Going on a road trip means you need maximum performance, reliability and comfort from your vehicle. How can you get all three without making any sacrifices?
They matter even more when driving a truck off-road and hundreds of miles. While the market has plenty of options, these five trucks stand out as the most reliable for your adventures.
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1. Chevrolet Silverado
America’s Big Three automakers — Ford, General Motors and Stellantis — compete annually for truck supremacy in the U.S., considering pickup trucks accounted for about 20% of all U.S. automotive sales in 2022. Right now, the Chevrolet Silverado is one of the most popular trucks due to its reliability.
The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 limited has the highest reliability rating from J.D. Power and Associates, a data analytics company routinely assessing all types of vehicles.
The Silverado’s 87/100 quality and reliability rating earned a J.D. Power Quality Award due to minimal problems from its owners. With the Silverado, you get up to 22 mpg on the highway and either four-wheel drive (4WD) or rear-wheel drive (RWD).
2. GMC Canyon
Mid-size trucks are terrific for road trips if you want to save money by renting a vehicle instead of bringing your own.
These machines are smaller than full-sized trucks and typically have better gas mileage, meaning you’ll stop less often for gas. The mid-sized truck market is extensive, so which one is the best?
U.S. News and World Report ranks the GMC Canyon as the best compact pickup truck due to its excellent towing capacity and smooth driving.
The Canyon gets about 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque, making it suitable for off-road adventures. Plus, the interior comfortably seats five people and entertains them with a modern infotainment system.
3. Ford Maverick
Road trips mean you should prioritize fuel efficiency. Gas-powered trucks don’t get the same efficiency as electric vehicles (EVs).
Still, some modern models break the mold of their predecessors. When looking for fuel-efficient machines, look for trucks with short beds because they generally weigh less and get more miles per gallon (mpg). Your best choice for a smaller truck may be the Ford Maverick.
The Ford Maverick is the most fuel-efficient truck on the market and even beats some of its sedan and SUV counterparts. A hybrid engine gives the Maverick 40 mpg in the city for a total of 500 miles on a tank of gas.
You must get the hybrid trim for 40 mpg, but the four-cylinder engine gets a solid 29 mpg on its own. Additionally, you’ll get about 4,000 pounds of towing capacity.
4. Hyundai Santa Cruz
When planning trips out West, prioritize fuel economy in your truck because these adventures can quickly turn into multi-day affairs. Another reliable and fuel-efficient truck you should consider is the Hyundai Santa Cruz.
This machine is a unique combination of a truck, SUV and sedan. From the front, you might think it’s an SUV. However, the Santa Cruz has a short bed in the back and a sedan chassis.
Hyundai is not famous for its trucks, but it produces a solid compact machine with the Santa Cruz.
The 2024 edition gets up to 27 mpg on the highway while sporting 281 horsepower. Upgrading to the premium trim enhances your safety by giving you a surround view monitor and a blind-spot view monitor. These features are helpful when you’re in tight spaces in unfamiliar territory on your road trip.
5. Toyota Tacoma
If your only priority is reliability, you don’t have to look further than Toyota. This Japanese automaker has a long reputation for making the most durable cars, trucks and SUVs, with many awards and accolades.
Consumer Reports ranks Toyota as the world’s most reliable automaker, with its luxury brand Lexus in second place. The dependability extends to Toyota’s featured mid-size truck, the Tacoma.
The Toyota Tacoma is one of the best trucks if you want a machine for roads tomorrow and 10 years from now. This machine holds its value well over the years, giving you some cash back if you decide to sell and opt for another vehicle.
If you want a used car, you’ll have good luck finding reliable Tacomas, even if they have a lot of miles on the odometer.
If you want a new Tacoma, the 2024 model is ideal if you like off-roading. The Tacoma Trailhunter has a high-clearance front bumper, a rear bumper with recovery hooks and a hybrid powertrain for all your outdoor adventures.
Relying on Terrific Trucks
Road trips may bring images of sedans and SUVs, but trucks can also be excellent options for your journey. Modern trucks have developed to be closer to sedans and SUVs in their chassis, fuel mileage and dependability. If you’re looking for road trip trucks, consider these five options on your next adventure.
