Best Trucks From the Last 5 Years

Some of the best trucks to grace the market aren’t always the top-selling trucks occupying the number one slot. Sometimes you can find some great deals on some amazing full-size and midsize pickup trucks from various brands that may have slipped under your radar. That’s why lists like this exist, to give you a quick rundown of some of the best trucks you can buy the next time you go truck-hunting at Rick Hendrick Buick GMC Duluth, your Atlanta used truck dealership.

We’ll give you a brief rundown of why some of these trucks are some of the best to own and why you should keep them in mind during your truck shopping adventures. This way, the next time you head to our dealership, you’ll know exactly what to look for and why. So without further ado, let’s get into the list for some of the best trucks from the last five years from the mid-size and full-size categories.

2017 – Nissan Titan

The 2017 model of the Nissan Titan came fresh off a second-generation reboot, giving it all new legs to stand on in the crowded light-duty pickup market. The new model year of the light-duty variant of the Titan made it an easy hit among pickup enthusiasts looking for something different. In addition to the suite of new infotainment and technology, Nissan also introduced a brand new single-cab configuration for the Titan. This was the first time in history that the Titan was available in a single-cab format, and truck shoppers were excited about that, which is why it became one of the best-selling trucks in 2017.

2017 – Honda Ridgeline

The 2017 model year of the Honda Ridgeline became one of the best-selling trucks of the year for a number of reasons. The midsize pickup was making a big return to the market with an all new redesign, featuring commendable powertrain performance, solid fuel economy, and a unique look all its own. The 2017 Ridgeline makes for a great purchase for those looking for a compact pickup that’s affordable and feature-rich. The sedan-like qualities help it bridge the gap between those who want something small and maneuverable but also sturdier and more utilitarian than a sedan.

2018 –Toyota Tundra

Toyota’s highly reliable Tundra received some significant updates for the 2018 model year that helped make it one of the best-selling that year. The introduction of the all new TRD Sport package gave it more off-road appeal for enthusiasts, while a redesigned fascia helped separate it from the competition. The Toyota Tundra was rounded out with all new safety technology in the form of the Toyota Safety Sense suite. The light-duty, full-size pickup was popular among groups who wanted a sleek, perfectly functional pickup without too many extraneous bells or whistles. Great pricing also helps a ton.

2018 – GMC Canyon

For the GMC Canyon, 2018 marked the year where all the stars aligned so that this compact pickup practically hit all the right notes in all the right ways. The 2018 model year sported excellent interior space matched with great towing capacity and trailering capabilities. The added ability to mix and match power and drivetrains with rear-wheel and four-wheel drive options across multiple engines meant you could opt for more power or for one of the best fuel economy ratings on the market. The added inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto being made standard across the trim line was the icing on the compact pickup cake and an easy reason why the Canyon was a best-seller of 2018.

2019 – Chevy Silverado

A completely new generation of the Chevy Silverado helped usher in the 2019 model year of the popular full-size pickup truck. The versatile-laced light-duty marque received an all new exterior design, all new fascia, and a new powertrain lineup. It goes without saying that the Silverado was destined to be one of the best-selling trucks of 2019. Scratch that; it was actually one of the best-selling overall vehicles in 2019 in North America. The overhaul of new and improved features plus the new visual look helped keep the Silverado topping the charts all year long.

2019 – Chevy Colorado

Considered to be the little brother of the Silverado, the midsize Chevrolet Colorado wasn’t trying to compete with the larger full-size trucks in performance or capability but still does well in both categories. Where the Colorado really shined is with the assortment of off-road support with trims like the ZR2, as well as being a cost-effective compact with a great assortment of infotainment and technology. Critics fell in love with the Colorado’s practical approach to everyday driving as well as its off-road capabilities, and consumers also loved those aspects, hence why it became a best-selling truck of 2019.

2020 – Ram 1500

When performance and rugged durability are at the top of your “must-haves” during the truck shopping experience, most people will eye Ram trucks. These hefty, Hemi-powered pickups are known for being long-lasting, high-powered, and very aggressive both in looks and performance. While the light-duty variants don’t quite carry the towing capacity of some of their best-in-class rivals, you’re probably more interested in a Ram for its engine prowess and looks. Whatever the case may be, the Ram 1500 was easily one of the best-selling full-size pickups of 2020. This was thanks in large part to better-optimized powertrain options, more interior comfort features, and some much-needed driver-assist technology.

2020 – Jeep Gladiator

It’s still hard to believe that the Jeep Gladiator is classified as a midsize pickup. Nevertheless, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator was an easy target for best-seller after making its model year debut as a pickup in 2019. The carryover of excitement from 2019 to 2020 came from the intrigue of truck shoppers looking for a completely rugged, mostly off-road themed 4×4 with a truck bed designed for hauling, towing, and trailering. The trim lineup has always been a highlight for many of Jeep’s offerings, and the Gladiator is no different, with a bevy of performance-oriented, off-road focused, and luxury-geared options for the 4×4. Basically, if you wanted all of the off-road capability of the Wrangler but in the format of a pickup truck, then the Jeep Gladiator fulfills that role perfectly.

2021 – Toyota Tacoma

The mid-sized 2021 model year Toyota Tacoma is a safe bet purchase for any truck shopper looking for a compact, reliable, rugged, pickup. The Tacoma’s 2021 model year offerings are centered around improving the offerings via limited editions, which include the Nightshade Edition and the Trail Edition. If you wanted the best that the Toyota Tacoma has to offer from the previous model years, but with the added option of a little something special tossed in, such as a suspension lift and all new designs, then the 2021 model year is the way to go. The return of dependable powertrain options and a focus on off-road-ready compatibility has made the Tacoma an easy pick for many shoppers, which is why it managed to make it onto the charts as a best-seller of 2021.

2021- GMC Sierra

Much like the Chevy Silverado, the GMC Sierra is a little bit of a jack-of-all-trades in the full-size department. The 2021 model year was given a few notable upgrades in the trailering department and all new functionality with the MultiPro Tailgate. Combined with the truck’s bold look and complete assortment of fully functional infotainment and safety technology, the 2021 GMC Sierra made for an optimal choice among many truck shoppers. The added ability to indulge in the popular Denali trim for luxury-oriented amenities and a buffet of performance-ready powertrains all help explain why the 2021 GMC Sierra is considered one of the best trucks on the market and why it’s a best-seller.