Most Reliable Used Pickup Trucks Consumer Reports Recommends

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Here are the pickup truck models and years you should be looking for when it comes to a proven history of reliability.

Consumer Reports Take on Used Trucks

Finding a used truck to fit your needs and your budget need not be a search for the most popular truck models according to a recent Consumer Reports newsletter:

Detroit’s trio of full-sized pickup trucks—the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-Series, and Ram—have been the top-selling vehicles in the U.S. for a few years. But despite their popularity, the lumbering darlings of American automakers’ bottom line haven’t proved to be the most reliable options among used vehicles.”

On top of that, new pickup trucks—full-sized trucks in particular—tend to be expensive. Although the newest ones usually have the most safety equipment and luxury trappings, some late-model trucks can offer similar features along with traditional truck capability for much less money. There are also many more examples of good used compact pickups on the market now.” added CR analysts.

Related article: Are You Paying Too Much for Your Truck?

As such, the good folks at Consumer Reports have created a new guide “…to help you find the pickup trucks most likely to fulfill your needs without breaking down and saddling you with repair bills.”

Related article: 10 Most Reliable 2024 Car Models and What They Will Cost You

Summarized below is the listing in alphabetical order the used pickup truck models CR analysts recommend―provided you have done your part by ensuring a prepurchase inspection is performed by a qualified mechanic.

Related article: Chevy Trucks to Buy and Not Buy Explained by a Chevrolet Mechanic

Most Reliable Used Pickup Trucks

1. Ford Maverick 2022

Price Range:  $23,350 - $33,075

Owner Reported MPG:  26 mpg

CR Reliability Score: 73/100

CR Owner Satisfaction Score: 3/5

Other Year models: Ford Maverick 2022-2023 and Ford Maverick Hybrid 2023

 

2. Ford Ranger 2021

Price Range:  $21,750 - $33,475

Owner Reported MPG:  22 mpg

CR Reliability Score: 79/100

CR Owner Satisfaction Score: 3/5

Other Year models: Ford Ranger 2023

 

3. GMC Sierra 2500HD 2018

Price range: Not listed

Owner Reported MPG:  17 mpg

CR Reliability Score: 67/100

CR Owner Satisfaction Score: 3/5

Other Year models: GMC Sierra 2500HD 2022 and 2019

 

4. Honda Ridgeline 2021

Price Range:  $27,875 - $33,750

Owner Reported MPG:  22 mpg

CR Reliability Score: 64/100

CR Owner Satisfaction Score: 4/5

Other Year models: Honda Ridgeline 2014 and 2022

 

5. Hyundai Santa Cruz 2023

Price Range:  $23,600 - $35,775

Owner Reported MPG:  24 mpg

CR Reliability Score: 75/100

CR Owner Satisfaction Score: 4/5

Other Year models: None

 

6. Nissan Frontier 2019

Price Range:  $13,975 - $24,625

Owner Reported MPG:  19 mpg

CR Reliability Score: 83/100

CR Owner Satisfaction Score: 1/5

Other Year models: Nissan Frontier 2014 and 2017

 

7. Toyota Tacoma 2020

Price Range:  $20,450 - $38,400

Owner Reported MPG:  20 mpg

CR Reliability Score: 78/100

CR Owner Satisfaction Score: 4/5

Other Year models: Toyota Tacoma 2014-2017, 2020-2022

 

8. Toyota Tundra 2018

Price Range:  $20,975 - $35,800

Owner Reported MPG:  15 mpg

CR Reliability Score: 72/100

CR Owner Satisfaction Score: 4/5

Other Year models: Toyota Tundra 2014, 2016-2021

Related article: Mechanic Voices His Disappointments with the New Toyota Tundra

 

For more information detailing the truck models listed above, consider becoming a Consumer Reports member and discover how being a member can save you a lot of money for a small subscription investment.

For additional truck-related shopping articles, here are a few for your consideration:

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on  “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” website, the Zen Mechanic blog and on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites  and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

Coming Up Next: Call the Police If You Find This in a Used Car

Image source: Deposit Photos

Submitted by William Gossard (not verified) on January 24, 2024 - 9:38PM

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I own a 2003 Avalanche. I have just under 215000 miles on the truck. I was looking for a 07-10 Explorer Sporttrak with a 4.6. But I’m very pleased with the Avalanche. We just made a 7 hour one way trip ( and of course, a 7hr trip back) , and the truck was fantastic. Mostly highway mileage, but some big city and lots of around town miles. We averaged 22 mpg.