Looking for a new truck for the new year? Here are three full-size pickup trucks to tow your way through 2023 with more than 12,000 pounds of towing capacity. But don’t order the base model and think it’ll pull your airstream: you’ll need to find the right combination to get the most out of your new pickup.
Tow your way through 2023 with the Ford F-150 pickup truck
At the top of the list of best trucks for towing by U.S. News, the 2023 Ford F-150 stole the show. Spacious, comfortable, and highly capable have made the F-150 a best seller for years. Now for 2023, Ford offers more trim levels and powertrain options to suit many buyers’ needs. 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 either bed size will also do. While the V8 is a good option, the 400-hp twin-turbo V6 is the 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-beam headlights come standard, too.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 14,000 lbs
MSRP Range: $34,585 – $84,910
Don’t overlook the Ram 1500 if you need a new pickup truck to tow with
There isn’t much to dislike about the 2022 Ram 1500. It offers a comfortable ride but is still highly capable, with a maximum towing capacity of 12,750 pounds. The Ram truck has roomy seats that adults will be comfortable in and a more luxurious cabin than any others in the lineup. As far as safety features go, you’ll want to add some. The only standard safety feature is a rearview camera.
To get those max tow numbers, buyers should opt for the 5.7L Hemi V8 engine with 395 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. Add the Quad-Cab Ram 1500 and rear-wheel drive to get the maximum number of 12,750 pounds.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2022 Ram 1500 high scores on all crash tests. Opt for LED projector headlights, if possible, for better forward visibility. It was a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, too.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 12,750 lbs
MSRP Range: $35,900 – $77,780
You’ll have no trouble towing with the GMC Sierra 1500
A 2022 GMC Sierra | GMC
What’s not to like about the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500? After the refresh in 2022, the Sierra has an updated interior and an all-new infotainment system. GMC uses a turbodiesel inline-six that gets 277 hp and 460 lb-ft 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 cabin suitable for adults. 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 all standard.
The Sierra received a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 13,200 lbs
MSRP Range: $31,200 – $81,900
At the end of the day, any of these pickup trucks are good to tow with. The added safety features don’t hurt, but be sure your next truck has all the features you are looking for. You might need to add a package or two to get the most out of it.