Some people drive pickup trucks just for the thrill. Others have more expectations in terms of utility. Whether you pull a boat, trailer, or camper, a truck can be just the workhorse you need. Full-size trucks have the highest towing capacity, but more compact ones can be quite capable as well. Here is a rundown of some of the best trucks for towing to meet your cargo hauling needs.

Hawthorne Auto Square’s Truck Buying Guide

2020 Ford F-450 Super Duty

Able to pull up to 37,000 pounds, the F-450 can produce 475 hp and 1,050 lb.-ft of torque. It has a powerful 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V8 engine and an extra-wide front axle for tighter turns. A roomy cab and a range of driver assistance features help this truck stand out. But if you don’t have the budget for such an investment (the F-450 is priced at over $65,000), there are plenty of choices that can get the job done.

2021 Ford F-150

It remains one of the most popular vehicles, and for good reason. Towing capacity is about 14,000 pounds and maximum payload is 3,325 pounds. Plus, you get high fuel economy and an onboard electric generator to power tools or appliances. The F-150 now also offers a choice of a gasoline engine or hybrid powertrain. There’s also a wide range of configurations to choose from depending on what you need to accomplish. If you’re buying a truck, the F-150 is a certified crowd pleaser.

2021 Ram 2500

Towing up to 19,680 pounds and carrying up to 4,010 pounds in its bed, the Ram 2500 sports a powerful diesel engine, but stands out for its level of comfort. The ride is smooth thanks to a coil-spring suspension, while an upscale interior combines style and technology that includes a large touchscreen. The cabin is extremely quiet as well.

2021 Ram 3500

One of the best trucks for towing on the market, the Ram 3500 tows up an impressive 37,100 pounds and can carry a payload of up to 7,680 pounds (towing capacity has been raised by 2,000 pounds over the previous model). An optional turbodiesel six-cylinder engine is claimed to provide 1,075 lb.-ft of torque, beating out a few other heavy-duty models. To top it off, it offers comfortable seating, a quiet cabin, and a feature-packed infotainment system as well as a digital rearview mirror.

2021 Nissan Frontier

Heavy haulers on a budget can get up to 6,720 pounds of towing capacity from the Frontier. Last year, it was fit with a 3.8-liter, 310 hp V6 engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Frontier hasn’t had a full redesign since 2005, but it has comfortable front seats and a user-friendly infotainment system. If you’re looking for off-road performance, the Pro-4X trim provides the right amount of muscle.

2021 Toyota Tacoma

Known as an off-roader, the Tacoma tows up to 6,800 pounds and has an extensive list of safety features. These include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. It also has a 7-inch touchscreen and smartphone compatibility. The optional 278 hp V6 engine and rear-wheel drive models have the highest capacity.

2020 Chevrolet Colorado

This award-winning mid-size truck tows up to 7,700 pounds and comes with a few powertrain choices. The base engine is a 2.5-liter inline-four cylinder with 200 hp, but this can be upgraded to a 3.6-liter V6 with 308 hp or a turbodiesel engine. It also has a standard eight-speed automatic transmission and compares quite well with other mid-size trucks in towing performance and handling.

Shop at Hawthorne Auto Square

Our inventory consists of low-mileage, high-quality used trucks. We offer a range of compact and full-sized pre-owned pickup trucks, including many styles, makes, and models, at some of the most reasonable prices in Los Angeles. These include the best trucks for towing. Plus, we offer in-house financing with fast approval, low down payments, and options to pay online or by phone. To learn more, visit us in person or call 866-707-7664 today!