The pickup truck market has changed a ton from the early days of the farm vehicle. Choosing a pickup truck for hauling and daily activities has become an increasingly competitive marketplace. The pickup trucks that are available in today’s marketplace are much more competitive then they used to be. Fuel efficiency is a major factor as well as technology features that make the trucks safer and more refined to drive.

Automakers like Honda have gotten into the mix with car-based designs that have taken some of the edges off of purchasing a pickup truck. We are going to be taking a look at the best models for the money that you can get right now.

Honda Ridgeline

Honda’s interesting-looking pickup truck has been on the market for a while, but the truck took a hiatus for a full redesign. The current model has soft contouring lines and a functional bed which makes it appealing. In addition to that, the truck is quite capable of going off-road but without the heavy curb weight of a full-size truck or the price.

You get the legendary Honda reliability and an interior that is quiet and comfortable with enough room for five passengers. The Ridgeline is everything that you need in a basic pickup and nothing that you don’t. The Ridgeline won’t appeal to every buyer, but the Honda offers a stellar value in this segment.

Chevy Colorado

Colorado went from an obscure outdated design to be the first choice on many pickup truck shoppers wishlists. The truck has an appealing design which makes it easy to drive and functional to own. There are several different models available which include the diesel-powered model, a first for a midsize truck.

The interior of Colorado is very upscale with an easy to use infotainment center and four full-size doors. Although a single cab version isn’t available Colorado offers a lot of bang for the buck and you’ll enjoy owning this pickup truck a lot. The midsize Chevrolet pickup truck has come a long way in the past few decades, and this evolution has resulted in a stellar product.

GMC Sierra

The GMC Sierra has long been the corporate cousin of the Chevrolet Silverado. The difference between the two has always been styling and unique features, which the Sierra has in abundance. From the built-in MultiPro Tailgate to the beautiful infotainment center the GMC Sierra has it going on. The truck stands out from a crowded marketplace of similar pickup trucks, and if you are looking for comfort and versatility this is the truck to pick.

GMC has put the ball in the driver’s court with the Sierra, and the truck offers a stellar amount of value over its competition. The GMC Sierra stands out from the crowd in an array of competitors. The cushioned ride that’s coupled with the spacious interior makes for a truck that you can enjoy to drive on a long trip or around town.

Sources: Car and Driver