Over the years, pickup trucks have been known to be strictly utilized for work-related tasks. After all, they get abysmal gas mileage, their interiors are anything but comfortable, and they do not have the space needed to accommodate families. Throughout their decades on the streets, pickup trucks have evolved, which makes all of the above pure fiction. Today’s trucks are built for versatility, ushering families everywhere they need to go, taking on stop-and-go traffic during daily commutes, helping to complete home improvement projects, and so much more. Drivers love the idea of buying used these days, especially since they can get what they want in their vehicle for a more reasonable price point, so as you pass by your local used truck dealer, pay attention to these practical used models.
#1. Chevy Colorado
The midsize Colorado is a fan favorite around the country. Not only can it complete demanding tasks, which is why many drivers use it for work, but it is also convenient and geared toward everyday driving. Take models from 2020, for example, as they showcase desirable features to appeal to the average everyday driver, including a remote-locking liftgate to keep travel belongings secure and plenty of tech to make the drive to work more engaging. From an 8-inch touchscreen with available navigation to the innovative Chevy Infotainment 3 Premium system, the Chevy Colorado keeps commuters connected to the day ahead. It is also exceptionally efficient with its 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel, which can get up to 20 mpg on city streets and 30 mpg on the highway. It is especially helpful for those utilizing this truck as their daily driver.
#2. Toyota Tacoma
Another midsize favorite is the Toyota Tacoma, which has been a Toyota best-seller for almost 20 years. It is a devoted everyday driver, and like Colorado, focusing on models from 2020 allows travelers to get more for their money. These models showcase enhanced comfort features inside, including a power-adjustable driver’s seat and more high-quality materials to elevate the feeling on board. Perhaps what commuters love most about this truck is the fact that there are plenty of tech features to make the drive better, including a 360-degree camera system, which provides clear views around the vehicle for enhanced safety during its travels. Whether hauling materials home for a kitchen remodel or coasting down the highway on the way to the office, Tacoma has a place in all types of travel situations.
#3. Honda Ridgeline
The Ridgeline has always been unique, mainly due to its distinctive unibody frame, which offers excellent performance and efficiency while on the streets. It is a great truck to have for several different scenarios, including light-duty work and daily errand running. Models from 2021 enhance this truck’s appeal with a more rugged face and a wider stance to improve its overall ride quality. Trucks from this model year also feature an improved infotainment experience, which comes in handy during rush-hour traffic on the way home from a hectic day, and with its spacious and cozy interior, anyone on board will sink into the feeling of the ride. With standard all-wheel drive, those frequently taking on bad weather road conditions will have elevated confidence in their vehicle, knowing they can take on anything when the Ridgeline is in control.
#4. Nissan Frontier
Small families, daily commuters, and others are drawn to the midsize Frontier, and of course, when it comes to the best model year to choose, 2022 is the surefire winner. Ushering in the Frontier’s latest generation, 2022 models feature a wholly revitalized design with an ultra-comfortable interior, accentuated by Zero Gravity seats, soft-touch surfaces, and loads of tech to make the drive more invigorating. An available 9-inch touchscreen sits at its helm, offering the Frontier’s occupants access to cutting-edge tech to make any drive, no matter how long, more engaging than ever. It is also exceptionally capable, able to tow up to 6,720 lbs, not to mention loaded with rugged features, which makes it easy to tow a camper out into the woods for the weekend after a long, hard week at the office.
#5. GMC Sierra 1500
Full-size trucks have more than one purpose, which many drivers think is to complete work-related tasks. They can be utilized as dutiful family haulers, and when it comes to one of the most comfortable and accommodating trucks around, the GMC Sierra 1500 is it. Not only is it luxurious inside, but it is also spacious and cargo-friendly, which is what today’s families are looking for in their everyday vehicles. Choosing models from 2022 allows travelers to experience true luxury in the newest Denali Ultimate model, which features open-pore wood trim, elegant leather appointments, and a massive 13.4-inch infotainment display to keep all on board occupied. It is exquisitely beautiful and ready to handle all the gear that tends to accompany families, with 89.1 cu. Ft. of cargo space and a multifunctional tailgate.
#6. Ford Maverick
A newcomer to the Ford lineup for the 2022 model year, the compact Ford Maverick is the ultimate solution for those who desire a truck for cargo and capability purposes but do not need a large and overpowering vehicle for their travels. Enter the Maverick, which features a standard hybrid powertrain in its debut models. It allows it to exhibit excellent fuel economy, getting up to 42 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, perfect for daily commuters. It can also handle light jobs, like that backyard patio project or hauling some furniture home for the new place, with a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 lbs when choosing its turbocharged four-cylinder.
#7. Ram 1500
Another full-size family favorite is the Ram 1500, recognized for its many comfort features inside its cozy cabin and helpful features designed to appeal to today’s families on the go. Models from 2021 showcase enhanced safety features: forward collision warning, an available fully digital rearview mirror, pedestrian detection, and more to maintain a secure ride while traveling with youngsters in tow. This, being a full-size truck, offers the room families are looking for to sit back and relax during the ride. With a better ride quality than previous models, thanks to its specialized air suspension system, enjoying the experience is given in the Ram 1500.
#8. Ford F-150
The F-150 has been an American best-seller for the past 46 years, so it comes as no surprise that it’s another fan favorite for families looking for a practical truck to take on their daily travels. Everyone knows that the F-150 can work, which is handy when families need a dedicated truck to help them with a home project. Where the F-150 stands out is with its practicality and versatility, two things families look for in their vehicles. Models from 2021 are great picks because these models showcase one of the truck’s latest redesigns, which includes a premium cabin experience with plenty of legroom and space for cargo. It also consists of a hybrid powertrain in its first lineup, allowing it to get up to 26 mpg on the highway, making all those trips between the school, dance practice, sports games, and other extracurricular activities easier on the wallet.
From commuter-friendly travelers to family-oriented favorites, pickup trucks can do much more than haul heavy loads back and forth across job sites. They are efficient, which adds value to the daily drive, and with roomy interiors and loads of cargo space in many models, families are drawn to them, too. They are also great for tackling projects at home, making it easy to see why so many trucks are traveling down the open road now more than ever. So, while these used trucks can complete tough tasks, they can also help increase practicality during their time on the road, which makes pickup trucks the ultimate vehicle to accompany today’s busy travelers everywhere they need to go.
