Need more evidence that pickup trucks are hot? Even the COVID-19 pandemic couldn't stop them from charging full speed ahead in 2020. Despite the economic uncertainty of this tumultuous year, pickups beat out more affordable SUVs and passenger cars to claim the top spots on the list of best-selling vehicles through October of 2020. Thanks to their powerful engines and rugged capability, these 5 trucks outsold the rest of the contenders in the segment. If you're in the market for a new pickup, look no further than these popular options to decide which truck is best for you.
1. 2020 Ford F-Series
The long-standing best-seller, Ford F-Series, landed at the top of the sales charts once again for 2020 with 589,034 units sold. According to Car and Driver, sales for the F-Series fell 11% from 2019, but it still managed to outsell its competition. The Ford F-150 gives shoppers a choice of 6 available engines, serious towing power, and a model for nearly any budget. The most brawny engine is a twin-turbo V6 that makes 325 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque and can tow a massive 13,200 pounds.
What's New for 2021?
The Ford F-150 has been redesigned for 2021 with an updated exterior and new cabin, powertrains, and Hybrid model. The exterior gets more refined with an all-new front fascia and headlight pattern. A choice of 11 grille designs and numerous tailgate iterations means drivers will be able to stand out on the road, even in the most popular truck. Inside, the F-150 gets all-new tech with Ford's latest generation of the SYNC 4 infotainment system and unique "Max Recline" seats that fold flat so drivers can take a load off.
Find Local Discounts on a Ford F-150
2. 2020 Chevrolet Silverado
Runner up to the F-Series is the Chevy Silverado with 409,967 units sold. After losing its second place spot to Ram Trucks last year, the bow-tie brand bounces back in 2020. Surprisingly, Chevy sold more Silverados in the first half of the year than it did in the first half of 2019. Sales for the Silverado 1500 fell by just 1% in the third quarter while HD trucks increased by 4%. Like the F-150, the Silverado has no shortage of choices for shoppers. It offers 6 engine options ranging from a 4.3-liter V6 for 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque up to a 6.2-liter V8 for 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. In addition to a best-in-class maximum towing capacity of 13,400 pounds, the Silverado has a composed ride on-road, and rugged capability off-road.
What's New for 2021?
For 2021, Chevy gives the Silverado a new Multi-Flex tailgate that opens 6 different ways, more towing capacity for the diesel V6 (an increase of 1900 pounds to 9,500), and turbo 4-cylinder (an increase of 2,600 pounds to 9,600), plus new trailering technology to make towing easier.
Find Local Discounts on a Chevrolet Silverado
3. 2020 Ram Pickup
It may have lost the second-place spot to the Chevy Silverado, but the Ram Pickup still showed strong sales in 2020 with 402,410 trucks sold. The slew of models in Ram's lineup offers something for every shopper from a premium cabin in the Ram Laramie to the off-road prowess of the Ram Rebel. Drivers behind the wheel of a Ram 1500 may mistake the half-ton truck for a luxury vehicle thanks to the plush ride and composed handling. Engine options include a base V6 for 305 horsepower to a 395-horsepower V8. The 2020 Ram 1500 lags behind the F-150 and Silverado for towing capacity, offering a maximum of 10,680 lbs.
What's New for 2021?
The biggest news for 2021 is the arrival of the Ram 1500 TRX, an off-road-focused model with a monstrous 702-horsepower supercharged V8 engine. The TRX shares an engine with the Dodge Charger and Challenger Hellcat muscle cars and will get a 0-60 mph of just 4.5 seconds. When it comes to off-roading, the TRX is prepared for the toughest terrain with skid plates for the front axle, transfer case, transmission pan, and fuel tank. It also gets tow hooks, a modified airbox, Dana 60 rear axle, and a locking differential.
Find Local Discounts on a Ram 1500
4. 2020 GMC Sierra
The premium GMC Sierra pickup sold a strong 174,645 units in the first three quarters of 2020 which is an increase of 3% for the half-ton Sierra 1500 and a 17% increase for the HD model. With a full redesign to the 2020 Sierra HD and important updates made to the Sierra light-duty, GMC combines innovative technology with rugged capability across the lineup. The Sierra 1500 engine options range from a base 285-horsepower V6 to a 6.2-liter V8 that makes 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque offering a towing capacity of 11,800 pounds.
What's New for 2021?
Although the GMC Sierra doesn't get many updates for 2021, it does offer enhanced towing technology and capability. Like its cousin, the Chevy Silverado, the GMC Sierra gets new available towing features like a trailer length indicator and jack-knife alert. The Sierra also gets a boost in towing capability with its diesel engine (9,300 pounds, up from 7,400) and turbo-four engine (9,200 pounds, up from 6,900).
Find Local Discounts on a GMC Sierra
5. 2020 Toyota Tacoma
As the only midsize truck to make the top 5 list, the popular Toyota Tacoma logged 163,619 units sold as of October 2020. Despite some dated tech and manual seats, the Tacoma has dominated as the #1 selling midsize truck for over a decade thanks to its reliability and adventure-ready features. The off-road-focused Tacoma TRD Pro, for example, offers a tank-like build, and the ability to tackle rugged off-road terrain with ease. The Taco is offered with two engine options including a standard 2.7-liter 4-cylinder, for 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. An optional 3.5-liter V6 boosts horsepower to 278 and torque to 265 lb-ft.
What's New for 2021?
Shoppers looking for a 2021 Tacoma won't find many changes in the most recent model other than a new Lunar Rock paint color for the TRD Pro model, and a new limited-edition Tacoma Trail package. The outdoorsy Trail Edition is based on the SR5 and available in both 2WD and 4WD powertrains. Unique features include dark Gray 16-inch TRD Off-Road wheels, all-terrain tires, a grille borrowed from the Tacoma Limited, a 120-volt power outlet in the bed, and lockable bed storage.
