Pickup trucks have come a long way from being purely functional workhorses. Today's best models blend serious hauling and towing capability with the kind of comfort, technology, and style that make them genuine alternatives to a family SUV. Whether you need a rugged tool for the building site, a capable tow vehicle for weekends away, or simply fancy something with a bit more presence on the road, there's a pickup out there that fits the bill.
The UK pickup market has thinned out in recent years, with the likes of the Nissan Navara and Mitsubishi L200 bowing out, but the models that remain are better than ever. From the hugely popular Ford Ranger to value-packed options from KGM (formerly SsangYong), we've rounded up the best pickup trucks you can buy right now to help you find the one that's right for your needs and your budget.
About this guide
The cars in this guide have been selected to represent the best options currently available. Our recommendations are the result of a unique three-part scoring system that takes into account real-world tests from our team of expert reviewers, ratings from real-life owners who live with these cars every day, and an analysis of market data from CarGurus UK to identify which models offer the highest percentage of good and great deals. This combined approach ensures our list highlights cars that are not only great to own but also good value to buy. For more information, scroll to the bottom of this page.
The Best Pickup Trucks 2026
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.8%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Car-like build quality and levels of equipment |
EcoBlue diesel engines have a poor reliability record |
| More enjoyable to drive than a pickup should be |
Rival trucks from Isuzu and KGM are cheaper |
| Huge portrait-style touchscreen on some models |
UK-spec Raptor is limited to 288bhp (US version gets 400bhp) |
The Ford Ranger has cemented its place as Europe's favourite pickup by being a supremely capable workhorse that's also surprisingly easy to live with. Double cab models feature a load bed just over 1.5 metres long and, crucially for business users, every version can carry a payload of at least 1,000kg. It's a towing champion, too, able to haul a braked trailer of up to 3,500kg. Yet with its bold, F-150-inspired styling and high-end trim levels like the popular Wildtrak, it has huge appeal for those looking for a rugged alternative to a traditional family SUV.
For a vehicle built on a tough, body-on-frame chassis with leaf-spring rear suspension, the Ranger is remarkably civilised on the road. It rides smoothly and feels more like a car than any pickup has a right to. There's a wide range of engines, from the workhorse 168bhp 2.0-litre diesel to a powerful 237bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel. A new plug-in hybrid arrived in 2025, pairing a 2.3-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined 277bhp and an electric-only range of 25 miles. All models come with serious 4x4 hardware, including switchable all-wheel drive with high and low ranges, making the Ranger a formidable off-road machine.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Ranger offers plenty of technology and standard equipment, especially if you opt for the Wildtrak trim, which represents reasonable value for money. All in all, this is our favourite pickup of the lot." - CarGurus Editorial Team
Read our full Ford Ranger review
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.3%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Even posher inside than a Ford Ranger |
More expensive to buy than a Ford Ranger |
| Almost SUV-like driving dynamics |
Still feels very large to drive and park |
| Five-year warranty and servicing package |
No separate panel for heater controls |
The second-generation Volkswagen Amarok is a serious contender. Developed alongside the hugely popular Ford Ranger, VW has made sure its pickup has its own distinct, upmarket personality. Available only as a double-cab, it's longer and has a bigger wheelbase than the old model, which means more room for passengers. But let's be honest, you're here for the workhorse credentials, and the Amarok delivers. It can tow a hefty 3,500kg and the load bed can handle a payload of up to 1,113kg.
On the road, the Amarok is impressively refined for such a rugged vehicle. There's a choice of diesel engines, including a brawny 237bhp 3.0-litre V6, all of which come with 4Motion four-wheel drive. While the Amarok feels every bit as big as it is, the light steering and good visibility make it surprisingly easy to manage on UK roads. And when you leave the tarmac, its generous ground clearance, selectable low-range gearbox, and rear differential lock mean there's very little that will stand in its way. It's a proper all-rounder that blends toughness with a welcome dose of comfort.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Volkswagen Amarok's main selling point over rivals is its well-appointed interior. But don't let that kid you that it's not still a worthy pickup truck in its own right." - Chris Knapman, editorial director
Read our full Volkswagen Amarok review
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CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.3 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.2%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Extremely capable off road |
The 2.8-litre engine is noisy |
| Deserved reputation for toughness and durability |
Feels uncivilised next to a regular car |
| Spacious load bed and high towing capacity |
Steering feels vague |
The Toyota Hilux has earned an almost legendary reputation for being an ultra-tough workhorse, and this eighth-generation model is no different. It's a pickup that has successfully transitioned from a pure tradesman's tool to a desirable lifestyle vehicle without losing its core ruggedness. It offers plenty of practicality, including a spacious load bed with a one-tonne payload capacity. While the interior plastics are more functional than fancy, the cabin is solidly assembled and offers a commanding view of the road, making the Hilux a dependable choice for both work and family duties.
Its off-road performance is outstanding, capable of wading through 700mm of water and tackling serious terrain with ease. For towing, it's a beast, with a capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes. The 201bhp 2.8-litre diesel engine gives all the torque you need off-road, and also makes the Hilux feel pretty energetic on it. Do be aware, though, that compared to a regular family SUV, the driving experience will feel distinctly rough-and-ready.
The CarGurus Verdict: "For all the lifestylification of pick-up trucks in recent years, the Hilux remains a rough, tough working vehicle, albeit one that has plenty of creature comforts. It's not perfect and it won't be for everyone, but it does have an awful lot going for it." - Phill Tromans, contributor
Read our full Toyota Hilux review
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 22.4%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| A truly capable workhorse |
The single-cab Utility model has a lower towing limit than the rest of the range |
| Plenty of creature comforts for lifestyle customers |
Expect high fuel bills compared with an SUV's |
| Excellent safety rating |
Expensive to insure |
The Isuzu D-Max has carved out a strong position in the UK pickup market, especially since rivals like the Mitsubishi L200 and Nissan Navara have departed. It's a proper workhorse that also caters to the lifestyle crowd, thanks to a more car-like cabin than you might expect. It's available in three body styles: a two-seater Single Cab with a huge 2,315mm load bed, an Extended Cab with occasional rear seats, and a family-friendly Double Cab with a full rear bench and a still-practical 1,495mm bed. All models can handle a serious payload, and the aggressive front grille leaves you in no doubt about its tough credentials.
Under the bonnet, every D-Max gets a 1.9-litre diesel engine producing 162bhp. While it's more functional than refined, it provides plenty of low-down grunt for hauling heavy loads. Crucially for a top-tier pickup, most 4x4 models have a 3.5-tonne towing capacity and serious off-road ability, including an 800mm wading depth and a switchable four-wheel-drive system with a low-range setting. The ride is more settled than that of many rivals, and while it's no SUV, it drives well for a truck, making it a capable companion whether you're on a building site or the school run.
The CarGurus Verdict: "A dwindling choice in the pickup market plays to Isuzu's advantage, as it's made a very decent machine to fill the gap left by Nissan, Mitsubishi et al. The D-Max builds on the key attractions of the old model, offering even more space and capability for a very reasonable price, and now with even more creature comforts available for those that want them." - Phill Tromans, contributor
Read our full Isuzu D-Max review
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 22.4%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Great value for money |
Poor ride comfort |
| Surprisingly pleasant inside |
Depreciates comparatively heavily |
| Strong and refined engine |
Not as affordable to run as some rivals |
The SsangYong Musso, now known as the KGM Musso, might not be the first name that springs to mind, but it's a serious contender that punches well above its weight on value. Based on the rugged Rexton SUV, it blends workhorse capability with a surprisingly well-equipped, car-like interior. It undercuts key rivals like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux by thousands, and that's before you factor in the generous standard equipment and a confidence-inspiring seven-year warranty. For anyone wanting a brand-new, do-it-all double-cab pickup without the premium price tag, the Musso makes a compelling financial case.
Under the bonnet, a brawny 2.2-litre diesel engine delivers plenty of torque, making light work of heavy loads. And heavy loads are what the Musso does best. It matches the best in its class on towing, being capable of pulling a 3.5-tonne braked trailer while simultaneously carrying a payload of over a tonne. While the standard load bed is a decent size, the long-wheelbase model is the real hero here, boasting one of the largest load bays on the market. It might have a jarringly lumpy ride, especially when unladen, but its sheer strength and hauling capacity are undeniable.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The SsangYong Musso is an accomplished pickup that deserves to be viewed on its own merits, not just its bargain pricing. It represents a lot of truck for the money." - Chris Pickering, contributor
Read our full Ssangyong Musso review
FAQ
What is the best pickup truck to buy in the UK?
The Ford Ranger tops our list as the best pickup truck you can buy in the UK right now. It combines serious workhorse credentials — including a 3,500kg towing capacity and over 1,000kg payload — with car-like refinement, a wide engine range (including a class-first plug-in hybrid), and high-end trim levels that make it a genuine alternative to a family SUV.
Are pickup trucks expensive to insure in the UK?
Pickup trucks can sit in higher insurance groups than conventional cars, which means premiums tend to be steeper. Models like the Isuzu D-Max and SsangYong Musso can be particularly pricey to insure. It's always worth getting a quote before you commit, as costs vary significantly depending on the model, trim level, and your personal circumstances.
Can I use a pickup truck as a family car?
Absolutely. Double-cab pickups like the Ford Ranger, Volkswagen Amarok, and Toyota Hilux all seat five and come packed with modern safety and comfort features. They're spacious inside, offer a commanding driving position, and many higher-spec trims rival traditional SUVs for equipment levels. The main trade-off is a firmer ride and larger dimensions, which can make them trickier to park.
What are the tax benefits of owning a pickup truck in the UK?
Pickup trucks classified as light commercial vehicles (with a payload of at least 1,000kg) benefit from a flat rate of road tax and favourable Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rates for company car drivers. This can make them significantly cheaper to run as a business vehicle compared with a similarly priced SUV, which is one reason they're so popular with sole traders and small businesses. Be aware, though, that as of April 2025, this doesn't apply to double-cab pickups, making these significantly more expensive to run.
Which pickup truck has the best towing capacity?
Most of the leading pickup trucks on sale in the UK — including the Ford Ranger, Volkswagen Amarok, Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max, and SsangYong Musso — can tow a braked trailer of up to 3,500kg. This is the maximum permitted for a standard driving licence, making all of them excellent choices for towing caravans, horse boxes, or heavy plant trailers.
Is the SsangYong Musso reliable?
SsangYong (now KGM) has built a solid reputation for producing durable, robust vehicles, and the Musso benefits from a generous seven-year warranty, one of the longest in the pickup market. Its 2.2-litre diesel engine is proven and well-regarded for its smoothness and longevity. While it's a lesser-known brand in the UK, owner satisfaction ratings on CarGurus are high, suggesting real-world reliability is strong.
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Most car buying websites publish lists of the best cars across a variety of categories, with recommendations generally driven by editorial expertise. Here's what makes our best cars guides different: we combine the insights and verdicts of our team of car-testing experts with other factors that we know matter to buyers - real owner experiences and current market value.
To that end, our expert reviewers come from some of the UK's most trusted automotive publications including What Car?, The Telegraph, Auto Trader, Electrifying.com, and Carbuyer. They put each car through real-world testing, and create detailed reviews noting performance in a range of categories, from practicality and driving manners, to running costs and reliability.
But we don't stop there when it comes to creating our best cars guides; we also analyse hundreds of thousands of used car listings on CarGurus UK to track which models consistently offer the highest percentage of best deals relative to how many are listed for sale. Then we factor in user reviews and ratings gathered on CarGurus to get feedback from people who actually live with these cars every day. Our best cars algorithm then creates a final Overall CarGurus rating that combines expert ratings, user reviews, and the percentage of listings on CarGurus UK rated as good or great deals. This three-way approach reveals not just which cars excel on paper, but which ones deliver satisfaction and value when you're ready to buy.
The CarGurus UK market data in this guide was last updated in March 2026. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.
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