This year’s Vehicle Dependability Study will have General Motors feeling proud.
Alex LeanseWriterManufacturerPhotographerMotorTrend StaffPhotographerAlan MuirIllustrator
Each year, analysts at J.D. Power produce a Vehicle Dependability Study, which measures quality and reliability concerns reported by original vehicle owners. This year, the study examined vehicles from the 2022 model year. That year, pandemic constraints impacted production across the auto industry, but some pickups stood above the rest. Some inclusions will come as no surprise to truck fans, but there are some notable omissions, too. Does your favorite truck make the list?
Most Reliable Trucks: 2022 Toyota Tacoma
Oldness is part of the Toyota Tacoma’s appeal—in 2022, the truck was already eight years old, and this third-generation model bears many commonalities with the second-generation Tacoma that was sold for about a decade before it. So although the 2022 Tacoma isn’t exactly on the cutting edge of technology, performance, or design, it’s a tried-and-true truck that gets the job done and keeps on ticking as the miles pile on.
Most Reliable Trucks: 2022 Toyota Tacoma
- Approximate Price: From $21,000
- Safety Ratings: NHTSA four-star overall
- Engines: 2.7-liter I-4, 3.5-liter V-6
- Fuel Economy: 17-20/20-23 mpg city/highway
Most Reliable Trucks: 2022 Chevrolet Colorado
With a strong V-6 and turbodiesel inline four-cylinder among its engine options, the Chevrolet Colorado has abundant choices for getting work done or crawling down a trail. Those performance attributes are benefitted by the Colorado’s variety of trim levels, which range from stripped-down work truck to overlanding beast. Regardless, the cabin feels drab and chintzy, but if J.D. Power ranks the Colorado as one of the most reliable pickup trucks, perhaps those parts are actually more substantial than they feel.
Most Reliable Trucks: 2022 Chevrolet Colorado
- ·Approximate Price: From $16,000
- ·Safety Ratings: NHTSA four-star overall
- ·Engines: 2.5-liter I-4, 2.8-liter turbodiesel I-4, 3.6-liter V-6
- ·Fuel Economy: 16-20/18-30 mpg city/highway
Most Reliable Trucks: 2022 GMC Canyon
Sometimes it’s unclear what differentiates GMC and Chevrolet trucks, as is the case with the Canyon and Colorado. But given their similarities, it’s encouraging to know that both have solid assurances of reliability. With its creased fender panels and big grille, the GMC Canyon offers a slightly more distinctive look than the Colorado. However, the rest is pretty much the same, from what’s in the cabin, to what fits in the bed, to what’s under the hood.
Most Reliable Trucks: 2022 GMC Canyon
- Approximate Price: From $23,000
- Safety Ratings: NHTSA four-star overall
- Engines: 2.5-liter I-4, 2.8-liter turbodiesel I-4, 3.6-liter V-6
- Fuel Economy: 17-20/24-30 mpg city/highway
Most Reliable Trucks: 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Chevrolet’s iconic full-size truck got a notable upgrade for 2022: a redesigned cabin (on most trim levels) that significantly elevated design, quality, and appeal. Along with its excellent powertrain choices, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 makes for a nice truck to drive, even though it’s not our favorite pickup in the segment—then again, none of its rivals from other automakers made this list of the most reliable trucks.
Most Reliable Trucks: 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- Approximate Price: From $23,000
- Safety Ratings: NHTSA four/five-star overall
- Engines: 2.7-liter turbocharged I-4, 3.0-liter turbodiesel I-6, 5.3-liter V-8, 6.2-liter V-8
- Fuel Economy: 13-23/17-31 mpg city/highway
Most Reliable Trucks: 2022 GMC Sierra 1500
In the range-topping Denali Ultimate trim, the GMC Sierra 1500 combines high-end luxury finishing with work-ready functionality. Regardless of specification, the GMC Sierra 1500 drives with good refinement and has competitive towing and hauling capacities. Like most GMC products, it’s very similar to a Chevrolet (in this case the Silverado 1500), but that means the Sierra has impressive pickup truck reliability ratings.
Most Reliable Trucks: 2022 GMC Sierra 1500
- Approximate Price: From $26,000
- Safety Ratings: NHTSA four/five-star overall
- Engines: 2.7-liter turbocharged I-4, 3.0-liter turbodiesel I-6, 5.3-liter V-8, 6.2-liter V-8
- Fuel Economy: 13-23/17-31 mpg city/highway
Most Reliable Trucks: 2022 Chevrolet Silverado HD
With great reliability scores while offering tremendous towing and payload ratings, the Chevrolet Silverado HD can be counted on for loaded-up long-haul drives. There are plenty of technologies and features to make pulling a trailer or carrying things in the bed easier, too. Although the available turbodiesel engine is superb, the standard gasoline V-8 is underwhelming. Furthermore, the interior isn’t a nice place to be, with a drab design, unimpressive tech, and cheap-feeling materials. Perhaps the 2024 Silverado HD, which got a remodeled interior among other improvements, will make its way to J.D. Power’s most reliable truck ratings in a few years.
Most Reliable Trucks: 2022 Chevrolet Silverado HD
- Approximate Price: From $34,000
- Safety Ratings: Not rated
- Engines: 6.6-liter V-8, 6.6-liter turbodiesel V-8
- Fuel Economy: Not rated
Most Reliable Trucks: 2022 GMC Sierra HD
With the same powertrains as the Chevrolet Silverado HD but with a worse-looking exterior and similarly disappointing interior, finding reasons to choose the GMC Sierra HD is tricky. At least it provides the same durability and reliability that heavy-duty pickup truck drivers demand, according to J.D. Power’s study.
Most Reliable Trucks: 2022 GMC Sierra HD
- Approximate Price: From $37,000
- Safety Ratings: Not rated
- Engines: 6.6-liter V-8, 6.6-liter turbodiesel V-8
- Fuel Economy: Not rated
Most Reliable Pickup Trucks
- 2022 Toyota Tacoma
- 2022 Chevrolet Colorado
- 2022 GMC Canyon
- 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- 2022 GMC Sierra 1500
- 2022 Chevrolet Silverado HD
- 2022 GMC Sierra HD
Most Reliable Trucks From 2024
For most owners, trucks need to be a great many things. The best ones excel at everyday transportation as well as the rugged demands of work and off-road adventures. So of course, reliability is critical, because no pickup user wants to be left high and dry.
Our list of the most reliable trucks uses data from J.D. Power’s most recent Dependability Study, which analyzes how 2021 model-year vehicles are performing in terms of quality and problems per 100 vehicles. We also cite IntelliChoice’s value ratings for additional information shoppers should be aware of before deciding on one of these pickups. Keep reading to see which trucks are the most dependable.
2021 Chevrolet Colorado: Midsize Truck
Offered in a variety of configurations including gas or diesel, RWD or 4WD, short or long bed, and two cab layouts, Chevrolet’s repeat Truck of the Year-winning midsize pickup is tough but refined and easy to live with. Even the off-road ZR2 doesn’t sacrifice any on-road comfort. We wish it had stronger engines, though, and the eight-speed automatic could be a little snappier. The interior of this Colorado also looks dated and feels cheap. WT and LT RWD short-bed crew cab variants receive the highest IntelliChoice value ratings thanks to lower fuel and insurance costs.
2021 Chevrolet Colorado: Midsize Truck
- Approximate Price: From $19,000
- Safety Ratings: NHTSA four-star overall rating
- Engines: 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four, 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V-6, 2.8-liter turbodiesel inline-four
- Fuel Economy: 19/25 mpg city/highway
2021 Ford Ranger: Midsize Truck
This Ranger is meant to work. It earns high marks for an extra-wide bed and turbo-four powertrain that seems to have no problems keeping up with rivals’ V-6s. Load up its bed, and its underdamped, bouncy ride becomes barely noticeable. We like less the midsize truck’s cramped and dated cabin. RWD versions of the Ranger Lariat top trim level receive the highest IntelliChoice value ratings thanks in part to lower fuel costs relative to the 4WD models.
2021 Ford Ranger: Midsize Truck
- Approximate Price: From $21,000
- Safety Ratings: NHTSA four-star overall rating
- Engines: 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four
- Fuel Economy: 21/26 mpg city/highway
2021 Ram 1500: Full-Size Truck
This is the year the TRX super-off-roader won its Truck of the Year award and just two years after the wider lineup did the same. With its high-quality cabin, clever storage solutions, and modern technology, the 1500 has redefined what it means to be a truck. Driving dynamics are excellent for doing work, running errands, and everything in between. We wish the V-8 mild hybrid was a little more efficient and the turbodiesel a little stronger, but there’s a lot to like about Ram’s full-size pickup. “Classic” variants of the 2021 1500—which generally don’t feature the latest tech—have better value ratings than the rest of the lineup, partly due to lower maintenance costs.
2021 Ram 1500: Full-Size Truck
- Approximate Price: From $21,500
- Safety Ratings: IIHS Top Safety Pick (crew cab models), NHTSA five-star overall rating (crew cab models)
- Engines: 3.6-liter V-6 mild hybrid, 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6, 5.7-liter V-8 mild-hybrid, 6.2-liter supercharged V-8
- Fuel Economy: 20/25 mpg city/highway
2021 Toyota Tacoma: Midsize Truck
The Tacoma is a bestseller for Toyota, holds its value better than most rivals, and is the most dependable midsize truck in J.D. Power’s study. These merits help make up for deficiencies experienced behind the wheel. The cabin isn’t exactly ergonomic or comfortable. Ride quality without the TRD Pro’s off-road suspension is rough and unrefined, and driving dynamics are generally uninspiring. The trail-ready models are impressive, but as a daily driver or work truck, there are more compelling options. Certain TRD 4WD models see Average IntelliChoice ratings instead of the Excellent ratings that are much more common throughout the 2021 Tacoma lineup.
2021 Toyota Tacoma: Midsize Truck
- Approximate Price: From $23,000
- Safety Ratings: NHTSA four-star overall rating
- Engines: 2.7-liter naturally aspirated inline-four, 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V-6
- Fuel Economy: 20/23 mpg city/highway
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Full-Size Truck
The Silverado 1500 is an attractive work truck for its versatile bed configurations and capable powertrains, although the 5.3-liter V-8 isn’t as smooth as we’d like. Ride quality can be jittery with an unladen bed, and the brake pedal requires a firm press. Competitors from Ram and Ford provide more premium interior materials, comfortable seats, and updated technology. High Country RWD short bed crew cab models and LT RWD standard bed double cab models get higher value ratings for their lower cost of repairs and decent fuel economy.
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Full-Size Truck
- Approximate Price: From $23,500
- Safety Ratings: NHTSA four-star overall rating
- Engines: 4.3-liter naturally aspirated V-6, 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four, 5.3-liter naturally aspirated V-8, 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V-8, 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six
- Fuel Economy: 16/21 mpg city/highway
2021 Toyota Tundra: Full-Size Truck
The larger Tundra joins the Tacoma as the most dependable truck in its segment. Before it came with available hybrid power and a Capstone top trim for 2023, the lineup included (and still has today) SR base, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, and TRD Pro models. The 2021 Tundra offers good driving dynamics and off-road performance in the TRD Pro, but the lineup suffers from an outdated infotainment system and a lethargic powertrain. Platinum and 1794 Edition trims with AWD receive the best value ratings.
2021 Toyota Tundra: Full-Size Truck
- Approximate Price: From $29,500
- Safety Ratings: NHTSA four-star overall rating
- Engines: 5.7-liter naturally aspirated V-8
- Fuel Economy: 13/17 mpg city/highway
2021 Ford Super Duty: Heavy-Duty Truck
As J.D. Power’s most dependable heavy-duty truck, the Ford Super Duty features elevated capacities for towing and hauling, regardless of which powertrain you get (although the 10-speed automatic is more refined than the base engine’s six-speed). We appreciate the F-250‘s and F-350’s useful available tech, like their Sync 3 infotainment operating system and Co-Pilot360 active safety features. These heavy-duty pickups are competent, capable, and well built, but Ram cabins are more modern and upscale. Skip the XL base model to avoid the 2021 trim with the worst value rating.
2021 Ford Super Duty: Heavy-Duty Truck
- Approximate Price: From $35,500
- Engines: 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V-8, 7.3-liter naturally aspirated V-8, 6.7-liter turbodiesel V-8
2021 Chevrolet Silverado HD: Heavy-Duty Truck
Heavy-duty Silverado models do well by J.D. Power dependability standards, less so for IntelliChoice overall value. Lower trims like Work Truck and LT models do not hold their value as well as Custom, LTZ, and High Country trims. Silverado HD variants are good at doing big truck things like towing and hauling, aided by modern technology including 15 available camera views of your trailer. But the cabins at this stage are not especially upscale, and exterior styling left something to be desired.
2021 Chevrolet Silverado HD: Heavy-Duty Truck
- Approximate Price: From $38,000
- Engines: 6.6-liter naturally aspirated V-8, 6.6-liter turbodiesel V-8
2021 GMC Sierra 1500: Full-Size Truck
Sierras from this period are valued for their good handling and confident towing. This era of the truck is offered in one of five powertrains, including two different V-8s and a turbodiesel straight-six. We also like the pickup’s neat MultiPro multifunctional tailgate. But it doesn’t ride as comfortably as some in the segment, and for such a pricey truck, its interior isn’t all that premium. Denali and Elevation trim levels hold their value better than base, SLE, SLT, and AT4 models.
2021 GMC Sierra 1500: Full-Size Truck
- Approximate Price: From $40,000
- Safety Ratings: NHTSA four-star overall rating
- Engines: 4.3-liter naturally aspirated V-6, 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four, 5.3-liter naturally aspirated V-8, 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V-8, 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-six
- Fuel Economy: 16/21 mpg city/highway
2021 GMC Sierra HD: Heavy-Duty Truck
As with the related Chevrolet Silverado, both light- and heavy-duty versions of the GMC Sierra make the J.D. Power rankings. But for IntelliChoice value, the Sierra HD breaks with the big Chevys along model lines, as generally trims of the more towing-ready 3500HD score better than trims of the 2500HD. The winning combination for performance is the diesel V-8 and 10-speed automatic transmission—the gas engine is underpowered for a truck of this size. We like the Sierra HD for its capability, if only it existed in a world where rivals didn’t have more compelling offerings.
2021 GMC Sierra HD: Heavy-Duty Truck
- Approximate Price: From $47,000
- Engines: 6.6-liter naturally aspirated V-8, 6.6-liter turbodiesel V-8
Alex’s earliest memory is of a teal 1993 Ford Aspire, the car that sparked his automotive obsession. He’s never driven that tiny hatchback—at six feet, 10 inches tall, he likely wouldn’t fit—but has assessed hundreds of other vehicles, sharing his insights on MotorTrend as a writer and video host.
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