At the end of the year, we all post reviews of our favorite trucks. For 2022, MotorBiscuit chose the Ford Maverick as our Truck of the Year, along with other experts. There were so many trucks for sale this year, in so many configurations and with so many different capabilities, that it’s no wonder others chose different trucks. Which trucks do the experts say are the best trucks of 2022?
MotorBiscuit chose the efficient and fun Ford Maverick
The Ford Maverick isn’t just a terrific value, it’s also a surprisingly capable small truck, which is why it took top honors from MotorBiscuit this year. This truck isn’t built like the others, instead it’s basically a Ford Bronco Sport with a bed, and that’s not a bad thing. That means it comes with either an efficient hybrid engine or a turbocharged four-cylinder, and it can be ordered in new off-road versions. But it also holds 1,500 pounds in the bed and tows up to 4,000 pounds.
US News likes the Honda Ridgeline and three full-size trucks
US News says the Honda Ridgeline is his pick for the best compact truck. While the Ridgeline may not tackle the toughest jobs as well as a Ford Super Duty, it certainly can do most of the things we buy trucks for, like hauling, towing, and the occasional exploration of logging roads.
While US News was unequivocal in its love for a compact truck, the opposite was true for its full-size picks. For full-size trucks, there’s a triple tie between the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Rivian R1T. The F-150 has maintained its best-selling status for decades due to its utility and its ability to do everything from tackle off-roading to throwing on a tuxedo in Platinum packages. The Ram 1500 was recognized for its roomy and just plain nice interior. The Rivian R1T truck burst onto the market in 2022 as a luxury electric truck that seems to show what the promise of the electric truck can bring.
Car and Driver says the Ford Maverick is the best truck
The Maverick ended the year with several accolades. Car and Driver says it chose the Maverick as its top truck because of its value and its range of engines and options.
Kelley Blue Book took a different tack
While a bit long in the tooth, Kelley Blue book chose the aging Toyota Tacoma in Access Cab trim. KBB gears its picks toward those trucks that hold their value—it’s a used-car price guide site—so it’s not a huge surprise that the Tacoma took top honors. It is often mentioned as a popular truck that holds its value remarkably well. It’s also a fun and comfortable truck that many find just the right size. Kelley Blue Book’s Best Buy winner, however, is the Ford Maverick.
For a full-size pickup, KBB chose the 2023 Ford F-150 with a Regular Cab trim. Sure, this truck is a bestseller, it’s also incredibly configurable with hybrid, electric, and various gas-powered options, as well as multiple trim levels. The regular cab, however, is an interesting option for KBB, because it is a three-seater, two-door truck. However, these two-door pickups hold their value for those who drive them to work.
JD Power ranks Chevy and GMC at the top
JD Power says the GMC Sierra 1500 and its Chevy twin, the Silverado 1500, ranked as the No. 1 trucks of the year. Both scored an 85 in the JD Power ranking. Overall, both trucks earned “excellent” reliability and quality scores, as well as high driving experience scores and resale scores.
Popular Mechanics took a technological approach
Many of us grew up reading about transistor radio kits or weird airplanes in Popular Mechanics, so it makes sense that the magazine would pick Best Electric Super Truck. He picked up the new GMC Hummer EV because, well, who’s to deny that a 9,000 truck that can accelerate to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds isn’t amazing?
Popular Mechanics also selected the Ford Maverick for Best Value and the Honda Ridgeline for Best Road Manners. Most don’t qualify as Best Rock Crawler, and while many would expect the Ford Raptor to get the nod, PM says his favorite is the new Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 version, which uses MultiMatic magic shocks to grip the dirt. For his Best Budget Off-Road Performance truck, he chose the Toyota Tacoma SR5 Trail version, which can handle a lot of rough stuff with a ZR2, but costs $39,620, or about $30,000 less than the ZR2.