The weekends aren’t always used for rest and relaxation. For many people, the weekend provides valuable time that can used to take care of projects around the house or get outside and play. However, one’s ability to complete these weekend tasks can rely heavily on their access to a rugged, multi-purpose vehicle that allows them to haul, tow or transport without skipping a beat. For these individuals, this compilation of pickups is right up your alley. Below we’ve compiled our list of the top used pickup trucks best suited for the Weekend Warrior
2012 Ford F-150
- Manufactured with a base V6 engine that cranks out more than 300 horsepower, the 2012 F-150 can actually be had with one of four engines. The highest performing F-150’s come equipped with a 6.2-liter V8 making 411 horsepower and 434 lb-ft of torque.
- Fuel efficiency is typically hard to come by with trucks, but the available twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 version of the F-150 provides an EPA estimated 16 mpg city/22 mpg hwy. Combine that with an impressive 6.5-second 0 to 60 split, and the F-150’s combination of acceleration and efficiency is virtually unmatched in the truck world.
- The F-150 is well suited to life as a work truck. It can be equipped to perform a variety of work- and recreation-related chores, and little details like tailgate steps, trailer sway control, box side steps and the Work Solutions options make life easier for its owner.
- Says Edmunds: “The 2012 Ford F-150 offers so many models and useful features that customers should have no problem finding one that fits their needs.”
2014 GMC Sierra 1500
- With a beefed up base V6 compared to earlier models, the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 is better equipped to provide the heavy lifting for demanding owners. Standard on all but the SLT trim is a 4.3-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque. The SLT comes with a 5.3-liter V8 engine capable of towing up to 11,400 pounds.
- While the six-speed automatic transmission on the Sierra 1500 provides a smooth ride in normal driving, users also note the presence of noticeable gap between the transmission’s gear ratios when towing. Overall, however, the ride and handling dynamics are an upgrade over older models.
- An improved interior also makes GMC’s 2014 edition of the Sierra 1500 a strong option for weekend busy bodies with families, as the truck serves a dual purpose as a quality family shuttle.
- A wide range of body styles, an overhauled interior and a lineup of powerful and fuel-efficient engines make the 2014 GMC Sierra a solid pick in the full-size pickup class. (Edmunds)
2014 Toyota Tundra
- The 2014 Toyota Tundra comes with your choice of three different engines. The base V6 only produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb-feet of torque, but is decently economical at the pump, getting 16 mpg city/20 mpg hwy. However, the 5.7-liter V8 is the Tundra’s most powerful engine option, generating 381 horsepower, 401 lb-feet of torque and carrying a towing capacity of 10,400 pounds.
- The 2014 edition of the Tundra received a substantial makeover compared to its predecessors, as the interior design and special features are of higher quality and more driver-friendly. Leather appointments, reorienting the dashboard to be about two and half inches closer to the driver and making the general HUD more legible are just a few examples of the Tundra’s intuitive design.
- The Toyota’s light but accurate steering makes it fairly easy to drive on a daily basis, but the Tundra feels bigger and less comfortable than competing trucks.
- According to Edmonds, “The 2014 Toyota Tundra remains a capable workhorse among full-size pickups, but even with this year’s updates, it lags behind newer rivals in fuel efficiency and ride comfort.”
2013 Ram Pickup 1500
- Standard on the SLT, the 3.6-liter V6 engine in the Ram Pickup 1500 is stronger and more efficient than previous Ram models. Boasting 17 mpg city/25 mpg hwy, the V6 generates 305 horses and 269 lb-ft of torque, while the high-performing 5.7-liter V8 churns out 395 horsepower and 407 lb-ft of torque with a towing capacity of 10,450 pounds.
- Considering the Ram Pickup’s wide range of impressive attributes, the sharp handling and smooth ride of 2013 edition may be the most noteworthy. Astonishingly quiet and composed thanks to its coil-spring rear suspension, the Ram is well suited for long-distance drives.
- The Ram Pickup’s interior is among the highest-rated in its class, with comfortable yet supportive seating with ample legroom for passengers along with luxurious wood-grain trim and leather upholstery.
- With a winning combination of strong powertrains, a smooth ride and a well-trimmed cabin, the 2013 Ram 1500 is our top pick in the full-size pickup truck segment. (Edmunds)
2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- The 2014 Chevy Silverado offers plenty of power with its brawy 5.3-liter and 6.2-liter engines, but the biggest improvement with this model is the upgraded 4.3-liter V6 that cranks out 285 horsepower, 305 lb-ft of torque and can tow up 7,200 pounds. For those who don’t take their weekend warrioring super seriously, this version of the Silverado may be for you.
- In government crash tests, the Silverado was a top performer for safety, earning five stars for both frontal-impact safety and total side-impact safety.
- While the ride and handling dynamics are an improvement over older models, the Silverado still lacks agility around turns and can feel stiff and jarring compared to competitors when taken off-road.
- A wide range of body styles, an overhauled interior and a lineup of powerful and fuel-efficient engines make the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado a solid pick in the full-size pickup class. (Edmunds)
