New trucks are having their moment right now. From compact pickups to popular full-size haulers, the auto industry’s future will continue to produce diesel and fueled vehicles, but will also embrace electric powertrains, as well. This means we will see more of an investment in gasoline-electric hybrids, plug-in hybrid electric trucks and battery-electric pickups. Once you consider all the special uses for pickup trucks and the growing number of styles and options, you can quickly get lost in a maze of choices. Here is isure’s guide to choosing the type of truck that best suits your needs, featuring the top 10 best 2023 trucks rolling out in the new year.
6 things to consider when purchasing a truck
According to Edmunds.com, understanding your “big picture” truck wants and needs is vital. Being able to then narrow down options logically, you will be able to find the right vehicle for you more easily. Here are their suggestions when choosing your next pickup:
1. Prepare to spend more
Trucks are expensive. They are utility vehicles that can come with many of the creature comforts you’d find on premium cars, so if you’ve only owned cars in the past, the jump in price could be jarring.
2. Midsize or full-size?
How you plan to use the truck will steer you through many of the ensuing choices. If you simply like the idea of driving a truck and don’t plan on hauling anything major, a midsize truck, such as the Chevrolet Colorado, Honda Ridgeline or Toyota Tacoma, would be perfect for you. These are much easier to drive and park on a daily basis, yet still provide plenty of utility.
3. Light, medium or heavy-duty?
Once you know what you’ll tow, find out how much it weighs and be sure to include the weight of the trailer, too. This information will help you choose between a light-duty and heavy-duty truck. Properly sizing the truck is important because if you skimp on power, the truck might have trouble hauling what you need. Similarly, if you opt for more truck than you need, it will cost more to purchase and to fill up in the long run.
4. Choose a bed and cab size
Most manufacturers offer three to four cab sizes. To help you choose a bed length, think of the standard sizes of lumber or other construction materials you might need to carry.
5. Choose trim, options and packages
Making a list of your must-have features or packages is smart. With so many possible truck configurations, the best way to find the one you want is to give the list of your top features to the salesperson at the truck dealership. Explain your preferred colour and, if you can be flexible, pick an alternate colour. This will greatly improve your odds.
6. Check special fees and regulations
Depending on where you live, choosing a larger truck might require a special license or entail extra fees.
The best trucks for 2023 lineup
Now that you have a better idea of what you need in a truck, here is a list of the best 2023 trucks completely new to the market, or established models entering their next-generation with revamped looks and performance:
1. 2023 Chevrolet Silverado HD
First up is the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado. This truck boasts incredible towing capacity, excellent trailer-assist features, and a wide variety of cab, bed, and powertrain combinations. As the biggest truck manufactured by Chevrolet, the Silverado 2500HD doesn’t disappoint. Available in single, double, or four-door crew-cab body styles, heavy-duty Silverados can be ordered in rear- or four-wheel drive, with five bed lengths ranging from an 11.8- to 14.3-foot box. A gasoline-drinking 401-hp 6.6-liter V-8 is standard and is bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission. The optional 445-hp Duramax diesel is also a 6.6-liter V-8 but uses a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Silverado pricing from $57,097, chevrolet.ca
2. 2023 GMC Sierra HD 2500 & 3500
Next is the 2023 GMC Sierra HD. This truck has an incredible diesel V-8, many towing-assistance features, all enclosed in a tough, chiselled design. This is one of GMC’s most capable pickup designs. Built to move the world, the heavy-duty Sierras are offered with either a 401-hp 6.6-liter V-8 and six-speed automatic transmission or a 445-hp 6.6-liter V-8 Duramax Diesel with 910 pound-feet of torque.
Sierra pricing from $58,897, gmc.com
3. 2023 Dodge Ram 1500
Next on our list of best trucks for 2023 is the latest Dodge Ram 1500. This truck has excellent towing and off-road capabilities, and is an effective tool with a comfortable interior. When fitted with the high-output 400-hp Cummins diesel inline-six, the Ram 2500 can pull as much as 37,090 pounds, thanks to its powertrain’s stunning 1075 pound-feet of available torque. When equipped with the standard 410-hp Hemi V-8 engine, the Ram HD still puts up big enough numbers to challenge rivals, such as the Chevrolet Silverado HD.
Ram 1500 pricing from $51,640, ramtruck.ca
4. 2023 Ford Ranger XL
Next up is the 2023 Ford F-150. This truck is equipped with a comfortable interior and an optional hybrid model with better fuel economy. This best-seller has evolved in the modern era with an aluminum body, turbocharged powertrains, and even an electric model.
Ford Ranger XL pricing from $38,480, ford.ca
5. GMC HUMMER EV
The Hummer EV 2023 trucks prove that trucks can still be cool and capable, even if they don’t run on petrol. This electric truck can go from 0 mph to 60 mph in 3 seconds, and the 212.7-kWh battery pack is the biggest pack found in a production vehicle. Its small stature is juxtaposed by passive rear-wheel steering, helping to improve turning radius even at low speeds.
Hummer EV pricing from $86,645, gmccanada.ca
6. FORD MAVERICK
Next is the Ford Maverick. What makes this truck really stand out is its engine. Maverick’s 2.5-liter engine is conjoined with an electric motor. Choose between regular mode and Eco mode for two different ride experiences.
Ford Maverick pricing from $19,995, ford.ca
7. HONDA RIDGELINE
Next is the Honda Ridgeline. With lots of storage options inside the car, and the freedom of a crossover vehicle, the Honda Ridgeline is a great choice for families. This truck is great when either off-roading or driving down the highway. The truck has 7.6 inches of ground clearance, but still drives with smoothness and ease.
Honda Ridgeline pricing from $86,645, honda.ca
8. HYUNDAI SANTA CRUZ
Next is the Hyundai Santa Cruz. Although this is a smaller model for Hyundai, the Santa Cruz is still a very comfortable drive. Drivers feel much more connected to the vehicle when driving this compact truck. Its unibody construction makes for a smooth and easy ride no matter the terrain.
Hyundai Santa Cruz pricing from $42,754, hyundaicanada.com
9. TOYOTA TACOMA SR5 TRAIL
Finally is the Toyota Tacoma SR5 Trail. This mid-size pickup is both an affordable and reliable truck for work or leisure. If you are interested in off-road driving, you can upgrade to the Trail Package. Priced at $3,765, the Trail package features everything you need for an exciting off-road adventure. It includes a 1.1 inch lift in the front and a 0.5 inch lift in the rear, along with 16-inch bronze wheels. Even if you don’t upgrade to the Trail package, this truck is still a great choice. One of its standout features is its suspension lift on the front. The 3.5-liter V6 provides excellent throttle response for off-road situations where you need to be delicate with the loud pedal. It’s also stout enough to tow up to 6,400 pounds.
Toyota Tacoma pricing from $40,690, toyota.ca
When considering buying 2023 trucks, it’s important to ask yourself what your specific needs and expectations are for your vehicle. If switching from a car to a truck, you should also expect a jump in insurance pricing. Be sure to contact an isure broker to discuss insurance premiums prior to purchasing one of the best 2023 trucks mentioned on our list.
