Is there anything more American than apple pie? Yes. Pickup trucks. Our obsession with these rugged utility vehicles started at a young age – 1846, to be exact. Since then, it’s been a never-ending love affair. Over the years, we’ve seen the rise of the classics: Ford’s F series, Dodge’s Ram series, and Chevy’s reliable Silverados. But 2021 might be the best year yet. So, if you’re ready to kick 2020 to the curb, let’s look at the best trucks 2021 has to offer.
Jeep Gladiator – Hercules Edition
If there’s one thing we know to be true, it’s that Jeep’s entrance into the pickup market with the all-new Gladiator took the world by force. Originally launched in 2018, the Gladiator has become a cult classic in an insanely short amount of time. For 2021, the Gladiator is getting a whole, new trim level: the Hercules Edition.
Rumor has it that the Hercules Edition Gladiator will pack a whopping twin-turbo, six-cylinder engine under the hood and all the accessories you can imagine. We also imagine it won’t come cheap, but for those hardcore Jeep (or Gladiator) fans out there, you won’t want to miss this new 2021 pickup truck.
Ford F-150
Yeah, yeah, we know. The F-150 has been around for quite a while. But 2021 is bringing a fresh take to the F-150 with a hybrid and an electric version. With Tesla and Rivian bursting into the pickup scene with their all-electric pickup trucks, Ford couldn’t resist the temptation to rise to their challenges.
Sure, it might not growl like a traditional V8, but Ford’s new hybrid and electric engines more than makeup for it with torque and towing capacity. Boasting a 12,000 lb. towing capacity, you can take this truck on the tow road for miles – over 700 miles if you want to know. The new hybrid engine was integrated to help with fuel efficiency and for an extra boost of torque. The hybrid model releases first, and Ford will release the fully electric version later on in 2021 / early 2022.
Dodge Ram Dakota
Is bigger always better? The data suggests otherwise. Over the past few years, sales of compact trucks have skyrocketed. From Chevy’s Colorado to Ford’s Ranger, more buyers are looking for agility and flexibility. That’s why Dodge’s timing for reintroducing their Dakota model is perfectly timed.
Sure, the Dakota has been retired for almost a decade, but that’s why it’s the comeback kid of the bunch. Featuring a Pentastar V6, you’ll get 285 hp and a sizeable 260 ft-lb. of torque, which is pretty good considering its petite stature. Plus, unlike the Gladiator, your buck goes a lot further with the Ram Dakota. We’re expecting the pricing to start in the mid $20’s for the base model. It’s hard to see any downsides with the 2021 Dodge Ram Dakota, which is why it’s one of our top picks out of the best pickup trucks 2021 has to offer.
Ford Ranger
Ah, the Ford Ranger. It’s an oldie, but a goodie. Falling in line with the compact pickup truck trend, Ford’s 2021 Ranger is packed with features and multiple trim options. But don’t let its little size fool you, because it’s proof that great things can come in little packages.
An extended cab version will get you a 6 ft’ bed, which comes in handy if you’re constantly toting things around. While there’s only one, four-cylinder turbo engine option for now, Ford didn’t skimp on the trim packages. If you don’t need a full-size pickup truck, there are rumors that you can get the 2021 Ranger in a Raptor trim package.
GMC Hummer
This ain’t your daddy’s Hummer. What was once a military-grade vehicle (turned civilian monstrosity), has now become GMC’s newest type of vehicle – the SUT (a.k.a. sport utility truck). The 2021 GMC Hummer is infinitely sleeker and bolder looking than its clunky counterpart.
Word on the street is that the new Hummer EV will pack a whopping 1,000 ponies under the hood (with three electric engines). That means it’ll do 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds. But if you’re not in it for the racing, it’ll also tow nearly 12,000 pounds, which is why the Hummer EV made the cut on our list of the best pickup trucks 2021 has to offer.
Picking a favorite out of this group is no easy task. From modern amenities to classic staples, you can’t go wrong no matter which one you go for. There’s a pick for every budget and every need. While some come with all the bells and whistles, others are more pared down and rugged. 2020 has been one heck of a year, so why not start your 2021 off on the right foot with one of the best pickup trucks it has to offer.
