Many drivers consider the pickup truck the most versatile means of transportation. Tradespeople enjoy the towing and payload capacity that can be utilized for occupational tasks. The pickup truck has also been the favorite of many off-roaders and adventurers for many years, as 4WD and elevated ground clearance are necessary to facilitate travel on the most inhospitable terrains. Getting the right pickup truck for your needs is as easy as visiting NJ State Auto Used Cars. We have many used trucks for sale in a variety of different makes and models. Which truck is best suited for you? Well, we’ve combed through our inventory and made some choice selections.
GMC Sierra 1500
The close sibling of the Chevy Silverado, the GMC Sierra combines the bowtie brand’s work ethic with the sophistication commonly associated with Cadillac and Buick. The Sierra 1500 has all of the capabilities many drivers look for in a pickup, such as impressive towing and payload capacity, with the items and amenities making time behind the wheel enjoyable.
For example, the 2022 Sierra had four unique engines, including two V8s, a turbocharged four-cylinder, and a diesel-fueled six-cylinder, all providing exceptional performance. If you’re looking for a competent towing machine, both V8s can pull over 11,000 lbs and facilitate a payload exceeding 2,000 lbs.
Drivers who spend considerable time on the road can take advantage of the diesel engine’s exceptional fuel economy. EPA estimates show that when properly equipped, the 2022 Sierra 1500 can achieve 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway for a combined total of 26 MPG.
In addition to the capabilities related to performance, the Sierra has always been known for giving drivers the luxuries and amenities that exceed expectations. More recent model years offer an available 13.4-inch infotainment screen that connects to the apps that drivers use daily. Trims such as the Denali come with luxury-appointed items and an interior designed to place drivers in the lap of luxury. Off-road-ready trims like the AT4 are primed to facilitate your next adventure, regardless of where it might be.
Chevy Colorado
We’re not sure who was the first to remark that “big things come in small packages,” but we’re pretty sure someone took the Chevy Colorado for a test drive. Chevy’s midsize pickup truck, which competes against the Nissan Frontier and Ford Ranger, provides prowess and capability while also being agile enough to navigate the city streets in New Jersey.
The Colorado has consistently led its class in towing capability throughout recent model years, rating 7,700 lbs when properly equipped. Highly versatile in its applications, multiple trims are great for any task the truck has in front of it. The WT trim is ideal for occupational goals, whereas the ZR2 trim is off-road-ready. Drivers can harness diesel power in a Colorado built between 2019 and 2022, when the truck still came equipped with a capable four-cylinder Duramax.
Chevy has always provided its fleet with plenty of tech-savvy items that ensure connectivity and safety on the road ahead. If access to apps and other technologies is essential, then the Colorado is a great choice. Since the 2023 model year, an 11.3-inch infotainment screen has come standard across all trims. Exceeding expectations in towing and technology, the Chevy Colorado is the midsize truck that checks all the boxes.
Toyota Tacoma
While pickup trucks have always been closely tied to domestic brands such as Ford, Chevy, Ram, and GMC, plenty of exciting imports have proven to be just as capable. The Toyota Tacoma has proven time and time again to be an exciting alternative. Toyota’s midsize offering is just as capable as its counterparts in terms of towing and payload abilities. Since 2024, it has come with an available hybrid powertrain with exceptional performance and fuel economy that outdoes the competition.
The Tacoma comes in multiple trim levels that suit any driver’s needs. The TRD Sport is formulated for urban performance, making it ideal for drivers in New Jersey who navigate city streets. Its counterpart, the TRD Off-Road trim, allows drivers to get away from it all and embark on their next adventure.
An advantage of the Tacoma is its sustainability. Toyota vehicles have always been known for their ability to last well past 100,000 miles. As long as it’s properly maintained, a used Toyota Tacoma will go the distance for you and be a noteworthy investment. Besides its sustainability, any trim of a used Toyota Tacoma comes with several standard safety and driving assistance features, allowing you to drive with peace of mind.
Ram 1500
The results have been miraculous since Ram separated from Dodge and became its own brand. Ram trucks are known for their stylish designs, comfortable interiors, and performance, which sets them apart. A used Ram 1500 can offer you everything you’ve been looking for in a pickup. There are multiple trims the Ram 1500 comes in, from the Tradesman suited for occupational purposes, to the TRX, ideally suited for off-roading and adventuring. You have an opportunity to locate a used TRX rather easily, as 2024 was the final model year in which it was still produced.
Besides the final year the TRX was in production, any Ram 1500 made before 2024 has the unrivaled prowess that comes from a HEMI V8. A Ram 1500 with a HEMI V8 offers remarkable performance and towing capacity. From 2021 onwards, the Ram 1500 has benefited from a mild hybrid system called “e-torque’ which improves fuel economy and performance.
The interior of the Ram 1500 is designed with sophistication and refinement at the forefront. Because connectivity is crucial for the modern driver, Ram has never disappointed. Any Ram 1500 built before the 2024 model year has an available 12-inch infotainment system screen with Uconnect, an immersive software system that offers connectivity to apps, navigation, and multiple features that make time behind the wheel enjoyable. Performance, sophistication, and technological innovation are all part and parcel with purchasing a used Ram 1500.
Ford F-150
It’s impossible to discuss pickup trucks without mentioning the Ford F-150. The most popular and highest-selling pickup in the US, the F-150 has set the standard for what pickup trucks should aspire to since its debut in 1975. Available in multiple trims and with several available powertrains, the F-150 is a highly versatile and adaptable vehicle that any truck driver would be thrilled to call their own.
Since 2021, the F-150 has come with everything a potential used truck buyer wants. The F-150 trims adhere to the needs of any driver. Tradespeople can utilize the XL and XLT trims and take full advantage of their towing and payload capabilities, which have consistently exceeded 12,000 lbs when properly equipped. Off-roaders on a budget have a means of adventure in the Tremor, which offers skid plates and a specially designed suspension for a lower cost than other off-road-ready trims from the competing brands.
The available powertrains for a used F-150 are varied and check all the boxes, not to mention that all of them have been paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission since 2021. From a venerable V8 dubbed the “Coyote” to various turbocharged V6 engines and a hybrid powertrain that balances fuel economy and performance, the prowess and pedigree of Ford’s flagship product are without question. The F-150 also provides an intuitive and user-friendly experience behind the wheel, thanks to its SYNC software setup that offers connectivity and cutting-edge innovation.
A Pickup for Every Type of Driver and Lifestyle
Truck drivers have high expectations when it comes to the vehicle they drive. Whether you’re a tradesperson looking for towing and payload capacity or a means to embark on an adventure, choosing the right make and model is crucial. As we’ve seen, some trucks are designed to serve as capable workhorses on the job site, while others provide unsurpassed luxury and comfort, not to mention a means to keep you connected when you’re on the road. Whatever you’re looking for, we’ve got something in our inventory that will suit you perfectly.