Choosing the best 3/4-ton truck depends on different factors, including drivability, reliability, and comfort. So, you should select your desired truck based on your transportation concerns.
Three-quarter-ton trucks are among the most sought-after automobile makes in the market. But, with plenty of brands and models out there, it’s understandable if you are at a loss trying to choose the right truck for your needs.
To help you out, we came up with a shortlist of the best 3/4-ton trucks.
6 Best 3/4 Ton Trucks in the Market
Ford F-250 Super Duty
The Ford F-250 Super Duty makes it to our list of the top 3/4-ton trucks because of its unmatched capabilities in nearly all the review areas. With six different trim levels, consumers get to match their trucking and towing issues with the features of the models.
Super Duty is available in an all-new 7.3 gas V8 and a Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel engine. It also has a 6.2-liter gas engine for those who wouldn’t require the ‘maximalist’ towing capacity of the big engines.
For a price of $34,230 (MSRP), Ford F-250 provides a maximum towing capacity of 20,000 pounds. The maximum payload capacity is 4,323 pounds. It is available in regular, SuperCab, and CrewCab cab sizes.
Also, you can choose between two-bed dimensions: 6 feet 9.6 inches and 8 feet 2.4 inches.
Ford F-250 trim level options are XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited. The XL is the lowest trim level option, with the Limited being the highest and most expensive configuration.
All trim levels run on a 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic and a 10-Speed Shiftable Automatic transmission.
Ford-250 Super Duty Best Trim Level
We find the 2021 Ford F-250 XLT trim level to be the best among all Ford’s 3/4-ton trucks. The XLT comes with several tailored features, which largely appeal to the truckers’ luxury and towing needs.
The features include blind-spot monitoring, smartphone integration, automatic emergency braking, household-style outlets, and power windows.
The XLT also comes with standout safety features, including an audible and visual pre-collision warning system, front automatic emergency braking, rearview camera, sensor, and trailer coverage blind spot safety.
Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
What makes the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD trucks stand out is that they come with near-perfect engine configurations ideal for all-rounded trucking and towing functions.
The 2500HD comes with a standard 6.6-liter V8 engine and an upgraded 6.6-liter Duramax turbo-diesel V8 engine.
For an average MSRP of $36,100, you get superior trucking machines with 36,000-pound maximum towing capacity and 7,442-pound maximum payload capacity.
The Silverado 2500HD Truck has five different trim level options: Work Truck, Custom, LT, LTZ, and High Country. It also comes with different cab setups: regular, double, and crew cabs.
These options provide extensive variety for you to match your needs.
Work Truck is the lowest model level, with the High Country being the grandest, most expensive configuration of the Silverado 2500HD.
The High-Country model brings additional luxury and safety features, which justify the premium price tag. Such features include:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- A Bose audio system
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Wireless smartphone integration
Silverado’s all trim levels run with 6-Speed Shiftable Automatic Transmission.
Chevy Silverado 2500HD Best Trim Level
LTZ model is the best of the Silverado trims. It combines optimal towing capabilities and modest truck features suitable for the reserved yet stylish middle-aged groups.
LTZ’s useful features include:
- An integrated trailer brake controller
- Heated power-adjustable front seats
- Power-folding mirrors
Also, LTZ has several unique features, making it competitive among its peers. They include a heated driver’s seat, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and leather-trimmed upholstery. The model is also fitted with a rearview camera to enhance driving safety.
GMC Sierra 2500HD
The GMC Sierra 2500HD is among the strongest and most capable 3/4 ton trucks to consider for your trucking and towing needs. This truck is available in regular, double, and crew cabs. For an MSRP of $36,100, you get a versatile 6.6-liter gas V8 or a 6.6-liter diesel V8.
The Sierra 3/4-ton truck is available in 5 different trim options: Base, SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali. All the trim levels run on a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission type. They are designed to handle a maximum towing capacity of 14,500 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 3,900 pounds.
The Base is the basic trim level, offering standard features such as trailering mirrors, inside cabin trailer brakes control, and remote keyless entry.
The Denali is the grandest, most expensive model fitted with extensive luxury and tech-based features such as:
- Cab’s side steps
- A navigation system
- Leather interior
- A Bose audio system
- A bed-view camera
This high-end Sierra model has additional safety features, including a surround-view and cargo area camera system, front and rear parking sensors, and front automatic emergency braking.
The model also integrates an exclusive safety system through its pre-collision warning system, with a vibrating driver’s seat, visual warning, and audible alert.
GMC Sierra 2500HD Best Trim Level
We found the SLT trim level to be the best option among the GMC Sierra 2500HD series as it appeals to the truckers’ extensive needs, including comfort, work, and safety concerns.
Also, SLT’s benefits cut across the consumer classes, i.e., you get both the luxury of a high-end vehicle owner and the bargain price of a middle-class buyer.
GM attempts to address these concerns in its SLT series through inventive feature integration. The additional features include:
- All-terrain tires
- A backup camera
- A 120-volt power outlet
- Heated front seats
What’s more, the SLT trim has an option for personalizing the safety and tech-based features. Check out our detailed comparison between SLT and SLE.
RAM 2500
Not to be outdone, the RAM Pickup 2500 is designed to handle a wide variety of trucking and towing challenges. This capability is enabled by RAM’s availability in two engine technologies: the standard 6.4L HEMI V8 engine and 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel I6 engine.
A variety of features are provided in its seven trim level options. They include Tradesman, Big Horn, Lone Star, Laramie, Power Wagon, Laramie Longhorn, and Limited.
With the MSRP of $34,345, you get a HEMI 6.4-liter V8, 410hp 429-ft-lb engine. This engine configuration has a maximum towing capacity of 15,040 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 3,940 pounds.
The Tradesman basic trim level offers performance-based features, including a seven-pin wiring harness and a Class V receiver hitch. It is also installed with standard safety features like a rearview camera, trailer sway damping, and hill start assist.
Comfort is improved with features like push-button start, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, two USB ports, and a six-speaker audio system.
The Limited trim level is the grandest, most expensive model in the RAM 2500 series. It offers exclusive features, including all-terrain tires, performance-tuned shock absorbers, hill descent control, underbody protective skid plates, and an electric winch.
RAM 2500 Best Trim Level
The Big Horn trim level is the best among the 2021 RAM 2500 series. We opted for this model because it bundles many useful features. These features place the Big Horn model in a unique position among its peers in the market.
Some of the exclusive safety features include engine immobilizer anti-theft system, front seatbelt force limiters, side curtain airbags, ventilated disc front brake type, and passenger switch airbag deactivation.
Also, the Big Horn model integrates the latest technological installations for a moderate price tag. They include mast antenna type, Bluetooth wireless data link, Uconnect infotainment, auxiliary audio input, and voice-operated electronic messaging assistance with read function.
Nissan Titan XD
Nissan Titan XD is among the most capable and reliable trucking machines in the market. Other than the lucrative warranty offer, it also integrates the most standard power, safety, and technology features.
It is available in 5 trim levels, all running in a 5.6-liter V8 400hp 413ft. Lbs. engine. With all trim levels using a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
For an average MSRP of $45,130, you are guaranteed a top-of-the-range trucking machine capable of 11,040-lb maximum towing capacity and 2,240-lb maximum payload capacity.
Titan XD’s trim levels include S, SV, PRO-4X, SL, and Platinum Reserve. The S trim is the lowest model, offering driver assistant features such as automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams.
Also, despite being the lowest level in the Titan XD range, the S trim option comes with a pre-collision warning system, camera system, and cross-traffic alert. It also comes with an adaptable smartphone integration system.
The Platinum Reserve is the grandest, most expensive model. It integrates high-end features, including exterior aesthetic changes, wood trim, heated front and rear seats, and leather seating.
Importantly, the Platinum Reserve trim option has extensive safety features. They include a pre-collision warning system, automatic emergency braking, camera system, parking sensors, blind-spot detection, and cross-traffic alert.
Also, the Platinum Reserve level comes with eight adjustments in the driver seat power. These features place the model in a competitive position in the market.
Nissan Titan XD Best Trim Level
We think the SV trim is the best model in the 2021 Nissan Titan XD series simply because of the integration of many useful features in a single make. The front tow hooks, trailer sway and brake control, and a gooseneck hitch are among the exceptional qualities in the SV trim.
It manages to combine luxury-based and modest features, making it appealing to diverse consumer groups. On the one hand, the high-end buyers are drawn to the model’s ability to address the top safety concerns through features like a pre-collision warning system and automatic emergency braking, among other safe driving capabilities.
On the other hand, the price-sensitive buyers find the market price of $54,676 affordable, given the extent to which the model accommodates several useful features. For this group of consumers, $54,676 is justified for a model with an extensive set of interior configurations.
Exceptional interior configurations in Titan XD’s SV trim level include:
- Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
- Transmission temperature gauge
- Variable/speed-proportional power steering
- Keyless entry panic alarm
Toyota Tundra
Toyota Tundra is a superior hauler and a reliable off-road beast of all time. It is available in six trim levels, which run on a 5.7-liter V8 381 hp 401-ft-lb engine, with 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
The MSRP range of $33,365 and $53,050 will give you a Tundra of up to 12,000 max towing and 1,740 max payload capabilities.
The trim level options are SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, and TRD Pro, with the SR being the base trim and TRD Pro being the grandest and most expensive offer among the Toyota Tundra series.
The base trim level offers valuable driver assistance features, with a reasonable market price of $37,623 and an MSRP of $34,005. These driver assistance features improve the truckers’ safety through innovative performance capabilities, including emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and pedestrian detection.
However, the SR trim level option incorporates the most basic entertainment and convenience attributes. So, the model is suitable for the reserved, modest consumer groups, who may not be interested in the ‘excessive’ technological accessories.
The TRD Pro model, on the other hand, incorporates exclusive luxury and performance features, being the highest trim level. With a market price of $58,309 and MSRP of $53,050, you get Fox Shocks, a TRD front skid plate, and Rigid Industries fog lights.
TRD Pro’s relatively high price is justified by the inclusion of leather-trimmed upholstery, 10 driver seat power adjustments, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
Toyota Tundra Best Trim Level
For us, the Limited trim level is the best option. The model offers an ideal set of convenience and entertainment features.
For a market price of $50,786 and an MSRP of $44,255, the Limited model is relatively affordable for price-sensitive consumers. The price tag is also reasonable given the model’s ability to address safety, performance, and luxury concerns. Such exclusive features include occupant sensing passenger airbag deactivation, ventilated disc front and rear brake type, and LATCH system, child seat anchors.
Factors to Consider When Buying a 3/4 Ton Truck
You should consider these essential factors when choosing the 3/4-ton truck:
Comfort: Three-quarter-ton trucks, like all other trucks, offer below-average comfort. So, if your movements are frequent, you should go for models that provide optimal comfort features.
Reliability: You’ll have to assess your truck’s reliability based on towing and hauling needs. You should also evaluate your driving terrain to ensure you get the right track for your driving environment.
Drivability: If your transportation and hauling needs do not warrant a 3/4-ton truck, you can opt for the 1/2-ton type to reduce the drivability burden. Keep in mind that the smaller the car, the easier it is to maneuver small spaces. So, assess your transportation and hauling needs to avoid acquiring an unnecessarily large truck.
Towing and hauling capability: If you intend to use your truck for intense towing and hauling activities, consider acquiring a full range 3/4-ton truck or even consider a 1-ton type. You might have to forego some of the comfort and entertainment benefits to get yourself an appropriate truck for your towing and hauling requirements.
Fuel and maintenance cost: If you are working within a tight budget, you’ll have to go for a 3/4-ton truck that’ll comfortably conform to your budget constraints.
Final Thoughts
The best 3/4-ton truck is that which addresses your transportation, towing, and hauling concerns exhaustively. So, it is good to evaluate the best truck based on how a particular model suits your situation.
Also, scroll through the community reviews to identify the red flags or exceptional features of particular brands and models. Even so, our shortlist represents the top brands and models to look for when shopping for the best 3/4-ton truck.