What are the Best Trucks for Towing?

If towing is something that is important to your daily life then you likely want to make sure you have the right kind of truck to get the job done. There are many different brands and models of truck to choose from so in this article we will have a look at some of the best available right now to match your towing needs.

2022 Ford F-150

There are light to midweight trucks and there are heavy duty trucks and usually they stay in their respective lanes. The 2022 Ford F-150 however is a full-sized truck that is doing a very good impression of a heavy duty truck like its big brother the F-350.

With a towing capacity of up to 14,000 lbs. the F-150 is definitely punching up although it should be noted that in base trim the model's capacity is still a hefty 8,200 lbs. With the right combination of options however that 14k figure is possible.

Most trim levels offer high end towing capability and the engines for this model tend towards the efficient while still producing plenty of torque. One small issue is that for 2022 there is no diesel version of this model for those who prefer a diesel truck.

2022 Ford Maverick

Those looking for a compact pickup might find this offering from Ford a great option. It’s certainly not a heavy duty option but it does have some towing capacity. Designed for fuel economy for the most part it can still offer up to 4,000 lbs. of towing power.

The big draw for this model is that although its towing is limited it is an inexpensive option. If you have a budget in mind and your towing needs are on the lower side then this may be the model for you. The top towing comes with the use of the optional 250-hp turbocharged inline-4 engine. In base trim the maximum towing capacity is 2,000 lbs.

2022 Chevy Silverado 1500

Another full-sized truck, the Silverado 1500 saw a large number of upgrades in this model. These changes combined to give a boost to the top towing capacity to 13,300 lbs. This is of course in the top trim level but other levels are still in the 9,000 lb. region.

The really big selling point with this model is the trailering system which offers up to 15 camera views to help you keep an eye on your load. It also has seen major upgrades in standard safety features as well which is always a plus.

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

The Hyundai Santa Cruz is an interesting compact pickup with a cool looking illuminated grille. With a towing capacity up to 5,000 lbs. when using the turbocharged 281-hp inline-4 engine. Lower trim levels obviously can not offer the same towing power.

This is a truck that leans more into the luxury field and its look is decidedly not what you get from American models. The truck bed is limited but its smooth lines and curves make it a fun and powerful option.

2022 Ram 1500

The Ram 1500 is a full-sized pickup from a brand that has a great towing pedigree. Using a 3.0L V-6 diesel engine the Ram 1500 can manage 260 horsepower, 480 ft-lbs of torque and tow up to 12,560 lbs. If you are willing to spend a little less however, the 5.7L V-8 engine can offer 395 horsepower, 410 ft-lbs of torque and 12,750 lbs of tow capacity.

2022 Chevy Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD

If your towing needs are more extensive and you really need a powerhouse then you may need to step up to something more heavy duty. With the standard gasoline engine options the 3500 model can tow up to 14,000 lbs. which isn’t that impressive.

When you go for the big diesel 6.6L V-8 with a turbocharger you can tow up to 18,500 lbs. with the 2500HD and a massive 20,000 lbs from the 3500 model. If you add in a gooseneck trailer hookup the 3500 can max out at 36,000 lbs.

These are two really heavy duty models and if you are willing to pay for that extra power you can move some serious weight down the road.

2022 Toyota Tacoma

Toyota trucks have a reputation of being reliable and tough, famously a British auto television show put an older model through ridiculous testing which culminated in blowing up an apartment block with the truck on top. After a few tweeks the truck's engine started up even after that.

The Tacoma of today may not be built quite as well as those older versions but it can offer some decent towing capacity. You really need the V-6 version rather than the inline-four but with that V-engine you can get up to 6,800 lbs. of towing capacity.

This is a fun truck that has some utility but is definitely not family friendly.

2022 Jeep Gladiator

Some people love a brand so here we have something for those who like a Jeep. Obviously the big draw here is a real pedigree of off-road that even the big truck makers struggle to match. The maximum towing you can get from the Gladiator is 7,650 lbs. This does require a short axle ratio which hurts fuel efficiency somewhat.

Even in Ecodiesel trim however the Gladiator can pull over 6,000 lbs. which means it is no slouch. This is great for towing over rougher terrain and would be ideal to take an ATV somewhere deep in the woods.

2022 Ford Super Duty F-250

For the Ford fan that needs more power then the Super Duty F-250 is something to take a look at. Using the 6.7L diesel V-8 which offers up over 1,000 ft-lbs. of torque this truck can carry up to 4,360 lbs. in its bed alone as cargo. When it comes to towing, the top capacity is 20,000 lbs.

This top capacity is comparable to the Ram 2500, a fellow super duty style truck. The Ram admittedly has a more refined edge than the Ford but the brutishness of the F-250 has its own charms.

Conclusion

Judging the best truck for towing is very subjective because not all towing needs are the same. In this article we have tried to give you a few varied options some of which may meet your personal needs. There are obviously more models than have been mentioned here, some may suit you better. The best advice that we can give you to find your best truck for towing is to shop around.

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