Pickup Truck +SUV Talk 2026 Full-Size Truck Buyer’s Choice Award: 5 Trucks I’d Buy, One Winner

[testerdahl]

Every week, I get emails from people asking a version of the same question: Which full-size truck should I buy? The honest answer is always that it depends. Some people tow every weekend. Some rarely use the bed. Some care about a V8 exhaust note, while others care more about fuel economy, safety or having enough electrical power to run a camper. Still, people love rankings, and I understand why. Truck shopping has become incredibly complicated. Prices have climbed, packages do not always make sense and two trucks wearing the same badge can have completely different engines, towing ratings and equipment. […] (read full article...)

 

[James-kd2cm]

Hey Tim, this was a fun exercise.
-I like how you outlined how the packaging in the build and price tools can influence your decision.
-you picked the truck that suits your needs with the information available. The kind of steps we should all go through when purchasing a vehicle.
-I agree with you to go with msrp. Incentives can be regional and dealer incentives are unpredictable.
For my personal choice I would have went with the ram with the hurricane. The power boost option from ford is very tempting. The last time I compared the build and price tool the power boost was quite a bit more expensive. I don’t need the portable power as much as you and I only tow around 4000lbs. I also like the look of the Ram better(subjective I know). I also haul firewood, brush and gravel etc.
I’ve purchased each of my trucks at times when I wasn’t in a hurry. I’ve often waited up to a Year to purchase a new truck due to incentives. A few of my purchases have been between Christmas and March. Usually at the end of the month for negotiation purposes.
keep up the great work.