New York is a uniquely diverse state. It’s home to cities large and small and a population of people with widely varied lifestyles and vehicular needs. The summers are hot and rainy, the winters are cold and snowy, and, depending on which end of that state you’re on, you can find yourself lakeside or feeling the ocean breeze. Buying preferences vary, too, and the automotive industry has risen to meet customer expectations with ever-increasing options for purchasing vehicles. Whether shopping for a new Ford pickup entirely online in Buffalo or perusing your local Albany Chevy Silverado dealer in person, the type of truck a buyer chooses will depend on what features they prioritize most in a vehicle.
The trucks with the best towing capacity likely aren’t going to be the trucks with the best fuel economy. Likewise, some pickups are proper workhouses, while others are better suited for weekend warriors who want to be able to get away from the city for a couple of days (and look good doing it). There are a plethora of options to choose from when it comes to pickup trucks; this article will break down the best-in-class pickups from four categories: value, performance, efficiency, and luxury.
The Best Value – 2022 Chevy Silverado
One thing New York is not is a super affordable place to live. Neither are full-size trucks the cheapest mode of transportation. However, owning one doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank, even in New York. Although Chevy hasn’t released the price for the upcoming 2022 Silverado 1500 yet, this pickup is historically one of the more affordable options in its segment. It isn’t some two-bit truck, though, and the ridiculous amount of trims and available add-ons to choose from, plus four different engine options, make the 2022 Chevy Silverado highly customizable for different budgets.
The standard engine on the base-level WT trim is the all-new 2.7-liter turbo high-output engine. It gets 310 horsepower and an impressive 420 lb-ft of torque, so even the least expensive, most bare-bones Silverado can be put to work. Every 2022 Silverado also comes standard with Chevy Assist, which includes features like automatic emergency braking and lane keep assist. It’s got a forceful front end with redesigned grille and headlamps that create a bold exterior that looks anything but cheap. With available add-ons like the clever Multi-Flex Tailgate, hands-free Super Cruise driver assistance technology, and a 6.2-liter V8 engine, the Chevy Silverado can be upgraded or downgraded to the buyer’s liking.
The Strongest Performer – 2022 Ram 1500
New York has one of the largest economies in the country. It’s a state that knows how to work, and the 2022 Ram 1500 is a vehicle that knows how to work. Pickup trucks are coveted for their off-roading, towing, and payload capacities, and one of the strongest performers in all three of these categories is the newest Ram 1500. It comes with five engines, including three HEMI V8 options and a 3.0-liter diesel. The innovative mild-hybrid eTorque system is offered with two of the engines, boosting towing capacity and fuel economy.
The most powerful engine offered, the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8, chugs out some impressive specs. It has a 0-60 mph acceleration of just 4.5 seconds, a whopping 702 horsepower, and 650 lb-ft of torque. This engine is only available in the 2022 Ram 1500 TRX, a version of the truck fine-tuned for serious off-roading. However, the TRX is not the only Ram 1500 to have cool features. The optional air suspension system makes the pickup ride smooth as butter and automatically lowers at certain speeds to reduce drag. Another clever manipulation of air is the active air dam that automatically alters its angle, depending on speed, to optimize airflow.
The Most Efficient – 2022 Ford F150 Lightning
New York has some of the most densely populated areas in the country, and a lot of commuters all in one place leads to a lot of emissions. Pickup trucks have a reputation for being gas guzzlers and, as such, are not the most popular choice for those seeking to maximize their fuel economy. Fortunately, the electric vehicle (EV) market is expanding and even starting to creep into the truck segment of the automotive industry. 2022 marks the release of several fully electric pickup trucks, including the 2022 Ford F150 Lightning.
Powered by a lithium-ion battery pack, it gets an estimated 300 miles per full charge and acts as a generator (sans-gas) that can power a home in the event of a power outage. Efficiency doesn’t come at the cost of lugging heavy loads, either. In fact, the Ford Lightning gets a monstrous 775 lb-ft of torque, delivered instantly. An EV is becoming ever more realistic as a transportation option thanks to campaigns such as the Charge New York initiative, through which the government of New York has funded the installation of charging stations across the state with the goal of making them accessible to drivers in every region. In addition, a $2,000 state rebate (on top of the $7,500 Federal tax credit) is offered for the purchase of a new EV through participating dealerships, making them more affordable, too.
The Most Luxurious – 2022 Rivian R1T
New York is known for being full of trendsetters that live ahead of the curve. The all-new 2022 Rivian R1T has just hit the market, and it is already turning heads. It’s an all-electric pickup that costs close to $70,000 and looks like it’s been plucked right out of the future. It’s sleek and smooth with headlights that can only be described as cute. Totally absent are all of the aggressive details long-favored by manufacturers and consumers alike. While most pickups look like they should be donning a goatee and shouting “American muscle!” at any passerby in earshot, the Rivian R1T looks more like it could transform into a big friendly robot and start handing out paleo vegan cookies made from locally sourced ingredients.
Its looks aren’t the only thing that makes the 2022 Rivian R1T stand out. It’s built to be a true off-roading vehicle, capable of driving in 3 feet of water and rock crawling at a 100-percent grade. The interior design keeps the vehicle’s purpose in mind, built with water-proof, mud-proof, sand-proof materials and real wood surrounding the front displays. The 2022 Rivian is deluxe through and through. As of right now, there is no base model or economy version of this technological marvel. If you’re getting a Rivian R1T, you’re getting a luxury vehicle, no ifs, ands, or buts about it.
Trucks… They’re Not Just For Farming Anymore
If there’s any vehicle that captures the spirit of New York, it’s the pickup truck. It can be rugged and outdoorsy, a luxe display of extravagance, both, or anything in between. They’re equipped to handle a variety of landscapes and are increasingly well-suited for those trying to reduce their carbon footprint. Some pickup trucks can even parallel park themselves, a trick that would undoubtedly come in handy in a place like New York City. Pickup trucks are far from being one-trick ponies, and as the decades have rolled by, they’ve grown more powerful, more efficient, and more versatile. Whether you’re climbing the Adirondack Mountains, commuting to work into the city, or just trying to look cool, there’s a truck out there that can get the job done.
