Consumer Reports rated small, mid-sized, and full-sized models to help you find the best ones
Credit: Honda
If you’re in the market for a used truck, look no further.
Consumer Reports (CR) has rated just about every pickup truck on the market in an effort to help you pick the best one.
We’ve compiled their data for you on the following slides. Continue reading to see the top picks.
Credit: Ford
If you’re looking for a smaller pick-up, CR recommends the Ford $F Maverick over the similarly sized Hyundai Santa Cruz. The 2024 Maverick often starts around $23,000 and gets 23 miles per gallon. It also comes in a hybrid version, although that model isn’t recommended by CR. If you’re looking to save a little money, CR recommends the 2023 model, too.
Consumer Reports said the truck "occupies an increasingly popular niche — a small truck that can be bought on a budget." It praised its "competent ride and handling," and said the truck has good maneuverability, visibility, access, and controls.
Credit: Honda
CR is a big fan of the mid-sized Honda $HMC Ridgeline, recommending most of its models throughout the years and suggesting buyers purchase it over the similarly-sized Toyota $TM Tacoma and the Chevrolet Colorado.
If you’re looking for a barely used model, the 2024 Ridgeline tends to start at a little under $31,000. But you could also score a 2007 model for as low as $6,000, a 2013 model for around $10,000, and a 2020 model for around $20,000.
"With the Ridgeline, Honda has evolved the concept of the pickup, creating a smart, car-based truck aimed squarely at the actual needs of most pickup owners," Consumer Reports said.
It praised the 2024 model's quiet cabin, comfy ride, and said it has good payload capacity.
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If you want the full pickup experience, CR recommends the Toyota $TM Tundra over the Ford $F F-150 and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The 2024 model typically starts at around $33,000, but depending on the features, it can cost almost double that amount. If you’re looking for a more affordable version, you could get a 2003 model for less than $5,000, a 2008 model for closer to $8,000, a 2015 model for around $12,000, and a 2018 model for $20,000 — all of which are CR-recommended models.
Consumer Reports praised the truck's acceleration, towing capacity, and payload, and said it has a roomy cabin.
