Best Trucks 2023 – Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Awards

If you feel like pickup trucks have quietly taken over American roads, you’re not wrong. From tiny city-friendly rigs to desert-racing monsters and silent electric brutes, the 2023 truck lineup gave buyers more choices than ever. To cut through the noise, the Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Awards handpicked a short list of standout models that nail capability, comfort, and sheer fun.

This guide breaks down the best trucks of 2023 as highlighted by Popular Mechanics and cross-checked with expert reviews from major U.S. outlets. We’ll walk through what each winner does best, who it’s for, and what you should keep in mind if you’re shopping the 2023 truck marketwhether new or lightly used.

How Popular Mechanics Chose the Best Trucks of 2023

Popular Mechanics doesn’t just scan spec sheets and call it a day. For the 2023 Automotive Excellence Awards, their test team drove, towed, hauled, and off-roaded a carefully curated group of pickups. From that pool they created category winners that reflect real-world use, not just bragging rights numbers.

Broadly, the winners had to deliver in four areas:

• Capability: Towing, payload, off-road performance, and everyday usability.
• Comfort and livability: Ride quality, cabin layout, noise levels, and tech.
• Innovation: Hybrid and EV powertrains, clever storage, driver-assistance features.
• Value and focus: Does the truck excel at the job it’s built for, and is the price reasonable for what you get?

The result is a lineup that covers almost every kind of truck buyer: value hunters, suburban DIYers, hardcore off-roaders, and people who just really want to launch 6,000+ pounds of steel to 60 mph faster than some sports cars.

The Award-Winning Trucks of 2023

Best Electric Super Truck: GMC Hummer EV

The GMC Hummer EV is the truck equivalent of a superhero rebootwild, over the top, and somehow still lovable. Popular Mechanics crowned it Best Electric Super Truck, and it’s not hard to see why. With a three-motor Ultium setup delivering around 1,000 horsepower and a stump-pulling 11,500 lb-ft of torque (calculated at the wheels), this beast can sprint to 60 mph in roughly three seconds while weighing more than some studio apartments.

The numbers are as ridiculous as the vibe: a battery pack of about 212.7 kWh, an estimated range around 329 miles, and a towing capacity of roughly 7,500 pounds. This isn’t the most efficient way to go electricits massive battery alone weighs about as much as an entire compact carbut it is one of the most dramatic. Instead of chasing maximum efficiency like rivals such as the Rivian R1T or Ford F-150 Lightning, the Hummer EV shows what happens when you lean fully into the “electric as party trick” approach.

On the road, rear-wheel steering and a surprisingly manageable wheelbase make it less intimidating in tight spaces than its hulking shape suggests. Off-road features like CrabWalk and adjustable suspension turn rocky trails into a test lab for your bravery, not the truck’s capability. The downsides? A supercar price tag, limited practicality for tight urban garages, and running costs that are more “statement piece” than budget play.

Best for: Drivers who want the wildest, most conversation-starting EV truck of 2023 and don’t mind paying for the privilege.

Best Value: Ford Maverick

If the Hummer EV is the superhero, the 2023 Ford Maverick is the quietly competent neighbor who owns three toolboxes and always shows up when you’re moving. Popular Mechanics named it Best Value, and most reviewers agree this compact pickup absolutely rewrote what an “entry-level truck” can be.

With a starting price just under $20,000 for the base model when it launched, the Maverick landed as one of the most affordable ways to get into a new truck. The big twist is the standard hybrid powertraina 2.5-liter four-cylinder teamed with an electric motorthat can deliver EPA-estimated fuel economy in the low 40s mpg in city driving on certain trims. Even the non-hybrid 2.0-liter EcoBoost model offers solid power and towing up to 4,000 pounds when properly equipped.

Reviewers consistently praised its clever Flexbed with built-in slots for DIY dividers, tie-downs, and bike mounts. The cabin feels more like a practical small SUV than a stripped-down work truck, with plenty of storage cubbies and friendly ergonomics. The main trade-offs: a short bed, a tight rear seat for taller adults, and lower towing and payload numbers than full-size pickups.

Because it became so popular so quickly, the Maverick has been part of a few recall campaigns, especially around batteries and software. That’s not unique in today’s market, but it’s a reminder that you should always run a VIN check for open recalls before buying a used one and factor dealer time into your ownership expectations.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who mostly haul home-improvement supplies, small trailers, and weekend toys, not giant fifth-wheel campers.

Best On-Road Manners: Honda Ridgeline

The 2023 Honda Ridgeline is the truck for people who secretly prefer crossovers. Built on a unibody platform shared with the Honda Pilot, it ditches the traditional body-on-frame construction in favor of a smoother, more carlike ride. Popular Mechanics honored it for its Best On-Road Manners, and long-term tests from outlets like Car and Driver and U.S. News back that up.

Under the hood sits a 3.5-liter V6 with around 280 horsepower, paired with standard all-wheel drive. Towing tops out at about 5,000 poundsplenty for a small camper or a pair of jet skis. But the real magic is the way the Ridgeline drives: stable at highway speeds, cushy over broken pavement, and far less jittery than leaf-sprung rivals when the bed is empty.

Then there’s the famous in-bed trunka lockable, drainable compartment under the bed floor that doubles as a cooler, gear locker, or a place to stash valuables on road trips. Add a wide bed, smart interior storage, and a cabin that feels more SUV than work truck, and you’ve got one of the most livable pickups on sale.

On the flip side, its off-road chops are limited by ground clearance and tire choices, and hardcore truck fans still side-eye its unibody construction. There have also been broader safety investigations involving some Honda models, including Ridgeline model years, so checking for completed recalls is a must when shopping used.

Best for: Families and commuters who want truck utility with minivan-like comfort and refinement.

Best Compact Truck: Hyundai Santa Cruz

If the Ford Maverick is the practical compact truck, the Hyundai Santa Cruz is its extroverted cousin who shows up in a funky jacket and limited-edition sneakers. Popular Mechanics tapped it as Best Compact, and reviewers frequently describe it as quirky in the best possible way.

The Santa Cruz is also a unibody pickup, blending SUV comfort with small-truck usefulness. Power comes from a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder or an available turbocharged version making around 281 horsepower, paired with all-wheel drive on higher trims. With the turbo engine and proper equipment, it can tow up to about 5,000 poundsrespectable for its size.

Its ride and handling earn high marks: easy to maneuver in tight city streets, composed on the highway, and more refined than many body-on-frame rivals. Reviewers highlight a quiet cabin, a stylish interior, and lots of tech for the money. The bed is shorter than the Maverick’s but adds clever touches like under-bed storage with a drain plug and available in-bed rails for adjustable tie-downs.

Critiques center on the price (it’s usually a bit more expensive than a comparable Maverick) and styling that some shoppers either love or absolutely do not get. But for buyers who want something between a crossover and a full-on truck, the Santa Cruz hits a sweet, slightly weird spot.

Best for: Lifestyle buyers who want adventure gear, bikes, or camping equipment in the bed and a comfortable, well-equipped cabin up front.

Best Rock Crawler: Chevrolet Silverado ZR2

The Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 is what happens when engineers are given a full-size truck and told, “Make it climb stupidly difficult rocks.” Popular Mechanics named it Best Rock Crawler, and its spec sheet explains why.

At its core is a 6.2-liter V8 with about 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. But the real party tricks are underneath: front and rear locking differentials, Multimatic spool-valve dampers, and serious underbody protection. Combined with a narrower track than some rivals, the ZR2 can snake through tighter trails where extra-wide trucks would be sweating their fenders.

On-road, it’s still very much a big truck, but reviews note surprisingly decent manners for something this off-road focused. The interior is more refined than in older Silverados, with big screens and plenty of storage. Downsides include a high price, thirsty V8 fuel economy, and the usual full-size-truck parking challengesplus the need to stay current on GM’s recall and investigation history if you’re buying used.

Best for: Off-road enthusiasts who want a full-size rig that excels at technical trails rather than just high-speed sand blasting.

Best High-Speed Off-Roader: Ram 1500 TRX

If your idea of fun is treating the desert like a personal rally stage, the Ram 1500 TRX is your spirit animal. Popular Mechanics crowned it Best High-Speed Off-Roader, and it’s rightly famous for being one of the wildest combustion-powered trucks of its era.

Under the hood lives a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 pumping out around 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. With sophisticated suspension and serious ground clearance, the TRX can rocket from 0–60 mph in about 4.5 seconds while soaking up ruts and whoops that would make a normal pickup cry.

Inside, it’s more luxury muscle truck than bare-bones desert racer, with plush seats, big screens, and a cabin that feels properly premium. The catch? Fuel economy that can best be described as “optimistic,” a price tag to match its performance, and limited availability as Ram has shuffled its lineup and powertrain strategy.

Best for: Buyers who want a factory-built desert racer and don’t mind paying sports-car money for truck-shaped insanity.

Best Budget Off-Road Performance: Toyota Tacoma SR5 Trail

The Toyota Tacoma SR5 Trail Edition is the classic “weekend warrior” truck: affordable enough for normal people, capable enough to make fire roads, rocky trails, and camping trips feel easy. Popular Mechanics dubbed it Best Budget Off-Road Performance, and that lane suits it perfectly.

Based on the SR5 trim, the Trail Edition adds off-road-flavored upgrades like an available mild suspension lift, aggressive tires, and extra skid plating on certain configurations. Reviews consistently point out that while it’s not as extreme as a dedicated rock buggy or a Jeep Wrangler, the Tacoma platform is hugely capable once you leave the pavement.

Its 3.5-liter V6 provides solid power for its size, and four-wheel-drive models with low range and off-road modes can tackle surprisingly challenging terrain. The trade-offs are well known: a choppy ride on the road, an interior that was starting to feel dated by 2023, and a driving position some people never quite love. But the Tacoma’s reputation for durability, resale value, and aftermarket support remains top-tier.

Best for: Adventure-focused buyers who want a “buy it, build it slowly” platform that can grow with their off-road ambitions.

Best All-Around Truck: Toyota Tundra TRD Pro

The Toyota Tundra TRD Pro is the Swiss Army knife of this list, which is why Popular Mechanics tagged it as Best All-Around Truck. It might not be the absolute best at any single thing, but it’s very good at almost everything.

The headline is its i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain: a twin-turbo V6 paired with an electric motor, good for about 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. That gives the Tundra TRD Pro serious muscle for towingaround 12,000 pounds in the broader Tundra lineup when properly equippedwhile also smoothing out power delivery at low speeds.

Off-road hardware includes TRD-tuned suspension components, upgraded shocks, skid plates, and off-road drive modes that let you tailor traction to mud, sand, or rocks. Long-term tests highlight excellent highway comfort, supportive heated and ventilated seats, and a massive infotainment screen that finally brought Toyota’s big truck into the modern tech era.

While the hybrid setup adds complexity and cost, it also boosts torque, improves efficiency compared with an old-school V8, and makes the TRD Pro feel effortlessly strong whether you’re merging onto the freeway or towing up a grade.

Best for: Drivers who want one truck to commute, road-trip, tow, and play off-road without feeling like they bought a compromise.

Gas, Hybrid, or Electric: What the 2023 Winners Tell Us

Look across the 2023 Popular Mechanics truck winners and you’ll notice something interesting: they capture the entire powertrain spectrum. You’ve got the fully electric Hummer EV, hybrid heroes like the Ford Maverick and Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, and old-school gas monsters like the Ram 1500 TRX and Silverado ZR2.

That mix reflects where the truck market really was in 2023:

• EV trucks proved they can deliver outrageous performance and serious capability, but often with high prices and heavy batteries.
• Hybrids quietly became the sweet spot, blending efficiency with strong torque for towing and everyday use.
• Gas trucks remained the workhorse choice, especially for buyers who tow heavy, travel long distances in remote areas, or simply love the sound of a V8.

Editorial teams and testing organizations also emphasized how trucks are used in the real world: backing a trailer down a boat ramp, crawling a rutted forest road to a campsite, sitting in traffic on the weekday commute, and fitting into parking garages that weren’t designed for modern pickup bulk. The winners here excel not just on paper, but in those everyday moments.

How to Choose the Right “Best Truck 2023” for You

So where do you fit into this awards lineup? Start with how you’ll actually use your truck most of the timenot the once-a-year fantasy scenario.

If You Mostly Commute and DIY on Weekends

The Ford Maverick, Hyundai Santa Cruz, and Honda Ridgeline are your best bets. They drive like comfortable crossovers, sip fuel more gently than full-size pickups, and offer enough bed space for lumber runs, bikes, and yard waste. For pure value and efficiency, the Maverick hybrid is hard to beat; for comfort and a near-luxury cabin feel, look closely at the Santa Cruz and Ridgeline.

If You Live for Dirt, Rocks, and Sand

Off-road enthusiasts should be shopping among the Tacoma SR5 Trail Edition, Silverado ZR2, Ram 1500 TRX, and Tundra TRD Pro. The Tacoma is your budget-friendly platform with endless aftermarket support. The ZR2 specializes in slow, technical rock crawling. The TRX is your high-speed desert missile, while the Tundra TRD Pro balances serious off-road hardware with hybrid muscle and daily comfort.

If You Want the Most Future-Forward Truck

That’s the GMC Hummer EV. It’s not the most rational choice, but it’s a preview of where electric trucks can gohuge power, incredible off-road features, and near-silent cruising. If you have access to reliable charging and love the idea of a zero-tailpipe-emissions truck that still feels outrageous, it’s the halo choice from the 2023 crop.

Real-World Experiences with 2023’s Best Trucks

Spec sheets and awards are one thing. Living with these trucks is another. To make the 2023 winners more tangible, let’s walk through how they actually feel in everyday scenarios.

A Week with a Ford Maverick in the City

Imagine using a Ford Maverick as your only vehicle. Monday through Friday, it handles like a slightly taller compact car. Parallel parking is almost suspiciously easy compared with traditional pickups. You can slide into downtown spaces that would make a full-size truck driver break into a sweat, and the hybrid’s stop-and-go efficiency means you’re not watching the fuel gauge plummet every time traffic slows to a crawl.

On Saturday morning, you flip the script. The short bed that looked modest from the outside suddenly makes sense when you drop the tailgate and load in lumber and mulch for a backyard project. Built-in bed slots take a few 2x4s and turn them into simple dividers to keep cargo from sliding everywhere. By Sunday evening, the bed is rinsed out and back to bike-hauling duty. For many people, that blend of city-friendliness and real truck capability is exactly why the Maverick stole so much attention in 2023.

Road-Tripping in a Toyota Tundra TRD Pro

Now picture a long family road trip in the Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. Before you even leave the driveway, the hybrid i-FORCE MAX powertrain quietly spools everything up. Merging onto the highway with a loaded bed and a trailer behind you doesn’t feel dramatic or stressfulthe torque comes in early and smoothly, so you’re up to speed with minimal fuss.

Hours later, the things you notice are different: the supportive seats, the quiet cabin, the way the suspension keeps big bumps under control even on expansion-joint-riddled interstates. Kids in the back have their own charging ports, there are real places to stash snacks and maps (okay, maybe snacks and phones), and the massive central screen makes navigation easy. That’s the kind of experience that “Best All-Around Truck” is really about: not just specs, but an easy, low-stress driving day.

A Long Weekend with a Silverado ZR2 on the Trails

Take the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 into a rocky, slow-speed trail network for the weekend and you start to appreciate its design philosophy. Instead of blasting across the desert like the Ram TRX, you’re easing over ledges, threading between trees, and using the front and rear lockers selectively to crawl through sections that would have you sweating in a regular half-ton truck.

Inside, you still have modern amenitiesheated seats, a large infotainment display, multiple camera viewsbut you’re using them differently. Off-road cameras help you place your wheels on rocks you can’t see from the driver’s seat. The suspension takes the sharp edge off trail chatter, making you feel less beat up after a full day in low range. Back at camp, you drop the tailgate, slide out a cooler, and sit on the bumper watching the sunset, quietly grateful you didn’t bash anything expensive underneath.

Living Electric with the GMC Hummer EV

Daily-driving the GMC Hummer EV is a different kind of experience entirely. In town, the instant torque and rear-wheel steering make it surprisingly manageable despite its sheer size. Parking garages are still an adventure, but tight turns in neighborhoods are less terrifying than you’d expect.

The real adjustment is planning charging instead of gas stops. A home Level 2 charger turns overnight downtime into full “refueling,” and high-speed DC chargers become your new favorite coffee-stop locations on road trips. When you leave the pavement, features like CrabWalk and adaptive suspension feel almost like cheat codes: you angle the truck diagonally to clear obstacles that would have required a multi-point maneuver in a conventional pickup.

Is the Hummer EV the right truck for everyone? Absolutely not. But as a rolling demonstration of what electric trucks can be, it turns every errand and off-road adventure into a tech demo you can’t help showing off to friends.

Why These 2023 Winners Still Matter

Even as later model years roll out, the best trucks of 2023 remain highly relevant on the used market. Their mix of hybrid innovation, EV experimentation, and refined gas powertrains laid the groundwork for today’s pickup landscape. If you’re shopping for a truck now, understanding why Popular Mechanics and other expert reviewers singled out these models can help you choose a vehicle that will still feel capable and modern years down the road.

Whether you’re after maximum value, ultimate off-road cred, or a glimpse at the electric future, the Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Awards lineup offers a smart starting pointand, in many cases, a truck you’ll be happy to live with long after the awards headlines fade.