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The Most Reliable Trucks: Ram and Toyota Dominate the Field
General Motors trucks have slipped from the top positions in the large and midsize categories.
By Billy RehbockWriterManufacturerPhotographerMotorTrend StaffPhotographerRyan LugoIllustration ByMar 24, 2026
Most pickup truck buyers prioritize towing and hauling capability, but they also want their vehicles to be dependable over the long haul. To give shoppers a clear picture of what to expect from late-model trucks, we’ve analyzed the J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, which gathers feedback from original owners about quality and reliability concerns.
For the 2026 report, J.D. Power surveyed original owners of 2023 model year vehicles after three years of ownership. When it comes to trucks, the study highlighted owner concerns regarding over-the-air software updates, phone integration, and electrified powertrains. With these trends in mind, here are the most reliable trucks according to J.D. Power’s expert analysis.
2023 Ram 1500 Big Horn 8
2023 Ram 1500
The 2023 Ram 1500 stands out as the highest-ranked full-size pickup truck in J.D. Power’s 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study. The current generation of the Ram 1500 debuted for the 2019 model year and received its most recent refresh for the 2025 model year. We’ve consistently been impressed with the Ram, having honored it with our Truck of the Year award for the 2019, 2021, and 2025 model years.
Pros: The Ram 1500 offers an impressive array of powertrain options, and its ride and handling are exceptional. Lower-trim models are well-suited for job site duty, while higher trims offer luxurious appointments and advanced technology. The high-performance TRX, with its supercharged V-8 and off-road-ready upgrades, is another standout. The added benefit of great reliability makes the Ram 1500 an even more compelling choice.
Cons: Despite its many strengths, the Ram 1500 doesn’t deliver outstanding fuel economy unless equipped with the diesel engine. Towing and payload figures trail the segment leaders. When new, the Ram 1500’s price can climb quickly with added options.
Specs:
Approximate Price: Starting around $22,000
Safety Rating: 2022 Top Safety Pick (IIHS), four to five stars overall (NHTSA)
Engines: 3.6-liter eTorque mild hybrid V-6, 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6, 5.7-liter V-8 (optional eTorque mild hybrid), 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 (TRX)
Fuel Economy: 10-21 mpg city / 14-29 mpg highway
Read Our Expert Review of the 2023 Ram 1500
2023 Toyota Tacoma 2
2023 Toyota Tacoma
Renowned for its exceptional durability and rugged appeal, the previous-generation Toyota Tacoma earns the title of the most reliable midsize truck in J.D. Power’s 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study. The latest model was introduced for the 2024 model year, but the previous iteration of this popular pickup was available from 2016 to 2023. This means the 2023 model represents your final opportunity to acquire what may be an all-time great in terms of reliability.
Pros: Among midsize trucks, the Toyota Tacoma offers strong value. Its timeless styling, diverse configuration options, and comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies make it a compelling purchase. TRD models boast impressive off-road capability and rugged aesthetics to match.
Cons: The Tacoma’s lack of refinement borders on agricultural. The ride quality is rough unless equipped with the TRD Pro’s Fox Shocks. The automatic transmission was dated even when new, and the interior is cramped.
Specs:
Approximate Price: Starting around $23,000
Safety Rating: Four stars overall (NHTSA)
Engines: 2.7-liter inline-four, 3.5-liter V-6
Fuel Economy: 17-20 mpg city / 20-23 mpg highway
Read Our Expert Review of the 2023 Toyota Tacoma
2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2 AEV Bison 10
2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
In the full-size truck segment, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ranks second only to the Ram 1500 in the 2026 J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study. Chevy updated the Silverado 1500 for the 2022 model year, and the truck carried over to 2023 with minimal changes, although the diesel engine received a boost in horsepower and torque. The Silverado ZR2 features serious off-road hardware optimized for rock crawling.
Pros: Chevy’s powertrains are robust and smooth, from the base four-cylinder engine to the 420-hp V-8. The diesel option delivers impressive torque and remarkable efficiency. Spacious bed configurations and practical features make the Silverado a great daily driver. ZR2 models are an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
Cons: This Chevy doesn’t exactly feel like a luxury vehicle. Its road manners are less refined compared to competitors, and the interior feels underwhelming and dated. On the exterior, the grille may strike some as garish compared to other pickups on the market.
Specs:
Approximate Price: Starting around $23,000
Safety Rating: Five stars overall (NHTSA)
Engines: 2.7-liter turbo-four, 5.3-liter V-8, 6.2-liter V-8, 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six
Fuel Economy: 14-24 mpg city / 17-29 mpg highway
Read Our Expert Review of the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado
2023 Ford F-150 Tremor 57
2023 Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 has held the title of the bestselling vehicle in the United States for nearly 50 consecutive years. However, in the 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, it shares third place with the GMC Sierra 1500. The current generation debuted for the 2021 model year, with evolutionary updates for 2024 bringing more base power and larger, improved screens. The all-electric F-150 Lightning was also named our 2023 Truck of the Year.
Pros: The full-size Ford F-150 is incredibly versatile and available with gasoline-only, hybrid, and all-electric powertrains. Regardless of the configuration, the F-150 delivers a refined ride whether empty or loaded. The cabin is spacious and equipped with desirable features.
Cons: As a bestseller, the F-150 doesn’t need radical styling to attract buyers, but we’d appreciate a bolder design statement from Ford. While the F-150 offers ample space and compelling technology, the interior materials feel underwhelming.
Specs:
Approximate Price: Starting around $25,000
Safety Rating: 2022 Top Safety Pick (IIHS), five stars overall (NHTSA)
Engines: 3.3-liter V-6, 2.7-liter twin-turbo V-6, 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V-8, 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6, 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 hybrid, 5.2-liter supercharged V-8
Fuel Economy: 10-25 mpg city / 15-25 mpg highway, 66-40 mpg-e (F-150 Lightning)
Read Our Expert Review of the 2023 Ford F-150
2023 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X AEV front three quarters in action
2023 GMC Sierra 1500
Mechanically identical to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 but distinguished by higher-end trim and materials, the GMC Sierra 1500 arrived in its current form for 2019. The GMC Sierra 1500 ties the Ford F-150 for third place in J.D. Power’s 2026 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, trailing its Chevy cousin. Most recently, the GMC Sierra 1500 received a significant refresh for the 2022 model year.
Pros: As is typical for the full-size pickup segment, the GMC Sierra 1500 is available with a wide range of powertrains. As a premium truck brand, GMC offers the ultra-luxurious Denali Ultimate for those opting for the top trim level. GM’s excellent Super Cruise hands-free driving system provides valuable highway driving assistance.
Cons: Because the GMC Sierra is offered in luxury-focused trims, it becomes quite expensive at the top of the model range. Unlike many competitors, it is
