Full-size pickup trucks are popular for good reason: they’re just so useful. Over the years, big pickups have learned to work harder while becoming more refined.
Here’s a look at what’s new for the 2021 model year when it comes to full-size pickups.
Totally redesigned
2021 Ford F-150
Starting Price: $ 38,345 | Rating 4.7 (KBB)
America’s most popular vehicle is new this year, with a redesigned body, a fresh interior, more power, and a hybrid powertrain that sips fuel like never before. The interior gives priority to function, though luxurious soft leather upholstery and real wood trim can be had on higher versions. Ford F, -0.63% hasn’t yet detailed a new Raptor, but it’s safe to assume the most rugged of F-150s will live another day.
Noteworthy changes
2021 Ram 1500
Starting Price: $ 36,740 | Rating 4.5
The biggest change to the Ram line is the addition of the TRX model. With more than 700 horsepower under the hood, the TRX is the most powerful half-ton truck on the market. It’s designed for high-speed, high-performance off-road adventures, and enters the market as a strong competitor to the Ford Raptor. The rest of the Ram 1500 line adds a number of technology options, and additional safety gear is made standard on most trim levels.
Few or no changes
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Starting Price: $ 36,495 | Rating 4.3
The Chevrolet Silverado takes one of its GMC Sierra sibling’s unique features and makes it its own, albeit with a new name. GMC calls it the MultiPro tailgate, while with the Silverado it’s called the Multi-Flex tailgate. This tailgate converts into stairs for easier bed loading or into a desk for job sites. Additionally, Chevy introduced a regular cab/long-bed version of its Silverado with rear-wheel drive. Though not likely to be a popular combination, the specific body style can tow as much as 9,600 pounds.
Also see: Here’s a rundown on 2021 midsize trucks
2021 GMC Sierra 1500
Starting Price: $ 37,595 | Rating 4.2
Like the Silverado, the related Sierra sees a few minor tweaks highlighted by additional trailering tech, wireless Apple AAPL, +4.06% CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and increased availability of crash-avoidance features. Additionally, GMC has made its version of the MultiPro tailgate more widely available.
2021 Toyota Tundra
Starting Price: $ 39,565 | Rating 3.9
Toyota’s Texas-built Tundra adds two new trim packages for 2021. The Trail Special Edition adds to SR5 versions 18-inch wheels wearing Michelin MGDDY, -0.60% off-road tires, two storage units built into the bed, rubber floor mats, and a few special paint hues. The Nightshade Edition blacks out much of the exterior trim including the truck’s badges, and it comes with — you guessed it — an all-black interior.
Check out: These electric trucks could be exactly what the EV market needs
2021 Nissan Titan
Starting Price: $ 40,875 | Rating 4.0
After a fairly hefty rework for the 2020 model year, the big Nissan NSANY, +2.83% rolls into 2021 unchanged.
This story originally ran on KBB.com.