Pickup trucks are powerful, rugged, and built to tackle any task asked of them. When properly set up, they are unstoppable. Small wonder then, that the demand for them continues to rise. If you’re joining the pickup truck bandwagon, read on to learn how you can choose the perfect truck.
Budget
The first thing you need to consider is that pickups are significantly more expensive than the average passenger car. The cheapest base model starts north of $30,000, and the most expensive ones can approach six figures. You must work out your budget based on what you can afford and the job your truck needs to perform. Remember, even basic trucks are perfectly capable.
Size
There are midsize and full-size, and of the latter, there are light- and heavy-duty trucks. Midsize trucks like the Ford Ranger have lower prices and smaller proportions that make them accessible and easier to drive on and off the road. They’re also more fuel-efficient. Full-size trucks are more diverse because of their duty classifications. The heavier one is better at towing and hauling. But the light-duty trucks are often more practical and have impressive and versatile capabilities.
Space
Cab sizes decide interior space, and bed sizes decide storage/hauling space. A single cab has two doors and space for three, the extended cab has small rear doors and a cramped rear seat, while the crew cab has four doors and spacious rear seats. Cargo beds can be short or long. The rule is that if the cab is larger, the bed will be shorter. You’ll need to choose a compatible configuration as per your needs.
Powertrain
Every truck has two or more engine options paired to different transmissions. Midsize trucks generally have four-cylinder or V6 engines that balance power and efficiency. Full-size trucks have more options ranging from large capacity in-line fours to V8s. You need to choose an engine and transmission package depending on how the truck will be used and your budget.
Limits
Ignore the maximum towing and payload capacities that are advertised. Those are unpopular configurations that you’ll never need. Know the weight that you will haul and tow regularly, accommodate for 10% more, and spec your truck accordingly.
