These are the Best Trucks of 2026

Although the American auto market has seen major changes in recent years including electrification and the decline of sedans in favor of crossover SUVs, one thing that has remained strong is the popularity of trucks. As of 2026, the truck market looks as healthy as ever, so buyers looking for a pickup in 2026 are completely spoiled for choice. From affordable, entry-level pickups like the Ford Maverick to heavy-duty models like the Ford Super Duty, and even new electric models from Rivian and Tesla, there’s a pickup for every type of buyer.

With so many models available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Not only are there more models in several size classes, but there are more decisions to be made in those classes – including body style, engine type, drivetrain layout, and more. And that’s before you even get to the trucks’ real-world capabilities, including their towing capacity, fuel economy, or whether they’re a good family pickup.

Fortunately, when it comes to expert opinions and recommendations, there’s a wealth of information out there to give van buyers a head start when it’s time to choose a truck. So let’s take a look at the most popular choices among experts and expert reviewers across various segments for the 2026 model year.

While it’s common for publications and reviewers to have different recommendations about cars, one truck that most journalists seem to agree on is the Ford Maverick – and it’s not hard to see why. As an affordable, car-based pickup from an American brand, the Maverick is in a class of its own. But that doesn’t mean Ford is taking the part lightly. Across the board, from Consumer Reports to Car & Driver, the Maverick earns high marks for its value, fuel efficiency, and just the right mix of utility and passenger friendliness. We came to the same conclusion when we reviewed the 2025 Ford Maverick Hybrid.

One of the best things about this small van is that Ford offers Maverick buyers a wealth of options for their truck, despite its entry-level price. Mavericks can have FWD or AWD drivetrains and hybrid or turbocharged gasoline power. There’s also the off-road Maverick Tremor, and more recently, the on-road focused Maverick Lobo to choose from.

Ford maintains its status as it moves up in size to the mid-size pickup segment. This time, it’s the Ford Ranger’s turn. While the Ranger lineup doesn’t offer as many options as the Maverick, the Ranger gets high marks for its ride quality and performance, with both Car & Driver and Motor Trend naming the truck their top pick in the midsize truck segment.

The full-size, half-ton is the bread and butter not only of the pickup market, but of the American car market itself. When it comes to the recommendations of experts, the results are very consistent with the sales statistics, Ford F-150 as the big winner. As America’s best-selling truck, the F-150 offers buyers a large number of options, including V8, turbocharged, hybrid, and fully electric powertrains. And for the enthusiast crowd, the more street-oriented Tremor and Raptor models are more fun and more capable than ever.

It’s not just the F-150’s options and performance that experts love. High reliability scores have helped make Consumer Reports a full-size pickup. Likewise, Edmunds also has the F-150 as its top-of-the-line truck. Other publications, including Car & Driver and Motor Trend, have the Ram 1500 as their top pick in the full-size truck segment, though the F-150 is close behind.

Cars.com is another publication that gives the Ram 1500 a top spot, highlighting its off-road handling and versatility. Reviewers also like the 2026 Ram 1500’s engine options, which now include the classic HEMI V8 alongside the new turbocharged inline-6s. All in all, though, it’s a great show for Ford, with top choices in all three major pickup segments all in the same showroom.