Best Used Pickup Truck Guide

If you're in the market for a used pickup truck, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of choices available in the marketplace. Whether you're searching for maximum towing, payload, and horsepower or you're looking for a spacious interior and work-ready versatility — our team at The Schumacher Auto Group is here to help simplify your decision.

We've assembled this in-depth model comparison that takes a closer look at both the midsize and full-size pickup truck segments. If you've been wondering "what's the best used pickup truck" on the market today, we've got the answers! Let's take a closer look.

Best Used Midsize Truck - Chevrolet Colorado

No matter if you plan to use your truck for crossing things off of your to-do list or to chase adventure on the weekend — it's only natural for you to search for a midsize pickup that can do it all. We'd like to introduce you to the Chevrolet Colorado — one of the most recognized and awarded used pickup trucks available today. Before we dive into the extensive list of awards that the Colorado has received recently, let's take a look at some of its key features and performance highlights.

Chevrolet Colorado (2nd Generation, 2015-present) Key Features

• Choice of 2.5L Ecotec I4, 3.6L V6, or 2.8L Duramax turbodiesel engine
• Three cab configurations: Extended cab with a 6.2-foot bed, crew cab with a 5.2-foot bed, or crew cab with a 6.2-foot bed
• Standard 4X2 or available 4X4
• Five trim levels: Base, WT, LT, Z71, ZR2
• Standard 7-inch Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system featuring Bluetooth/Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (2017+)

Used Chevrolet Colorado Awards

Consumer Reports Reliability Ratings 2021

Chevrolet Colorado - Top 10 Finisher

Kelley Blue Book - 2020 Best Buy Award

Midsize Pickup - Chevrolet Colorado

Kelley Blue Book - 2017 5-Year Cost to Own Award

Midsize Pickup - Chevrolet Colorado (Extended Cab)

Edmunds - 2017 Most Wanted List

Midsize Truck - Chevrolet Colorado

MotorTrend Truck of the Year (2-Time Winner)

Chevrolet Colorado (2015/2016)

Honorable Mentions

Nissan Frontier

Best known for its outstanding value and rugged styling, the Nissan Frontier is another great choice for buyers searching for the right midsize pickup. Powered by your choice of an economical 4-cylinder or a work-ready V6, the Frontier has the right combination of muscle and efficiency to take your adventures further. Step up to the off-road-ready Frontier Pro-4X to receive additional underbody protection and all-terrain tires to help you conquer just about any obstacle standing in your way. From DIY projects to a weekend getaway, the Nissan Frontier is ready for it all.

Toyota Tacoma

Another perennial favorite among midsize truck shoppers, the proven Toyota Tacoma holds several of the industry's most coveted awards for long-lasting build quality, outstanding resale value, and class-leading performance capabilities. The Tacoma impresses with its value-packed SR and SR5 trims all the way up to the adventurous TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Pro. Opt for the available 3.5-liter V6 paired with your choice of a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission and you'll have enough power to explore the road less traveled. Specialized off-road features like a locking rear differential, 4X4 system with crawl mode, and optional LED lighting make the Tacoma the perfect companion for exploring rugged mountain trails. Build on a reputation for success, the Toyota Tacoma remains a formidable competitor in the midsize pickup segment.

Best Used Full-Size Truck - Chevrolet Silverado

From the job site to the campsite, the iconic Chevrolet Silverado has built its reputation on long-lasting dependability combined with outstanding performance capabilities. Generations of truck buyers have chosen the Silverado for its quality, versatility, and class-leading list of innovative features that help you work both harder and smarter. If its established legacy as a leader among full-size trucks still hasn't convinced you, let's take a closer look at the key features found across the Silverado lineup along with some of its most recent awards and accolades.

Chevrolet Silverado (3rd Generation, 2014-2018) Key Features

• Choice of EcoTec3 4.3L V6, 5.3L V8, or 6.2L V8 engines
• Three cab options: Single cab, double cab, crew cab
• Available bed lengths: 5.5-foot short bed, 6.5-foot regular bed, 8-foot long bed
• Standard 4X2 or available 4X4
• Common trim levels include: Custom, WT, LT, LTZ, Z71, and High Country
• Standard Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system (most Silverado models 2016+)

Used Chevrolet Silverado Awards

Kelley Blue Book - 2020 5-Year Cost to Own Awards

Full-Size Pickup Truck - Chevrolet Silverado

Kelley Blue Book - 2020 Best Resale Value Awards

Top 10 Finish - Chevrolet Silverado

Consumer Guide - 2018 Best Buy Award

Chevrolet Silverado

J.D. Power - 2017 Awards

Chevrolet Silverado - Top 10 Finisher - Initial Quality Study

Chevrolet Silverado HD - Top 10 Finisher - Initial Quality Study

Chevrolet Silverado HD - Top 10 Finisher - Vehicle Dependability Study

Honorable Mentions

Ford F-150

It's no secret that the Ford F-150 has remained America's best-selling truck for over 40 years. When it comes to full-size pickups, F-150 is the name that most frequently comes to mind thanks to its remarkable reputation for reliability, value, and Built Ford Tough engineering. Often considered the benchmark for the segment, it was the first pickup to use lightweight aluminum body construction to boost efficiency without compromising on strength. A seemingly endless list of trim levels, equipment, and creature comforts makes it easy for buyers to find the F-150 that's perfect for their needs. No matter which way you look at it, it's hard to ignore the award-winning legacy of the legendary Ford F-150.

RAM 1500

Signature attributes of the commanding RAM 1500 include its handsome styling, legendary HEMI V8 performance available under the hood, and innovative features that help you cross even the toughest tasks from your weekend project list. Available RAM Box side cargo boxes help keep your tools and cargo stored safely out of sight. Its standard Uconnect infotainment software has regularly earned recognition for its ease of use and responsive performance. A total of eight trim levels provide a perfect fit for all types of full-size truck buyers. Work-ready Express and Tradesman trims offer an unrivaled combination of value and utility while the luxurious Laramie Longhorn and Limited grades deliver comfort features to help you unwind after a hard day's work. Both smart and stylish, the RAM 1500 is the ultimate solution for drivers looking for a truck ready to work as hard as they are.