The best pick-up trucks – driven, rated and ranked
With cargo space, versatility and luxury features, pick-up trucks have become great alternatives to cars
News
by Sam Phillips and Jack Warrick
7 mins read
16 April 2025
Share
Dependable, robust and versatile, the pick-up truck has grown into a far more desirable offering in recent years, to a point where regular folk are selecting a double-cab workhorse over an SUV.
Before the boom in popularity, pick-ups were purely utilitarian vehicles, but they have become increasingly more upmarket, with SUV-level comfort, refinement and technology to attract private buyers.
It has certainly worked, as evidenced by the number of double-cab pick-ups on UK roads these days.
Related articles
- The best hybrid SUVs – PHEVs and regular hybrids rated
- The best estate cars – driven, rated and ranked
- The best hybrid cars: PHEVs and regular hybrids rated
- The best electric cars – driven, rated and ranked
- The best 4x4s and off-road cars – driven, rated and ranked
Previously, the tax-busting benefits of double-cab pick-ups also heightened their appeal, but as of April 2025, they’re classed as cars rather than light commercial vehicles, meaning no more beneficial rates for benefit-in-kind tax.
So where does that leave us? Despite the tax changes, a pick-up still makes a lot of sense if you need a durable vehicle that can carry and tow just about anything.
Having tested all of the latest pick-ups on sale, our favourite is the Ford Ranger. It’s reasonably priced, has an upmarket interior full of intuitive technology and rides and handles like a large SUV.
But which other pick-ups should you consider? Keep reading as we share our list of the best models in 2025.
1. Ford Ranger
9
- Design9
- Interior8
- Performance8
- Ride & Handling8
- Costs8
Pros
SUV-like handling and refinement
Robust yet plush interior with usable technology
Thoughtful design takes inspiration from the F-150
Cons
Gruff engine
Fuel economy could be better
Single-cab tied to cheapest trim
Best for: Daily driving
The Ford Ranger is Britain’s most popular small truck, and it’s easy to see why: it absolutely nails the pick-up truck brief.
Ford has improved the Ranger in meaningful ways to reduce the number of compromises that come with a light commercial vehicle.
Compared with its predecessor, the Ranger made big leaps in desirability, taking visual inspiration from Ford’s iconic F-150, with a square-set and rugged design.
You can have a single- or double-cab model and it has a max payload of between 1035kg and 1207kg, depending on the model. The loadbed measures a competitive 1564mm in length.
The cabin is digital-savvy, with Ford’s latest portrait-orientated infotainment touchscreen, which is easy to use and intuitive, and the set of physical buttons underneath are handy when driving. Material quality is good too.
A broad mix of engines is available. You can have a 168bhp or 202bhp four-cylinder diesel or a 237bhp V6 turbo diesel, then there’s a new petrol plug-in hybrid powertrain with 277bhp and an all-electric range of 26 miles.
To drive, the Ranger feels more like an SUV than a pick-up: its leaf-sprung rear axle can make it feel a bit busy over lumps and bumps but overall it’s comfortable and steers precisely.
