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We ranked the best full-size trucks of 2021 based off of their towing capability, powertrains, technology, and options. Which one comes in at number one?
Ranking the Best Full-Size Trucks of 2021
Full-sized pickup trucks are one of the most popular body styles sold on the American market. They have the space, capability, and power to get jobs done while also being able to provide enjoyable rides with comfortable interiors. We took a look at all the available full-size trucks for 2021 and ranked them according to how well they scored with our writers. Here’s what we found!
6. 2021 Toyota Tundra
The Breakdown
We love the standard safety features
V8 remains engaging and capable
Interior space is outstanding
Ride quality is less than impressive
Aging style
Brakes are oddly calibrated
More configurations would be good
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
7/10
How Do We Score?
Carsforsale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$35,620 - $50,840
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
13 City / 17 Hwy (MPG)
The Toyota Tundra is at the end of its first-generation, and the redesign couldn’t come sooner. For 2021, the exterior is a bit outdated, entertainment options aren’t the greatest, handling is lacking, and only has one engine available. Although, that single 5.7L V8 engine option makes a commendable 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque, allowing the Tundra to tow up to 10,200 pounds. The real gleaming area for the Tundra is its list of available standard safety features and Toyota’s additions to its warranty. At the base model, the Tundra receives adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, lane departure warning, and an integrated brake controller for no additional charge. Then, Toyota throws in two years or 25,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.
5. 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
The Breakdown
Aggressive exterior styling
The powerful 6.2L V8 is nice
That tailgate is awesome
Interior design could use work
No competition with Raptor or TRX
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
7.6/10
How Do We Score?
Carsforsale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$28,900 - $53,400
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
23 City / 33 Hwy (MPG)
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is one of America’s favorite trucks, and that’s for good reason. Chevrolet provides a host of five different engines, including a powerful 6.2L V8 and a 3.0L Duramax Diesel. All of them are paired to a 6-speed or 10-speed automatic transmission and send power to either the rear wheels or all four. The Silverado’s exterior looks aggressive and the Multi-Flex tailgate is a nice addition, but inside is where this full-size truck misses some marks. On the tech side, the infotainment system falls short of the competition in terms of size, but the available 360-degree camera system and helpful trailering tech do make towing a breeze. It’d be nice if this Chevrolet had more standard safety features though.
4. 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
The Breakdown
The exterior looks great
It has a strong carbon-fiber bed
Still enjoying the innovative tailgate
The interior might need an update
Not too different from the Silverado
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
7.8/10
How Do We Score?
Carsforsale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$30,100 - $55,800
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
23 City / 30 Hwy (MPG)
The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 is the direct cousin to the Silverado, just in a more upscale form. Under the hood is the same selection of engine choices found in the Silverado paired to the same 10-speed automatic transmission and also available in RWD or 4WD form. The Multi-Flex tailgate was once a GMC exclusive, but that is also shared with Chevrolet along with some of the same technology and entertainment options. Where the Silverado and Sierra diverge is on their exterior and interior elements. The GMC Sierra 1500 is built as a luxury oriented full-size truck offering, and that’s obvious from its list of flashy exterior options and the unique CarbonPro bed. Plus, that top-of-the-line Denali trim takes the Sierra over the top.
3. 2021 Nissan Titan
The Breakdown
Standard V8 is nice
Plenty of standard safety features
Provides a good warranty
Options & features trail competition
Towing and payload could be better
The interior is showing its age
More engines would help
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
7.9/10
How Do We Score?
Carsforsale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$38,645 - $58,135
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
16 City / 21 Hwy (MPG)
The 2021 Nissan Titan isn’t the most popular option on the list, but Nissan has slowly made the Titan an intriguing option for shoppers. Under the hood of the Titan is a single powertrain option in the form of a 5.6L V8 that makes 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. That’s good numbers in comparison to other base engines found in other trucks, but it’s easily outdone by the larger engine options from competitors. Inside, things get just a little better as the Titan’s seats provide a nice place to be. Plastic materials can feel cheap to the touch and interior design looks a bit dated though. Entertainment options include a 9-inch HD infotainment system and a premium 12-speaker Fender audio setup. Nissan does a good job at offering a decent list of standard safety equipment too, with items like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert all available on the base model.
2. 2021 Ford F-150
The Breakdown
This F-150 is the best yet
12-inch touchscreen is exceptional
Towing and torque are outstanding
Ford added versatility to the lineup
Old-school styling is a bit drab
Not enough interior storage
Provide complimentary maintenance
Add adaptive cruise on more trims
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
8.9/10
How Do We Score?
Carsforsale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$28,940 - $70,825
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
25 City / 26 Hwy (MPG)
The Ford F-150 has been America’s favorite truck for years, and it’s only gotten better for 2021. Ford introduced a new generation of F-150 that with an updated exterior, LED lighting, and some interesting advancements. Ford also provided shoppers with the choice of seven different engines, including a diesel, hybrid, and the Raptor’s 3.5L EcoBoost High-Output V6. All engines send power to the rear wheels or to all four optionally. Then, the inside of the F-150 marries functionality and technology into one complete form. Seating is comfortable, the new work surface is a nice touch, the panoramic roof looks great, and the 12-inch SYNC 4 infotainment system is terrific. When you couple that with the Bang & Olufsen premium audio, a list of Co-Pilot360 safety features, and the Tow Technology Package, you have a well-rounded full-size truck that’s ready for anything.
1. 2021 Ram 1500
The Breakdown
Best riding full-sized pickup
Excellent versatility
The TRX is an insane truck
Safety features an after thought
Trims aren’t competitively priced
Bring back the road-focused SRT-10
CARSFORSALE.COM SCORE
9/10
How Do We Score?
Carsforsale.com takes into account key metrics to compile an aggregate score. Click to learn more.
MSRP
$33,790 - $71,790
BEST FUEL ECONOMY
23 City / 33 Hwy (MPG)
The 2021 RAM 1500 provides RWD or 4WD, a capable automatic transmission, and four engine options – including the 6.2L supercharged HEMI V8 found in the newly released TRX model. It’s not all about fun though, as RAM provides High Fuel Efficiency models that also make great gas mileage. While the performance is great, the exterior and interior features of the RAM 1500 further exemplify why it’s ranked where it is. This truck’s bed can be made into a functional tool with the addition of the RAM’s list of bed options like the RAMBox. Jumping inside introduces you to a cabin that can climb from a functional work truck all the way up to one of the most luxurious spaces found in a full-size truck to date. Then there’s that available 12.3-inch vertically oriented touchscreen infotainment system. The big thing hindering this truck from a near perfect score is that it doesn’t come with a lot of standard safety features.
