The most reliable trucks you can buy

Truck buyers tend to remain loyal. The brand preferences that develop after a good ownership experience — or a bad one — often persist for decades, which is why reliability carries more weight in the truck segment than in the car market. A truck is typically a working tool, not just a commuter vehicle. It shows up to tow, haul, or serve a job site alongside its daily transportation role, and the cumulative demands of that dual-use life amplify the cost of a breakdown in ways that a commuter car failure does not. Getting stranded with a trailer attached or missing a workday because the truck is in the shop significantly changes the financial and practical calculus of reliability.

The J.D. Power predicted reliability ratings that anchor this list use a 100-point scale derived from data collected from actual owners, giving the scores a real-world grounding that manufacturer claims and road test impressions alone cannot provide. On that scale, scores of 91 to 100 qualify as Best, 81 to 90 as Great, and 70 to 80 as Average. Scores below 70 qualify as Fair, or below average. Every truck on this list falls in the Great range, with scores of 82 to 88 out of 100. When two trucks tie on the reliability score, the one with the lower base price appears first.

These 10 trucks come from U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of the most reliable trucks, incorporating J.D. Power predicted reliability scores alongside U.S. News value scores for each model. The list spans compact, midsize, and full-size pickups, including gasoline, hybrid, diesel, and all-electric powertrains. No pricing figures appear in this article. The J.D. Power scale’s Great tier covers scores of 81 to 90, and every truck here earns a score in that range.

Credit: Hyundai

The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz earns a J.D. Power reliability score of 88 out of 100, the highest on this list, tied with the Jeep Gladiator, and a U.S. News value score of 7.8 out of 10. Its powertrain warranty of 10 years or 100,000 miles is class-leading among the trucks on this list, and the limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles. For buyers who prioritize long-term ownership confidence, the Santa Cruz's warranty coverage goes further than that of any other truck in this group.

The Santa Cruz shares its underpinnings with Hyundai’s crossovers, giving it a smooth, carlike ride quality that distinguishes it from body-on-frame pickups. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an available turbocharged four-cylinder give buyers two powertrain options. Front-wheel drive comes standard, with all-wheel drive available as an upgrade. Reviewer Matt DeLorenzo notes that the Santa Cruz favors style over work-truck substance, making it better suited to active lifestyle and adventuring use cases than to heavy hauling or demanding commercial work.

The Santa Cruz’s J.D. Power Great reliability rating, combined with the 10-year powertrain warranty, gives it the strongest documented long-term reliability promise of any truck on this list. The crossover-derived ride quality also makes it one of the most comfortable trucks in the compact category for daily driving. Buyers who want a reliable compact truck that does not require them to accept the stiff ride and rough road manners of a traditional body-on-frame pickup will find the Santa Cruz the most crossover-like option in the group, with the warranty depth to support the ownership decision over a long horizon. The 88 reliability score also confirms that the Santa Cruz’s carlike construction does not compromise durability, addressing a concern that some buyers may have about a truck built on crossover underpinnings. The Santa Cruz’s Great score answers that concern directly, making it the most warranty-backed and crossover-comfortable entry on this list.

Credit: Jeep

The 2025 Jeep Gladiator ties the Santa Cruz with a J.D. Power reliability score of 88 out of 100, but its lower base price places it second on the list under the tiebreaking rule. It earns a U.S. News value score of 6.8 out of 10. The Gladiator is a midsize pickup truck built on the Wrangler SUV platform, which gives it the removable doors and roof that Wrangler owners know. Unlike the Wrangler’s two-door option, the Gladiator comes only in a four-door configuration.

The Gladiator’s trail capability is the central appeal that the source highlights. On pavement, the ride is coarse, and road noise penetrates the cabin substantially, acknowledged trade-offs that the source notes without apology, as the design prioritizes off-road performance over on-road refinement. The manual transmission option that previously gave the Gladiator a driver-engagement advantage has been discontinued before the current model year. The source describes the truck as unapologetic in its positioning, carrying a “new classic” quality that reflects its largely unchanged design since the 2020 debut.

The Gladiator’s warranty coverage is average for the class: three years or 36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper and five years or 60,000 miles powertrain. The source notes this without framing it as a significant weakness, given the 88 reliability score. For buyers who specifically want off-road capability in a pickup truck with a documented Great reliability rating, the Gladiator delivers both. The coarse on-pavement behavior is the principal compromise that buyers who spend most of their driving on public roads will have to weigh against the trail performance that makes the truck genuinely distinctive in its category. The four-door-only configuration also gives the Gladiator a passenger capacity that two-door Wrangler owners lose when they prioritize the shorter wheelbase for tighter trail maneuverability. The Gladiator’s four-door layout gives it genuine everyday usability that a two-door off-road truck cannot match on public roads.

Credit: Ford

The 2026 Ford $F Maverick earns a J.D. Power reliability score of 85 out of 100 and the highest U.S. News value score on this list at 9.6 out of 10, the top value score among all 10 trucks. The Maverick comes standard as a hybrid, a configuration that editor Zach Doell describes as smooth and responsive, though somewhat loud. The optional EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine is smoother-sounding and even more refined. Both powertrain versions come standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available.

Doell identifies the Maverick as a strong option for city-based compact truck shoppers, specifically citing impressive capability for the class alongside driving dynamics that suit daily commuting. The source notes that pricing has risen substantially since the Maverick’s 2022 debut, eroding its value advantage over time, though the 9.6 value score still leads the list. Hybrid models receive an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty covering hybrid components, extending coverage beyond the standard three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain terms.

The Maverick’s standard hybrid powertrain is a differentiator that no other truck on this list matches at the base trim level. For buyers who want a truck that commutes efficiently by default without a separate powertrain decision, the Maverick’s hybrid-as-standard approach removes the option complexity and delivers fuel efficiency as a built-in feature. The 85 reliability score and the 9.6 value score together give it the strongest affordability and reliability pairing of any compact truck on this list. The standard hybrid also means new Maverick buyers get real-world fuel savings on every tank without paying an option premium for the technology, which is a financial advantage that compounds over a long ownership period. The standard hybrid also positions the Maverick as the only truck on this list that delivers hybrid efficiency by default, with no extra powertrain upgrade required to access the fuel economy benefit on any individual trip.

Credit: Ford

The 2026 Ford $F F-150 earns a J.D. Power reliability score of 86 out of 100, a U.S. News value score of 8.9 out of 10, and the 2026 Best Full-Size Pickup Truck for the Money award from U.S. News. Its interior score of 8.6 out of 10 is the highest among the trucks on this reliability list. Managing Editor Alex Kwanten highlights the F-150’s ergonomics, designed around how trucks integrate into owners’ daily lives, giving the interior a practical functionality that reflects real-world use patterns rather than showroom presentation.

The F-150’s powertrain lineup is broad. The twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost is the value-performance choice the source recommends for buyers who want efficient performance, though larger EcoBoost V6 engines and V8 options are also available. Rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are both available. Hybrid F-150 models receive an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty covering electrical drive systems and battery components, adding long-term coverage beyond the standard three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain terms.

The F-150’s market dominance reflects a long history of competitive value that the source identifies as a primary positioning factor. The 86 reliability score puts it in the Great J.D. Power category, and the 2026 Best Full-Size Pickup for the Money award confirms that the capability, interior quality, and overall refinement together justify the investment for buyers in the full-size segment. The 8.6 interior score is particularly relevant on this reliability list: a truck that spends decades in service is one the owner lives with daily, and the F-150’s cabin quality makes the long-term ownership experience substantially more rewarding than trucks whose interiors age poorly. The F-150’s position as the market-leading full-size pickup also means service and parts availability are stronger than for lower-volume alternatives, which matters over a long ownership horizon. The Best Full-Size Pickup for the Money award also confirms that the F-150 delivers its interior and capability at a price the market considers fair.

Credit: Nissan

The 2026 Nissan Frontier earns a J.D. Power reliability score of 87 out of 100 and a U.S. News value score of 9.1 out of 10. Every Frontier uses a 3.8-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, a powertrain configuration that the source specifically identifies as a contributor to the truck’s reliability reputation. The simplicity and longevity of the setup, which has been in Nissan’s lineup for many years, give it a proven track record that newer and more complex drivetrains cannot yet match. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, with four-wheel drive available.

Reviewer Perry Stern finds the Frontier a competitive pick within its segment, strong on power and comfort with a well-designed cabin. The source identifies the Frontier as a finalist for the 2026 Best Midsize Pickup Truck for the Money award, reflecting its value score, which makes it one of the more accessible midsize options on this list. An affordable base price and a curated trim lineup that spans budgets give buyers entry points at multiple price points. The source also notes the Frontier carries a strong complement of standard safety features.

The Frontier’s 87 reliability score is the third-highest on this list, trailing only the two top-tied models, and its V6-plus-nine-speed transmission platform represents a philosophy of proven reliability over technological novelty. For buyers who want a midsize truck with strong documented reliability, good value, and a powertrain that has demonstrated durability over time in the market, the Frontier offers the most mechanically traditional option on this list. The score reflects years of real-world validation, not the performance of a recently redesigned drivetrain. The Frontier’s ton of standard safety features, as the source specifically notes, also provides buyers with protection technology at the base trim level without an upgrade required. The Frontier’s 9.1 value score also makes it one of the stronger value cases in the midsize segment on this list.

Credit: Chevrolet

The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 earns a J.D. Power reliability score of 86 out of 100 and a U.S. News value score of 8.6 out of 10. Senior Editor John Vincent identifies the Silverado’s configuration depth as a market differentiator: it offers more available combinations of cab style, bed length, powertrain, and drive configuration than any competing truck. That breadth helps explain the Silverado’s broad appeal across buyer types, from work-truck fleet buyers to weekend haulers to daily commuters.

The standard powertrain is a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, with a turbodiesel and two V8 options available. The turbodiesel is a class-exclusive engine shared by the Silverado and its corporate sibling, the GMC Sierra 1500, giving Chevrolet buyers an option no other full-size truck manufacturer offers. Rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are both available across the lineup.

Vincent notes that competing trucks in the full-size segment offer nicer interiors or richer standard equipment lists than the Silverado, which the source presents as an honest assessment, not a fatal weakness. The Silverado’s strength lies in its configurability and the breadth of buyers it can serve, not in leading any single category. The 86 reliability score confirms that this breadth does not come at the expense of dependability. For buyers who want maximum flexibility in choosing exactly the cab size, bed length, and powertrain that match their specific use case, the Silverado’s configurability depth is an advantage rivals cannot replicate. The turbodiesel’s class exclusivity also gives Silverado buyers who tow regularly a powertrain option no competing full-size truck can match, which is a specific differentiator for buyers whose use case prioritizes fuel economy and torque. For buyers who want a full-size pickup with the broadest possible configuration menu alongside a Great reliability score, the Silverado’s configuration depth gives it the strongest argument in the full-size segment.

Credit: Tesla

The 2025 Tesla $TSLA Cybertruck earns a J.D. Power reliability score of 86 out of 100 and a U.S. News value score of 9.2 out of 10. The dual-motor powertrain produces 600 horsepower and 525 pound-feet of torque, while the tri-motor version generates 845 horsepower and 740 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive and a single-speed automatic transmission come standard across the lineup. Vehicle Testing Editor Zach Doell calls the Cybertruck “surprisingly civilized” despite its deliberately polarizing exterior design, ungainly dimensions, and convoluted infotainment system.

Doell notes the Cybertruck is more capable than its critics tend to acknowledge. The adaptive air suspension smooths road imperfections, the truck exhibits limited body roll for its size, and maneuverability is easier than the exterior dimensions suggest. The steering is too responsive for Doell’s preference, producing a twitchy feel that the source identifies as a handling characteristic to be aware of. The standard warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper — above the segment average — while the powertrain warranty of eight years or 150,000 miles is among the longer powertrain terms on this list.

The Cybertruck’s 86 reliability score places it in the Great J.D. Power category, which the source notes is notable given the complexity of its all-electric powertrain and its unconventional design. For buyers whose work or lifestyle demands extreme performance, the dual-motor version’s 600 horsepower alone exceeds the output of any gasoline truck on this list. The Cybertruck delivers that performance alongside a documented Great reliability score. The infotainment complexity and twitchy steering are friction points buyers should evaluate before committing. The 86 reliability score also indicates that the Cybertruck’s complex electric architecture has matured enough in the market to earn a Great rating. This is a meaningful signal for buyers who were cautious about early-production quality. The four-year bumper-to-bumper warranty also gives Cybertruck buyers an extra year of coverage over the three-year standard that most trucks on this list provide.

Credit: Chevrolet

The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado earns a J.D. Power reliability score of 83 out of 100 and a U.S. News value score of 8.5 out of 10. Reviewer Emme Hall, an experienced off-road racer, credits the Colorado with refined driving dynamics and comfort that exceed typical expectations for a body-on-frame pickup. The source also identifies the Colorado as holding best-in-class towing capacity in the midsize segment, a performance credential that the refined ride quality makes more impressive, not less.

The Colorado uses a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Base trims come standard with rear-wheel drive and are available with four-wheel drive. Upper trims feature a two-speed transfer case in addition to four-wheel drive, expanding low-range off-road capability. The source notes that the Colorado’s multiple specialized all-terrain configurations make it well-suited for buyers who have a specific outdoor or off-road use case in mind, but less suitable for buyers who are not certain why they need a truck beyond general utility.

The Colorado is a finalist for the 2026 Best Midsize Pickup for Families award, which reflects that the refinement Hall identifies translates to a livable daily-use experience alongside the performance credentials. The 83 reliability score meets the J.D. Power Great threshold, and the best-in-class towing capacity combined with a body-on-frame platform gives the Colorado a work-capable foundation that the Honda $HMC Ridgeline’s unibody construction does not provide. For midsize buyers who want proven off-road versatility, best-in-class towing, and a documented Great reliability score, the Colorado is the most capable truck in its size category on this list. Hall’s caution about purpose-specific trims also reflects genuine expertise: the ZR2 and Trail Boss configurations deliver real off-road hardware, but buyers who want a general-purpose midsize truck may pay for capability they will never use. The best-in-class towing credential remains the Colorado’s headline achievement in a segment where towing capacity defines the truck’s work utility.

Credit: Toyota

The 2026 Toyota $TM Tundra earns a J.D. Power reliability score of 83 out of 100 and a U.S. News value score of 8.7 out of 10. Editor Zach Doell notes that even the base-trim Tundra delivers ample power, so buyers do not need to step up the trim ladder to enjoy a satisfying driving experience. The Tundra holds the 2026 Best Full-Size Pickup Truck for Families award and is a finalist for the Best Full-Size Pickup Truck for the Money award, giving it dual category recognition from U.S. News.

Three powertrains are available, all of them twin-turbocharged V6 configurations. Every Tundra uses a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, with four-wheel drive available. Hybrid models receive an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for hybrid-specific components, and the hybrid battery pack carries a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty, the longest battery warranty on this list. The source notes that Tundra trails full-size trucks in efficiency, towing capacity, and payload, but positions it as the right choice for buyers who prioritize a comfortable cabin and easy-to-use technology over maximum capability figures.

The Tundra’s 10-year hybrid battery warranty is a specific long-term ownership advantage for buyers who choose the hybrid powertrain. The dual award standing, winner in Families and finalist in Money, reflects the breadth of appeal that most full-size trucks do not achieve across both categories simultaneously. For buyers who want a full-size pickup with Great reliability, a refined driving experience, and the strongest hybrid battery warranty available in the segment, the Tundra makes the strongest case on this list despite the towing and payload trade-offs. The 10-year hybrid battery warranty, in particular, gives buyers who choose the Tundra hybrid a long-term ownership assurance that the full-size truck segment does not match on any other model currently in production. The three twin-turbo V6 powertrain options also give Tundra buyers genuine choice across performance and efficiency without stepping outside the V6 format.

Credit: Honda

The 2026 Honda $HMC Ridgeline earns a J.D. Power reliability score of 82 out of 100 — the lowest on this list, though still within the Great range — and a U.S. News value score of 8.3 out of 10. Every Ridgeline comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive as standard equipment, with no configuration decisions required for those core features. Reviewer Mark Takahashi identifies the Ridgeline as the first truck to offer buyers a genuine alternative to both the Detroit full-size pickups and traditionally constructed body-on-frame trucks.

The Ridgeline’s unibody construction, shared with Honda’s car and crossover platforms, gives it a spacious cabin and a smooth ride that body-on-frame midsize trucks cannot match for daily comfort. The trade-off is lower towing and hauling capacity than traditional trucks in the midsize category. The source is direct about the value profile: the Ridgeline carries a high starting price relative to other small and midsize trucks, and its standard feature list is average, not generous. Honda’s warranty coverage is also standard for the class.

The Ridgeline holds the 2026 Best Midsize Pickup Truck for Families award, which aligns with the profile the source describes: a truck designed for buyers who want a comfortable, smooth-riding daily vehicle with a pickup bed and AWD always available, not a performance-focused, body-on-frame work tool. The 82 reliability score confirms Great reliability at the lower end of this list’s range. For buyers who spend most of their time on pavement and want AWD, a V6, and a spacious cabin without making any configuration choices, the Ridgeline is the only truck in the group that delivers all three as standard on every model. The unibody construction that makes the Ridgeline a comfort leader also gives it structural rigidity that body-on-frame trucks trade off for off-road articulation, which benefits buyers who spend all their time on paved roads.

​