With pickups continuing to dominate the sales charts, those in search of a do-it-all vehicle with loads of space and utility may find themselves searching for the best full-size truck on the market. Not only can these machines ferry the family around in comfort, but the top models carry and tow enormous loads without breaking a sweat. Plus, the very latest trailering technologies and camera systems make towing easier and safer than it has ever been.
The leading manufacturers have built something for everyone, and this article is a full-size truck comparison featuring only the best models. You get your pick of gasoline or diesel engines, electric powertrains, single or dual rear wheels, short or long beds, and regular cabs or crew cabs. This does not even take into account different trims and optional packages, making for enough choice to confuse the savviest shoppers. Fortunately, it’s easy to compare every full-size truck against similarly sized competitors. Here is our take on the best full-size trucks for 2025.
Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here. These lists are continuously updated with the latest BuzzScores and vehicles as they become available.
Only half-ton trucks and larger have been considered for this list.
1
Ram 1500
- Base Trim Engine
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3.6L V6 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
-
8-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Rear-Wheel Drive
With a BuzzScore of 8.7 out of 10, the best full-size truck is the Ram 1500. We shouldn’t short-sell it here, though, since this capable and versatile truck also won our award for the best truck of the year. Among the wide range of full-sized trucks in America, the Ram 1500 is great for almost any job you can throw at it. You can choose from a standard 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six-cylinder Hurricane engine that makes 420 horsepower and 469 lb-ft of torque, a “high output” version of the same engine that makes 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque, or a 3.6-liter V6 that makes 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. Surprisingly, the least powerful engine has the highest payload rating out of the three choices, but the 3.0-liter Hurricane is the best for towing up to 11,600 pounds.
If you’re considering buying your first pickup truck, the Ram 1500 has always been one of our top recommendations because it drives more like a car than its competitors. Double wishbone front suspension and a five-link solid rear axle keep the truck compliant over rough roads, especially when equipped with the optional four-corner air suspension (the only such system in this class). The steering feels more direct than rivals, creating more confidence to navigate around bendy roads.
– Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-at-Large, CarBuzz
2
GMC Sierra 1500
- Base Trim Engine
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2.7L TurboMax I4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Rear-Wheel Drive
Competing with other full-sized pickup trucks, like the half-ton great we just mentioned, is the GMC Sierra 1500. The GMC brand generally takes the likes of other GM models and makes them slightly higher-class. The Sierra 1500 is an example of a balanced truck with plenty of creature comforts inside a more premium cabin while still being an incredibly capable truck. Under the hood is your choice of a 5.3-liter V8 that makes 355 hp and 383 lb-ft, a 6.2L V8 that makes 420 hp and 460 lb-ft, or a 3.0L inline-six turbo diesel that makes 305 hp and 495 lb-ft. The diesel engine has the best towing capacity at 13,200 pounds.
3
Ram 3500
- Base Trim Engine
-
6.4L V8
- Base Trim Transmission
-
8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Four-Wheel Drive
Calling the Ram 3500 a large pickup truck is an understatement. In this full-size truck comparison, the Ram 3500 is one of the biggest, strongest, and most capable examples of American ingenuity. Buyers will surely note its tall, aggressive stature and use it to their full advantage when tailgating on the freeway. Ram is keeping the Hemi V8 alive in its HD pickup trucks, for now. Engine options include a 6.4-liter gasoline-powered V8 that makes 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, or a 6.7-liter turbo-diesel inline-six-cylinder that makes 430 hp and 1,075 lb-ft. Equipped with the diesel engine and other select features, this mighty Ram can tow up to 36,610 lbs.
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4
Ford F-150
- Base Trim Engine
-
2.7L EcoBoost V6 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
10-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Rear-Wheel Drive
While the best full-sized pickup is up for debate, the Ford F-150’s consistently high sales are a factually country-leading figure that can’t be ignored. It’s a practical truck that doesn’t take up the whole lane. There is something for everyone in the Ford F-150 lineup; besides multiple body styles, the best-selling F-150 also comes with V6, V6 hybrid, or V8 power. As one of the more expensive models, the hybrid produces 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque, giving the large truck good performance and ample towing capabilities. When properly equipped, the F-150 can haul up to 13,500 lbs, while the maximum payload is 2,440 lbs.
5
Toyota Tundra
- Base Trim Engine
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3.4L [NA] ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
10-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Four-Wheel Drive
The next large pickup on our list is the Toyota Tundra. It’s one of the few models that gives buyers a hybrid option, but that might be the way to go for the most power out of the Tundra platform. The standard powertrain in the base SR trim is a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 that makes 358 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Depending on your choice of trim level, bed size, and drivetrain, you can find a new Tundra with the same engine that’s been tuned to make 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The non-hybrid’s maximum payload capacity is 1,940 pounds. The SR5 has the Tundra’s highest maximum towing capacity at 12,000 pounds when properly equipped. The maximum towing capacity with the hybrid powertrain is 11,450 pounds.
“Toyota pumps in some augmented sound through the stereo, but we were impressed by the deep growl emitted by this new V6; so there should be no tears about the V8 going away. As for the transmission, our brief experience has quickly vaulted it up alongside GM’s 10-speed box as one of the best we’ve tested in a truck.”
– Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-at-Large, CarBuzz
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6
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Base Trim Engine
-
2.7L TurboMax I4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Rear-Wheel Drive
The Silverado 1500 is another great half-ton truck that can find a middle ground between needing to dominate all other trucks’ power figures and still being a versatile family truck. It might not have the same sales as the F-150, but there are plenty of truck owners who swear by this Chevy for good reasons. There is a diverse spread of powertrains: you can pick either a 2.7L turbo four-cylinder that makes 310 hp, a 5.3L V8 with 355 hp, a 6.2L V8 for 420 hp, and a 3.0L turbo diesel inline-six that makes 305 hp and 495 lb-ft, which is the most torque of any engine option in this truck. When properly configured, the Silverado 1500 can tow up to 13,300 pounds, and carry a maximum of 2,260 pounds.
7
Ram 2500
- Base Trim Engine
-
6.4L HEMI V8 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Rear-Wheel Drive
This list of large trucks wouldn’t be complete without the three-quarter-ton Ram 2500. This Ram meets in the middle of the 1500’s practicality and versatility, and the 3500’s capability. Unlike many other models for sale today, the Ram 2500 makes choosing an engine simple with only two options. You can get a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 that makes 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, or a 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel that makes 430 hp and 1,075 lb-ft. While they’re both impressive, the 6.7L can tow up to 20,000 pounds. If you need more payload capacity, though, the 6.4-liter does the trick with up to 4,420 pounds at its max.
8
Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
- Base Trim Engine
-
6.6L V8 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
Allison 10-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Rear-Wheel Drive
One of the biggest pickup trucks on our list is the Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD. Not many people will ever have a legitimate use for a truck of this size, unless you’re running a ranch or consistently tow heavy machinery between job sites. This large truck has some of the best tow ratings on the list, which we’ll get around to soon. To start, though, the 3500HD starts at $46,500 before destination charges and other fees. The base powertrain is a 6.6-liter V8 that makes 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque, but you can upgrade to a 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8 that makes 470 hp and 975 lb-ft. With the diesel engine and a gooseneck towing setup, it can pull up to 36,000 pounds.
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9
Rivian R1T
- Base Trim Engine
-
Electric
- Base Trim Transmission
-
Single-speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
533 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
610 lb-ft
If you want a large truck, but only electric power, your options are rather limited. However, the Rivian R1T is one of the most capable electric vehicles on sale. Many advertisements and reviews for this truck discuss how great it is off-road, or especially how fast it can go, how much power it has, etc., but it can also pull its own weight (and then some). It’s not cheap at a base price of $69,900. All-electric powertrains include motors on the front and rear axles for standard AWD in every trim. When properly equipped, the R1T can tow up to 11,000 pounds, or haul 1,764 pounds in the bed.
10
Ram 1500 Ramcharger
- 0-60 MPH
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4.4 seconds
- Segment
-
Full-Size Pickup Truck
The Ram 1500 Ramcharger is another part of the Ram truck family that makes our top ten large trucks. This one’s powertrain is interesting and non-conventional since the 3.6-liter V6 does not power the wheels; instead, the V6 engine is under the hood simply to power a generator that keeps the electric motors turning and provides the truck’s estimated 690-mile range. So, obviously, it’s not a traditional V6 hybrid, nor is it a pure electric vehicle like the Rivian we mentioned above. With that being said, the truck makes a total of 663 horsepower and 615 lb-ft of torque, and has a maximum tow rating of 14,000 pounds, so it’s certainly capable enough.
Best of the Rest
- Base Trim Engine
-
3.0-liter Hurricane H/O SST
- Base Trim Transmission
-
8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Four-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
540 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
521 lb-ft
- Base Trim Engine
-
6.8L V8 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
TorqShift 10-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
405 HP @5000 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
445 lb.-ft. @ 4000 RPM
- Base Trim Engine
-
6.7L Powerstroke V8 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
TorqShift 10-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
475 HP @2600 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
1050 lb.-ft. @ 1600 RPM
Characteristics Of Large Pickup Trucks
There is certainly no shortage of models in this rather fit-for-purpose segment, and here are some of the commonalities that set the biggest pickup trucks apart:
- Sheer size: From double-cabs to dual rear wheels, full-size pickups are large and imposing. They are designed to be utility-focused and come in various configurations.
- Handling: Such massive trucks can be difficult to maneuver due to their size and weight, but usually have driver assists as standard or optional to make parking lots and tight spaces a little easier.
- Power on tap: Since they have to haul and carry heavy loads, they are usually equipped with monstrous engines with high power outputs. This ranges from gas to diesel and even electric power with tons of torque available.
- Capability: Towing capacities are not just limited to regular hitches in full-size trucks, and the ability to equip fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitches to tow upwards of 37,000 lbs is expected. Payloads should be equally impressive.
- Space and comfort: While these are by no means luxury cruisers, the top large trucks come with space for up to six passengers and are fitted with high-end materials and conveniences that make long road trips a breeze.
- Fuel economy: Due to their proportions and powerful engines, these types of trucks don’t offer good gas mileage, and you’ll have to budget carefully. Electrified options will likely lose out on some capability and range and require frequent recharging.
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What To Consider Before Buying A Large Pickup Truck
While the SUV market, with its compact and practical configurations, is growing rapidly in the USA, it has not managed to dislodge these burly workers. Even the midsize or big crossovers cannot compare when it comes to hauling capability and utility. Here are some of the features to consider when looking at buying a large truck:
Pros
- High output engines offer pure power
- These heavy-duty machines often take a beating and keep on ticking for ages
- Customizability in terms of body style, bed size, and engine choice
- High tow ratings mean you can haul almost anything
- Spacious cabins offer space for your family, too
- Loads of tech available to make driving and towing a breeze
- Luxury features and materials are available on lower trims
- Budget-friendly trims are available
Cons
- Expect poor gas mileage, although diesel options may boast slightly better mpg ratings
- A rough ride in the cabin is common in lower trims where the focus is on utility, not comfort
- Expensive in higher trims
- Difficult to maneuver in tight spaces and narrow roads
Sources: Ram, Ford, GMC, Toyota, Chevrolet, Rivian
