Looking for a new truck for the new year? Here are three full-size pickup trucks to tow through 2023 with over 12,000 pounds of towing capacity. But don’t order the base model and think it’ll grab your airflow—you’ll need to find the right combination to get the most out of your new truck.
Tow your way to 2023 with the Ford F-150 Pickup
At the top of the list of the best trucks to tow around US News, the 2023 Ford F-150 stole the show. Roomy, comfortable and highly capable have made the F-150 a bestseller for years. Now, for 2023, Ford offers more trim levels and powertrain options to meet the needs of many buyers. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come on the new infotainment system.
To get the maximum towing capacity of 14,000 pounds, you’ll want to opt for the Super Cab with the eight-foot bed. The SuperCrew with any size bed will also work. While the V8 is a good choice, the 400-hp twin-turbo V6 is best for towing.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration even gave the 2023 Ford F-150 a five-star safety rating. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams also come standard.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 14,000 lbs.
MSRP Range: $34,585 – $84,910
Don’t overlook the Ram 1500 if you need to tow a new truck
There’s not much to dislike about the 2022 Ram 1500. It offers a comfortable ride but is still very capable, with a maximum towing capacity of 12,750 pounds. The Ram truck has roomy seats adults will feel comfortable in and a more luxurious cabin than anything else in the line. As for security features, you’ll want to add a few. The only standard safety feature is a rear view camera.
To get those maximum towing numbers, buyers should opt for the 5.7L Hemi V8 with 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. Add the Ram 1500 Quad-Cab and rear-wheel drive for the maximum amount of 12,750 pounds.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2022 Ram 1500 high scores in all crash tests. Opt for LED projector headlights, if possible, for better forward visibility. It was also an IIHS maximum security pick.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 12,750 lbs.
MSRP Range: $35,900 – $77,780
You’ll have no trouble towing with the GMC Sierra 1500
What’s not to like about the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500? After the update in 2022, the Sierra has an updated interior and an all-new infotainment system. GMC uses a straight-six turbodiesel engine that makes 277 hp and 460 pound-feet of torque. With this engine, rear-wheel drive and the 6.6-foot bed, the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 can tow 13,200 pounds.
Drivers and experts agree that the Sierra has a huge, adult-friendly cabin. It offers a smooth ride and added more standard safety features for this year. Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist are standard.
The Sierra received a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a five-star safety rating from NHTSA.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 13,200 lbs.
MSRP Range: $31,200 – $81,900
At the end of the day, any of these trucks is good for towing. Added safety features don’t hurt, but make sure your next truck has all the features you’re looking for. You may need to add a package or two to get the most out of it.