10 of the Hottest Trucks for 2018

Choosing the 10 hottest pickup trucks for 2018 was a daunting task. While some choices — like the Ford F-150 Raptor and Ram 2500 Power Wagon — were shoe-ins, models at the tail of the list are sure to be controversial in some quarters.

There’s no doubt about it: 2018 offers more pickup variety than ever, with ultra-luxurious high-end rigs toying the six-figure mark, along with a resurgence in smaller trucks. Whether you’re looking haul a trailer or head out for some serious off-roading, your perfect pickup awaits.

The 2018 Chevrolet Silverado High Country’s sumptuous leather-appointed interior and comprehensive connectivity features make it the coveted corner office on wheels. Cabin technology includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, an OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi Internet connection for up to seven devices (subscription required), and a bevy of charging ports.

The optional 6.2-liter V8 engine delivers a healthy 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, providing plenty of hauling power with a trailer capacity of up to 12,500 pounds (when equipped with the Max Trailering Package). The rear bumper side-steps and "EZ Lift and Lower" feature make loading the bed a snap. Available safety technology includes lane-keep assist with a lane departure warning, a forward-collision alert, park assist (front and rear), and low-speed forward automatic braking.

The 2018 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is arguably the most off-road-capable mid-size pickup truck on the market today. With standard front and rear locking differentials, Multimatic DSSV dampers and a suspension system specifically engineered for four-wheeling, the ZR2 is built to handle anything you throw at it.

While the Toyota Tacoma TRD ruled the small off-road pickup roost for years, Chevrolet goes one up by offering the choice of two stout engines. The conventional 3.6-liter V6 delivers 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, while the optional Duramax 2.8-liter turbodiesel pumps out 181 hp and 369 pound-feet of torque. The ZR2's purpose-built front bumper, skid plates, and rock sliders are all about the business.

The 2018 GMC Canyon Denali sets the standard for mid-size pickup style, luxury, and efficiency. While it all starts with the distinctive front grille, it’s the interior that truly sets the Denali apart. It features upscale leather upholstery with heated and ventilated front buckets seats, along with comprehensive connectivity via OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi, and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. A seven-speaker Bose audio system is standard as well.

With the optional Duramax 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine, the Canyon Denali is EPA-rated at 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway with 2WD or 2 mpg less with 4WD. The 21-gallon fuel tank delivers an exceptional amount of range. Although the Canyon was the slowest-selling pickup in 2017, the Canyon Denali’s relative rarity may bolster resale value.

The Ford F-150 has dominated American pickup sales charts for the past four decades, and the F-150 Raptor carries the torch with remarkable performance, both on- and off-road. With 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of the torque on tap, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 and 10-speed automatic transmission deliver under all conditions and the highly advanced suspension is remarkably versatile.

Whether flying across the desert at 90 miles per hour, rock-crawling or cruising on the highway, it’s smooth, supple and superb. The FOX racing shocks deliver ample travel while the six-mode Terrain Management System turns treacherous trails into cakewalks.

Nothing hauls a big load in style like the range-topping 2018 Ford Super Duty F-450 Limited. With a 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 diesel engine that cranks out a monstrous 925 pound-feet of torque, the world is your towable oyster. The engine is engineered to run B20 biodiesel and the exhaust braking system delivers a higher level of control on downhill grades.

The luxurious interior features two-tone leather upholstery with heated and cooled front seats, as well as heated rear seats. The Sync 3 infotainment system integrates a 10-speaker Sony audio system, along with Apple CarPlay and standard voice-activated navigation. The Ultimate Trailer Tow Camera System uses four cameras to provide a 360 view and provide trailer reverse guidance.

While the Ford F-150 Raptor relies on a newfangled turbocharged direct-injected V6 engine, the RAM 1500 Rebel goes the traditional hot rod pickup route, with a good ol' naturally aspirated 395 horsepower 5.7-liter Hemi V8, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Rebel offers two things you won’t find in any other brand: a standard four-corner air suspension system and an optional Ram Box cargo management system with lockable storage.

A leather interior option is new for 2018, along with an 8.4-inch infotainment system that features 4G LTE connectivity, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. While Ram has teased a beastly 575-horsepower 6.2-liter supercharged Rebel TRX model, it remains a concept vehicle, for now. A redesigned Ram 1500 is coming for 2019.

When there’s serious work to be done off-road, the 2018 RAM 2500 Power Wagon is the No. 1 candidate for the job. With standard front and rear locking differentials, the Ram Articulink suspension (with an electronically disconnecting front sway bar), Bilstein shock absorbers, an integrated 12,000 pound Warn winch and plenty of underbody protection, the Power Wagon delivers the highest level of off-road capability in its class.

If you’re looking for an insanely capable pure work truck, choose the Tradesman trim level and add the Power Wagon option package. The Power Wagon's standard 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine cranks out a healthy 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque. Sadly, the mighty 6.7-liter inline six-cylinder Cummins diesel engine is not offered with the Power Wagon.

The Toyota Tacoma has been a four-wheeling favorite for over two decades, and the 2018 Tacoma TRD Pro is the most off-road capable of all Toyota 4x4 pickups to date. The TRD Pro is ready to fly (or crawl) with model specific FOX 2.5-inch internal bypass coil-overs with rear remote reservoirs, TRD Pro skid plates, and a TRD Pro Catback exhaust. The all-terrain select system allows drivers to choose among mud, sand and loose rock settings, while the innovative crawl mode handles braking and acceleration.

All TRD Pros have a 278 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine, mated to either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission (which is a rarity these days). Standard Toyota Safety Sense technology includes adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams.

The Nissan Titan XD PRO-4X is one of the least common trucks on our list. Offered with a 5.0-liter V8 Cummins turbodiesel that produces 310 horsepower and 555 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed Aisin automatic transmission, the XD PRO-4X provides 12,030 pounds of towing capacity.

It’s not a rival for the Ford F-150 Raptor, but it’s well-suited for hauling over rough terrain, with steel skid plates, Bilstein off-road shocks and an electronic locking rear differential. While the Titan lingered near the bottom of the pickup truck sales charts for 2017, sales were up more than 140% year-to-year. And Nissan’s segment topping five-year/100,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty is unrivaled.

While it might be the most controversial entry on our list, the Honda Ridgeline is undeniably capable, confident and comfortable. With unibody construction, rather than conventional body-on-frame construction, the Ridgeline doesn’t pretend to be a hard-edged pickup truck. The Ridgeline is built to get the party started, with a cargo bed that features an under-floor storage area that functions as a built-in icebox, hidden speakers, and an innovative two-way tailgate.

The 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 provides enough oomph to carry the crew, but if you need to tow anything with substantial weight, you’ll want to look elsewhere. Honda’s found its audience: Although the Ridgeline was the second slowest-selling pickup truck in 2017, year-over-year sales were up close to 50 percent.