When shopping for an affordable truck, towing capacity is often a key consideration. However, not all trucks in the budget range live up to expectations in this area. While they may be great for daily driving or light work, their towing capabilities can fall short. Here are 8 affordable trucks that might disappoint when it comes to hauling heavier loads.
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Ford Ranger (2023 Model)
The 2023 Ford Ranger might be stylish and capable in many aspects, but its base trim only offers a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. Compared to other mid-size trucks, this figure is noticeably low, which could be a dealbreaker for buyers who need more power for towing. While the optional tow package improves capacity to 7,500 pounds, it still lags behind competitors in the same category. Many expect more from a truck bearing the Ford name, making the base model less appealing for heavy-duty tasks.
Honda Ridgeline (2023 Model)
While the Honda Ridgeline is celebrated for its smooth, SUV-like ride, its towing ability is less impressive. The maximum towing capacity is capped at 5,000 pounds, significantly lower than other trucks in the same price range. For buyers who prioritize towing, this might be a disappointment despite the truck’s other strengths. The Ridgeline remains a solid option for light towing, but it doesn’t deliver on heavier jobs.
Ford Maverick (2023 Model)
The Ford Maverick, a compact truck hybrid, offers a towing capacity of only 2,000 pounds in its base model. Though it excels in fuel efficiency and offers modern features at an affordable price, its towing ability falls short. To reach a more respectable towing capacity of 4,000 pounds, buyers must upgrade to the pricier EcoBoost engine with an optional tow package.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT (2022 Model)
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 WT, despite being a full-size truck, delivers a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds in its base form. While this seems like a decent figure, it’s lower than what competitors in the same class offer. Other full-size trucks manage to pull well over 9,000 pounds without upgrades, leaving the base Silverado 1500 a step behind. For serious towing, buyers would need to move up to more powerful trims.
RAM 1500 Classic Tradesman (2022 Model)
With a towing capacity of 7,730 pounds in its base trim, the RAM 1500 Classic Tradesman doesn’t quite match the expectations for a full-size truck. Although this number is serviceable for light to moderate tasks, it underperforms compared to similarly priced competitors. To enhance its towing power, buyers must invest in costlier upgrades.
Hyundai Santa Cruz (2023 Model)
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a unique blend of truck and crossover, but its towing capacity of 3,500 pounds in the base model leaves much to be desired. While its unibody design offers a smoother ride, it sacrifices the power expected from a truck. Buyers needing more towing power must upgrade to the turbocharged engine, which still only reaches 5,000 pounds. For a truck this affordable, the towing capability doesn’t align with expectations.
Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD (2022 Model)
The Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is marketed as a heavy-duty truck, but its base model underperforms with a towing capacity of 14,500 pounds. Though this may seem high compared to mid-size trucks, heavy-duty trucks in the same category offer much higher figures. Buyers seeking top towing performance need to look at pricier versions, where the truck’s capabilities truly shine. In its base form, it doesn’t quite justify its heavy-duty label.
Jeep Gladiator Overland (2023 Model)
The Jeep Gladiator Overland is a solid off-road performer, but its towing capacity is not as impressive. With only 4,000 pounds of towing power in the base trim, it lags behind other mid-size trucks. Though additional packages can enhance its capability, they come at a steep cost. For buyers prioritizing towing over off-roading, the Gladiator Overland might not deliver the expected value.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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