Reliable 2020-Year Model Pickup Trucks

It is no secret that the market for used cars has grown exponentially. If you're in the market for a pickup truck, you may be wondering if it's better to buy a new or used one. But finding a reliable used pickup truck can be risky, especially in a saturated used car market.

According to Consumer Reports (CR), specific older pickup truck models are more reliable than new ones. In recent findings, it turns out that buying a 2020 model year truck is more reliable than some of the latest popular pickup models.

The 2020-year model Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra, and Chevrolet Colorado (aka the GMC Canyon) are the top picks of Consumer Reports for their reliability. Let's find out why.

Ford F-150

Ford is the leading automaker in the United States, and its F-series pickup remains America's best-selling vehicle for the 40th straight year. Since pickup trucks topped U.S. sales for decades, Ford retained their titles despite the ongoing shortage of semiconductor chips globally. In the auto industry, it's their 45th consecutive year of being the top-selling brand.

Over time, CR's reliability score for the 2020 Ford F-150 pickup truck has dropped. The predicted reliability for the latest 2022 model fell to an oddly low score of two out of five. It also has an average overall score of 60 out of 100. The newer Ford F-150s placed only second on the list of full-sized pickup trucks.

2020 F-150

The reliability score for the 2020 Ford F-150 is four out of five. The owner satisfaction score came in at the same four out of five as the 2022 score. The 2020-model year pickup truck came standard with automatic emergency braking (AEB) and forward-collision warning (FCW).

Powertrains: The 2020 model has an excellent selection of engines, and they're mostly paired with ten-speed automatic transmission.

• 2.7L Turbocharged EcoBoost with 325 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft torque
• 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 with 395 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft torque
• 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 with 290 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft torque

Fuel economy: The 2020 F-150 model with a smaller EcoBoost engine has the best fuel economy of 20 mpg (city) and 26 mpg (highway). For other motor options, the numbers can change slightly.

Cab styles: Three cab styles are available. The Regular Cab offers seating for three passengers with a front bench seat. Six passengers can sit in the SuperCab and SuperCrew models with the standard front bench seat.

Bed length: Choose from three options: 5.5 ft, 6.6 ft., and 8 ft.

Features: The cabin has various features but what's most impressive is the safety assist tech, such as a rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more.

2022 F-150

Ford launched the all-electric F-150 Lightning for the 2022 model. The automaker also added a new Black Appearance package for selected trims (XL, XLT, Lariat, and Platinum). The Bed Utility package comes standard on the upscale trims King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. But it is also available for selected trims (XL, XLT, Lariat, and Tremor).

Powertrains: There are five engine options for the 2022 model:

• 3.3L Ti-VCT V6 with 290 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. torque
• 2.7L EcoBoost Twin-Turbocharged V6 with 325 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. torque
• 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 with 400 horsepower and 400 lb.-ft. torque
• 3.5L EcoBoost Twin-Turbocharged V6 with 400 horsepower and 500 lb.-ft. torque
• 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 with 400 horsepower and 570 lb.-ft. torque

Fuel economy: The fuel economy ratings of 2022 F-150 models vary depending on the engine and trim option. The best rating it gets is 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined for the 2.7L EcoBoost Twin-Turbocharged V6 engine.

Cab styles: There are still three cab styles, but with slight variations—Regular Cab, SuperCab (extended), and SuperCrew.

Bed length: Since the 2022 model is available with multiple body styles, the bed length will vary on the buyer's choice of the trim option.

Features: Since the 2022 F-150 comes in various trims, the components will vary on the option chosen. But the newer model gets a larger infotainment screen. It also has additional safety features such as lane-keeping assist, automatic rear braking, blind-spot monitor, and more. Ford also added leather upholstery and several added convenience items to the interior. A locking cleat-style tie-downs and a tailgate step have also been added for the latest model. Another add-on is the new color palette called Atlas Blue.

Toyota Tundra

The Tundra may not be as best-selling as F-150, but it has been known for its reliability.

2020 Tundra

It has received a respectable score of five for reliability and a four out of five for owner satisfaction rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) mainly gave "good" scores for the 2020 model. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also approved the older model with mostly four- and five-star scores in their crashworthiness tests.

Powertrains: Despite the aging design and powertrain, the 2020 model offers a potent V8 engine and a stylized TRD Pro model with off-roading capabilities. The engine is uncommon for a V8 on a half-ton pickup truck, but it is conditioned to handle rugged applications. Every 2020 Tundra trim level has a powerful 5.7-liter V8 engine with 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft Torque. Choose from the standard rear-wheel drive or the optional four-wheel drive.

Fuel economy: Tundra’s weakest point is the fuel economy, and it is considered the worst in its class. The EPA rating for the 2WD model is 13 mpg (city) and 18 mpg (highway), while the 4WD has 13 (city) and 17 (highway) mpg ratings.

Towing: Buyers will have no problem accelerating and hauling because even its least capable configuration can pull at least 8800 pounds. It has a towing capacity of up to 10,200 pounds when properly equipped.

Ride quality: Tundra's 2020 model has a firm suspension. You can get upgraded shocks for models with the TRD Off-Road package or when you choose the TRD Pro trim. Be impressed with its improved ride quality that enables you to better manage body motions in corners.

Interior: The pickup’s interior is roomy, yet it has an outdated presentation that might feel cheap and rubbery. The Tundra's cabin layout is short on amenities and would be better with more truck accessories. But according to Car and Driver’s review, the rear-seat legroom is among the best for the crew cab.

2022 Tundra

Toyota refreshed the looks of Tundra’s 2014 model year, but it has been essentially unchanged since its debut in 2007. The Asian automaker gave a much-needed total redesign for the 2022 model year.

Powertrain: The latest Tundra is the only full-size pickup without a V-8 engine. Instead, Toyota offered two powertrain options and mated with 10-a speed automatic transmission:

Twin-turbo V6 with 389 horsepower and 479 lb.-ft. torque

Twin-turbo V6 hybrid engine with 437-horsepower and 583 lb.-ft. torque

Fuel economy: The 2022 Tundra 4WD Turbo engine has mpg ratings of 19 city, 17 highway, and 23 combined. The rear-wheel-drive Tundra powered by an i-Force Max hybrid engine has mpg ratings of 20 city, 24 highway, and 22 combined. The hybrid motor beats the old V8 by seven mpg.

Towing: The truck can tow up to 12,000 pounds which is a considerable increase over the 2021 model with only 10,200 pounds towing capacity. For payload capacity, it can haul up to 1,940 pounds.

Ride quality: Toyota added suspension performance upgrades for the 2022 Tundra model. The old leaf springs for the rear suspension have been replaced with coil springs. It provides better stability, handling, and a more comfortable ride. The latest model also has an option for adaptive variable suspension.

Features: The hybrid Tundra has an impressive modern design, a new multimedia system, and standard driving assistance features. The latest Tundra models (gas and hybrid) have more safety improvements. Aside from the standard safety-enhancing driving assistance features from the Toyota Sense 2.5 suite, it also includes the following:

• Automatic high beams
• Road sign assist
• Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
• Lane tracing assist
• Dynamic cruise control

Chevrolet Colorado (GMC Canyon)

The Colorado and Canyon are like cross-town twins—and they’re perfect traditional pickup-truck buyers. They are identical in many ways but differ in their front end, base price, and off-road options.

2020 model

Both got two out of five stars for their reliability and owner satisfaction scores. Despite the two stars, they work out to be about average mid-size trucks. The IIHS gave Colorado the highest “good” score on the crashworthiness tests and the design of the front end and sides. NHTSA also gave both trucks mostly four-star ratings.

Engine: Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon have torque-heavy diesel engines.

• 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine (6-speed automatic) with 200 horsepower and 191 lb.-ft torque
• 3.6-liter V6 engine (8-speed automatic) with 308 hp and 275 lb.-ft. torque
• 2.8-liter turbodiesel 4-cylinder engine (6-speed automatic) with 186 hp and 369 lb.-ft. torque

Fuel economy: The turbodiesel engines in the GM-made pickup trucks earned an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

Towing: The standard engine of both pickup truck models can tow up to 3,500 pounds. The 3.6-liter V6 engine delivers a 7,000-pound towing capacity. The variant with a 2.8-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine provides a 7,700-pound towing capacity.

Features: The 2020 Canyon comes with a luxurious-looking chrome grille, assist steps in chrome, and a spray-on bed liner. Check out some tonneau covers and add them onto a secondhand truck to protect the truck bed. For the 2020 Colorado, the ZR2 variant includes an altered front end that improves the approach angle when of-roading. Aside from other interior and exterior features, it comes with unique wheels and all-terrain tires.

2022 model

Consumer Reports put the 2022 Colorado in compact and mid-size categories, but GM calls the 2022 Colorado a small truck. CR also gave the latest GM-made Canyon and Colorado 45 out of 100 overall scores. Both got 61 out of 100 in the road test. They also have the same predicted reliability of two out of five. However, the owner satisfaction score of one out of five was surprisingly low.

Engine: Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon have torque-heavy diesel engines.

• 2.5-liter 4-cylinder base engine with 200 horsepower and 191 lb.-ft torque
• 3.6-liter DOHC V6 engine with 308 hp and 275 lb.-ft. torque
• 2.8-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine upgrades with 186 hp and 369 lb.-ft. torque

Fuel economy: Oddly, the fuel economy ratings for the latest pickups have decreased. The turbodiesel engines in the GM-made pickup trucks earned an EPA-estimated 18 mpg (city) and 22 mpg (highway).

Towing: Since both trucks are twins, many similar elements apply to them. The Canyon has a 1,555-pound payload, and the towing goes up to 7,700-pounds with the diesel engine.

Features: For the 2022 model, GMC Canyon has a Denali Black Edition. It has interior and exterior upgrades such as gloss black chrome rims, all-weather floor liners, and other black accessories. Some advanced tech features and high-end features in the base and top trims of Canyon are not available in Colorado. Such features include:

• Premium audio system
• Wood trim (ash)
• Wireless smartphone charger
• Heated/ventilated leather seats

These truck options are the most reliable based on NHTSA ratings and the evaluation of the nonprofit organization IIHS. When you’re planning to purchase a used vehicle, it’s better to do your research and check the reports from Consumer Ratings and other reliable sources. They can help you make an informed decision on the reliability of the pickup truck.