7 Best Full-Size Pickups of 2018

It’s partly the American obsession with “big” things. We like big TVs, big weddings, super-sized fast food, big defensive lines, and great big automobiles. Full-size pickups are big. Drivers like the high ride, the massive grills, and that unfounded sense of invincibility that looking down on the traffic can inspire.

But there’s more to than just the draw of a big ride in today’s trucks. In order to give up their sedan for a pickup, buyers want assurances that they can get the same convenience features, safety, technology and ease of operation that they have in their Toyota Camry. Truck manufacturers have obliged the public. They have equipped their vehicles with every conceivable feature they provide in their sedans, including luxury…plus a big ride and massive grill.

In short, today’s trucks are really cool.

If you are considering shucking the Miata for a two-ton road boss you’ll want to consider our list of the best full-size pickups as possible replacements.

Best Full-Size Pickups: 2018 Ford F-150

MSRP $28,675 to $65,250

Look up the definition of a pickup in a dictionary and you’ll see a picture of the Ford F-150. Ford’s hard-working, tried and true, award-winning F-150 is the perineal best selling pickup truck on the market. 2018 marks the 40th birthday for the F-150 model and to celebrate Forde has given it some new toys to go under the hood.

The base 296 hp. 3.3L V6 engine has now been paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The monster 395 hp. 5.0L V8 is retooled with direct injection and dual port technology. Finally, a 3.0L Powerstroke turbodiesel V-6 has been added to the engine choices.

Other birthday gifts include a new look to the grill, improved driver assist technology, new leather colors, B&O PLAY Premium Audio System, Wi-Fi connectivity, and adaptive cruise control. 

Best Full-Size Pickups: 2018 GMC Sierra 1500

MSRP $30,000 to $57,050

Not much changes for the 2018 Sierra. A rear camera and a 7-inch touchscreen are now standard equipment for all trims. The truck is offered in a total of four trims with three cab configurations and two-bed lengths.

The base engine is a 4.3L V6 rated at 285 hp with two V8s as power plant options. EPA ratings range from 15-18/20-24 mpg.

Available in RWD and 4WD the Sierra can tow 12,500.

Best Full-Size Pickups: 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

MSRP $29,380 to $56,370

Chevy is celebrating 100 years of selling pickup trucks!  The Silverado is their best-selling truck entry and is a regular buffet of choices. The Silverado comes in three cab formats, three different engines, three different sized beds across six different trim levels. Keeping track of features and options is a real challenge.

For 2018, as a gift to consumers, Chevy has taken the previously optional rearview camera and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and made them standard on every trim.  The eAssist package, which adds an engine stop-start system for improved fuel economy in city driving, is now available nationwide.

In short, if you are looking for a work vehicle or a luxury cruiser, you can find a Silverado trim that will meet your needs.

Best Full-Size Pickups: 2018 Toyota Tundra

MSRP $31,500 to $51,500

Toyota isn’t a big player in the pickup market despite this plenty tough model. Maybe it’s an “American Made” thing because Nissan, Titan has the same problem. The Tundra introduced a TRD Sports line trim for 2018 that includes 20-inch silver alloy wheels, LED headlights, a honeycomb-style grille, TRD Sport-tuned Bilstein shocks, and TRD front and rear anti-roll bars.

The base engine is a 4.6 L 310 hp. V8 with a 5.7 L 381 hp. V8 as an optional choice. Both engines are paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. Available in RWD and 4WD the Tundra has a towing capacity of 10,500 pounds.

This thing gets up and goes for a full-size pickup truck. Zero to 60 time is 6.6 seconds for the optional 5.7L V8.

Best Full-Size Pickups: 2018 RAM 1500 

MSRP $28,500 to $60,000

The newest edition for 2018 is the Laramie Tungsten Limited Edition, a top-end, slick looking luxury cruiser with a price to match. Packed with all of RAM’s goodies the all leather and real wood interior makes it the “royal coach” of pickups.

For lesser beings, the RAM 1500 line is providing a rearview camera and a bed-mounted bed light switch as standard equipment this year.

The RAM 1500 comes standard with a 3.6L 269 hp V6 with three other engine options including a diesel. Got a big boat you need to tow? Depending on the configuration the RAM 1500 can tow up to 10,640 pounds.

Best Full-Size Pickups: 2018 Nissan Titan

MSRP $31,500 to $57,500

Little has changed for the 2018 Titan. Nissan’s Midnight Edition has spread to the big truck as an option. Lots of black trim and accents are available including 20-inch black alloy wheels. Like the Toyota Tundra, the Titan is a good truck, tons of technology, the most generous warranty in the class, and a price in the middle of the pack, but can’t break out.

A new V6 engine is scheduled to be announced as the base power plant.

Available in RWD and 4WD the Titan can tow up to 9,740 pounds.

Best Full-Size Pickups: 2018 RAM HD 2500/3500

MSRP $34,000 to $67,000

Okay for those of you who need a very serious truck for work, we’ve included the RAM HD 2500/3500. When we say serious, we are talking about an optional 6.2 L in-line 6 cylinder Cummins diesel that generates 931 lb-ft of torque. That translates into a class-leading tow capability of 31,210 pounds (nearly 16 tons!).

The RAM heavy duty line comes in a slew of trims to match any job. There is even a Harvest Edition targeted at the agricultural market that comes in farm equipment colors like Case IH Red and New Holland Blue. 

2018 changes include an optional 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen providing desirable features like 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support. It’s a serious truck but you can dress it up any way you want.

If you’re ready for a big honking truck, we suggest by beginning with this collection. Happy trails!