Which Used Pickup Truck Is Most Reliable? (Answered!)

If you are in the market for a used pickup truck, there can be a lot of pressure to pick the right model and year. Trucks are built to be durable, but models and years vary wildly in quality.

The most reliable used pickup trucks are the 2007-2013 Toyota Tundras, the 2010-2015 Toyota Tacomas, the 2009-2014 Ford F-150s, and the 2010-2018 RAM 2500s. These used trucks receive high-reliability ratings and retain their resale value through the years.

Here’s a quick look at what makes these trucks so reliable and what you should look out for.

The 2007-2013 Toyota Tundra

Toyota is well known for making some of the most reliable and trustworthy trucks on the market. The company currently offers two truck models in the United States. The Toyota Tundra is the larger and more powerful option. For years The Tundra has been known as a powerhouse. Many truck enthusiasts agree that the trucks sold between 2007 and 2013 were the most reliable.

In 2007, Toyota updated the Tundra’s engine to a 5.7L V8 engine that puts out 381 horsepower. With this engine, the truck gained more and more renown for its potential and reliability. The 2013 Toyota Tundra was an award-winning model, scoring truck of the year because of its power and durability. This truck scored a 5 out of 5 when it came to reliability, cementing it as an excellent pick.

Because of the high reliability in the Toyota Tundra, maintenance costs are below average. These vehicles are also built to last, so you can trust them to reach well past 200,000 miles. Because of their longevity, these Tundras hold onto their value with an iron grip. While most trucks lose around 60 percent of their value in the first five years, the average Toyota Tundra will lose only 39% of its value in the same time.

While 2007-2013 are generally the best used Tundras to look for, more recent releases of this truck are also extremely reliable. They have grown more powerful over the years and still hold their reputation as one of the most reliable trucks you could own.

The 2010-2015 Toyota Tacoma

The Toyota Tacoma isn’t as large or as powerful as the Tundra, and for a good reason. Toyota didn’t build the Tacoma engine for power; instead, Toyota designed the Tacoma engine for longevity. It still produces a solid amount of horsepower, but not enough to put excessive pressure on the transmission or the axle. Thanks to the economical engine, this truck will be on the road until it has nearly 300,000 miles.

The most reliable years for this truck were made between 2010 and 2015 when the reliability ratings peaked at 5 out of 5. Tacoma drivers rarely complained about the vehicle, even after several thousand miles of use.

They are famous for having the all-time lowest depreciation rate, losing only 29% of their original sale value after five years on the road. Everyone agrees that these Toyotas are worth a large amount, even when used.

Another benefit from purchasing a Tacoma from these years is the low maintenance costs. The average yearly maintenance cost for a midsized truck is about 548 dollars. The Tacoma, however, costs only 478 dollars. Tacomas go years without needing any repairs, making them the perfect truck that you can hold onto for decades.

If you aren’t looking for a Tacoma built-in 2010-2015, users also rate the 2005 Tacoma very highly. It has an amazingly high satisfaction rating and is still a very reliable pick for truck drivers. Newer Tacomas are also great picks, though they will be more expensive.

The 2009-2014 Ford F-150

Another one of the most popular trucks that scores highly in reliability is the Ford F-150. This truck has been a favorite for years, with each new release drawing many customers and truck enthusiasts alike. The Ford F-150 has everything: reliability, power, comfort, longevity, and more. Even the truck’s built-in 2009 could tow over 11,000 pounds while still scoring well on reliability. 

Though the Ford F-150 doesn’t have a legendary reliability score like the Toyota models do, it is more than capable of lasting for a long time while doing heavy work. Because of its popularity, replacement parts for a Ford F-150 are everywhere. Furthermore, mechanics are extremely familiar with each F-150 year, meaning that repairs aren’t too difficult to get done.

Though the numbers and ratings show that the F-150 isn’t quite as reliable as some other trucks, it is still considered the most popular truck with high levels of reliability. Though drivers favor trucks from 2009-2014 because of their body construction and the number of engine options, you will be happy with just about any year.

The 2010-2018 RAM 2500

The final truck on our list is the RAM 2500. RAM trucks have always had some of the most powerful engines on the road. The only engine RAM owners want (and diesel engine enthusiasts) is a Cummins engine. RAM diesel trucks have been sporting these reliable and powerful Cummins engines for decades, to the delight of truck owners in general.

The RAM 2500 is slightly less reliable than some other trucks, but it tops the charts in the diesel category. This engine will pull just about anything you need it to, and it will keep doing so for years. Though there are a few more problems with the truck (and maintenance costs are higher), you can still count on an easy to repair truck that will hold its value. Some RAM 2500s only lose a few thousand dollars of value after five years, though results vary widely.

For RAM trucks made between 2010-2018, reliability scores vary drastically. The 2017 model is the most reliable as it received a 76 out of 100 reliability rating from J.D. Power. Be sure to compare the reliability ratings with the condition of any used RAM 2500 you consider purchasing. Any RAM truck built after 2007 will be sporting the 6.7L Cummins engine. This engine is guaranteed to keep the car driving, hauling, and towing for years.