Sep 29, 2023
Power, versatility, performance: how to buy the right pickup truck for your needs
Canada's vast and diverse landscape demands vehicles that can handle everything from urban commuting to rugged off-roading and heavy-duty hauling. It's no surprise that trucks have become increasingly popular among Canadian consumers - According to Stats Canada, over 1,200,000 trucks were bought in 2022!
When it comes to buying a truck in Canada, many options are available. However, choosing the right one that fits your specific needs can be challenging. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the top trucks to consider and factors such as power, performance, versatility, new vs. used, and overall value for money.
Click below to go to key points
Difference between trucks and pickup trucksWhat size pickup should you get?
What is better: new, used, or leased pickup trucks?
Pros and cons of buying a pickup
Summary: best pickup trucks
Top-selling pickup trucks
Top 5 most affordable pickup trucks
Best heavy-duty pickup trucks
Best full size pickup trucks
Best compact and midsized pickup trucks
Buying a pickup truck frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a pickup truck and a truck?
There is a difference between a truck and a pickup truck. Truck is a broad classification encompassing various types of motor vehicles designed mainly for transporting cargo or goods. On the other hand, a pickup truck is a specific subtype of truck with a particular design and function. Here are the primary distinctions between a truck and a pickup truck:
- The term truck can refer to many vehicles, such as large commercial, delivery, dump, and box trucks. Trucks differ significantly in size, shape, and purpose and if they have an enclosed cargo area.
- A pickup truck is a smaller type of truck with a distinct design. It typically consists of a cab where passengers can sit and an open cargo bed at the rear. The cargo bed is usually separated from the passenger compartment and is perfect for carrying loads, goods, or equipment.
- Trucks can have various uses, including transporting goods, construction, delivery services, towing trailers, etc. Depending on their intended use, they may have different configurations and cargo-carrying capabilities.
What size pickup truck should you get?
There are three sizes of pickup trucks to consider:
Full size: Full-size pickups are larger, have a bigger engine, haul up to 10,000 pounds, have a payload of over 2,000 in the bed, have a larger cabin size, and are higher in fuel costs (all factors that depend on the specific vehicle).
Vehicles to consider: Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150, GMC Sierra, Ram 1500, and Toyota Tundra.
Midsize: If you’re looking for a just right pickup, midsize options can haul around 7,000 pounds and carry over 1,500 in the bed, without sacrificing a comfortable cabin size.
Vehicles to consider: Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline, Nissan Frontier, and Toyota Tacoma.
Compact: Compact pickups will have a smaller structure – it’s a unibody, so the vehicle also functions as the frame. On average, the towing capacity is 2,000-4,000, and the payload capacity is between 1,200 to 2,000.
Vehicles to consider: Ford Maverick, and Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Is buying a new, used, or leased pickup truck better?
One of the most common questions about the car buying process is, should you lease or buy a vehicle? Should you invest in a new model or a used pickup truck?
The prices for new vehicles are at an all-time high. The average transaction price for a pickup was 7% higher than the year before. The price of a new truck is around $69,000, but this has not held buyers back from getting a pickup truck. Just under 24% of the new vehicles sold in Canada over the last 12 months were pickups.
Leasing a pickup truck for personal use can be beneficial since you’ll have lower, locked-in payments, lower administrative costs, and a lower initial investment. If you are more conscious of your budget, and like to switch up your vehicle every three to five years, leasing may be your best bet.
Find the lowest rates on coverage for your pickup truck.
Whether you're filling your truck up for the long haul or a weekend away, you'll need insurance coverage. Compare rates for pickup truck insurance from Canada's top insurers and save more!
Pros and cons of buying a pickup truck
Buying a pickup truck can be a significant decision, and like any vehicle, it comes with its own set of pros and cons. The suitability of a pickup truck depends on your individual needs, lifestyle, and preferences. Here are some of the pros and cons of buying a pickup:
Pros of buying a pickup
- Versatility: Pickup trucks are incredibly versatile vehicles. They can be used for various purposes, including personal transportation, hauling cargo, towing trailers, and even off-roading. The open cargo bed lets you transport items that wouldn't fit in a traditional car or SUV.
- Towing capacity: Many pickup trucks offer impressive towing capabilities, making them ideal for pulling trailers, boats, campers, or other heavy loads. This is a significant advantage if you have recreational or work-related towing needs.
- Off-Road capability: Some pickup trucks, especially those designed for off-roading, provide excellent off-road capability. This makes them suitable for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
- Payload capacity: Pickup trucks often have a higher payload capacity than other vehicles, allowing you to transport heavy items or equipment in the cargo bed.
- All-Weather and All-Terrain: Pickup trucks equipped with four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) can handle various weather conditions and terrains, making them suitable for harsh Canadian winters and outdoor activities.
- Utility: The cargo bed of a pickup truck is a useful space for securely carrying tools, sports equipment, and other items. Some models offer innovative features like built-in toolboxes, tie-downs, and bed extenders.
- Resale: Pickup trucks often have a slow depreciation and hold their value well over time. If you maintain your truck properly, you may receive a good trade-in value when upgrading.
Cons of buying a pickup
- Fuel efficiency: Pickup trucks are generally less fuel-efficient than smaller vehicles like cars and SUVs. The larger engines and weight of trucks can result in higher fuel costs.
- Size and maneuverability: Pickup trucks can be large and challenging to maneuver in tight spaces, crowded urban areas, or narrow parking lots. This may not be ideal for everyone, especially with limited parking space.
- Comfort: While newer pickup trucks offer more comfortable rides, they may still provide a rougher and less comfortable ride than cars or SUVs, especially when the cargo bed is empty.
- Initial costs: Pickup trucks can be more expensive to purchase initially compared to smaller vehicles. High-end or heavy-duty models can come with a substantial price tag.
- Maintenance: Trucking maintenance and repair costs can be higher than those for smaller vehicles, especially if you have a heavy-duty or specialized model.
A pickup truck is versatile and useful, with good towing capacity. However, it's less fuel-efficient, larger, and may cost more. Assess your needs and budget carefully before deciding if it's right for you.
Best pickup trucks at a glance
Consider payload capacity, towing needs, use, budget, and preferences when choosing a truck. Test drive multiple models, research reviews and comparisons, and consult with dealerships and truck owners in your area for insights on performance in specific road conditions. Here is a summary of the best trucks sorted by specific categories:
- Best for towing: The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ram 1500 are strong contenders for exceptional towing capacity. They offer powerful engines and advanced towing technology.
- Best for off-roading: The Toyota Tacoma and Jeep Gladiator are popular off-road vehicles, equipped for rugged terrain and trail adventures.
- Best fuel efficiency: If fuel efficiency is a top priority, the Ford F-150 Hybrid and the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel offer excellent mpg ratings compared to traditional gas-powered trucks.
- Best luxury: For those who desire a blend of luxury and practicality, the GMC Sierra 1500 Denali and Ram 1500 Limited offer high-end interiors, advanced technological features, and a smooth ride.
- Best midsize: If you're looking for a smaller truck, the Honda Ridgeline is a great option. It boasts a comfortable ride, spacious cabin, and innovative in-bed trunk.
- Best heavy-duty: When it comes to heavy-duty work, the Ford Super Duty, Chevrolet Silverado HD, and Ram Heavy Duty trucks are popular choices for their robust capabilities.
- Best electric: The electric truck market is heating up with impressive options like Tesla Cybertruck and Ford F-150 Lightning. We put together a list of the best electric trucks, if that’s something you would like to plug into.
Top-selling pickup trucks
If you’re curious to know what the top-selling pickup trucks are in Canada, take a look at this top five list that looks at the best pickup truck sales from January to July 2023*.
| Truck | 2023 Sales | YTD Change |
|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon | 4,459 | -6 % |
| Toyota Tundra | 5,559 | +9% |
| Toyota Tacoma | 7,451 | -1% |
| Ram | 41,669 | +11% |
| Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra | 58,119 | + 6% |
*According to driving.ca. Ford Canada no longer provides quarterly sales updates, so they are omitted from the list above.
Top 5 most affordable pickup trucks for 2023
Most of us want to minimize costs. But you can still get a pickup. Here are the most affordable pickup trucks* for 2023. Keep in mind these prices do not include freight, PDI, taxes, fees, or incentives.
| Truck | Base Model Price MSRP |
|---|---|
| 2023 Nissan Frontier | $40,998 |
| 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz | $40,299 |
| 2023 Ford Ranger XL SuperCab 4x4 | $38,480 |
| 2023 Chevrolet Colorado 2WD Crew Cab Short Box WT | $34,303 |
| 2023 Ford Maverick XL Super Crew | $31,100 |
*According to Autotrader.
Best heavy-duty pickup trucks
Several heavy-duty trucks are known for their exceptional towing and payload capabilities, durability, and performance. These trucks are ideal for tasks such as towing trailers, hauling heavy loads, and commercial use. If you're in Canada and looking for the best heavy-duty trucks available, here are some options to consider.
| Truck | Horsepower | Towing Capacity | Payload | CAD MSRP 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Ram 2500 HD | 410 hp | 20,000 lbs | 4,010 lbs | From $57,795 |
| 2023 Ford Super Duty | 400-430 hp | 22,000 lbs | 3,793 lbs | From $58,479 |
| 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD | 401 hp | 20,000 lbs | 3,689 lbs | From $57,199 |
| 2024 GMC Sierra 2500 HD | 401 hp | 20,000 lbs | 3,379 lbs | From $71,953 |
| 2024 Nissan Titan XD | 400 hp | 10,898 lbs | 2,406 lbs | From $51,930 |
*According to Car and Driver.
Best full size pickup trucks
Full-sized trucks, often referred to as full-size pickups, are versatile vehicles that are used for a wide range of purposes due to their robust design, towing capacity, and cargo-hauling capabilities. They are commonly used by contractors and people in farming, construction, and landscaping. People also choose a full-size pickup if they enjoy outdoor activities (hauling boats or snowmobiles for example) or off-road usage. Here are some common full-sized pickups to consider:
| Truck | Horsepower | Towing Capacity | Payload | CAD MSRP 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Titan | 5.6-liter V-8 (400 hp) | 9,320 lbs | 2,360 lbs | From $63,698 |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 2.7-liter turbo I-4, (310 hp), 5.3-liter V-8 (355 hp) 6.2-liter V-8 (420 hp) | 13,300 lbs | 2,280 lbs | From $45,003 |
| GMC Sierra 1500 | 2.7-liter turbo I-4, (310 hp), 5.3-liter V-8 (355 hp) 6.2-liter V-8 (420 hp) | 13,200 lbs | 2,240 lbs | From $45,903 |
| Toyota Tundra | 3.4-liter twin-turbo V-6 (389 hp) | 12,000 lbs | 1,940 lbs | From $48,490 |
| Ford F-150 | 3.3-liter V-6 (290 hp); 2.7-liter twin-turbo V-6 (325 hp); 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 (400/450 hp); 5.0-liter V-8 (400 hp) | 14,000 lbs | 3,325 lbs | From $46,055 |
| Ram 1500 | 3.6-liter V-6 (305 hp3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 (260 hp); 5.7-liter V-8 (395 hp); 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 (702 hp) | 12,750 lbs | 2,300 lbs | From $51,320 |
Best compact and midsized pickup trucks
The compact pickup truck market in Canada offers a few excellent options. They are smaller and more maneuverable than their full-sized counterparts, making them popular for urban driving and light-duty hauling.
| Truck | Horsepower | Towing Capacity | Payload | CAD MSRP 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Santa Cruz | 191 hp (standard) or 281 hp (turbo) | 5000 lbs | 1,748 lbs | From $40,799 |
| Jeep Gladiator | 260 to 285 hp | 4,500 lbs | 1,600 lbs | From $52,795 |
| Chevrolet Colorado | Base: 237 hp (standard); Mid & High: 310 hp | 7,700 lbs | 1,684 lbs | From $34,303 |
| Ford Ranger | 143 hp (standard) and 207 hp (upgrade) | 7,500 lbs | 1,650 lbs | From $41,225 |
| Toyota Tacoma | 159 hp (standard) and 278 hp (upgrade) | 6,500 lbs | 1,440 lbs | From $41,350 |
| Honda Ridgeline | 280 hp | 5,000 lbs | 1,583 lbs | From $47,435 |
| GMC Canyon | 310 hp | 5,500 to 7,700 lbs | 1,010 to 1,640 lbs | From $48,529 |
| Nissan Frontier | 310 hp | 6,490 lbs | 1,430 lbs | From $40,498 |
| Ford Maverick | 191 hp | 2,000 lbs | 2,500 lbs | From $32,600 |
Buying a pickup truck in Canada FAQs
Determining the best truck to buy in Canada depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Different trucks excel in various categories, such as towing capacity, off-road capability, fuel efficiency, technology features, and costs related to pickup truck insurance.
Since 1966, the Ford F-Series has been Canada’s top selling truck. In 2022, around 29% of sales were F-Series pickups.
On average, a new truck will cost $50,000-$100,000 depending on the make, model, and other customized features. The price has increased over the last few years because trucks have gotten bigger, have more performance, and have more luxury tech. Used trucks aren’t that much cheaper – on average, buying a used truck starts at around $40,000.
If you’re ready for luxury and off-roading, shop your options for a truck
Selecting the ideal truck in Canada depends on your specific requirements and preferences. The Canadian market offers a variety of outstanding options, whether you prioritize power, performance, versatility, or a combination of all three.
The Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ram 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, Toyota Tacoma, and Nissan Frontier are among the top trucks that appeal to a wide range of consumers. Before deciding, consider your intended use, budget, and desired features to find the perfect truck to tackle the country’s diverse terrain. If you’re looking to downsize, but still want the power of a pickup truck, take a look at our best SUVs to buy in Canada.
