When you choose a truck to buy, you will want to select one that can stand the test of time. Luckily, many trucks are designed to last for years on hand. Discover some of the 20 most dependable trucks that you can drive.
Toyota Tundra
2019 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro
Toyota introduced the Tundra in 1999 as a 2000 model year. Throughout its history, the Tundra has proven itself to be a highly dependable auto.
This was the very first full-size North American pickup built by Toyota. It regularly receives top ratings for reliability, making it clear that you can count on the Tundra to get you around town or even off the road. In fact, J.D. Power and Associates named the Tundra the “Most Dependable Large Pickup” seven consecutive years starting in 2007.
The Tundra has also earned honors for its resale value, including a spot in the Top 10 list from Kelley Blue Book for the 2018 model year. Since resale value is highly correlated with longevity and quality, this is another strong point in favor of the Tundra.
The most recent version of the Toyota Tundra further stands out with a long list of safety features that beats out that of rivals and a user-friendly infotainment system. Standard safety for the 2018 Tundra includes automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning with mitigation and automatic braking. Those looking for dependability will also find no need to sacrifice the features they want with the Toyota Tundra thanks to its choice of five trim levels. In the latest model year, every single Tundra has a 6.1-inch touchscreen, six speakers, a rearview camera, heated mirrors, an integrated trailer brake controller. You can also enjoy features like automatic dual-zone climate control, navigation, a sunroof, ventilated and heated front seats, and 12 speakers of JBL sound.
The Tundra has proven itself to be dependable on or off the road and while towing or hauling plenty of weight. You can add an off-road package to the Toyota Tundra to get TRD wheels, LED headlights, off-road tires, tow hooks, skid plates, and trail-tuned shock absorbers. On earlier model years, you could opt for a TRD Pro version if you planned to spend a lot of time off the road. Drivers also appreciate being able to count on the 310-horsepower, 327-pound-foot 4.6-liter V8 or the 381-horsepower, 401-pound-foot 5.7-liter V8.
For those trying to choose which dependable Toyota Tundra model year to go with, consider the recent changes. There was a minor redesign for 2014, and the last time you could get a V6 was 2015. The tow-hitch receiver became standard in 2017, and some trims got stylistic changes or more features. The big news for 2018 was the addition of the standard safety features.
Ford F-150
2018 Ford F-150
The Ford F-Series first entered production in 1947 and one of the most popular trucks in the series is the F-150. This full-size pickup is a light-duty truck perfect for those who need to take advantage of towing, hauling, and off-roading but do not deal with excessively large loads or trailers. The F-150 receives average to above-average reliability ratings, but its long history and powerful reputation speak for themselves. The fact that the F-Series has been in production for more than 70 years indicates that these autos are well-loved by consumers and keep selling. It goes without saying that a vehicle that drivers could not depend on would not last through 13 generations and 70 years.
Over the years, the Ford F-150 has also earned some awards that show off its dependability, including taking home the top spot among large light-duty pickups in J.D. Power’s 2017 Vehicle Dependability Study. This goes along with Ford’s slogan of “Built Tough” since these pickups are built to be tough enough to last for years and years, even with tough use.
2019 F-150 Raptor
With so many generations of Ford F-150 models to choose from, it is impossible to concisely describe what makes this truck special in terms of offerings to drivers. For the 2018 model year, the F-150 got a new 3.3-liter V6 to replace the 3.5-liter V6. This change boosts fuel efficiency and power slightly. Ford also revised the 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 and the 5-liter V8 for the latest model year, which now work with a 10-speed automatic year. In the future, there will also be a diesel-powered turbocharged V6 for those looking to maximize torque.
Many dependable trucks offer a range of configurations. However, the Ford F-150 is one of the models with more options than average. There are six main trims plus a high-performance Raptor that is specifically designed for off-roading experiences. There are also numerous packages and options to add on, plus the choice of three cargo beds and three cab styles.
In terms of features, the latest Ford F-150 will always have trailer sway control, automatic headlights, prewired trailer connections, a 40/20/40 split bench in front, and air conditioning. Models with two rows of seats come standard with 60/40 split-and-folding functionality for that row. Meanwhile, all four-wheel-drive models throw in tow hooks. There are also plenty of higher-end features available, such as an 8-inch touchscreen, driver-seat memory, and leather upholstery.
