There's no denying that pickup trucks are America's favorite vehicles. Ford F-Series has consistently topped the sales charts for 45 consecutive years now. There are a lot of other automakers with such offerings as well. The segment is highly competitive, and it can get confusing about what to pick. There is a different variant or a different model altogether in every $1,000 bracket.

A lot of the decision that comes with buying a truck all depends on what the pickup is wanted for. A heavy-duty truck with diesel may be perfect if a tough work truck is needed that can haul or tow anything. Additionally, suppose an entire crew of workers needs to be transported to the work site. In that case, it may have to be a diesel with four doors and plenty of room for passengers. For example, a heavy-duty work truck like the Ram 2500 or the Ford F-350.

There is no doubt that some great pickup trucks can be bought in 2020, but a few stand out above the rest, and they may not be the ones that are thought of when talking about getting a new truck. To help with this dilemma, below is a list of the 15 best pickup trucks, ranging from mid-size to full-size and heavy-duty trucks.

Updated On April 7th, 2023: Since 2020 is here and gone, this list is no longer about buying a new truck for the year. It is now going into the stage of purchasing a good used truck that will get the job done and that can be relied upon when needed. So, the list below is still the best pickup trucks of 2020, but it is now a list of the best-used trucks on the market from 2020.

RELATED: Four Pickup Trucks That Prove Unibody Is Better

2020 Honda Ridgeline: Best Mid-Size Truck

Gray 2020 Honda Ridgeline
Honda

Purists don't consider the Honda Ridgeline a pure truck because of its unibody construction a pure truck because of its unibody construction instead of a body-on-frame build. However, if a buyer is looking for a truck that works like a good family hauler and doesn't have a traditional truck appeal, the Ridgeline will fit the bill. The truck comes with a lockable in-bed trunk as well. The cabin is well-screwed and looks premium, too. If ride quality matters, the Ridgeline is the best mid-size truck to have, thanks to the independent rear suspension that makes it supremely comfortable for all the passengers.

Starting Price

Fuel Economy

Max Towing

Max Payload

Horsepower

Truck Bed Length

$34,995

21 mpg

5000 LBS

1586 LBS

280 HP

5 Feet 3 Inches

2020 Jeep Gladiator: Best Mid-Size Truck

A parked 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport
Side view of a 2020 Jeep Gladiator Sport

The Jeep Gladiator was one of the most anticipated vehicles to make a debut in 2019. was one of the most anticipated vehicles to make a debut in 2019. Jeep didn't disappoint all their faithful fans by giving enthusiasts a truck that is rugged, tough, and built to take abuse. The Gladiator's off-roading skills are unmatched. So, if a buyer is in the market for an off-road-oriented truck, the Gladiator is the best mid-size truck to have. Now, this may be a surprise, but the Gladiator has bigger rear seats than most other mid-size trucks. Also, it is the only convertible truck that can be bought for now. Depending upon the need, numerous trim levels exist, including the awesome Gladiator Sport S that opens up a whole new world of options.

Starting Price

Fuel Economy

Max Towing

Max Payload

Horsepower

Truck Bed Length

$35,040

19 mpg

7650 LBS

1600 LBS

285

5 Feet

RELATED: Here's Why The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Is The Best Mid-Size Pickup On Sale Today

2020 Toyota Tacoma: Best Mid-Size Truck

Toyota Tacoma off-roading
Toyota

The Toyota Tacoma is one of the most popular mid-size trucks in the U.S. is one of the most popular mid-size trucks in the U.S. Even decade-old examples sell for a premium despite there being no dearth of Tacomas in the used market. What makes the Tacoma special is that it can be bought with a six-speed manual transmission. Toyota has improved on the tech front and now offers both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Even the cabin is straightforward, and everything is ergonomically well laid out. Finally, it has a strong engine, good towing capacity, and decent off-road bias to keep mild off-roaders happy. An all-rounder in the true sense of the word.

Starting Price

Fuel Economy

Max Towing

Max Payload

Horsepower

Truck Bed Length

$27,145

18-21 mpg

2.7L 3500 LBS\ 3.5L 6800 LBS

1620 LBS

159-278

5-6.2 Feet

2021 Chevrolet Colorado: Best Mid-Size Truck

A parked 2020 Chevrolet Colorado
Mecum

The Chevrolet Colorado has good on-road manners, has good on-road manners, supple ride quality, and is a comfortable pickup truck overall. There are several trims to choose from and the option to change standard equipment per specific needs. So, Chevy has something for all potential mid-size pickup truck customers. The four-pot diesel and the V-6 gasoline have impressive towing ratings and return good fuel economy, too. If a consumer is into off-roading, they can opt for the ZR2, which comes with all the goodies to keep the enthusiast inside happy. Overall, the Colorado truck has a little of everything and no deal-breakers.

Starting Price

Fuel Economy

Max Towing

Max Payload

Horsepower

Truck Bed Length

$22,295

17-23 mpg

2.5L 3500 LBS \ 2.8L 7700 LBS

1574 LBS

181-308

5.2-6.2 Feet

RELATED: 10 Best Pickups Under $30000

2020 Ford Ranger: Best Mid-Size Truck

A parked 2020 Ford Ranger Raptor
Vauxford via Wikimedia Commons

Innovative technology is all it is about in today's market, which the 2020 Ford Ranger has plenty of. If opting for the XLT upgrade, the truck will come standard with Ford's Co-Pilot with emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. The Ford Ranger is a little higher off the ground is a little higher off the ground than the competition, which makes climbing into it easily, rather than having to lean down just to get into the seat. The FX4 package brings with it an offroad version of the Ranger that is designed for any terrain, with added protection under numerous skid plates to keep things from getting damaged when plowing through a pile of hard-packed snow.

Starting Price

Fuel Economy

Max Towing

Max Payload

Horsepower

Truck Bed Length

$25,605

21-26 mpg

3500 LBS

2128 LBS

270 HP

6 Feet

2020 Ram 1500: Best Full-Size Trucks

A parked 2020 Ram 1500 Rebel
Mr. choppers via Wikimedia Commons

Ford is ruling the pickup truck market and never faced real competition from any automaker, but Ram could dethrone it. The new 3.0-liter, EcoDiesel engine generates ample power to plaster a smile on the face every time. The 1500 was also the first pickup truck ever to score full marks and receive the IIHS' "Top Safety Pick+" rating. On the inside, it reeks of luxury, and everything feels premium. Ram has also offered an off-road centric trim in the form of the Rebel. Oh, and how can the fantastic MultiFunction tailgate be forgotten? The 2020 Ram 1500 is a complete package and arguably the best pickup truck that can be bought in 2020.

Starting Price

Fuel Economy

Max Towing

Max Payload

Horsepower

Truck Bed Length

$33,850

17-26 mpgp

3.6L 7730 LBS \ 5.7L 12750 LBS

2300 LBS

260-395

5.6-6.3 Feet

RELATED: 15 Most Reliable Pickup Trucks

2020 Ford F-150: Best Full-Size Truck

A parked 2020 Ford F150 Shelby Super Snake
Mecum

The king of the full-size truck industry needs no introduction. It has been around for ages, which is a testimony to the truck's success. It is one of the best mid-size trucks that can be bought today. With the right engine/configuration combo, getting a truck with pretty good towing and payload capacities is more than possible. With Ford offering the F-150 in six different trims, in six different trims, with six different engines, three body styles, two different drive types, and one special off-road trim in the Raptor, there is something for everyone here.

Starting Price

Fuel Economy

Max Towing

Max Payload

Horsepower

Truck Bed Length

$30,090

16-25 mpg

3.3L 7700 LBS \ 3.5L 13200 LBS

3270 LBS

250-450

5.5-8 Feet

2020 GMC Sierra: Best Full-Size Truck

A parked 2020 GMC Sierra 1500
Mecum

GMC has played second-fiddle to Chevrolet all its life, but things are changing now. The present generation of the Sierra is a significant improvement and feels more premium than the Silverado. It is slightly more expensive, but the buyer will also get the MultiPro tailgate that the Silverado does not presently offer. The GMC Sierra has also added a new 3.0-liter turbodiesel mill has also added a new 3.0-liter turbodiesel mill to take on Ram's EcoDiesel. The smaller V-8 mill is now available with a 10-speed automatic gearbox as well. All these things make the GMC Sierra a worthy competitor.

Starting Price

Fuel Economy

Max Towing

Max Payload

Horsepower

Truck Bed Length

$31,195

16-26 mpg

4.3L 7600 LBS \ 6.2L 12200 LBS

2250 LBS

277-420

5.8-8.2 Feet

RELATED: Chevrolet Silverado vs. Ford F-150 vs. RAM 1500 vs: Best American Full-Size Pickup In 2023

2020 Toyota Tundra: Best Full-Size Truck

Gray 2020 Toyota Tacoma
Toyota

Toyota has always been one of the most reliable trucks on the planet, which can be seen by looking at the 83 out of 100 that Consumer Reports has given them for the 2020 Toyota Tundra. The 5.7L V-8 under the hood offers immediate, smooth acceleration while giving the truck plenty of towing and hauling power. If the ability to offroad is a must-have, the TRD trim level is quickly becoming one of the go-to models on the market, but since it does have a stiffer ride, it may not be the best for in-town and highway driving. The Limited Version takes care of that issue by offering an all-around trim level that still gives plenty of technology in the cab.

Starting Price

Fuel Economy

Max Towing

Max Payload

Horsepower

Truck Bed Length

$33,575

13-18 mpg

10,200 pounds

1730 LBS

381 HP

5.6-8.1 Feet

2020 Nissan Titan: Best Full-Size Truck

White 2021 Nissan Titan
Nissan

Nissan trucks have been around for a while, but they have never quite been able to break through the stranglehold that the big three from Detroit have upon the market. The 2020 Nissan Titan is a very competitive truck in the market, and with the new updates for the year, the already fuel-efficient 5.6L V-8 gains 10 horsepower to boost the engine up to 400 horses while still keeping the better-than-average combined 16 miles per gallon. Technology for the year has also been improved with some additions, including a bigger infotainment screen for better visibility and more user-friendly controls.

Starting Price

Fuel Economy

Max Towing

Max Payload

Horsepower

Truck Bed Length

$36,190

16-22mpg

9400 pounds

1696 LBS

400 HP

5.5-6.5 Feet

RELATED: Top 10 Most Luxurious Pickup Trucks

2020 Ram 2500: Best Heavy-Duty Truck

Black 2020 RAM 2500 HD
TopSpeed

On the inside, the 2500 reeks of luxury and is a great place to be in. This generation of the 2500 features a stronger chassis and body panels that make it abuse-friendly. The towing capacities and the fuel economy are pretty decent too. The truck is available with a six-cylinder mill or a V-8. The choice of a diesel engine is always available on the 2500 and 3500, which also includes the added exhaust brake that is used, similar to air brakes in a big rig, to help slow the truck down when hauling or towing heavier than normal loads. Although this doesn't pass off as a clear winner amongst the competition like the Ram 1500 does in its segment, the 2500 still comes with all the bells and whistles to keep occupants from complaining.

Starting Price

Fuel Economy

Max Towing

Max Payload

Horsepower

Truck Bed Length

$35,440

15 MPG

5.7L 17540 LBS \ 6.7L 19680 LBS

4010 LBS

370-410

6.3-8.2 Feet

2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty: Best Heavy-Duty Truck

Gray 2020 Ford F-250 SuperDuty
TopSpeed

Ford F-250 Super Duty is arguably the best heavy-duty truck presently on sale. This monster is highly reliable, and the 2020 models have gotten even better. Ford has added the Godzilla 7.3-liter V-8 mill that offers the best-in-class power and torque figures. A supercharged version with 700 horses on the trot will also be available soon. The diesel engine is now mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Ford also offers a Tremor package to allow it to be taken out in the dirt. This package includes larger 35-inch tires, upgraded front suspension for a higher ride height, electronic-locking rear differential, and Rock Crawl or Trail Control modes.

Starting Price

Fuel Economy

Max Towing

Max Payload

Horsepower

Truck Bed Length

$35,300

15 MPG

6.2L 15000 LBS \ 6.7L 20000 LBS

4500 LBS

385-475

6.8-8.2 Feet

RELATED: 15 Pickup Trucks With Best Towing Capacity In 2022

2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD: Best Heavy-Duty Truck

Blue 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD LT
Chevrolet

With Ford topping the sales charts and Ram closing in on the gap, Chevy threw the kitchen sink in with the 2020 generation of the Silverado 2500 HD. The truck was redesigned and looks a lot more aggressive. Inside, the cabin is roomier, and a lot of storage spaces are offered, although it still feels dated. The Silverado 2500 HD's towing figures are now almost on par with the segment leader, the F-250 Super Duty. A 15-view camera makes maneuvering easier while towing. Chevrolet upped the ante with this generation of the Silverado 2500.

Starting Price

Fuel Economy

Max Towing

Max Payload

Horsepower

Truck Bed Length

$35,695

7-14 MPG

6.6L 14500 LBS \ 6.6L D 18500 LBS

3979 LBS

401-445

6.9-8.3 Feet

2020 GMC Sierra 3500 HD: Best Heavy-Duty Truck

A moving 2020 GMC Sierra HD At one time, heavy-duty trucks were meant for one purpose; to put in a full day's work. That is not the case today because even though people want a truck with a top towing and hauling capacity, they still want to be comfortable enough in it to drive to a family holiday dinner. Plus, exactly what good is a truck if it cannot go offroad and play in the mud and the muck? The 2020 GMC Sierra 3500 HD offers all that and more. It is loaded with all the technology of today that not only helps with everyday tasks such as hooking up a trailer with a Bobcat loaded on it, but it also improves the safety of the truck, whether it has an empty load or a bed full of gravel and dirt.
Starting Price Fuel Economy Max Towing Max Payload Horsepower Truck Bed Length
$35,600 15-22 MPG 14,500 LBS 4572 LBS 445 HP 6.8-8.2 Feet
RELATED: Best Pickup Trucks Of 2021

2020 Nissan Titan XD: Best Heavy-Duty Truck

A parked 2020 Nissan Titan Nissan still has a ways to go to topple Ford and Ram from the top, but they are working on it. The 2020 Nissan Titan XD, although commonly confused with the full-size version, is far larger than the average Titan. It is a truck marketed to the working public that needs a truck that can tow and haul anything within reason while offering some semblance of luxury and comfort. The Nissan XD fits the bill with a smoother ride than the competition and a much more plush interior. Unfortunately, the truck does not have the same capacities as the rivals, but it can still get the job done in most instances.
Starting Price Fuel Economy Max Towing Max Payload Horsepower Truck Bed Length
$44,580 15-21 MPG 10,990 LBS 2523 LBS 400 HP 6.6 Feet