The Best Full-Size Pickups in 2024
Four of the five best-selling vehicles in Canada are full-size pickups, as always led by the Ford F-150. They’re not just for work, of course—all of them offer a large selection of models including some pretty high-tech and luxurious ones, not to mention serious off-road machines.
Which ones should Canadian drivers put at the top of their shopping list? The team at The Car Guide has analyzed all the various contenders and identified the best buys for 2024.
- Also: The Best Compact and Midsize Pickups in 2024
- Also: Ford F-150 Lightning: Discounts on 2023 Models, Pricing Announced for 2024
1. Ford F-150
Our No. 1 pick for the past two years, the Ford F-150 is still the best buy in the segment for 2024—and also the one offering the most comprehensive lineup right now. Hybrid and fully electric variants join a number of gas-powered models topped by the fearsome Raptor and Raptor R.
On the road, the F-150 is a good-handling truck despite suffering from a slightly bouncy ride. Dropping the naturally aspirated 3.3-litre V6 was a smart move by Ford because the 2.7- and 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engines are much better for daily work and play, although with a few reliability issues.
High-performance and off-road driving enthusiasts will enjoy the F-150 Tremor, Raptor and Raptor R, which manage to impress in their own unique ways.
The gas-electric F-150 PowerBoost delivers good efficiency, but some owners have experienced problems with the powertrain, so proceed with caution. As for the zero-emission F-150 Lightning, it’s the smoothest-riding model in the lineup and the one with the lowest ownership costs. On the other hand, towing takes a pretty heavy toll on the battery and dramatically reduces range. Again, consider yourself warned.
2. Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra
Second place in the segment is held by the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. These GM twins come in multiple variants and configurations, with all-electric models set to join the lineup within a year or so.
The 5.3- and 6.2-litre V8 engines are fairly dependable units, while the 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine serves up a huge amount of torque and improves fuel economy. High-mileage drivers should definitely consider it. We don’t recommend the turbocharged 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine due to subpar performance and limited towing capacity.
Both the Silverado and Sierra benefit from interior enhancements for 2024, including nicer materials and a new 13.4-inch display in higher-end models.
Like to play in the mud or attack trails? The Silverado ZR2 and Sierra AT4X are excellent off-roaders, though not as powerful as the Ford F-150 Raptor R and Ram 1500 TRX.
3. Ram 1500
Once again this year, the Ram 1500 lands in third place in our all-American ranking. It boasts a superb cabin with generous space and class-leading fit and finish. The seats and available air suspension make for a very comfortable truck, although the latter isn’t without its share of troubles, especially during winter.
Electrified options and a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder a.k.a. Hurricane are in store for the 2025 model year. If you settle for a 2024 Ram 1500, the standard Pentastar V6 and optional HEMI V8 are time-tested engines that will still serve you well.
Standing at the top of the range is the extremely expensive and almighty Ram 1500 TRX, whose supercharged 6.2-litre V8 packs 702 horsepower and burns gas like there’s no tomorrow.
One last thing you should know is that production of the Ram 1500 Classic has been discontinued for Canada. That was the previous-generation model built alongside the new one and sold at a much lower price. If you don’t care about the latest tech and gadgets, you might want to check out dealer lots for leftovers.
