Comparison of American pickups: which model to choose?
American pickups are automotive icons. Strong, tough and ready for anything, they combine the best qualities of passenger cars, vans and SUVs with a stylish look. In the States there are much more of them than in Europe, they are also much cheaper, and in addition, you can shoot such a version that European roads did not have the opportunity to carry. If this is the car for you, there is only one question left — which pickup truck from the USA to choose? We compare several popular models — check it out!
American pickups for sale — what to be interested in?
Pickups are already popular all over the world, but their history began in the United States and it is in the American market that it is worth looking for inspiration. Residents of the United States willingly choose American car brands, especially since the pickup is also a symbol of local culture, patriotism and national pride.
A typical multi-year pickup from the USA has RWD (rear-wheel drive) or 4 × 4 and 2—6 seats (depending on the options chosen when purchasing); from about 2008, automatic transmissions, usually 8- or 10-speed, already dominate. Most pickups from the States are gasoline or diesel, which, however, tolerate the installation of LPG quite well. Hardtops are available for all models presented below.
1. Ford F-150 — one of America's most powerful pickups
model Ford F-150 from USA is a legend — one of the most recognizable and best-selling pickup trucks in history. If we were to sum it up in one word, it would be “tough.” For example, Raptors are usually powered by engines V8 with power from 250 to more than 400 hp and a capacity of up to 6.2 liters. Payload of about a ton and towing capabilities of up to several tons (in the latest models even more than 6!) They make it a vehicle for special tasks. From 2022, a Ford F-150 Lightning with an electric drive of 432 or 571 hp and a range of up to 480 km is available for sale. It is also worth paying attention to versions with an EcoBoost engine with high power and torque, despite the reduced capacity (2.7-3.5 l) - the excise rate will be lower.
The advantage of vehicles of the F-150 series, and especially the Raptor, is a comfortable interior, which is not a strong point of pickups. In newer models you will find modern multimedia systems (with touch screen and CarPlay/Android Auto) and safety (e.g. adaptive cruise control, collision warning system, lane assistant), as well as a generator function.
Ford F-150 are large cars, even for pickups - their length most often exceeds 6 m. We recommend them for work, for longer routes and expeditions: rather for special tasks than for daily driving around a large and crowded city.
2. Dodge RAM 1500 — a strong competitor to the Ford F-150 with exceptional character
The RAM 1500 from the USA is the basic model of the Dodge pickup. On the market you will most often find variants with engines from V6 3 l Eco-Diesel to V8 6.4 l Hemi. In the sports-performance version of the TRX you will find a unit with a power of 712 hp and 880 Nm of torque and adaptive suspension system with widely spaced wheels — It's a pretty blunt answer to the Ford Raptor. In some versions, however, the car reaches up to 7.3 m in length - it is a giant.
Not every RAM is that tough, but in general they are full-size pickups adapted for heavy transport and harsh conditions. With a fairly high curb weight, they have a lower load capacity compared to the competitor (usually less than a ton), and on the hook they can carry about 3.5 t as standard - and these values are still impressive.
Many value 1500 RAMs for their appearance - in this respect they are iconic Dodge from USA in a muscular style, with powerful silhouettes, dominating the rest with masks and aggressive lines. Since 2018, however, they have become more rounded, they have gained numerous rounded accents and headlights placed closer to the hood, which is no longer so strongly accentuated.
3. Another tough guy — Chevrolet Silverado, and for the less demanding: Chevy Colorado
The Chevrolet Silverado is another full-size upscale pickup, and it's one of the most prized in the U.S. You will buy it with both a basic (eg L6 3 l Duramax) and a reinforced 6.2 l V8 EcoTec3 engine, producing 420 horsepower and up to 609 Nm of torque. In the latest models you can load up to 1.5 tons per pack, and to the trailer - more than 8... In premium versions, the manufacturer took care of the towing assistance: cameras and systems to monitor the stability of the trailer. The icing on the cake is the classic, elegant design of the car. In newer models, however, it takes on predation: a large grill appears, and small and high-set headlights harmonize with C-shaped LEDs.
Chevrolet also stands out from the mid-range model - Colorado. It is smaller (5.3 m long) and more compact, also available with a manual gearbox. The engine is unlikely to exceed 3.6 l, even in the sports version, but reaches up to more than 300 hp of power. It is a car for the less demanding, which, however, works well in any situation - in the city, for everyday work or on a trip.
4. GMC Sierra — a combination of luxury and performance
GMC Sierra is in turn one of the most luxurious pickups in the United States — especially in the Denali Trim version, which includes classic leather and wooden accessories, a high-end Bose sound system or heated and ventilated seats. This car shows that a pickup can be both practical and convenient. Added to this are advanced safety systems, including collision warning and blind spot monitoring. The GMC MultiPro Tailgate also does the job: an innovative cargo box flap with six different functions. A powerful engine, such as the 6.2L V8 EcoTec3 with 420 horsepower, gives this model a payload and lifting capacity similar to the Ford F-150 and RAM 1500.
Popular non-American pickups from the USA
If your dream is not necessarily an American pickup, but just a reliable and economical car of this style, then follow in the footsteps of many drivers from the USA and choose... Toyota or Nissan. You will also buy a Japanese pickup in good condition in this market, and it is usually cheaper than the model of the American brand.
Brands like Toyota and Nissan pay a little less attention to the bloodiness of engines or luxury accessories — they prioritize driving economy and advanced technologies over them.
1. Toyota Tacoma — as popular as the American pickup
For almost 20 years, the mid-size Toyota Tacoma pickup has been one of the most popular car models in this segment. This 2- or 4-door car is most often available with an R4 or V6 engine with a capacity of 2.4 to 6 liters. Among the many used vehicles available for sale in the US, you will find cars with both manual (5—6 gears) and automatic transmission (4—5). For 2024, the brand has planned the launch of the new generation of Tacoma - on the GA-F platform, with a stiffer body, disc brakes throughout the range and electric power steering. So it's worth watching the market.
2. Toyota Tundra — a full-size pickup for the demanding
Tundra models are among the Japanese leaders in towing — their capacities exceed 5 t with a payload of about 900 kg. These cars have more powerful engines, mainly V6 and V8 generating up to more than 400 horsepower. The manufacturer also uses hybrid powertrains (up to 437 hp and 583 Nm of torque), which combine high power with fuel efficiency — a win-win for drivers in Europe. Again, we have a simple frame design, perfectly adapted to harsh conditions, advanced security and multimedia systems. For those looking for luxury, we recommend Platinum and 1794 Edition versions with prestigious sound system and elegant interior trim.
By similar parameters, the Nissan Titan is distinguished, also available in a version with a powerful 5.6 l Endurance V8 unit. Its towing capacity is slightly lower, but the vehicle has an advantage in the form of safety systems (such as automatic emergency braking or cross traffic warning).
3. Nissan Frontier — for those looking for a smaller, agile pickup
If you're looking for something smaller, check out the Nissan Frontier, Navara's counterpart in the US and Canadian markets. Measures maximum 5.4 m, and carries more than a ton of cargo and towes up to 3500 kg. At its heart is one of the more popular 2.3 DCI Turbo Diesel engine options in two variants: Single Turbo (economical, good for everyday use) and Twin Turbo (for special tasks). Interestingly, even in the basic versions, the Nissan Frontier has a spacious, comfortable interior and great equipment, it can also be found in a variant with a luxurious trim.
An interesting proposal from the catalog of this brand is also the Nissan Titan, produced since 2015 in the second generation - already with a turbocharged V8 engine with a maximum power of 310 hp and a torque of 752 Nm. Many of these models are equipped with leather upholstery, wooden accessories and a modern information system - so the car also looks really great.
Why pickups from the USA?
For more than 100 years, pickups have been used mainly in the States, Australia or Brazil, and today we find them more and more often in Europe, including Poland, and also in large cities. However there is simply more to the American pickup market — it's easier to find the desired engine or equipment options. They are also much cheaper, because on average by 30-40%. Even after taking into account transport costs, taxes and customs duties, the amount is significantly lower than the market value of the vehicle in Europe.
In addition, you can buy an iconic or luxury pickup truck after the crossings for almost no price, repair it in Poland and use it successfully for the next few years or resell it profitably. Such opportunities are created by car auctions popular in the United States - many auctioneers simply want to get rid of it quickly.
How to buy an American pickup truck?
Take advantage of the help of our company Bryki from America. We have been bidding, buying and importing to Poland for years cars from the USA. We will deliver your dream car from the States straight to your door.
- We are looking for a pickup. You specify the make, model, vintage, engine version, equipment, etc., and we search for the desired vehicle at auctions. We estimate the costs, taking into account transportation, the amount of customs duties, VAT and excise, and the preparation of the car for registration. We check the history, technical condition and safety of the car in Carfax and EpicVin databases (free of charge). We can also order a paid inspection of the car. If our offer is suitable for you, we sign the contract and ask for a deposit.
- We bid and buy a car. We bid on your car at the auction on your behalf: you can watch it live, we are also in constant contact. If the car is unique and you want to fight for it, then we can adjust the budget together; otherwise, we stick to the arrangements. If we lose the bid, we make further attempts or return the deposit. However, we usually achieve the goal and then we ask you to pay the car fee, commission, transport costs and insurance.
- We organize transport, complete the formalities and deliver the car. We pick up the auctioned vehicle from the auction site and take it to the nearest port, from where it will leave for Rotterdam or Bremerhaven. Further, through us, it is taken over by the customs agency, which carries out the clearance, charges customs fees and taxes. On the basis of the received settlement, you settle the receivables, and we deliver your car to the indicated address (throughout Poland). We settle the deposit and our services and send a set of documents. The whole procedure takes only up to 6 weeks.
Who are American pickups for?
- For entrepreneurs, especially in the construction industry. You will efficiently and safely transport the crew and the necessary materials, tools at the same time. You can even transport heavy equipment on a wheelbarrow or in a trailer. An excavated construction site or unpaved access will no longer be a problem. If you do not need a large van yet, and a personal one is no longer enough for you, the pickup will work great.
- For farmers and breeders — it is with American farmers in mind that pickups were created. In many situations, you can replace an impractical tractor with a car - for example, to transport vegetables or fruits, fertilizers or feed. You will push a trailer for transporting animals into the pickup truck. It will be much easier for you to navigate along the way among other traffic users, and you will get more done along the way.
- For active sports and campers. The pickup is directly created for towing a caravan, boat, scooter or quad. You can also convert it into a camper — build a deck. You can also buy such campervans in the USA. The numerous features of the SUV will allow you to make many hitherto inaccessible expeditions with elements of offroad or wild camping.
- For fans of big, strong cars and expressive style. Many pickups, especially in the sports version, provide an adrenaline rush and pure driving pleasure. These are powerful, fast and aggressive cars: both from the inside and from the outside. In addition, in the United States, these cars are personalized in so many ways that you can find among them a unique model that will make you stand out.
FAQ:
- What are the most popular American pickups?
Among the most popular American pickups are the Ford F-150, RAM 1500, Chevrolet Silverado and Colorado, and GMC Sierra. Americans are also happy to choose Japanese pickups.
- How much is RAM from the USA?
A multi-year RAM 1500 from the USA at auction can have a starting price of around 15 thousand dollars.
- Is it worth investing in old American pickups?
Pickups are icons of American automotive and culture, hence old popular models or unique examples gain collector's value over time. However, due to fluctuating demand, it is difficult to estimate future profit. Bryka specialists from America will be happy to advise individually: we encourage you to contact us.
