Best One-Ton Trucks of 2023

Characteristics of 1-Ton Pickup Trucks

The classification for pickups is a little dated these days. Originally, the phrase ‘one-ton’ referred to maximum payload capacities. As such, these vehicles traditionally carried upwards of 2,000 lbs. However, the modern 1-ton truck’s payload capacity is actually a lot higher. It is not just invisible numbers that set these juggernauts apart, though. Here are some commonalities shared amongst 1-ton trucks:

• Power - Naturally, the engine under the hood needs to be potent enough to move both the heavy machine and its load. For 1-ton pickup trucks, horsepower figures aren’t necessarily the priority, so you’ll generally find a range of high-torque engines to choose from; the low-down grunt is needed for optimal towing and hauling. Many top automakers these days offer a diesel engine with this in mind.
• Strength - Carrying or pulling heavy loads requires a powerful structure to support this kind of hard work. Hardcore suspension setups and heavy-duty transmissions are often standard, and the truly big brutes often require an extra set of wheels in the back - 1-ton dually trucks, such as the Ford F-450 Super Duty and Ram 3500HD, are those that can be configured with a dual-rear-wheel setup.
• Size - The dimensions of 1-ton trucks support their heavyweight aspirations. These trucks are large, standing high and wide, with varying bed sizes and even short and long wheelbases. It stands to reason that 1-ton truck curb weight is also on the hefty side!
• Reliability and durability - Purposed for hard work, these trucks have to be able to go for hundreds of thousands of miles. With extensive warranties and engines built to last, you can rest assured your hauler is reliable.
• Price - While entry-level models may be reasonably priced, many of the range-topping trucks are flush with luxuries and filled with tech - so they don’t come cheap. You’re likely to spend quite a bit for so much muscle.

What to Consider Before Buying a One-Ton Pickup Truck

Old-school one-tonners used to be purely functional, but in comparison, modern 1-ton trucks are not just formidable but luxurious too. But all this brawn comes at a cost. Some advantages and disadvantages include:

Pros

• Potent powertrains
• Unrivaled payload and towing capacity
• Highly dependable
• Rugged and can even go off-road
• Spacious cabins
• Various bed lengths and cab configurations are available
• Luxurious appointments on top-end models

Cons

• Large and clumsy
• Terrible fuel economy
• Ride comfort is not a priority, especially in lower-end trims
• High price tags, especially in high-end models

FAQs