, including a stability control system with trailer sway control to keep everything in check.
2. Toyota Hilux
The Toyota Hilux first made its global debut in 1968 and is one of the best-selling trucks in the world. It’s an icon of the pick-up world, with owners in some of the most inhospitable places on earth relying on its durability.
The latest Hilux is bigger in every dimension than before, benefiting that all-important load bay, which is a full 130mm wider than the old Hilux’s. Power comes from a 2.8-litre diesel engine with a healthy torque figure of 420Nm, while it can also tow up to 3,500kg.
Inside, it’s a huge improvement over the last model. Gone are the flimsy plastics and dated switchgear, replaced by a dashboard which looks and feels like it’s from one of Toyota’s passenger cars.
There are plenty of hard plastics to remind you you’re in a pick-up, but it’s now on par with the impressive but now discontinued Nissan Navara for fit and finish. The Invincible-spec model has a decent kit tally, too, with an eight-inch infotainment display with DAB and Bluetooth, cruise control, climate control and keyless start, while the Invincible X gets even more kit and a unique looking front end, too.
The Hilux is surprisingly good to drive and the updated Hilux AT35 adds further improvements to the already capable platform. There’s lots of tyre squeal but the ride is comfortable, the steering is accurate and body control isn’t too bad considering the elevated stance. As with any pick-up, if the load bay is empty, the ride can be a little bouncy and there's flex detectable in the chassis.
3. Isuzu D-Max
The Isuzu D-Max is a top pick-up choice, offering low running costs, a five-year warranty and a 3.5-tonne towing capacity, and the broad range of models means there's a truck to suit all sorts of jobs.
All models use the same 1.9-litre twin-turbo diesel engine, which develops 360Nm of torque but is more efficient than the 2.5-litre diesel it replaced in 2017.
The double cab gets a loading bay of 1,485mm by 1,530mm, but the payload capacity varies based on the model you choose - with the maximum being 1,161kg. The maximum towing weight is 3,500kg.
The top-spec Utah model also comes with electronic climate control, leather seats with electric adjustment, courtesy light delay, parking sensors and roof bars. The Arctic Trucks AT35 is also based on this spec, with few changes inside, but a dramatic external makeover, with 35-inch Nokian off-road tyres, flared wheelarches and a lofty ride height.
4. SsangYong Musso
The SsangYong Musso includes a 2.2-litre diesel under the bonnet, and selectable four-wheel drive allows you to drive in 2WD mode to help save fuel. There are six-speed manual and auto gearboxes offered, too. The Musso's load bed isn't quite as large as those of some rivals, but it still meets the tax-friendly one-tonne payload limit.
SsangYong offers EX, Rebel, Saracen and Rhino trim levels, all of which are well equipped with a great range of kit taken straight from the Rexton SUV. We'd go for the Rebel at least, which comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated and cooled seats and a heated leather steering wheel.
If you need extra load space then you can opt for the long-wheelbase Musso Rhino. It has a load bed length of 1.61m and an overall length of 5.4m which, Ssangyong claims, makes it the biggest double cab pick-up with the biggest load bed on the market.
Still looking for a practical daily vehicle? Check out our list of the top 10 best medium panel vans in 2022
